assistance with deciding which subcompact tractor to buy

Kevko · Mar 13, 2011

Hello everyone on Tractorby net. I have been avidly reading numerous strings of forums on this site and have been doing a lot of homework with trying to decide the best sub compact tractor to go with for my personal home uses. I have dealers in my area (Connecticut) for all the various manufacturers. I started thinking Kubota BX 22 thru 25 was the way to go, leaning towards the 23 or the 25 model however it seems like these machines have all sorts of little quirks and performance issues. At this point I am comparing the performance of the newly introduced Cubcadet SC2450, the Massey Ferdusson GC2410 the Deere 2305 and maybe even the bobcat Ct122 to the Kubota as far as good loader and backhoe function. They all can gut grass pretty well. also looking at them from a standpoint of qualiy of construction with the hydraulic pumps, steering pumps and transmissions (don't wnat to have to work on fixing these components all the time even though I consider myself very mechancially inclined) (I want to use it and have it work when I need, and only having to do 110% upkeep with maintenance)
Just looking for the thoughts of owners with the various systems to see if there is anyone in particular to avoid. any experienence assistance would be greatly appreciated.

Muhammad · Mar 13, 2011

Welcome to TBN.

JDgreen227 · Mar 13, 2011

Welcome to TBN...you are indeed fortunate to have several brands to choose from...I would advise you to buy the best tractor, which is obviously Deere, but others here will disagree with my choice. Glad to learn you have done your homework and researched the purchase so well. Please let us know what you plan to use your tractor for...and if it comes down to a choice between two makes, pick the one who you feel has the best dealership and service department.

Wacky · Mar 13, 2011

:welcome:I was in the same boat a yr ago. IMO the Deere is the most comfortable, I settled on the GC because of power and quiet strong hydraulics. And got a better price than the Kubota and Deere. I don't know much of the Cub. Good luck!

Egon · Mar 13, 2011

Welcome.:thumbsup::thumbsup:

Go sit on all the tractors, drive and use the attachments if possible and just get a general feel of the machines.

Then look attachment removal/installation difficulties and servicing ease as well as that of the tractor.

After all this start the serious shopping that will involve the budget. Pick one that meets your requirements and feels good on you.

Then talk to SWMBO and get whatever colour she likes.:thumbsup:

SixHoeBob · Mar 13, 2011

Test drive/operate each brand of tractor. One thing this will show you is how helpful each dealer is inclined to be. Operate all the features/attachments you plan to buy or need. Such as loader, mower,backhoe etc. I would recommend Kubota except they have a low budget three point hitch control. Put a heavy implement on each brand of tractor, and see if you can raise it slowly, smoothly, and precisely. I don't know, but I suspect you will find the Kubota is not the best. I hope a Kubota Rep/engineer follows this thread. Please keep us updated as to what your findings are. Ignore the bling, look at functionality.

bakerg · Mar 13, 2011

Wacky said:
:welcome:I was in the same boat a yr ago. IMO the Deere is the most comfortable, I settled on the GC because of power and quiet strong hydraulics. And got a better price than the Kubota and Deere. I don't know much of the Cub. Good luck!

Priced JD, IH, Kubota, Bobcat,NH & Massey as well last year. I grew up with JD all my life butafter comparing all models, found all to be compareable. I went with the best dealwhich was a Massey GC2400 and have no regrets.:thumbsup:

chuckd1277 · Mar 13, 2011

Welcome. I just went through the process, I went with the Massey for several reasons. The dealer had a lot to do with it but I also liked the layout of the controls on the GC. It was the most comfortable option for me, and the 0% for 72 month financing didn't hurt either. I will say that now, after spending some time on it, the position control on the 3 point hitch would be nice. I think the Cub has it as well as the new Deere (if its available yet, I got tired of waiting). Good luck with your decision.

bp fick · Mar 13, 2011

Because a guy can fixate and pour over minutia from spec charts for hours and hours, thinking he'll see a trend, or something, that will lead him toward one or the other. It just doesn't happen that way, imho.

I agree with others that sitting on them and better yet, operating them will give you much better answers in your search. Sit on them, run them, and look them over good for a fit for YOU. In the end, I bought Kubota, twice in fact, and am not disappointed.

None of these machines are perfect. Forget the nonsense that one is far superior than another, as that just isn't so. But, you will find enough differences to your eye and that's important. Controls, positioning of things is vital to your comfort.

Finally, it comes down to the dealer, flat out. How could you buy from a dealer you are uncomfortable with? You won't. The dealer makes a huge difference.

Gods Country · Mar 13, 2011

IMO your biggest concern should be dealer support. Find out which dealers are the most established and have good customer satisfaction. Then whittle it down from there.

I only had Deere, Kubota, and Cub to choose from. All were good established dealers, but ultimately went with Cub.

A few things cub had to offer such as an oil cooler, position control 3pt hitch, shift on the fly(which is no big thing really), and oddly the work lights (which I ignored as a gimmick) have actually come in handy a few times.

The scuts out there are really surprising work horses. Pound for pound they seem to be quite powerful.