Buying Advice Better Tractor vs Better System

[flienlow]

We all can build a better burger than McDonald's. But can we build a better system? - (I had no idea shopping for a tractor would be this difficult.)
Anyway, I am finding that there are a lot better tractors out there than the BX25 Kubota. At least on the virtual paper that I am reading and from the Videos that I watch. Who knows if this is really the case, but unless I had 4 tractors lined up side by side and the ability to test them all, I truly will never know will I?

In the motorcycle world there are what I call "Cult Bikes." These are bikes that have been around a while and have quite a following. There are doo-dads and add-ons galore for them (Harley anything ,BMW R1200, KAWI KLR.) It seems that Kubota is like this as well. Example, I am looking at a Massey GC1710. I think that is great little tractor. However, try to find a quick disconnecting bucket/attachments, A fitting Grapple bucket ,or even a backhoe thumb and you immediately start running into issues where there are none available for it, or you would need to custom make one for yourself. This is a huge buzz kill for me. Yet with Kubota they are all readily available at the local dealer. For a price no doubt, but they are there for the taking. Perhaps I just found the end of my quest with this post, but a "canned" systems that just works seems to outweigh buying a better tractor that doesn't have the scaleability. Does it not?
I only get one chance to do this right!

 

[Roadbuilder6]

What about a Deere 2305 or 1000 series? Fantastic tractors, with better attachment availability. Only thing better about the BX is the availability of a grapple.

 

[Ed of all trades]

Everything Attachments has a small grapple that I assume would work on either the Massey or the JD.

 

[Roadbuilder6]

Don't know anything about the grapple, but bought a set of pallet forks from them, and they are fantastic to work with, I would buy anything from them, wonderful people, great service, great products.

 

[Poopdeck Pappy]

Yes, the BX25 is probably the tractor equivalent of the KLR or WeeStrom. The aftermarket for it is much bigger than many other small tractors.

For example, I needed a ripper tooth for my BX23. No problemo - Bro-Tek had exactly what I was looking for.

 

[s219]

We all can build a better burger than McDonald's. But can we build a better system? - (I had no idea shopping for a tractor would be this difficult.)
Anyway, I am finding that there are a lot better tractors out there than the BX25 Kubota. At least on the virtual paper that I am reading and from the Videos that I watch. Who knows if this is really the case, but unless I had 4 tractors lined up side by side and the ability to test them all, I truly will never know will I?

In the motorcycle world there are what I call "Cult Bikes." These are bikes that have been around a while and have quite a following. There are doo-dads and add-ons galore for them (Harley anything ,BMW R1200, KAWI KLR.) It seems that Kubota is like this as well. Example, I am looking at a Massey GC1710. I think that is great little tractor. However, try to find a quick disconnecting bucket/attachments, A fitting Grapple bucket ,or even a backhoe thumb and you immediately start running into issues where there are none available for it, or you would need to custom make one for yourself. This is a huge buzz kill for me. Yet with Kubota they are all readily available at the local dealer. For a price no doubt, but they are there for the taking. Perhaps I just found the end of my quest with this post, but a "canned" systems that just works seems to outweigh buying a better tractor that doesn't have the scaleability. Does it not?
I only get one chance to do this right!

There are a few good subcompacts out there, but to me the BX has always been a standout because it has a lot of positives and is a very good value. It's been the #1 selling subcompact for many years now. That is the reason there is such a big aftermarket and many available options. If any of the other brands had built up the same critical mass, they'd likely have that kind of following too. But they haven't achieved the success of the BX so you're not going to find as much out there. It's as simple as that.

To me, if having options is important, the BX wins. And I don't see any real big downsides to a BX25 compared to the competition to be honest. It could come down to personal preference and compatibility though. It goes without saying that any tractor should have a good dealer nearby that allows a proper test drive and post-sale support. If you haven't properly test driven all the different models you're looking at, you're just doing a paper study at this point, and that's sort of like dicking around. Test drives are very important, so make sure you have that covered before leaning in any direction, regardless of other factors. You could find that you absolutely hate the operator ergonomics of the Massey, for example, which makes all other points moot.

 

[IslandTractor]

I've always like the BX series TLBs though they are expensive for the performance they deliver. Flip side is that they virtually never lose value after the first year. They don't have particularly strong FEL or BH for the money but they are very well built and reliable.

Before buying a BX TLB, check out what a small CUT with FEL and BH costs from Mahindra or Kioti. I haven't compared them recently but a few years ago you could get a Kioti CK20 with a loader that lifts more than twice as much and a larger backhoe for just about the same money. It is a bigger tractor, more like a Kubota B series so is not as optimal for mowing tasks but it will wipe the floor with the BX when it comes to BH or FEL work.

Having said that, I think one of the great bargains in tractordom is a used BX23/24/25 which can typically be purchased for between 12-15K and used for a few years before reselling for just about exactly what you paid.

 

[flienlow]

Yes, the BX25 is probably the tractor equivalent of the KLR or WeeStrom. The aftermarket for it is much bigger than many other small tractors.

For example, I needed a ripper tooth for my BX23. No problemo - Bro-Tek had exactly what I was looking for.

Where is Bro Tek, I have googled and googled, still cant find their website?

 

[teg]

Where is Bro Tek?

Bro-Tek: Tractor Add Ons

Here's another one:

BXpanded



Every tractor has pros and cons... You have to find your own balance between the bells and whistles...

 

[Xfaxman]

We all can build a better burger than McDonald's. But can we build a better system? - (I had no idea shopping for a tractor would be this difficult.)
------------------------- Perhaps I just found the end of my quest with this post, but a "canned" systems that just works seems to outweigh buying a better tractor that doesn't have the scaleability. Does it not?
I only get one chance to do this right!

What will you use the tractor for?

For my uses I found a Better System, ​it is a Compact Telehandler. http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/...t/160568-compact-telehandler.html#post3243370

Costs more than a tractor, but will do more than a tractor. I have owned many tractors and dozers in my long lifetime, so I have a lot of experience to compare to.

It will move dirt.

It is stable with the rear end off of the ground, the front axle doesn't pivot like a tractor.

Moves trees and brush.

It does everything that I need a machine to do on our 80 acre horse ranch.

 

[IslandTractor]

What will you use the tractor for?

For my uses I found a Better System, ​it is a Compact Telehandler. http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/...t/160568-compact-telehandler.html#post3243370

Costs more than a tractor, but will do more than a tractor. I have owned many tractors and dozers in my long lifetime, so I have a lot of experience to compare to.

It will move dirt.

View attachment 417006

It is stable with the rear end off of the ground, the front axle doesn't pivot like a tractor.

View attachment 417008

Moves trees and brush.

View attachment 417010

View attachment 417013

It does everything that I need a machine to do on our 80 acre horse ranch.

How well does it mow?:laughing:

Honestly though, I think that someone who is considering a BX TLB is not in the same price league as a telehandler. And, he can mow with it if he wants or use other 3PT attachments and a backhoe. Different kettle of fish.

 

[Xfaxman]

How well does it mow?:laughing:

Honestly though, I think that someone who is considering a BX TLB is not in the same price league as a telehandler. And, he can mow with it if he wants or use other 3PT attachments and a backhoe. Different kettle of fish.

Yep, that is why I asked what he would use it for. There are smaller compact telehandlers than mine.

It mows very well, we have a 7' brush hog.

They have finish mowers for it. Mower Attachment - Bobcat Company

And a flail mower. Flail Cutter Attachment - Bobcat Company

 

[kco]

Where is Bro Tek, I have googled and googled, still cant find their website?

Flienlow, Bro-tek's website is normally at:

Bro-Tek: Tractor Add Ons

..but it is down for redesign for about one more week. You should be able to contact the owner, Richard, at bro-tek@hotmail.com.

I got immediate response when I contacted bro-tek to buy front spacers for my DK35. He responded quickly and sent the spacers the same day I ordered them. The reason I know about the website being down for one more week is because Richard called me yesterday afternoon to make sure I was happy with the spacers. That's excellent customer service.

 

[IslandTractor]

Yep, that is why I asked what he would use it for. There are smaller compact telehandlers than mine.

It mows very well, we have a 7' brush hog.

View attachment 417016

They have finish mowers for it. Mower Attachment - Bobcat Company

View attachment 417017

And a flail mower. Flail Cutter Attachment - Bobcat Company

View attachment 417022

OK, I want one. I love the idea of high output hydraulic implements on the front of a tractor/telehandler. So much nicer to be able to see what you are cutting.

 

[Poopdeck Pappy]

Flienlow, Bro-tek's website is normally at:

Bro-Tek: Tractor Add Ons

..but it is down for redesign for about one more week. You should be able to contact the owner, Richard, at bro-tek@hotmail.com.

I got immediate response when I contacted bro-tek to buy front spacers for my DK35. He responded quickly and sent the spacers the same day I ordered them. The reason I know about the website being down for one more week is because Richard called me yesterday afternoon to make sure I was happy with the spacers. That's excellent customer service.

Yes, Richard is a good guy and treats his customers right.

Harry at BXpanded is a great guy too and makes excellent products.

It's hard to go wrong with either of them. I love my ripper tooth from Bro-Tek and my Piranha toothbar from BXpanded. I intend to buy a skid plate from BXpanded for my new-to-me BX2660.

 

[Poopdeck Pappy]

I'm 62 years old, but when I grow up (and hit the lottery), I'm gonna get me one of those compact telehandlers like Xfaxman has.

 

[Xfaxman]

I'm 62 years old, but when I grow up (and hit the lottery), I'm gonna get me one of those compact telehandlers like Xfaxman has.

Well, you are right on track. I was 69 years old when I got my first one in 2009, for $26k, With pallet forks and a 1.25 cubic yard bucket.

 

[Wild Bill the 2nd]

If you haven't properly test driven all the different models you're looking at, you're just doing a paper study at this point, and that's sort of like dicking around. Test drives are very important, so make sure you have that covered before leaning in any direction, regardless of other factors. You could find that you absolutely hate the operator ergonomics of the Massey, for example, which makes all other points moot.

I am known by a number of people as the spreadsheet king. I almost always compare specs on purchases. I do my homework first but never rule anything out until taking a closer look. Years ago my cousin was looking for a sub compact. The specs said one thing, but the test drives determined a different winner. We were both surprised to find what we expected to go home with was at the bottom of the list.

Test out the actuation of the hydraulics, the reach of the bucket for filling a pickup, how steady they seem, how comfortable they are to operate, how easy it is to install/remove the FEL and change out attachments. Its all in the details.

 

[davrow]

Its all in the details.

Yep. I rented a BX25D for a fun weekend. But finally decided I had to have a 3 range transmission, the 2 on the BX just weren't the right ranges. So I stepped up to a slightly bigger tractor with better ground clearance for just a little bit LESS money.

 

[PapaPerk]

Yep. I rented a BX25D for a fun weekend. But finally decided I had to have a 3 range transmission, the 2 on the BX just weren't the right ranges. So I stepped up to a slightly bigger tractor with better ground clearance for just a little bit LESS money.

What did you get?