BX Quality Drop

[Anonymous Poster]

I have been waiting and watching as to whether to buy a BX or an X500 subcompact or 4010 JD compact. The problems I read about in here have lead me to believe that the BX line has more issues to be concerned about than the JD lineup. I know the new lineup is just out but the unit sales are surpassing JD's projections but there have been no big problems discovered in the first few months which is also the way the BX was after a year or so from its introduction. Now I read about problem after problem with and owners posting trying to find out if their problems are isolated or whether there is a service notice published yet. I'm not just trying to stir the pot but I'm also not going to spend $12 K on something that I'm going to struggle with leaky assembly and dealer prep and bigger problems, like the dangerous steering problem that has been talked about around here for several weeks. Unfortunately, the pride and enthusiasm from the dozens of BX owners seems to be thinning, at least when you count the posts about problems. I mean real problems, not just a bad unit or a bad dealer. I keep reading "I've been having that problem to".

What other epidemic problems are there out there? I know that this happens alot with companies that have big successes like the BX who start churning out units while the getting is good. I will agree that the design is great but it's obvious that things are different now than they were a couple of model years ago.

 

[upgw]

Allan, I chose a BX because it was 50% more tractor than a JD 455, for 10% more money. In general, both Kubota and JD (others as well probably) are pretty reliable. When I was originally researching, it seemed that the JD line had far more complaints than anything from Kubota. But remember, people without a problem often have nothing to say, so just reading postings can be problematic.

Make your choice based on value, good local dealer, etc. I'd just assume qualtity is equal for arguments sake. I've had nothing significant wrong with my BX after 70 hours, a friend with a 455 an 800 hours has also had no problems...

- Patrick W.

 

[Steven]

I've got 20 hours on my bx-22 and have had no problems. I know that is not a lot but it's a good start. the only problem I have with my bx is not getting to use it enough.

 

[Wood_Butcher_Dav]

I just have over 50 hours on my BX2200 and had some 'warranty' issues. The proplem I had (switch went bad) could have happen to any brand. I'm very please with my tractor. Another point is that there are a lot more units out now so you may see different problems pop up.

Dave

 

[bellweather]

I'm still learning my way around my BX22. Based on my own complaints and the issues others are having with their machines, I'd say a lot has to do with folks learning the ins and outs of tractor ownership and operation. I'm finding out it isn’t like a car, there's a lot to understand, maintain, and plenty of opportunity for user error. Though they may seem indestructible, some minor error, like forgetting to release the brake, can lead to problems. As for a quality drop, I can't speak for that. But perhaps the increase in the number of posts on TBN is just a reflection of the increased number of units being purchased - but overall the percentage is still just as low as before.

 

[Will_C]

394 hours.
Leaky secondary fuel tank, top link update, both installed per service bulletin/recall, not a single other problem!!!
Will

 

[Hoosier_Daddy]

I am just glad, we as owners, can ask each other about our problems in this forum. I think there are problems out there with all brands but we are able to discuss them here and get a feel if we bought a lemon of a tractor or not. I have a BX200 and have not experienced any major problems to date. But, I have learned at lot here and it has made me aware to be on the look out for this and that.

Maybe we are just having the minor problems with owning a piece of equpiment that has many many parts that may not always be perfect but we expect it to be.

Kind of like the phrase "picking $hit with the chickens".

I am satisfied with my purchase so far..... If I have a problem I will let you know......
Tom

 

[Anonymous Poster]

I think the number of postings on this site regarding BX issues just goes to say for the popularity of this machine. I have yet to read a posting by someone owing one of the JD x-series (I might have missed a few). I own a BX2200 and have gone though my share minor problems but now that the bugs are worked out I am thoroughly pleased with the performance and ruggedness of this machine, nothing I have owned in the past can even compare. I am waiting to have an up close look at one of the new X-Deeres before I pass judgement and make compairisons. For now I would still highly recommend Kubota to anyone looking for a small compact tractor.

 

[lrunge]

I have a BX22 with only 25 hours usage but I have had no probems with it. I have used the FEL, BH, MMM, and tiller and I remove and install the attachments all the time. I checked for loose bolts, leaks etc and have found none. It's still in the breakin period but I don't anticipate any problems. I find it to be a well built machine.

Lary

 

[TresCrows]

I think you want to make a mountain from a mole hill. My BX has close to 400 hours. My 2410 is pushing 100. No problems with the 2410 and the only "real" problem with my BX was ignorance and the remainder, the leaky fuel bladder was fixed at my house, the 3 point was updated with new parts and my pedal has never stuck and my steering is not dangerous, silky smooth. Oh, I got one flat.
The problems most of these guys have are newbie issues mostly and also--just because someone asks a question such as "what is this part" or "I cannot install my MMM" or "this fell off so what is it" or my kannuder valves go boing, boing or "how come I cannot pull my 5 ton hay bailer" does not mean there is a problem, someone is simply asking a question in hopes of information and support. A pin becoming unfastened, a "funny" noise or a few guys with defective steering cylinder o-rings does not equate to a generalized problem. My BX has been bullet proof, more than I can say for my neighbors JD 455, always in the shop sort of thing. Thing with him though is I think all of his problems are in his imagination and very little wrong with his tractor, hmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm, if you wish to justify purchasing a JD I am sure there are plenty of good reasons to do so without the BX being one of them. J