John,
Just a few thoughts, not necessarily connected to one another:
If you decide on a BX and you want to have your own backhoe on hand for use at any time, you will do much better getting a
BX25 than getting a BXxxxx and adding the Woods backhoe later. The
BX25 is less expensive than a BXxxxx + Woods BH6000 and the bh goes back on easier. The Woods is 2% stronger, but the 3ph and 4ph collide with each other when the 3ph is at both max width and max height, though some sawing and grinding can overcome that.
Kubota doesn't provide a bh for any BXxxxx, but as stated above, you can add a Woods later. You cannot order a
BX25 without a bh, it comes with the tractor, period. With a B series, you can add a standard Kubota bh at any point later in time, for the same price (unless the dealer gives you a special discount-which he might do-for getting it when you buy the tractor).
Richard's suggestion is excellent, and in that your S.I.L. has heavy equipment, it might be prudent to do the majority of the heavy construction work up front with his heavy equipment, then limit your investment only in a smaller tractor for maintenance. If you take this route, you might only need a BX, and could even go with the smaller
BX1860, which can take Kubota MMM and FEL, can also take other 3ph implements, and even can take the Woods bh.
On the other hand, if you are going to do any more than a little of the construction work, forest maintenance work, etc. with your own tractor, a BX is going to take all of your available time. It will do everything you want (other than crawling over logs and rocks that require high clearance), and will fill the bill if you are retired and need to stay out of the house all of the time, but I really think you need a B or an L if you want to do most of this construction work with your own tractor.
I'd talk to that S.I.L. and see what you can work out.
Tom
