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FairwaysAndGreens
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Using the FEL on a slight incline trying to move a large rhododendron with it's root wad full of dirt.
BX25D-1 vs XJ2025 vs MAX 24 vs eMAX 25 vs CS2410 vs GC1710
- Thread starter FairwaysAndGreens
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FairwaysAndGreens
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So the decision has been made. Here are the ramblings of a man that nearly drove himself crazy buying a tractor…
First off. I was never able to connect with a dealer on a time to test the GC1710. So while I’m sure it’s an awesome little tractor, I wasn’t able to get my fingerprints on one so it’s out.
Mahindra MAX24/eMAX25
I wasn’t super impressed with the dealer or the tractors to be honest. The plastics on both were faded and the seams mismatched. The overall fit and finish weren’t on par with the rest that I looked at. The MAX 24 only had 4.5 inches of ground clearance at the rear axle with the backhoe installed! Running the backhoe was travesty. I think the hydraulic system had air in it. Whenever moved any of the controls, the whole tractor flexed because the FEL and backhoe stabilizers gave way. Getting the seat turned around is difficult. Also the seat belt mounts way below the seat, so fishing out the belt was an annoyance. Even at full throttle the FEL felt labored. I didn’t like the treadle either.
They couldn’t get the eMAX started. I had enough at that point.
Kioti CS2410
I really liked the wide, open operator platform of the Kioti. Unfortunately the steering wheel was high, and very upright. Almost like you’re spinning records or driving a big rig… I’m only 5’9” so I had to really reach for the top of the wheel. Also, the loader control was really high. Too high to be comfortable. There are folks that say the BX25 is cramped; this might be the tractor for them. If they had a tilt steering wheel I would have been able to mod the loader handle.
They didn’t have the backhoe for me to test. Being that it’s the exact same backhoe as what’s on the XJ2025, I’d imagine it’s great.
LS XJ2025
This was the tractor I wanted to buy going in. I loved its specs and looks (except the backhoe mount hanging underneath). I feel like this tractor represents the most value in the tractor itself. Man the loader is powerful. It’s so easy to lift the front wheels on accident. It has a leveling rod for the bucket. The hydraulic pumps make it very snappy. It has a very nice wide open platform with dual pedals, just like the Kioti but it doesn’t suffer from the upright steering wheel. My only complaint is that loader control was too short; but it is something that can be fixed... The large tires offer awesome tractor only ground clearance and offer a way for real ballast by being filled. Also, the FEL bucket is quick attach, standard from the factory!
The backhoe in operation is smooth and I had zero complaints. It has awesome pre-drilled wide stabilizer feet. They also include a standard BH work light! My main issue is how they mount it. Number one, the frame hangs below the axle for much of the tractor. Number two, it sticks way out back. It certainly helps counterbalance insane loader but other than that it’s a kludge. I liked with the Kubota how I could spin the seat and crawl onto the backhoe without getting off. My wife commented several times just how much bigger the XJ2025 looked and felt.
The dealers I worked with were all awesome. The West Coast regional manager even came by my house with a tractor. He was a super nice guy and I really wanted to buy the tractor. Unfortunately it was out-priced by Kubota and backhoe really ruined what I want to use the tractor for. If the price was lower, I would have bought it. If the price was the same and the backhoe mounted to the back of the frame, I would have bought it… Man it hurt to see them leave with the XJ… (side note is the at XJ gets the award for the coolest dash).
Kubota BX25D
Ultimately this was the tractor I selected. With the Kubota incentives, I could get a BX25D with beet juice, thumb, shop manual, LP grading scaper, and LP landscaping rake for the same price as the XJ2025.
For a 5’9” guy, the BX operator platform just fit. My dad has a L3010 with a treadle on it and I hate it. I like the BX treadle. The control surfaces emerge through the deck and you can put your foot flat between them. The steering wheel and loader control are within easy reach. The seat was the most comfortable. The hydraulics and rest of the tractor were refined. You can tell they’ve been making this tractor for many years and have worked off any rough edges. It’s nimble and compact.
The main selling point is that I want to be able to work on the tractor myself. Any issue that I could have with one of these tractors either has a YouTube video or a forum post to help me out. That represents a lot of value for an owner. Finally, in my area of the country the BX25D will hold its value the best.
The one negative beyond a little more loader lift is the minor annoyance of next to zero hydraulic control until the engine is revved…
I’m going to be picking the tractor and implements up Saturday. I’m starting the fab process of making a ratchet rake and as soon as I get the tractor I’ll fab a skid plate out of 1/8 plate.
Huge thank you to all you guys that stuck with me through the buying process and offered your knowledge!
First off. I was never able to connect with a dealer on a time to test the GC1710. So while I’m sure it’s an awesome little tractor, I wasn’t able to get my fingerprints on one so it’s out.
Mahindra MAX24/eMAX25
I wasn’t super impressed with the dealer or the tractors to be honest. The plastics on both were faded and the seams mismatched. The overall fit and finish weren’t on par with the rest that I looked at. The MAX 24 only had 4.5 inches of ground clearance at the rear axle with the backhoe installed! Running the backhoe was travesty. I think the hydraulic system had air in it. Whenever moved any of the controls, the whole tractor flexed because the FEL and backhoe stabilizers gave way. Getting the seat turned around is difficult. Also the seat belt mounts way below the seat, so fishing out the belt was an annoyance. Even at full throttle the FEL felt labored. I didn’t like the treadle either.
They couldn’t get the eMAX started. I had enough at that point.
Kioti CS2410
I really liked the wide, open operator platform of the Kioti. Unfortunately the steering wheel was high, and very upright. Almost like you’re spinning records or driving a big rig… I’m only 5’9” so I had to really reach for the top of the wheel. Also, the loader control was really high. Too high to be comfortable. There are folks that say the BX25 is cramped; this might be the tractor for them. If they had a tilt steering wheel I would have been able to mod the loader handle.
They didn’t have the backhoe for me to test. Being that it’s the exact same backhoe as what’s on the XJ2025, I’d imagine it’s great.
LS XJ2025
This was the tractor I wanted to buy going in. I loved its specs and looks (except the backhoe mount hanging underneath). I feel like this tractor represents the most value in the tractor itself. Man the loader is powerful. It’s so easy to lift the front wheels on accident. It has a leveling rod for the bucket. The hydraulic pumps make it very snappy. It has a very nice wide open platform with dual pedals, just like the Kioti but it doesn’t suffer from the upright steering wheel. My only complaint is that loader control was too short; but it is something that can be fixed... The large tires offer awesome tractor only ground clearance and offer a way for real ballast by being filled. Also, the FEL bucket is quick attach, standard from the factory!
The backhoe in operation is smooth and I had zero complaints. It has awesome pre-drilled wide stabilizer feet. They also include a standard BH work light! My main issue is how they mount it. Number one, the frame hangs below the axle for much of the tractor. Number two, it sticks way out back. It certainly helps counterbalance insane loader but other than that it’s a kludge. I liked with the Kubota how I could spin the seat and crawl onto the backhoe without getting off. My wife commented several times just how much bigger the XJ2025 looked and felt.
The dealers I worked with were all awesome. The West Coast regional manager even came by my house with a tractor. He was a super nice guy and I really wanted to buy the tractor. Unfortunately it was out-priced by Kubota and backhoe really ruined what I want to use the tractor for. If the price was lower, I would have bought it. If the price was the same and the backhoe mounted to the back of the frame, I would have bought it… Man it hurt to see them leave with the XJ… (side note is the at XJ gets the award for the coolest dash).
Kubota BX25D
Ultimately this was the tractor I selected. With the Kubota incentives, I could get a BX25D with beet juice, thumb, shop manual, LP grading scaper, and LP landscaping rake for the same price as the XJ2025.
For a 5’9” guy, the BX operator platform just fit. My dad has a L3010 with a treadle on it and I hate it. I like the BX treadle. The control surfaces emerge through the deck and you can put your foot flat between them. The steering wheel and loader control are within easy reach. The seat was the most comfortable. The hydraulics and rest of the tractor were refined. You can tell they’ve been making this tractor for many years and have worked off any rough edges. It’s nimble and compact.
The main selling point is that I want to be able to work on the tractor myself. Any issue that I could have with one of these tractors either has a YouTube video or a forum post to help me out. That represents a lot of value for an owner. Finally, in my area of the country the BX25D will hold its value the best.
The one negative beyond a little more loader lift is the minor annoyance of next to zero hydraulic control until the engine is revved…
I’m going to be picking the tractor and implements up Saturday. I’m starting the fab process of making a ratchet rake and as soon as I get the tractor I’ll fab a skid plate out of 1/8 plate.
Huge thank you to all you guys that stuck with me through the buying process and offered your knowledge!
s219
Super Member
- Joined
- Dec 7, 2011
- Messages
- 8,548
- Location
- Virginia USA
- Tractor
- Kubota L3200, Deere X380, Kubota RTV-X
Way to go! The BX-25D often seems to rise to the top for a lot of tractor shoppers.
dragoneggs
Super Star Member
- Joined
- Jun 9, 2013
- Messages
- 13,627
- Location
- Seabeck, Washington
- Tractor
- Kubota BX-25D, Kubota Z122RKW-42
Welcome to the club! Arrival pics please!
Tractor Seabee
Elite Member
- Joined
- Oct 5, 2011
- Messages
- 3,896
- Tractor
- Kubota BX25
Its a good feeling when you get to the end of the quest. I must say you are one diligent shopper to have evaluated all the product out there like you did. My BX purchase was more impulse. Over here on the peninsula 5 years ago Kubota was the only local option. Since we gave JD and NH dealers, neither have a decent shop or parts department on location. 5 years and 1500 Hrs and I am still happy with my rapid decision. Just did another 4 Hrs today rototilling after dismounting the BH and installing the QH and tiller.
I trust I provided some good information for your decision.
I would be interested in where you made your purchase id you care to mention. Good luck and keep us posted.
We'er getting enough BXers around here to have a steak rally someday.
Ron
I trust I provided some good information for your decision.
I would be interested in where you made your purchase id you care to mention. Good luck and keep us posted.
We'er getting enough BXers around here to have a steak rally someday.
Ron
varmint
Elite Member
- Joined
- Mar 17, 2003
- Messages
- 2,570
- Location
- Northern Maryland
- Tractor
- Kubota B8200, then a Kubota L3130 HST, now a Kubota L3400 HST
Good choice. I have read more than once that the BX25 throttle has to be cranked, but Kubota designed the engine/system with that in mind, so don't let it worry you. Never read any complaints about shortened service life, but then, if you're using a BX25 a thousand hours a year, maybe you need a bigger tractor, anyway? You know we like photos, right?
DaveNJ
Silver Member
- Joined
- Jul 22, 2015
- Messages
- 206
- Location
- New Jersey
- Tractor
- Ford 3550 Loader, Cub Cadet 7254, other old stuff, New LS XJ2025H TLB
Congrats! I can empathize with the agony of the decision making process and the relief of a final decision. There's a reason those BXDs are at all the rental centers-- its a great little tractor overall and easy to use. You will have to look hard to find an owner that disparages their BX.
OP
FairwaysAndGreens
Member
Valley Viking
New member
Wish I had that grader scraper to go with my bx
TSO
Elite Member
Looks good!
