BX25D?

[jadefox]

We have a four-acre piece of property with a load of projects waiting to happen (and potentially some more property coming online). We moved in last November and are now embarking on our second year working on the place, and we've decided to make a change when it comes to our tractor. Currently we have an '83 Case 448 with a front blade and mower deck. We pull a trailer behind it for loads of chores. It's been a great machine, but I don't have the knowledge/commitment to keep it in tip-top shape, and we really feel like we would benefit from a FEL and backhoe primarily for landscaping projects. In addition to landscaping projects (e.g., planting trees, moving rocks, mulch & chips, etc.) we have the regular chores, including plowing a driveway and parking area for a home-based business, brush-hogging, tilling, and mowing (although I'm not sure we would want to use this tractor to mow the lawn). We've been researching different sub-compact tractors, and we are feeling pretty close to pulling the trigger on a brand new 2013 BX25D with LA240A loader, model BT602 backhoe with BX6316 thumb, BX2506 3-pt hitch, BX6315 quick attach system for loader, and a BX2767 quick attach loader snow plow. Does anyone here have any advice to offer? We likely need to make a decision by Monday. Thanks in advance!

 

[ajd187]

Sounds reasonable.

Use it as a mower too if you like. No reason not to. Bx tractors are good mowers too

 

[jadefox]

Thanks for the reply. Will the turf tires I'd need to mow cut it for the heavy lifting, though?

 

[94BULLITT]

Since you don't plan on mowing (which the BX is a good mower) I would look at a B2620. It has more lift capacity on the loader, 3PH, and backhoe but it a fair amount more.

If you go with the BX it sounds like you are getting it equipped nicely. I would add the LED fender mount and ROPS lights to it.

What kind of tires are you getting?

I would get prices from at least 3 dealers to be sure you are being treated fairly.

 

[DT86]

Does anyone here have any advice to offer?

This...

I would get prices from at least 3 dealers to be sure you are being treated fairly.

And this...

Use it as a mower too if you like. No reason not to. Bx tractors are good mowers too

Good advise.

 

[jadefox]

Since you don't plan on mowing (which the BX is a good mower) I would look at a B2620. It has more lift capacity on the loader, 3PH, and backhoe but it a fair amount more.

Thanks! It's not that I'm against mowing with it (and we do have quite a bit of lawn, but to mow, I'm going to want the turf tires, right? But will the turf tires cut it for our other projects?

If you go with the BX it sounds like you are getting it equipped nicely. I would add the LED fender mount and ROPS lights to it.

Thanks for that. Are saying get those through Kubota or after market?

What kind of tires are you getting?

That depends I suppose on if we're planning to mow with it, correct?

I would get prices from at least 3 dealers to be sure you are being treated fairly.

Good call. I have not shopped the rig around with other dealers. My quote is around $22K out the door.

 

[94BULLITT]

Thanks! It's not that I'm against mowing with it (and we do have quite a bit of lawn, but to mow, I'm going to want the turf tires, right? But will the turf tires cut it for our other projects?

Thanks for that. Are saying get those through Kubota or after market?

That depends I suppose on if we're planning to mow with it, correct?

Good call. I have not shopped the rig around with other dealers. My quote is around $22K out the door.

I have R4 tires and mow with it. I think they are a better choice for a tractor equipped with a loader. If you don't cut a sharp turn on wet grass running 5MPH R4 tires will be fine as for a mower.

You can get the lights through Kubota as a option. If you can do a little wiring and fabrication you can make your own ROPS lights. I would buy the fender mount lights from Kubota.

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[Habeas Kubotas]

It's not necessary to limit yourself to turf tires if you're thinking of mowing with it. I have a BX25 with R4s and mow a nice lawn with it weekly from May to October. They'll leave a mark in the occasional soft/wet spot, but the impact is minimal, temporary, and nothing that's ever affected the appearance of the lawn. I've also found them to be reasonably good (good enough to get the job done, anyway) when doing snow removal with the FEL.

 

[jadefox]

I have R4 tires and mow with it. I think they are a better choice for a tractor equipped with a loader. If you don't cut a sharp turn on wet grass running 5MPH R4 tires will be fine as for a mower.

Agreed the industrial tires are preferred for loader jobs. I do worry a bit about the lawn, but I appreciate you sharing your experience.

You can get the lights through Kubota as a option. If you can do a little wiring and fabrication you can make your own ROPS lights. I would buy the fender mount lights from Kubota.

I will add the fender mount lights and build the ROPS lights. Thanks!

 

[jadefox]

It's not necessary to limit yourself to turf tires if you're thinking of mowing with it. I have a BX25 with R4s and mow a nice lawn with it weekly from May to October. They'll leave a mark in the occasional soft/wet spot, but the impact is minimal, temporary, and nothing that's ever affected the appearance of the lawn. I've also found them to be reasonably good (good enough to get the job done, anyway) when doing snow removal with the FEL.

Thanks for the +1 on the industrial tires for lawn mowing. I'm feeling more confident now, which means I should probably consider adding the deck....or maybe wait 'til the spring to add the deck.

 

[jadefox]

Thoughts on ballast box and/or wheel weights?

 

[Habeas Kubotas]

You'll want something back there for ballast. The hoe certainly fits that bill when it's on. For the other times, I'd recommend a 4 foot box blade instead of a ballast box. In my experience, it's heavy enough to provide adequate ballast, and unlike a ballast box, it's also extremely useful as a tool in its own right. They can be a little pricey if bought new in some places, but you may well find a nice deal on a used one if you keep an eye on Craigslist.

 

[like2wheel]

If you're concerned about tire choice, to add the other set of tires to your package will add less than $400 (with rims!) to your package price due to the Kubota whole goods program.
Then you can put the turfs on when the lawn gets soft in the fall, & the r4s can go back on when things firm up after spring.
Turfs are said to do better in the snow anyway.

 

[94BULLITT]

If you get to spinning the R4 tires dig in faster than turf. Some people buy 2 sets of tires for a BX. I forgot to say that the loader blocks your headlights so that is why you need additional lights.

I don't care for wheel weights. I had a set on my mower and they would have fit the BX but I let them go with the mower. The wheel weights stick out past the wheel and can get caught on stuff. I also don't care for the looks of them. I got fluid in my BXs rear tires. You have the weight but can't tell it is there. I am not sure if you can get fluid in the tires of a BX25D.

Instead of a ballast box get a implement like a box blade that you can do something with. Most people get a ballast box and fill it with concrete. You can get a drawbar, drawbar stabilizer, plywood, and concrete and make your own ballast for less than a ballast box.

Sent from my Samsung SPH-L710 using TractorByNet

 

[jadefox]

You'll want something back there for ballast. The hoe certainly fits that bill when it's on. For the other times, I'd recommend a 4 foot box blade instead of a ballast box. In my experience, it's heavy enough to provide adequate ballast, and unlike a ballast box, it's also extremely useful as a tool in its own right. They can be a little pricey if bought new in some places, but you may well find a nice deal on a used one if you keep an eye on Craigslist.

Great advice on the box blade! Thanks. It looks like I could get something new in the $500 - $600 range, so used should be a viable option.

 

[jadefox]

If you're concerned about tire choice, to add the other set of tires to your package will add less than $400 (with rims!) to your package price due to the Kubota whole goods program.
Then you can put the turfs on when the lawn gets soft in the fall, & the r4s can go back on when things firm up after spring.
Turfs are said to do better in the snow anyway.

I am unaware of the "whole goods program," but having two sets of tires may make sense. Turfs with chains in the snow?

 

[jadefox]

If you get to spinning the R4 tires dig in faster than turf. Some people buy 2 sets of tires for a BX. I forgot to say that the loader blocks your headlights so that is why you need additional lights.

I don't care for wheel weights. I had a set on my mower and they would have fit the BX but I let them go with the mower. The wheel weights stick out past the wheel and can get caught on stuff. I also don't care for the looks of them. I got fluid in my BXs rear tires. You have the weight but can't tell it is there. I am not sure if you can get fluid in the tires of a BX25D.

Instead of a ballast box get a implement like a box blade that you can do something with. Most people get a ballast box and fill it with concrete. You can get a drawbar, drawbar stabilizer, plywood, and concrete and make your own ballast for less than a ballast box.

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Thanks! A box blade seems to be the ticket. I'm still all over the place in my own mind on the tires considering loader jobs, plowing and mowing.

 

[like2wheel]

Doubt you'll even need chains, but if you do, you'll also need wheel spacers for the rears because of clearance issues.

 

[jadefox]

Here's a question if I'm putting mowing back on the table: How difficult is it to attach/detach the mowing deck? I've heard it's a bear.

 

[jadefox]

Doubt you'll even need chains, but if you do, you'll also need wheel spacers for the rears because of clearance issues.

Got it. Thanks.