In the BX series, a two digit number indicates that the tractor comes as a TLB (Tractor + Loader + Backhoe). The tractor cannot be bought without the loader and backhoe. Models in this category are
BX22,
BX23,
BX24, and
BX25. The frame on these tractors is built from the start with the ability to take a backhoe.
BX models with a four digit number have a lighter frame and are not designed by Kubota to accept a backhoe. Kubota does not make a backhoe for any of these, which include:
BX1500,
BX1800,
BX1830,
BX1850,
BX1860,
BX2200,
BX2230,
BX2350,
BX2360,
BX2660 (I think I got them all). A FEL (front end loader) is an option on these models, a bh (backhoe) is not.
Woods, however, does make a backhoe that will fit these tractors, the Woods BH6000. I have one for my
BX2200. There are numerous threads dealing with this backhoe. It has been mounted on almost every one of the tractors listed above. blackmajicwoman has a long thread with numerous pics of the projects he has done with this backhoe on his little
BX1500. This backhoe has also been used on subcompact tractors made by New Holland, John Deere, Cub Cadet, and others. The use of this backhoe requires the installation of a reinforcing subframe which bolts to the full length of the main frame on both sides of the tractor. Every specific model requires a unique sub-frame.
The
BX2660 has now been out for awhile. I am not aware of any posts made on TBN by someone who has put a BH6000 on a
BX2660, but I cannot imagine that Woods would not have the correct sub-frame available to put this backhoe on this tractor.
The cost difference between a
BX25 and a
BX2660 is probably around $3500 (with the
BX25 being the higher priced tractor). The price of adding a BH6000 to any SCUT (sub-compact tractor) is in the neighborhood of $6000. In other words, buying the
BX25 new will save you $2500 over buying the
BX2660 and BH6000 separately. The reason for the difference is that adding the Woods backhoe requires disassembling much of the tractor to get the subframe on and torqued correctly, rewiring, replumbing the hydraulics, replacing the seat bottom with a swivel/tilt-back mechanism, etc. and labor.
If you have not purchased yet, and want a bh, you should go for the
BX25. If you already have a brand new
BX2660, trading for a
BX25 will be a wash; most dealers are not going to take the tractor back for what you paid. If you have a
BX2660 that you already have put some hours on, it will be cheaper to just buy the BH6000 and put it on, as your tractor is too depreciated and you will loose money on a trade-in. If you have already put on so many hours that the warranty is expired and you wouldn't mind paying for a new tractor with new warranty, however, you might then find the trade-in costs worth it.
The above poster is correct about renting if you only have a little bh work to do. Both the Kubota and Woods backhoes on any BX will do far more work than a man with a shovel, but not nearly as much, however, as a big tractor or excavator. A BX with a bh also has great difficulty digging in true hardpans (duripan, ironpan, caliche). Such pan must have been covered with water for weeks for a very slight degree of moisture to have penetrated. At that point, the BX with bh can slowly dig into the pan. When a true hardpan (clay packed by big dozers becomes fragipan and is not as hard as a true hardpan) is dry, a BX with bh can just barely scratch into it only with a single ripper tooth as opposed to a bucket. So again, what donn12 says about renting is good advice.
Hope this helps, and the best of luck with your decision.