Keep the Kubota Sub Compact Tractor OR buy a new mini skid steer? Help me decide!

[cwoody]

I own a 16yo Kubota BX2230 with 60" mower deck, front loader, 3pt rototiller and rake. I no longer use the tractor for cutting grass as I purchased a Wright Stander mower. I do find getting the tractor into tight spaces on my 6ac mostly wooded lot tough with the loader attached. My needs are for material movement (dirt, gravel, mulch, heavy items), digging (leveling ground, digging trenches and post holes) and land clearing (pulling roots and hauling wood). I am getting tempted to sell the Kubota and attachments and purchase a Kanga mini stand on skid steer with tires, bucket, forks, mini-hoe and post hole digger.

Part of me sees this as an advantage, but part of me is concerned that I will be disappointed with a mini-skid-steer and dealing with the less than ideal turning on my limited turf areas.

I do all my own machine repairs, so access to dealers is not a big concern as long as I can buy parts online.

Should I stay or should I go? Or take a 3rd path not considered?

 

[dodge man]

I personally do not think they are all that safe except in open areas. Most wont have much more bucket size either. What they do have is a lot more hydraulic flow and power to run implements. I would say keep what you have.

 

[Rustyiron]

Me too, I'd keep the B.
A "skid steer" type machine will not be friendly to your grass or woods, and to buy all the mentioned attachments.....
Keep in mind that it will have a rigid frame, and what that means is unless you're land is perfectly graded you'll only have 2 wheels (always diagonally) firmly on the ground, and the 2 other wheels that will be very "light" if not in the air by an inch or more. That means 2 wheel drive (one on each side). The attachments will likely be expensive unless all of these type of machines use the same "mini ssqa" like the Bobcat units. (are the attachments particular to kenga)
Go rent one when you have a good test project first.

 

[Beaver Cove Deere]

Add me to the keep it.

 

[groundcover]

I have a Ditch Witch mini track loader , it never ceases to amaze me. SK 752 , 25hp Kubota diesel. I hardly use my tractor anymore, the mini is able to sneak just about anywhere, no damage unless turning sharply ( about 4 lbs / sq ft ground pressure). I have a 1/3rd yard bucket that it handles fine fully loaded with stone. Visibility is unmatched and the attachment options are only limited by your checkbook ! I have a lot of tools but the "Witch " is undoubtedly the most efficient at turning diesel into cash !

 

[K5lwq]

I vote keep the tractor.

 

[Code54]

Im in the rent one for the weekend and see what YOU think. A lot of guys love the minis.

 

[ruffdog]

cwoody....with 6 acres, I don't think you will be happy with the mini skid for very long. Before you jump....drive one or at least watch a ton of video. Bobcat has these new toys too:

 

[cwoody]

Thanks for the ideas. I will try renting one. Some of these look quite unstable on rough ground.

 

[4570Man]

I think you’ll find the wheeled model junk but the tracks are a game changer. The worst part about a skid is tearing up the ground but one of those mini skids will work circles around a B tractor. The other main con with a skid is they move slow. Driving any distance isn’t their strong point.