Kubota BX25 vs ASV PT30 Track Loader

[keyman1808]

Lets not forget about the backhoe and FEL dolly's from BXpanded too. If your going to be removing those off the tractor it makes them much easier to move and store also. I agree a cab would be great. Just make sure it fits where you plan on storing it. Good luck I have the BX24 and they are great machines.

 

[radioman]

Whack! slap my head! of course! I forgot the dollys.
I knew I forgot something!

Wow just sitting here thinking about it, the BX is a very expensive habit- just maintaining a wife.

 

[keyman1808]

Its better than maintaining a wife. The BX doesn't talk back to you, eat your food, drink your beer and ***** about doing her "DO LIST".. All the BX asks for is love and for some seat time.

 

[RobertN]

The PT30 will kick the BX's behind for most of the tasks being mentioned. It will be easier to change tools. Someone mentioned a 2mph difference; you easily make that up in ease of use and work done vs time.

I have used ASV RC30's; the PT30 seems to be a modified RC30.

That RC30 works great in wet conditions. I have used them when my "B" series tractor would get stuck. You do, have to be careful turning, but the same applies to a 4wd wheel tractor.

What you will find, is that the downfall for a home/landowner, is the price of the ASV machine and it's attachments. The machine is a lot more expensive. And... so are implements. That is the downfall of all the skid steer and compact loader machines. They are AMAZING utility tractors. But, the tractor, and the implements, are just plain expensive compared to a CUT and three-point implements.

The RC30 easily outmanuevered my "B" series tractor...

The RC/PT30 is right in a perfect range; 3000lbs, 30HP. Perfect CUT size. But, $$$$$

That, is the reason I had a "B" series, and am now looking at an "L" series.

If you have not operated a RC/PT30, go rent one. They really are an amazing machine for thier size. The all hydro joystick driven design is sweet; one for the front implement, and one to drive. They ride like the proverbial Caddilac(they actually have a torsion bar suspension...).

They just cost more than a "B" series compact...

 

[RobertN]

The RC30/PT30 is only 3000lbs. It is light, and pretty low PSI on the tracks. I have used the RC30, and CAT247(7000lbs machine) in very wet conditions, across lawns. My little Kubota did more damage.

I did have to be careful about my turns, but had to with the Kubota in 4x4 too.

An 864; that looks S185 size(6000lbs+)?

I would go with the BX anytime. We have a tracked Bobcat 864 and while it is handy as heck, it is **** on your ground. We use ours in the woods and open fields where it is great. A friend brought his up to do some work on one of our other farms and I had to go around after he left with my BX to smooth things out.

 

[TripleR]

The RC30/PT30 is only 3000lbs. It is light, and pretty low PSI on the tracks. I have used the RC30, and CAT247(7000lbs machine) in very wet conditions, across lawns. My little Kubota did more damage.

I did have to be careful about my turns, but had to with the Kubota in 4x4 too.

An 864; that looks S185 size(6000lbs+)?

Yeah, I should have checked the specs before posting that; just looked at a picture, my mistake.

 

[RobertN]

The picture I googled of an 864 was a for-sale ad. They said it was 75hp!

Yee Haw! I would like to play on a 75hp CTL, just for fun I think that CAT247 was 55hp.

Yeah, I should have checked the specs before posting that; just looked at a picture, my mistake.

 

[TripleR]

The picture I googled of an 864 was a for-sale ad. They said it was 75hp!

Yee Haw! I would like to play on a 75hp CTL, just for fun I think that CAT247 was 55hp.

You would have blast. I am disabled and can't even get in it which frustrates the snot out of me, so my son runs it and has a grin on his face the whole time. They cost $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$, so we are bartering with a friend who owns it. We are going to lease a dozer this spring as we have found bartering/renting/leasing high dollar equipment better for us than owning. We have more stuff than we can keep running as it is.

 

[RobertN]

This is one consideration that has not been mentioned in this thread.

Getting in/out of the CTL/SS type tractor can be challenging if a person is disabled or has other mobility requirements. You have to be able to maneuver past the loader/implement to get in/out of the cab.

That being said, the ASV and CAT CTL's I have driven had joystick control. It was very easy to drive and control, very comfortable. One joystick for the loader, one for driving the tractor. Much easier than having to use foot and hand controls on a regular tractor, or the hand and foot controls on a standard skidsteer layout.

The other thing I would note, is ride. The ASV and CAT CTL's use a torsion bar suspension. I have tweaked my back pretty bad before; I could still easily drive and operate the RC/PT30 because it rode so smooth. No way I could have bounced around in a skidsteer. And, even my Kubota B series was too rough for me to operate. That RC30 literally rode like a Cadillac; very smooth. Same with the CAT 247; it uses the ASV track and suspension system.

I have only operated Bobcat skidsteers(from the tiny 36" wide model, midsize S150/463, and S185). I understand some other brands are suppossed to ride a little better.

You would have blast. I am disabled and can't even get in it which frustrates the snot out of me, so my son runs it and has a grin on his face the whole time.

 

[jimpod]

I might have a more unique reply, since I have both an ASV and a Kubota, although both are largerwith the same hp (ASV SR-70 and Kubota 6800, with loader tires). Both are excellent machines. Attachments for the Kubota are cheaper, and there is less maintenance. Why did I get a SR-70? I often work on slopes. A tractor gets iffy on slopes over 20 degrees. I've had my 6800 up on two wheels so often it thinks that it's a Harley. Finally the wife says that "This is crazy". The ASV is a rock, but at a price. The hydraulics are amazing. Still, I need the 6800 to plow snow grade efficiently.
Jim