I appreciate all the responses, and thank you for them. Whether pro or con, they all help. I agree with what is being said. I have looked at BXpanded. Fortunately the Piranha is also available for the Massey, but that is not true for all of their interesting stuff. I will buy the Piranha and add it to my tractor very soon, for sure.
Basically, I have what I consider to be "core" needs, and then there are fringe niceties. The core needs are mowing, trenching, digging post holes, leveling a driveway once in a while, and removing some existing landscaping (junipers.) As the dealer said, all of the machines will meet my needs. Attachments are available for both machines to meet my core needs. BXpanded has a 4" bucket option for the Kubota but not the Massey. So when I run sprinkler lines I will miss having that, but it's not like I can't get the job done. I am not considering resale value in the purchase decision as I don't intend to resell whatever I buy. And based on what I have learned there is a good market for *any* used SCUT-- they seem to sell instantly in my area. Right now I can't find any for sale locally.
So, that leaves personal preference and dealer availability and support. I have two Massey dealers within an hour or two, and while I would prefer one right down the street that is OK with me. I can do regular servicing, so that means I am in need of a dealer if repairs are needed. There are two Kubota dealers reasonably nearby, and another about an hour away.
Yesterday, I again looked at the Massey 1710 and Kubota BX-25D. I also drove the Massey for the first time-- no surprises. The more I look, the more I appreciate how similar they are. Today I will see a Massey 1720. I expect to make a purchase decision today or tomorrow and take delivery by this weekend!! On something!! My only regret while shopping was that I could not drive a Massey and Kubota side-by-side. I was able to drive a Kubota
BX25 and John Deere 1025R side-by-side and that was very helpful. (To rule out the John Deere!)
Now a confession. I do have some chronic back pain, as rigorous medical treatments I received nearly 10 years ago weakened my lower spine and caused other issues. General health is fine, but my back can "tweak" at times due to that history. When I test drove the BX, it tweaked my back slightly when I lifted my foot to press on the rear heel treadle for the very first time. (It didn't do that with the John Deere 1025R pedals.) If you are now wondering how I am going to survive riding a bumpy SCUT while mowing a pasture, I sort-of have the same concern but I am sure it will work out just fine. Cruise control will be my friend. And to be fair, in subsequent visits while sitting on the Kubota, I could do the toe/heel thing just fine-- although that was not while running. I am guessing this was a one-time quirk that "colored" my view of the BX. Not sure.
I will make a final purchase decision either today or tomorrow, and take delivery by this weekend. I have negotiated prices in hand for the 1710, 1720, and BX. I will share these in a separate post in the forum. Thank you again for all of the replies. You have all been very helpful.
