Looking for input regarding BX23 and BX24

[mike_wa]

Hello,
I have been seriously considering a Kubota BX24, though there seems to have been a few issues with that model, examples that I could find (in no particular order) are:
Battery cover
Fender breakage
Seat recall
Low front axle fluid at time of delivery

These items seem to have all been addressed by Kubota and depending on the dealership were handled to varying degrees of satisfaction. But they do seem to have been handled, except maybe the fender breakage. All this is according to those folks who bought a BX24 and wrote about their experiences on this and another forum.

There were a few other items mentioned that people weren't all that happy about, but are nothing that would require any action by Kubota. Those being things like "spindly" levers, lever bolts needing some loctite, low hydraulic fluid after intial use. Small tach/hour meter. And of couse exposed parts in the under carriage that should be protected, and can be with after market accessories. I'm sure I'm leaving things out, but this is what I found.

Now my question. If all these items were addressed by Kubota for the BX24, is there any reason to not consider this model? Would it be better to look at the well established and well regarded BX23 instead? These things aren't cheap and I don't want to end up regretting my purchase.

Thank you in advance for any insights or thoughts you might care to share with me.

Mike

ps I did consider a Massey Ferguson GC2310, but because of a lack of dealer support in my area am no longer considering that model.

 

[fishpick]

Nothing is ever perfect... yes my BX24 has a few things not right (gage blew, seat recall, low front axle fluid level) - BUT - it's a tank, runs like a top, great support from the dealer... and personally I wouldn't change my decision to go with the 24...
Chances are highly unlikely you can find a new BX23 at this point - and with a used tractor you may very well be buying someone else's "problems" on a well established platform.
Get the BX24 - stay reading these boards - buy from a good dealer - you will be all right.

 

[mike_wa]

Hi fishpick,

Thank you for your thoughts. I know what your saying in regards to nothing being perfect and agree. There always seems to be something that needs attention, be it a car, boat, or tractors. I guess if the dealer is willing to fix these things before delivery and back it all after the sale I'd be happy. Also, I agree and would rather not inherit somone else's headache with a used tractor.

Just looking for a little reassurance before I spend a lot of money.

Thanks again,
Mike

 

[MOPAULY]

Of all the stuff I looked at (all online) the BX24 is what I kept coming back to. There are a few issues, but in the big picture I consider them to be minor. My biggest complaint at this point is the way the seat pitches forward......so if that's the biggest thing I can find wrong I think I'm doing pretty good

 

[rdsaustintx]

I am a little biased, but IF you could find a new BX23 I would definitely recommend considering it. It's very similar in capability, plus ALL the body parts are metal. This has saved me from replacing a hood (dropped a stump on it) and a rear fender (hooked it BAD removing the backhoe once).

I don't buy much advantage in internal hoses on the implements. Yes they are better protected, but they are also much harder to replace. Look at the loader and backhoe controls. They are beefier on the 23.

I could care less about a tach. Both machines need revs to do much and that engine loves going WOT all the doo dah day.

I haven't looked closely enough, but some threads here suggest the powerplant is packed-in more tightly on a 24. That's actually hard for me to imagine, as the 23 is already so jam-packed it's hard to work on.

The only new thing 24 has I would positively love on my machine is a quarter-inching 3pt valve, but if the price was right I wouldn't miss it much.

YMMV. Both are fantastic machines and you will have a blast either way!

Russell in Texas

 

[mike_wa]

Thanks for your thoughts guys, I really do appreciate them. Sometimes I get paralysis through analysis and it takes me awhile to thoroughly mull things over, especially things that cost a lot of money. It's nice to get other perspectives on something like this.

Besides, my wife keeps asking when I'm going to go get my new tractor? Guess it's a good "problem" to have.

Thanks again,
Mike

 

[escavader]

HI
This was already said somewhere here on TBN,but ill repeat it.It was a real challenge for KUBOTA ,to improve apon the BX23 .In an effort to try to keep things new and improved,sometimes you make some changes that dont work our quite so good.I would bUy a 23 used if the hours were low,i personally know that these rigs are tough as nails.Im not knocking the 24,the have tweeked it a little in the hydraulics,and bells and whistle dept,but i dont like all the plastic they have have added.
ALAN

 

[ourplace_Tn]

I sure don't like the plastic. At one time I hoped to get the fenders replaced by the dealer, but now I've broken them up so bad I'm sure he would just laugh at me. Oh well for $347 plus tax I can get a new set and put them on myself.

 

[bx23barry]

In the size I don't think there is anything that compares to the kabota bx (going up in size things may be different). The 24 looks better than the 23 and has a few new features (like the air cleaner) but they are really the same tractor. I don't think the "glass" is too big a deal. It has nothing to do with the operation of the thing. And your only other real choice is going bigger.

 

[rdsaustintx]

I sure don't like the plastic. At one time I hoped to get the fenders replaced by the dealer, but now I've broken them up so bad I'm sure he would just laugh at me. Oh well for $347 plus tax I can get a new set and put them on myself.

Talk to your dealer anyway! They DEFINITELY know about the problems.