Sub-compact that doesn't break the bank?

[Kenfyoozed]

After working this weekend with my "big to me tractor", I want something smaller and more agile. I had an area of about 30x30, that the previous owners had as a garden. There was a small 3 cement block high wall all the way around. I used my mf135 and BB to tear this down and drag out this rasied bed. I picked up each block by hand. It was a lot of blocks. WHile doing this I started think about a loader. Iknow I could get one for my tractor but would rather not. While using my tractor I found my self wishing for a transmission I didnt have to use the clutch so much, so either hydostatic? or reverse on demand? Then when I cut my yard, about an 1.5 acre, I dedcided I need a bigger riding mower. The one I have now is a Honda 38" cut. It takes for ever. Its in bad shape, but It was free. We have recently moved to this property. I have 4 acres. The mf135 and rc takes care of most things. I started looking for a subcompact tractor to fill all my wishes, FEL, easier transmission, and mowing chores. I would rather something that had more of a Garden Tractor feel than a true Tractor. Is there something that fits my needs that wont break the bank? I 've loked at the Simplicty Legacy XL, but I was shocked at the price range. Do you guys have any suggestions?

 

[VABlue]

I don't know what the Simplicity costs, but look at the JD 23xx series and Kubota BX line. You can get them with FELs and backhoes, excellent mid-mount cutting decks, and cat 1 rear PTOs. The FEL and MMM decks de/attach in minutes and they all have hydro tranny's. You'll be looking at around $13K incl FEL and mower deck. Enjoy hunting for one!

 

[bx24d]

For basic subcompact specs and value, Kubota BX is hard to beat. Once you start looking at capacities, weight, your particular needs, etc, other brands are worth looking at including JD. Simplicity only has one model with backhoe capabilities (Legacy XL).

 

[Gittyup]

JD x700 series and Legacy in GT's. Or Subcuts: BX's, JD 22/23xx, MF GC2300, similar in NH and Mahindra. I like the TYM T273. Though, it's actually a CUT.

Or something used in a GT: JD 4xx, CC, Gravely, Ford.

Other than used, you are over $10K almost certainly.

 

[MessickFarmEqu]

The BX1850 is about the most bang for your buck around. Its a subcompact at the price of a JD garden tractor. No one else has anything thats really competitive with it.

 

[Whitey]

Buy used....some really great deals out there. You won't spend to terribly much to get a sub tractor. One model I have seen a lot of on various sites is a JD 2210 with a loader. There are a lot of JD 2305 showing up due to people getting a larger tractor. For a first time buy and experiment I would go used. I have two used machines and they are well worth the money I spent for them.

JD 770 / 70 FEL / 7 BH - 425 AWS / 54" MMM / 54" FMP

 

[crabjoe]

Yup, it's sticker shock on that Simplicity, but it looks just like a riding mower. And if you like that look, it's the one to get since you can get a FEL and a Backhoe for it.

If the exact look isn't important to you, although the cost is more upfront, I'd get a Kubota BX24. It comes with a FEL and backhoe. One they come off, it's pretty much just a riding mower. The other Bota BX tractors are nice, but you can't get factory hoe.

The MF 2310 is decent for in it's size too. Lots of choices other so the best advise I can give to you is for you to go and get your hands on them. You might feel different once you see them in person.

I ended up with a Kioti, but original thought I wanted a Kubota BX24. I just couldn't get over the fact that the BX24 was really no larger then my Craftsman riding mower. Plus, I like the idea of having more lift capibility on the loader for a Grapple.
BTW, if I were you, I'd even look at a CUT. I say this because once you see how well a larger CUT works at ground engagement, you might be wondering why you didn't go larger to start with.

 

[Kenfyoozed]

Thanks guys. I guess I will have to see each in person. Almost each dealer is an hour away from me. I do have a kubota and New Holland about a 15 min drive from me. I wouldnt mind a CUT but my Massey ferguson 135 is doing a good job. I just wished it had the features of newer tractors. I also need a new riding mower, so thats why I thought of putting everything into one and get a SCUT that was more the size of a Riding mower. But WOW at the prices, I have seen some CUT's priced cheaper than SCUT with the same features and more HP! Why? Ill keep looking and see what I can find used. It's not like I really need it, but boy it sure would be nice!

 

[LBrown59]

*I've looked at the Simplicity Legacy XL, but I was shocked at the price range. Do you guys have any suggestions?
2*Is there something that fits my needs that wont break the bank?

1*So was I an that's why I bought a BX23 for about 5 or 6 thousand less.
2*These didn't break the bank:




1 is new and one is used.

 

[LBrown59]

The BX1850 is about the most bang for your buck around. Its a subcompact at the price of a JD garden tractor. No one else has anything that's really competitive with it.

You hit the nail on the head .
That's exactly why I bought these---------> http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/1404257-post9.html
I couldn't agree with your post more!

 

[LBrown59]

1*I have seen some CUT's priced cheaper than SCUT's and more HP! Why?
2*Ill keep looking and see what I can find used.

1*I haven't seen that but what I have seen is garden tractors priced higher than subcompacts and compacts so I'd say that's what you've witnessed also.
As for HP; Horse Power is what sells lawn tractors and garden tractors so the manufactures are in a HP race with each other which really offers the consumer no benefits.
2*If you're considering used I would be looking hard very hard for a used BX1500
BX1830
BX1850
I've seen several of these with loaders and mid mount mowers on them that were really nice and with very very low hours go between 7500 and 8900 bucks.
As for new I highly recommend the BX1850 as I'm convinced it offers the most bang for the Buck.

 

[LBrown59]

Ill keep looking and see what I can find used.

Here's an excellent place to look for new or used.
http://www.barlowequipment.com/

 

[daTeacha]

The 135 is a pretty popular machine around here. Presuming you plan to trade it, look for a dealer that carries big machines as well as the smaller tractors and mowers. Use your phone or computer instead of your gas pedal for your initial shopping. Talk to area farmers about what dealers you need to contact.

Massey has a nice SCUT with loader, mower, etc. available. I don't know the model number, but I looked at it when I was shopping before deciding I needed something that was more tractorish and higher off the ground. You might look for a Massey dealer first to see what kind of deal he can work out for you.

 

[TractorChick]

Cub Cadet Yanmar Sc2400 ........ tons of leg room, really cute little tractor.

4WD Hydro with loader $12,500 or so.

 

[Volfandt]

I ended up with a Kioti, but original thought I wanted a Kubota BX24. I just couldn't get over the fact that the BX24 was really no larger then my Craftsman riding mower.

Just to set the record straight, a BX24 w/the BH & FEL mounted weighs in at around 2500 lbs, w/the BH & FEL removed it's around 1500 lbs.
Either of which is CONSIDERABLY more than any manufacturer's lawn tractor......

Kioti doesn't make a SCUT, it's smallest offering is the CK20 which is in the CUT class. The Kubota B class is what it's designed to compete against as it doesn't hold a candle to the Kubota BX class in finish mowing.....