Total Newb: How small is useless?

[Gary Fowler]

I think the OP said something about wanting a flail mower. I don't think a BX or B would handle even the smallest flail mower. A rear finish mower would be the thing for mowing. A belly mower is easier to use and see how close you are getting to obstacles but it does limit you in ground clearance. BX tractors are just a heavy duty riding lawn mower when it comes to ground clearance which is only about 8" or so without the belly mower. I am thinking about 4" clearance with a belly mower. I would go with the B series which would give just a bit more clearance.

 

[dieselcrawler]

Looked up Kubota L3010 on tractorhouse.com... can be found for less than $10k w/o loader with less than 1000 hrs if you're looking for used.

 

[ericb2400]

I have a B2400 that I got 9 years ago and it had about 9?? Hours on it now I have close to 2000 hrs. I have 5 acres on a good hill that I use a belly mower on. It came with a loader and 60in belly mower. I am very happy with the way it cuts. My wife says if I get a bigger tractor I am not Allowed to get rid of the B2400 because she can use it.
I have since purchased a 6ft rear grader blade, 5ft tiller, 12 in middle buster, post hole digger w two different augers, a 6 tine cultivator, 7 ft land scape rake.
In my experiences. My b2400 is not enough tractor for the cultivator. The tractor is not heavy enough. It will just stop and spin the wheels. And in our rocky ground in ky the post hole digger is tuff to use because of the rocks. The 3 pt hitch does not have the umph to pull a stuck auger up. All other implements, I am happy with.

Sent from my iPhone using TractorByNet

 

[JPShooter]

Having read all the posts here it looks like you've gotten some good advice.

I recently purchased a B3200 with FEL, backhoe, front mounted snow blower, rear blade, box blade, rotory tiller and pallet forks. I have 4 acres in Northern Idaho and have so far found the B3200 to be about a perfect match for my needs. I can say that if I have any misgivings about my decision it would be that I bought too small, not too big.

My main reason for staying with the B3200 instead of jumping up to the L series is my need to move snow, and that is not the issue for you that it is for me (the L series does not offer a mid mount PTO in the lower end of the series and I refuse to blow snow going backwards).

The old advice of bigger is better does have its truths when it comes to a machine like this. But then there's that old money thing

 

[nickc]

I have a jd 2305 that is similar sizewise to the Kubota bx, like tractchores said power is not the issue.i am more limited by the inability to lift implements due to low ground clearance. hindsite, if I did it again a Kubota b3200 would be perfect for me

 

[RalphVa]

I'd go with the smallest engined tractor with an FEL. If uneven terrain is not problem/risk to the underneath cooling fan on the BX, I'd go with it. If you need real digging capability, go with the BX and a backhoe. FELs are good for scooping and carrying but not for digging. BX used to be offered with even the 15 hp. Don't know whether it could be obtained with backhoe or not.

The B will likely have a lot higher 3ph lift, if you need that. Might need it for post hole digging. Not sure the BX will lift high enough for that.

Ralph

 

[tractchores]

The lift height is definitely an issue on the BX series and competitive models in the same size. Most of them say their 3 pt is a 'category 0' or limited category 1. Not a big deal except for implements like a PH digger that have a minimum height requirement. The next size up can use any standard category 1 implement.

Here are some pictures of what I accomplished with a B series. Many would say the job was too big for the size machine. In the end you can accompish most things with any size machine, it's just a matter of time and aggrevation as long as you don't hit any hard limit like lift capacity or ground clearance. http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/projects/291945-electrical-trenching.html

 

[swick1]

My 1026r with backhoe and mower has been a great blessing to my family on our hilly property. I wish it could lift the three point hitch higher but otherwise it does great for its size. It sure beats a shovel and wheelbarrow. When combined with a rented mini excavator even big jobs are possible.