Buying Advice What would you buy?

[midice8]

Hello everyone, first time poster, long time reader....

I've wanted a compact tractor for a long time and I'm getting ever closer to pulling the trigger. I have an acre property that was a short-sale and is still a work in progress. I have a bunch of smaller projects that I could use a small TLB for. My family also has a little mountain land that is really not developable, but is used for hunting and firewood supply. I would need to be able to maintain the dirt logging trails and get around off the beaten path, within reason.

One of the first projects I envision using my eqiupment for would be to dig a monolithic slab foundation for a new detached garage. This would also involve tearing out an asphalt driveway that is in very, very poor condition.

I am looking at a new BX25 or similiar TLB. I would invest in a digging tooth bar for the FEL.

I would think that's a small tractor for the driveway tear-out, but, I can live with it if it's simply a slower process and not a matter of destroying the tractor by over-working it.

I like the idea of a smaller tractor for getting into tight spots and for ease of towing. I have access to a 6x12 dump trailer and that would be my prefered method of moving whatever I end up with.

Anyway, I'm working a night shift and thought I'd ask the experts what they think of my ideas! Thanks in advance for your insight!

 

[Rocky Hoffler]

Welcome it sounds like you have given this a lot of thought and you know your needs. It is hard to justify having equipment for particular small jobs but sometimes its more than that. a sense of accomplishment is rewarding also. A loader back hoe seems to fit your needs make sure its big enough for task but life is short and get what you want. If you buy quality and you don't see a need any longer then resale is possible. Let us know what you buy and the best of luck to you be happy.

 

[jeff9366]

Kubota BX25D is an excellent TLB. BX series has more bolt-on aftermarket options available than any other tractor line, allowing you to customize an already complete factory unit.


LINKS:

Bro-Tek: Tractor Add Ons

BXpanded

 

[Rocky Hoffler]

Kubota BX25D is an excellent TLB. BX series has more bolt-on aftermarket options available than any other tractor line, allowing you to customize an already complete factory unit.


LINKS:

Bro-Tek: Tractor Add Ons

BXpanded

Are there any places that are for L models or are these just for bx serees

 

[jeff9366]

There are many L series tractor-loaders with Piranha Tooth Bars.

I do not know of a firm that produces a variety of add ons specifically for the L series. You have to shop around and pick and choose.

Two I favor from experience are Ratchet Rake, LLC and Bucket Solutions.


LINKS:

Ratchet Rake, LLC - Rip and Dig, All Terrain Rake, Snow Edge, Tractor attachment, Bucket attachment, Loader, Skid loader, Kubota, Skid steer, Landscape rake, Brush remover, York Rake, Harley Rake, Rock Rake, Tractor rake attachment, Construction attac

BUCKET SOLUTIONS: Tractor and Skidsteer bucket spade shovel

 

[Gary Fowler]

Hello everyone, first time poster, long time reader....

I've wanted a compact tractor for a long time and I'm getting ever closer to pulling the trigger. I have an acre property that was a short-sale and is still a work in progress. I have a bunch of smaller projects that I could use a small TLB for. My family also has a little mountain land that is really not developable, but is used for hunting and firewood supply. I would need to be able to maintain the dirt logging trails and get around off the beaten path, within reason.

One of the first projects I envision using my eqiupment for would be to dig a monolithic slab foundation for a new detached garage. This would also involve tearing out an asphalt driveway that is in very, very poor condition.

I am looking at a new BX25 or similiar TLB. I would invest in a digging tooth bar for the FEL.

I would think that's a small tractor for the driveway tear-out, but, I can live with it if it's simply a slower process and not a matter of destroying the tractor by over-working it.

I like the idea of a smaller tractor for getting into tight spots and for ease of towing. I have access to a 6x12 dump trailer and that would be my prefered method of moving whatever I end up with.

Anyway, I'm working a night shift and thought I'd ask the experts what they think of my ideas! Thanks in advance for your insight!

When you say you want to get around off the beaten path, that might present a problem with the BX and that infamous HST cooling fan that is exposed to destruction via roots and small limbs. You may want to get a little larger (budget allowing) and go with a B26 TLB. It is a much more capable than a BX and has a pretty good under carriage body armor and NO HST fan to damage. The B26 is considered a construction grade machine but it is small enough to be very maneuverable. Check out the specs on it at Kubota.com website. I think you would be much more satisfied with it than a BX.

You may even consider a low hour used one. I bought mine used with 68 Hours for $20,500 which was a bargain but I see them for sale all the time. Some of the previous models would be OK also like the B21. Make sure they come with the 3 PH attachments if you are getting new or used as they are quite pricy to buy afterwards.

 

[Poopdeck Pappy]

I agree with Gary Fowler, although the exposed HST cooling fan on the BX can be remedied by adding some BXpanded Under Armor, which is not a big expense or a big deal.

All things being equal, I'd always take the bigger B26 or B21 over a BX25. They have more reach and more power than the BX does. But the BX does have the advantage of getting into tighter quarters than the larger B model.

I bought a used BX23, which is an older sibling of the BX25. I wish it had more power and reach sometimes, but I still love it and will have a hard time making myself sell it when the work is done for which I purchased it.

Oh, and neither the BX25 nor the B26 will fit on a 12 foot trailer to my knowledge. I'll try to remember to measure my BX23 today.