Buying a new Sub Compact Utility Tractor

[readhead]

I’ve had a Kubota BX25d TLB for ten years now. Used it for snow removal at my business, moving trailers at my U-Haul lot, grading and maintaining the roads and parking areas. Since retiring and bringing the tractor home it maintains my acre and I do all the snow removal for my neighborhood.

Before the BX I had a L39 TLB and I was a remote dealer for Deere so I have experience with lots of frame sizes and horsepower. Dollar for pound a SCUT is a great value. The comments about size compared to acreage are subjective. You could buy an eighty hp tractor for three times more and do the work faster but you can’t park it in your garage and how much truck and trailer will you have to buy to move it. At my home I have very limited storage space and I couldn’t have a machine larger and I’m not interested in going back to a shovel and wheelbarrow.

It sounds like you have a pretty good handle on your requirements and have done some homework. Keep in mind that probably most of the comments may be coming from people that have never sat on a sub-compact much less worked with one. I know that you are looking for value but it is a fact that Deere and Kubota will have better support, parts availability, and resale. If I was working down the list I would be looking at Kioti/Bobcat, Yanmar and the rest. TYM and Mahindra would be a solid last for parts and service support.

 

[Michigan Mike]

If I go up in size the belly mower situation isn't just over kill. It is like trying to drive trim nails with a sledge hammer. The house yard is large for the suburbs but not huge. I realize the little tractor isn't ideal for either one of the two uses that I want to use it for. To big for one and undersized for the other. I am willing to spend more time working at the hunting property and deal with the yard issues at home. If I could build a barn on the hunting land it would change things but I can't unless a residence is built first. Local zoning regulations. Thanks readhead your situation sounds much like mine

 

[sjvicker]

Take a look at Messicks on youtube. They posted a video recently that covers what brands you can expect to have service part availability from as the years go by and what ones to stay away from.

I've never used a sub compact but do have a Kubota L2501. It's been amazing and would have no issues cutting 40acres of trails and with a backhoe and bucket on it fits easily on a 18' car hauler trailer and would fit on a 16' with the backhoe hanging off. I'm 4 years into my ownership and haven't had to use the warranty yet. They also offer 0% financing deals all the time and KTAC insurance which seems to cover anything, including stupidity.

I've worked a bit with Kubota as an engine provider. The amount of attention they put on the engine applications to ensure their products perform well is far beyond any other supplier I've seen. It's to the point its frustrating but it really shows their dedication to quality.

 

[PCustoms]

Keep in mind that probably most of the comments may be coming from people that have never sat on a sub-compact much less worked with one.

Well, I've run both.

Family had a full size 2wd Massey on 15 acres with animals, lots of mowing, snow removal and cutting hay. They then downsized to a SC Massey and just did snow and lawn/brush hog, it sucked on the larger lot.

When they moved to a 1.5 acre suburban lot its perfect for snowblowing the paved drive, mowing and helping lift things occasionally.

 

[Michigan Mike]

I will look at Messicks sounds like good info. I am trying to avoid the car hauler trailer at the house. That is the situation I have with the 1210 now. It improves in the wintertime because it goes to the other side of the state for snow removal at my daughter and son inlaws house. But it is a pain working around the trailer in the summertime. Thanks for the Kubota engine info.

 

[readhead]

Check out Good Works Tractors on YouTube. He sells attachments and used tractors and he may not be far from you. When I was selling Deere I bought attachments from him. Much better value and in many cases better quality than Frontier and Land Pride.

 

[Michigan Mike]

Thanks for all the information. I won't say I am now confused but you all have given me a lot more to think about. I won't be responding to any more comments untill later today. Got places to go and people to see. Again Thanks

 

[finn]

Take a look at Messicks on youtube. They posted a video recently that covers what brands you can expect to have service part availability from as the years go by and what ones to stay away from.

I've never used a sub compact but do have a Kubota L2501. It's been amazing and would have no issues cutting 40acres of trails and with a backhoe and bucket on it fits easily on a 18' car hauler trailer and would fit on a 16' with the backhoe hanging off. I'm 4 years into my ownership and haven't had to use the warranty yet. They also offer 0% financing deals all the time and KTAC insurance which seems to cover anything, including stupidity.

I've worked a bit with Kubota as an engine provider. The amount of attention they put on the engine applications to ensure their products perform well is far beyond any other supplier I've seen. It's to the point its frustrating but it really shows their dedication to quality.

The Messicks video is a salesman trying to sell you something.

I at one time watched quite a few of his blurbs. They were quite interesting, but with this one he crossed the red line into being a blatant shill.

There are a few other tractor and equipment YouTube “influencers“ that fall in the same category.

Yes, Cub Cadet dropped out of the market, but, remember, at one time Kubota was a newcomer, too.

 

[428PI]

Love my mf 1725 with loader and backhoe.

 

[RPH]

Bx2680 owner here. 14 acres and it used across all. I have other tractors for heavy work but the Kubby is convenient for 90% of what I do. It does all of the lawn cutting, around 3 acres.
New Holland was sold off years ago by ford. It’s owned by fiat. Which is under the umbrella of CNH. All part of consolidation of the industry.

Edit: No matter what you get, if it has a loader. Get the forks at the same time as a bucket. You will use the forks more that most realize.

 

[jmdirk]

I've had a Kubota BX2380 for about 4 years now. Had virtually zero problems with it.

I have zero issues with the pedal arrangement. While some people may hate it, they're extremely popular tractors, so it can't be that bad....can it?

You mention using a box blade or rear blade. One thing to look into is having position control or at least a quarter inching control on the 3 pt hitch. Kubota has neither, only up and down and I believe the MF were the same. If I recall, the JD 1023 has the quarter inching valve and the 1025 has position control.

Maybe isn't a big deal in your use case.

 

[JM6]

Have a 2013 JD 1025r with close to 800 hours. I have 5 acres and mow about 2.5. There's certainly a premium for JD green but for me it was worth it. I have a local dealer and have had zero issues so far...even have the original battery!

It's been a long time since I compared tractors but back when I was looking a big selling point to me was the ease of taking belly mower/loader off/on the 1025r. I can do any of them in less than 5 minutes with no tools. You're going to need to the deck off to do any work on the trails on your hunting land as there's not much clearnance with it on.

The auto connect deck on the mower deck is really slick as I hated trying to connect the pto on my old garden tractor. Maybe the other brands are doing this now but for me it was worth paying a premium as I'm swapping them out all the time.

If you're going to be mowing a smaller yard a 54" deck may be worth considering as it will give a better cut and be slightly less cumbersome. I have the mulch kit on mine and really like that.

I didn't look up what your ford weighs but make sure you have enough ballast for any loader work you're doing as a SCUT needs ballast to operate the loader safely.

 

[Michigan Mike]

I am aware of the ballast needed for a loader. With the 1210 I usually had the brush hog on the back or bare minimum the back blade with two cast iron elevator counter weights. I went into this thread thinking MF or NH. The comments about Kubota are raising it up. I am willing to pay more for better durability and the Kubota fans are swaying me that way.

 

[PCustoms]

@Michigan Mike how tall are you?

I had it narrowed down to a few brands on paper, sitting on a Kubota crossed them off my list PDQ.

6' and I couldn't get the seat/loader lever/pedal position to work out.

 

[Michigan Mike]

5' 11'' 214 lb. Once I get the list narrowed down I need to make another trip and test drive the various tractors.

 

[PCustoms]

5' 11'' 214 lb. Once I get the list narrowed down I need to make another trip and test drive the various tractors.

What drove me to Kioti was the loader joystick position and the dual pedal hydrostatic. I can plop in the (air ride) seat and do everything without straining.

Certainly paid off the 1st year when I put 125hrs on it running the loader.

 

[WildBill]

I am aware of the ballast needed for a loader. With the 1210 I usually had the brush hog on the back or bare minimum the back blade with two cast iron elevator counter weights. I went into this thread thinking MF or NH. The comments about Kubota are raising it up. I am willing to pay more for better durability and the Kubota fans are swaying me that way.

Be aware that a lot of people hate the single pedal setup on the Kubota, it made my ankle hurt and gave me a leg cramp in about 15 mins of operating one. So test that out for awhile if possible.

My dealer was originally a Kubota dealer and added NH as an alternative because the foot pedal was making people go to the JD dealer. I don't remember all the differences but he showed me at least five things better on the NH. I think the quick mounting setups, higher loader capacity (cylinders were larger), better seat (seat rotates for backhoe, has armrests, adjustable back), easier access to get on from either side, and one or two other things. It was interesting to be on a huge lot of probably 50 orange tractors and being directed to try one of the two blue ones instead. I had to order one to get a backhoe and he filled the tires with beet juice and delivered it 80 miles away for free when it came in, which was cool.

 

[kinglake]

Be aware that a lot of people hate the single pedal setup on the Kubota, it made my ankle hurt and gave me a leg cramp in about 15 mins of operating one. So test that out for awhile if possible.

My dealer was originally a Kubota dealer and added NH as an alternative because the foot pedal was making people go to the JD dealer. I don't remember all the differences but he showed me at least five things better on the NH. I think the quick mounting setups, higher loader capacity (cylinders were larger), better seat (seat rotates for backhoe, has armrests, adjustable back), easier access to get on from either side, and one or two other things. It was interesting to be on a huge lot of probably 50 orange tractors and being directed to try one of the two blue ones instead. I had to order one to get a backhoe and he filled the tires with beet juice and delivered it 80 miles away for free when it came in, which was cool.

This is interesting as generally the single rocker pedal setup on Kubota is much preferred over dual pedals buy most people that have used both. Its actually a significant reason people choose Kubota all things else being equal.

 

[PCustoms]

This is interesting as generally the single rocker pedal setup on Kubota is much preferred over dual pedals buy most people that have used both.

Driving around the lot I couldn't stand it.

And it trips me up on the damn lawnmower everytime.

 

[JeepYJ]

I am aware of the ballast needed for a loader. With the 1210 I usually had the brush hog on the back or bare minimum the back blade with two cast iron elevator counter weights. I went into this thread thinking MF or NH. The comments about Kubota are raising it up. I am willing to pay more for better durability and the Kubota fans are swaying me that way.

If you’re looking at Kubotas you should compare them to JD too. The JDs to me are much more comfortable and better ergonomics.
If you’re thinking NH you might as well check out an LS if you have a dealer nearby.

This is interesting as generally the single rocker pedal setup on Kubota is much preferred over dual pedals buy most people that have used both. Its actually a significant reason people choose Kubota all things else being equal.

Usually it’s only preferred by the people that have a Kubota Usually there’s some talk about how easy it is to use if you just use the top of your foot to lift up on the forward pedal.

 

[WildBill]

This is interesting as generally the single rocker pedal setup on Kubota is much preferred over dual pedals buy most people that have used both. Its actually a significant reason people choose Kubota all things else being equal.

I hate it, and apparently enough other people do that my Kubota dealer signed up to sell NH over it. It literally hurts a lot of people to use. I am sure some people like it, which is cool, but it is a very polarizing feature and should be checked out before buying. It seems like a excellent idea on paper, just somehow doesn't work as planned for a lot of people.

 

[readhead]

I’ve had two Kubota tractors over the last sixteen years and I like the machines but I have never liked the treadle pedal. In winter ice builds up under the reverse side and has to be removed. It’s annoying but tolerable. If I was going to replace this tractor tomorrow it would be between JD and Kioti if for no other reason than to get the twin touch pedals. Kubota is a great machine but has some of the worst specs especially for the loader capacity and the belly mower is one of the worst for mounting and removing. The JD mower is hands down the best.

 

[Michigan Mike]

Just checking in before I go to bed. My Ford 1210 has a rocker pedal that sounds like the Kubotas. I think I could probably get used to it. I used the 1210 for plowing a lot of snow at my former residence and never had a buildup of snow under the pedal. It doesn't sound like a problem I want to have. Keep up the information about these different tractors thats what I was looking for when I started this thread.

 

[JeepYJ]

just somehow doesn't work as planned for a lot of people.

It’s not natural to lift your heel and then push down. The two pedals are like using the accelerator and brake pedals on a car.
Their e-hydro or whatever they call it has a different pedal layout that is much more user friendly.

 

[Snapped-off]

I'm pretty happy with my Kubota BX. Bought it recently this year and only got about 8 or 10 hours put into it.

I don't find the pedal to be an issue. I've operated the normal 2 pedal HST tractors as well and it's just a non-issue to me. But we all have our likes and dislikes.

I haven't compared specs, but a NH sub compact costs more than the equivalent Kubota BX.

 

[Moss]

I have never had an issue with the Kubota pedal. I've also operated JD tractors a fair amount as well and never had an issue with that pedal arrangement. In my opinion they are both fine and hardly worth basing a decision around. I cut my lawn with a rear finish mower and I really like the way it cuts with rear discharge. I wouldn't want to mess around with a belly mower. I use my tractor for too many things it would just be in the way for. It's a good ballast most of the summer for loader work as well.

 

[bugnut]

Mike, saw your comment and noted your age. I'm not far behind you and just wanted to mention, if doing food plots and work with 3 point implements a belly mower is an unmitigated pain in the ***. It screws up the ground clearance and get hung on anything in the way. No matter who's selling it a belly mowers is a laying on the ground proposition for removal.

 

[Michigan Mike]

The belly mower will stay at the house. The other implements will be at the hunting land. When I make the second trip to the dealers mounting and removing the belly mower is going to be one of the questions asked and probably a demonstration needed. Thanks for the info.

 

[JeepYJ]

No matter who's selling it a belly mowers is a laying on the ground proposition for removal.

Wrong.

 

[logixjock]

Wrong.

Indeed, although that kind of advanced engineering also requires "wallet removal" as well!

 

[JeepYJ]

Indeed, although that kind of advanced engineering also requires "wallet removal" as well!

This is GJ, where someone asks about a pushmower and they get recommendations for a commercial diesel powered ZT. And where guys have more money just for the boxes to hold their tools than that tractor costs.
But seriously, this is in the class the OP is researching and offers a feature he may need/want.

 

[kj_mustang]

@Michigan Mike how tall are you?

I had it narrowed down to a few brands on paper, sitting on a Kubota crossed them off my list PDQ.

6' and I couldn't get the seat/loader lever/pedal position to work out.

If you are tall and looking to buy a tractor, you need to sit in all the brands you are considering. I bought a larger tractor, 40 hp, several years ago and this was one of the deciding factors for me. I am 6' 3" and none of the brands fit me as well as I would like. I settled for one that would work with the least discomfort/struggle over the pedal and steering wheel placement.

 

[jmdirk]

The belly mower will stay at the house. The other implements will be at the hunting land. When I make the second trip to the dealers mounting and removing the belly mower is going to be one of the questions asked and probably a demonstration needed. Thanks for the info.

Depending on what the area you need to mow is like, but a rear finishing mower is also an option. Not as compact for storage certainly as it sticks way out the back. I have a number of trees I have to mow around that you just can't get near the base without a face full of branches. The rear mower allows me to just reverse the mower under the trees to get near the base. Plus the dispersal of clippings is better than a side discharge. Though a decent mulching setup makes that a moot point I guess.

 

[jmdirk]

I’ve had two Kubota tractors over the last sixteen years and I like the machines but I have never liked the treadle pedal. In winter ice builds up under the reverse side and has to be removed. It’s annoying but tolerable. If I was going to replace this tractor tomorrow it would be between JD and Kioti if for no other reason than to get the twin touch pedals. Kubota is a great machine but has some of the worst specs especially for the loader capacity and the belly mower is one of the worst for mounting and removing. The JD mower is hands down the best.

One really shouldn't dismiss JD in this space. But you need to be prepared to pay a premium.

Loader capacity is definitely better on the JD. Though some $0.50 shims can certainly improve the capacity on the Kubota. And the belly mower connect system is slick.

The single point hydraulics connection on the loader used to be a big selling point on the Kubota, but I think that's available on the JD now. And to be honest, I can count on one hand how many times I've taken off my loader. It's really a non-issue.

 

[JM6]

Wrong.

This is what I was referring to and I was happy to pay a premium to have the autoconnect deck on my 1025r. I hated connecting the PTO shaft on my old mower. Taking the loader on/off is really easy as well if you get the right one. If you see yourself having to take the mower/loader on and off quite often you may be able to justify the green paint premium.

 

[JeepYJ]

Another great feature of the Deere drive over quick attach deck is the Load-n-go which allows you to easily pick up the mower deck with FEL for maintenance, moving it around or putting it in storage.

 

[WildBill]

My NH also has the drive on mower setup.

 

[John in OH]

I'm going out on a limb here because I probably don't know what I'm talking about, but ....

Take a look under the pretty hoods and determine who actually builds the tractor. For instance, IIRC, John Deere doesn't actually build their very small tractors as they are actually built by someone such as Yanmar and fitted with JD styling. Long ago some of the smaller Oliver tractors were built by Fiat. Same may well be true for many of the other name-brand companies like Massey-Ferguson or New Holland.

Not that that is necessarily a bad thing, just make sure you know who is actually building the tractor.

 

[bluedog225]

For me, it would all be about repairability and availability of parts.

I imagine that changes year to year.

 

[JeepYJ]

IIRC, John Deere doesn't actually build their very small tractors as they are actually built by someone such as Yanmar and fitted with JD styling.

Deere builds all of their small tractors in Georgia at a Deere facility. They do use Yanmar engines and have for decades. 2016 was the last of the Yanmar built in Japan Deeres.
CaseIH and NH CUTs are built by LS Tractors.
Kubota and Kioti build their own.
TYM builds their own brand plus quite a few other brands.