Subcompact Tractors

[Muddyboots]

Ok, I have had Kubotas for 23 years. Most recent is BX2380, 60" midmower, loader and 4-way snow plow. This latest one is killing me with mechanical issues. My last one was bullet proof and prob should have kept it. Now my hydrostatic drive is crapping out.

Looking to switch colors but has to meet basic needs.
1) Sasquatch size cockpit space. Many do not have that.
2) 21-24hp diesel
3) loader with at least 750# lift
4) 60" midmower
5) 4-way snow plow off front frame. So far only found green to have that.

I have tried:
Bobcat - cockpit too small and no 4-way snow plow off front frame. Uses loader arms.

Bad Boy Buggy - same as Bobcat

Mahindra - meets EVERYTHING except snow plow. Really liked it!!! Of O go Aftermarket the valve must be replaced which is $$$.

TYM - no 60" mid mower. No sure of anything else since 60" is no go

Massey - TBD

New Holland - have friend who had one and not good review at all

Yanmar - TBD, the snow plow does not seem to be 4 way. Looks manual.

Kioti - have to look at cockpit. It has 50" front mounted snowblower that might be ok

What else is out there? What do you have and thoughts based upon my needs. Just remember size15 5E so cockpit space not negotiable!

 

[74honker]

You have a challenging box to fill there Muddy. Cockpit size is gonna be toughest unless you upsize tractors. Deere is nice but don't know if the extra high price tags are worth it and God forbid you have to pay for service, CHA CHING! Don't know much on the snowplow stuff. IMO if the Kubotas have served you well, they make a decent tractor, you may have just gotten a Monday or Friday machine this go around. Alot of these smaller machines are all made the same just different paint and stickers ie, New Holland, CaseIH, Farmall, etc. Hydrostats are not cheap to fix on anything.

 

[dashaw]

I have a kubota and it has done me well. Sub or compact? Compact I would go L series, Sub B series are only lawnmowers on steroids. I come from a farming background and mine is an L and it is about as sissified as I could stand for a tractor. Any less and it is just a glorified lawnmower.

I see it all the time since one of the larger Kubota dealerships are only just a few miles from my house and I do some welding for them. It is amazing what folks do to them thinking they have industrial or land clearing machines.

 

[Turpentine21]

I have a kubota and it has done me well. Sub or compact? Compact I would go L series, Sub B series are only lawnmowers on steroids. I come from a farming background and mine is an L and it is about as sissified as I could stand for a tractor. Any less and it is just a glorified lawnmower.

I see it all the time since one of the larger Kubota dealerships are only just a few miles from my house and I do some welding for them. It is amazing what folks do to them thinking they have industrial or land clearing machines.

Very common theme. Folks buy a little tractor and push it way past its capabilities. They don't last long like that.
I'm also from a farm and heavy equipment background. I prefer Green where tractors and farm equipment are concerned. But they are expensive. Kubota would definitely be my second choice in a smaller tractor. I always like to have a bit more tractor than I actually need. Then I don't have to push it too hard.
I don't dislike Massy Ferguson but I've never been around one that didn't leak oil in multiple places after a while.

 

[adam32+P]

Look at LS, they might have something that'll fit your needs.

 

[TontoDean]

I have had good luck with Kubota. They last forever. Most people wear out the deck but the tractor is still going.
Just remember that available parts way down the road are really important. Expensive, but available.

 

[twraska]

If I were going to buy one tomorrow, it would be between orange and green. We have a BX2200, brother in law has a newer green one 1023 I think. Both have done well. Can't say anything bad about the others, but I believe resale will be less than the two I mentioned. But that is here, your mileage may vary.

 

[jamie eaton]

I have a 35 hp Mahindra . I love it . I don't mow with it other than the brush hog , have a zero turn for mowing . I do love the bucket it's a back saver . I went without the cab .

 

[BigNate]

Hate to say it but if you're ruining a hydrostatic you need to move up.

 

[Muddyboots]

This is just used for mowing (maybe 2 acres?) and snow plowing which is what is driving me nuts. Not turning dirt, used a 3pt thatcher for lawn. A ride around mower can do this but I wanted something little "tougher" years ago. My first BX 2260 was bullet proof. So running these tractors for 22+ years just mowing and snow. I PM the crap out of them way more frequent than manual. Use Kubota products. This tractor has been royal PITA since I bought it. One issue after another. Axle seals, valves etc which is a design issue. The loader "quick" connect system is a freaking joke. You cannot back blade (pole barn driveway) or you might pop the loader out of connection. I popped mine and thankfully have a 1 ton floor hoist to lift and reconnect. The loader support arms are flimsy in comparison to previous setup. Previous tractor had pinned loader and support arms heavier steel. The new quick connect hydraulic loader system has leaked like sieve since day one. You can sit there for an hour trying to release pressure before disconnecting but still leaks. It just drips over time. I keep it outside since I don't want pole barn concrete screwed up. Axle seal leaked hydraulics all over floor already. My snow plow hydraulic connectors are standard and never leak. But the hydraulic hoses on plow when new were garbage. Three years and all leaked at compression point. New replacement hoses built like a tank. Gee, give crap then good stuff? The plow though works great. The mid mower is indestructible IMO and never any issues from previous tractor to this one. The HST is not being ruined by anything I use it for; mowing and snow plowing. The HST is designed for this type of minimal yard work. Heck I turned dirt with first Kubota but not this one. I have no idea WTH is going on with this tractor.

My son's Bobcat is built like a tank in comparison and is pinned loader. Just too bad cockpit is too small and no 4 way plow. The Kioti has promise and looking at one this week.

I am looking at another Kubota only because it has everything I need and my current one was a Friday afternoon build. I am though looking at the B Series one step up.

I take care of my stuff, 2009 Ram 2500 4x4, quad can, 8' box bought new and has 210K on it, 5.7 Hemi does not burn oil and tranny, transfer case, axles are solid. PM the crap out of it.

You take really good care of a mechanical product beyond manual and things still happen makes you wonder. I am betting my unit is an anamoly.

 

[AJ Peacock]

Maybe you just need 2 different products? A nice zero turn mower and a tractor (or 4x4) for plowing??

AJ

 

[skipglo]

I sure do like my Massey....32 HP diesel having its 20 th birthday this year...it has its original battery and starts without being plugged in at -20 still.....

 

[Philward]

Ok, I have had Kubotas for 23 years. Most recent is BX2380, 60" midmower, loader and 4-way snow plow. This latest one is killing me with mechanical issues. My last one was bullet proof and prob should have kept it. Now my hydrostatic drive is crapping out.

Looking to switch colors but has to meet basic needs.
1) Sasquatch size cockpit space. Many do not have that.
2) 21-24hp diesel
3) loader with at least 750# lift
4) 60" midmower
5) 4-way snow plow off front frame. So far only found green to have that.

I have tried:
Bobcat - cockpit too small and no 4-way snow plow off front frame. Uses loader arms.

Bad Boy Buggy - same as Bobcat

Mahindra - meets EVERYTHING except snow plow. Really liked it!!! Of O go Aftermarket the valve must be replaced which is $$$.

TYM - no 60" mid mower. No sure of anything else since 60" is no go

Massey - TBD

New Holland - have friend who had one and not good review at all

Yanmar - TBD, the snow plow does not seem to be 4 way. Looks manual.

Kioti - have to look at cockpit. It has 50" front mounted snowblower that might be ok

What else is out there? What do you have and thoughts based upon my needs. Just remember size15 5E so cockpit space not negotiable!

I have a Massey GC1725, cockpit will probably be tight for you and I think the loader lift is about 650. Needs more ground clearance and I would prefer a manual trans but not offered in this size unit. A 1E.25 might work but it's physically larger, not sure about the snow plow stuff.

 

[Greta06]

I think you will like the Kioti, my buddy just got a 2620 last year with the full cab. We are both squatch sized like you and the cab is very big and comfortable. He loves it so far, around 150 hrs and no issues.