I only agree with the following: Lack of position control for 3pt., lift capacity, oem front tires are lame. I don’t agree with where most folks relocate their fuel filter and I don’t find it hard to change the filter as is. I feel that most of your points are valid, though. Dollar for dollar and pound for pound, I’d still buy a 23s over any of the other brands, because: better sewer support in my area, better built, better engine that the competition, the brand is not likely to go away, good resale value, better operation (particularly the front bucket and backhoe).
I agree that I think Kubota is probably one of the better option as far as service goes. We recently got a TYM dealer in our area and I'm curious to see how business goes for them. However currently Kubota or JD are probably the top two options. Keep on tractoring!
I cross shopped the 2380 and the Kioti CS2220. Wound up with the Kioti. It comes stock about 2 inches wider in the rear than the kubota and has a few inches less ground clearance. That could be a con depending on your use, but it's more stable I feel, though still not perfect. It also has the better throttle lever you mentioned and a much higher lift capacity. Overall, better (to me) ergonomics and the higher lift capacity are what sold me, and getting it for a couple grand less with better financing was icing on the cake. Kubota makes great stuff, but I can't help but feel they've gotten a little too comfortable in their position.
Wheel spacers are 1st thing I did, 1 1/2 on the front, 2 on the back . Quick hitch is the way to go. I use chains with quick links, on my 3 point so I can go back to the same height every time bush hogging etc. The 2 brackets above the lift arms put a clevis on each side run a small chain down to each arm and use the links to set your height. I would like a different height control to but, it is what it is so, I try to find easy ways around some of the issues. Front tires, go with 8 ply and be done with the thin ones. Belly guard from BRO-TEC. I’m on my 2nd BX I’ve owned, 2680 (600 hrs in 2.5 yrs)now a 23S. Just passing on what I’ve learned.
I went for a 2380. I do miss a three point position control. Functionaly I miss that most. Also missing are split breaks. The diff lock has a bad reputation, and is tough to function. The fuel system is irksome. Not filter at the fill inlet, that is lame. Cold can gell fuel here. Traditional visiable filters are a no brainer. 1 ½" wheel spacers made a world of differance. The ride is more comfortable, and they do not interfear with the 60" belly mower. The loader lift is a bit lite, but the tractor can't handle much more anyway. It is what it is. More break out power would not hurt. An economy rpm mode would be nice. Often huge power is not needed for mowing, the option to reduce engine rpm would also quiet things down. My unit came with the radial tires. These are great. I have a bigger tractor for rough work, otherwise adding belly shielding would be a must. There are some short cuts for replacing the plastic hydro cooling fan. Compacting any thing has a price. The BX size is what I wanted. I can run under normal over head doors with out thinking!
I agree totally 👍. I’m about to pull the trigger on a BX 23s with the cab & brush hog , backhoe & Kubota orange trailer . I’m trading in my trusty BX 1880 due to me buying some acreage in NH. The heated cab will be a lifesaver! Lol 😂
The cab is by far my favorite modification! You will love staying warm during the cold winter months. It sure make snow clearing a lot more fun! Keep on tractoring!
On my LS tractor i never had a problem with the throttle until I hauled it from Florida to Missouri and some how the lever became loose. So trying to bush hog my pastures i would have to keep my hand on it. So i started taking it apart and found the problem but getting a wrench in there became an issue. I thought who would design a product like this. After much figuring out i fixed the throttle and it works very well. At first when I adjusted it, it was too tight and I could barely move it and I fixed it just right.
One thing id like to see is to more the 3pt stabilizer links/factory turn buckles to the OUTSIDE of the lift arms like a normal tractor. That way you dont have to pull pins, adjust rods every time you change attachments A factory cab would be great! Other manufacturers offer a cab on the subcompacts....... Some factory tie down points would be nice
John, I had my tire guy put inner tubes into the front tires. My front tires hold air now. It’s a big problem to run low pressure in the front tires because you will roll the tire off the bead and ruin the tire. JMO. Enjoy The Journey - Cheers
@@ritterjon - according to my tire guy, once you run on the sidewalls and roll the bead the inside side wall comes apart and will not hold air. My tire guy runs a tire shop that services cars, farm tractors, and big rigs. What I'm trying to say is he seen a lot of tires. I bet your tires are good on the outside, but bad on the inside. Yeah, I know. I didn't want to hear that from my tire guy. The last time I replaced my front tires, I hit something and cut the valve stem the same day. Made another trip to the tire guy to have it fixed. Good luck with the front tires.
I’d agree with several of those. To me the proportional valve for the 3 point is a big one. I did a major regrading project at my home last year. Running a box blade or landscape rake is tough when you can’t easily repeat settings! I haven’t run wheel spacers, but it’s on my short list for upgrades. More lift capacity would be welcome, but might require the wider stance.
Great video, Jon, as always! I have a B2650 so no direct comparison, of course. But, there are issues that you highlighted which I share. First, PAINT!!!! Why, oh why, oh why can’t Kubota spend a few more dollars on high quality paint that won’t fade and won’t peel?!?! Good grief, I am so disappointed with the paint. Next, the blessed seat. Not comfortable and no lower back support. I have a bad back which is why I spent a fortune to buy the Kubota to clear snow in the first place!! Third, the front tires. Mine were Carlisle (sp?) too and they had rot cracks after three years. Had to spend almost a thousand bucks to buy new rims and tires to replace the old R4 with new Goodyear R14 tires. Again, not good. Finally, who designs access to the engine?!? The hood tilts to the back which is where the dipstick is located. The crumps, contortions, and the foul language I utter and have to endure is beyond frustrating! Seriously, Kubota, I love your equipment and the overall quality. But really, I would pay an extra thousand bucks on the cost of the machine to get something that will be easy to use and won’t look awful after three years!! As for different manufacturers, well, many folks here have ready access to a diversity of vendors and excellent service. Where I am on the planet, my options are abysmally few. That being said, having more choice would not have led me to choose any other vendor. Great video again, and, Kubota, if you are wisely watching Jon, hopefully, you will take all these constructive suggestions and criticisms to heart and build your equipment so that they can easily eclipse other competitors! Thank you! Take care.
How's she goin'? With the number of sub-compact tractor manufacturers on the market these days, if a tractor was not that great, it wouldn't be around for too long. The weaknesses you point out are valid and if all tractor manufacturers listened to us users, maybe there would be some changes made!! Take care!!
I agree the BX is due for a true redesign/overhaul I own a BX23S and it has several changes from the 25D but the underpinnings are the same as most of the frame mounted accessories will work from the old to new even the loader as you could get the swift-tach on a 25D when they were still being sold side by side of the BX23S. I love my BX but the loader should have been updated to lift more when the SSQA was added to the option list, I have purchased some upgraded cylinders an hopefully this helps but I think when I am ready I would look stronger at the B or LX machines unless there is some serious improvements with capabilities as this gets the job done but could definitely be improved.
Valid points, but I have two BXs and and bought a JD1025R for my son thinking I would trade a BX in for a 1025R; nope. I've got spacers, skid plate/belly protector, hazard light protectors from Paul Short Specialty Repairs and Custom Mods. I have several other tractors, so I can live with the BX shortcomings.Otherwise, I'd get a B2601 or Kioti.
For your front tire problem, may I suggest BKT 8-ply R4 tires? I had the same problem with my LS MT125. My FEL will pick up 1,000lbs to full height and about 1,600lbs off the ground. I had the same tires as you and they would squish almost to the rim. When you look at the ratings on the sidewalls, they cannot support that kind of weight so they flex a lot and you get grit in the bead which compromises the seal of the tire to the rim. I put BKT 8-ply R4 tires on mine and they can now handle more than I can throw at them. You can run them at 43psi and with a max load, I get almost no deflection on the sidewalls. I have not had a leak since the change.
I’m going to agree with everyone that mentioned paint. Not sure if your 2017 had a seat mounted “glove box” but it truly is the silliest thing on our 2023. It must be locked to stay closed and gloves must lay side-by-side to easily close.
Great video John. Was looking at a 2380, sat in a 1025 yesterday and enjoyed the fit, and just learned that summit is now in MN so will be checking them out as well (plus tym, just no local dealers close to me). Keep up the great content and looking forward to your snow videos again.
Compare the 1025 loader valve and the Kubota and see if the difference is a deal breaker for you. Kubota seems to have a smoother operation to me. TYM is growing and I think a real competitor. I haven't seen a Summit up close yet. Keep on tractoring!
Great video! In the near future I will either be getting an x700 series JD or a SCUT. I honestly would only need to add a Little Buck loader to the JD to fit my needs on my property but with that machine if my situation changed there is no option for attachments like a SCUT has. Anyway, it's nice to see an honest, well thought out list of things that could be approved upon. Many times you either get the folks that buy a particular brand and are not happy so they literally complain about everything or they bleed a certain color and think that brand "walks on water". Thanks again John.
I won't lie, I used to be one of those guys who thought Kubota was a perfect tractor. I've since changed my mind and have found plenty that they can still improve upon. Good luck to you as you find a machine to fit your needs. Keep on tractoring!
I was originally considering a BX. Upon specking it out I had to go with the b2601. It addresses most of you observations stated here. But my dealer said the wheel spacers are only 1" max. Not wide enuff IMO.
I looked at all the brands and I'll have to say I couldn't be happier with my 1025r JD but like all of them there are few things I would like to see improved on it. the reason I didn't go with the Kubota is the treadle and the position of the control arm for the loader the JD is so much more comfortable to operate.
Wanted to get a 1025r for to more hydraulic power. Not the dealership was doing a massive mark up. My bx23s was 26k. The jd1025r was 42k. Could get l series for that price
I agree with what you are saying I got same problem with front tire leaking slowly. But I did put a skid plate from bxpanded best thing I did. I go though a lot of tall suff I'm sure I would've lost my fan.
Just changed the fuel filters on my BX 2380 … Couldn’t agree with you more on being a pain in the the a// changing the one underneath… Wasn’t a happy camper lol
You are right about the tires. I also put tubes in the front it helps. But now I run the r14 tires muck better. If you are mowing lawn it does tear up the grass a little more.
My steering cylinder has blown apart twice now. The brackets are too light duty. Also my 3 point leaks down very quickly making it impossible to control my implement height.
In the end it all comes down to costs. Neil said about it in one of his videos. They try to stay at or below a certain price point. Everything adds additional costs these days. I agree things need updated on the bx23s. But I don’t want to pay out the butt for them. I’ve had mine since 2017 and in those 6 years the price has increased over $3,000 at my dealer.
If I gad it to do over again, I’d buy a mini-x and a Ventrac. My L4701 snd BX2680 get the jibs done… but the L isn’t enough for some things and the BX is flat scary on our hills. I’ve not had ANY issues with either (except the quick leak down on the BX). I did put armor under the BX since I don’t use a mid mount mower.
I agree with you on things that you have. But remember that they are not the only tractor that is on the street. Also the little things that you have a wish for . Maybe you will be able to afford the improvements that you are wanting. The people at Kubota or other brands don't do that for free!
My feeling is Kubota is more interested in the bottom line than quality. I’m on my 4th Kubota 1 BX and 3 B size. With each size there is more plastic, more safety switches and thinner metal. My B 8200 is much more robust than me B 3350. Try working on one of those with the grass cutting attachment underneath. My 8200 has the fuel filter and shut off value easy to reach. Try getting to the air filter with a plastic hood and no extra lifts to help out!! Kubota engineers probably have never had to work on the machines they design which I think should be a requirement for employment…
It is and it's always been about money. Most of the issues I talked about could be easy fixes though. Probably the most expensive being a position control valve. Keep on tractoring!
NO Powder Coat Paint on the Loader Quick attachment points. Smooth them and Polish them Kubota. The points don't need a super high RMS but a Ritter bit would help that $12.00 a tube red grease needed !
I'm wondering that because I added that fuel screen at the tank if I could just eliminate that filter all together. There is still another inline filter near the engine. My only concern is if the fuel pump can handle some small particulates. Keep on tractoring!
The throttle nut loosened on my BX after about a week, I think I replaced it with a nylon lock nut. Never had that issue again. But why didn’t kubota put one on? 7:11
i am just, looking into the market of a sub compact, i am leaning towards bx23s but just unsure, love the idea of the backhoe, but not sure if i'd use it as much as i thing i would. and i am green when it come to a tractor, so a service department is important, i have a kubota deal 15 miles north of me and a john deere about 17 miles north. not sure if i should stick to them because there close.
Well John , sorry to hear your not happy with your Kubota. I have several and are very happy for many years. Are they perfect? No, but I don’t feel qualified to tell them how to make their products. Maybe you should shop some of the competition, there are lots out there
No they’re not perfect but they could be a whole lot better. If we as customers don’t give our feedback these changes won’t happen. I’m just trying to make improvements using my channel as a means of communication. Keep on tractoring!
@@ritterjon or put wiring into the loom so we can just plug in lights, and a blank area on the dash to put switches and plug them in to the loom there too.
So a silly question right as I begin to watch this. Would you now knowing all these things buy a different tractor brand or otherwise versus what you have? For me, Kubota had some good things to offer but that trettle pedal was a deal breaker and I chose otherwise. For me now, 11 months into ownership I kick myself for being cheap and only going with what I “thought” I needed instead of getting a little bigger at the start.
My feelings about the treadle pedal are this; why doesn’t Kubota offer a kit that you could add to convert the treadle pedal to a twin touch. I think they lose a lot of sales because of it. Personally I don’t think it’s a big deal and I’ve grown to actually like it. Also, yes I’d still go with a BX because it offers more refinement than other tractors but that gap it closing as the competition improves. Dealer service is still a big factor for most however. Keep on tractoring!
I had just under 400 hours on my BX23S when I traded it in on a Kioti CK2620se cab. It had 2” spacers, the loader manifold quick connect got deleted at 20 hours for 4 individual flat faced couplings. Added the Curtis Cab the second winter I owned it. It was great but my new cab has no HST whine and has AC. The new LX3520su pricing knocked me right off my chair. Not mad at Kubota, just got the tractor I wanted in 2017 is all.
I'll tell you something else too is the seat you feel like you're falling out of it by just putting a half inch of washers under the front feel 10 times better keep on tractor
You will have no idea how much of a difference it makes all you have to do is take your seat off and then the two front studs you just drill those completely out take it to quarter 20s and like I said put about a half-inch of washers underneath it I'm telling you your legs will not hurt that's how I stopped it on mine
I paid way too much at Bro-tech. Apparently you can find them cheaper elsewhere. I think they are the same Size as some Jeep wheel spacers. Not sure what model years. Keep on tractoring!
At the 8:40 mark, Kubota could use a BETTER TOOL BOX ON ALL OF THEIR TRACTORS!!! Why in the world do they put those CHEAP PLASTIC tool boxes on their tractors?!
Because they’re cheap and it saves them money. Probably the biggest thing they cheap out on. The only decent ones are available aftermarket. Keep on tractoring!
@@ritterjonyou’re right it’s about money, but any improvements which add cost to the tractor will just be passed along to the customer. It’s about keeping the price down. A lot of the complaints about the BX don’t exist on the B01 series, but you pay for that refinement.
I agree, there are enough things I like about the BX to outweigh the things I dislike. However sub-compacts have been around awhile now with all the competition there should be an option with all those issues solved by now. Keep on tractoring!
I wouldn't buy an import tractor with no dealer support. Kubota are at least made in America with a big dealer network and huge parts catalog support. That's why I went with them even over a deere.
@brianhillis3701 that's not true at all. Kubota makes a significant amount of its parts domestically. I believe the BX line is made in America not assembled in America. I know for a fact that the engines are made in Illinois.
I worked at a kubota dealership for about a year and good lord, as far as I know they're made in Japan, but there are some cheap ways they design things, you mentioned some of them. I mean hell, even on some of their MX or M series tractors, you'll find something to complain about. But after working on them vs john deer tractors, I'd still pick a new holland
