Are Sub-Compact Tractors Useless?(Waste of Money)

[@kds471]

Seems like a waste of time with the small bucket until you are the guy in the trench digging with a shovel, or moving 3 yards of gravel with shovel and wheel barrow.

[@TheFunnyCarpenter]

No doubt!😂

[@gregglouis2969]

@@TheFunnyCarpenter highly recommend the 1025r if you get a Deere. I use mine religiously

[@daszieher]

in digging up the (brick and mortar) foundations for re-insulation in a centuries-old house (it should be around 200ft) a company is quoting me 30k for earth moving alone. for that money, I'd figure I'd buy myself a "toy" and do most of the work myself. 😃

[@GoldenKnights50]

Exactly. Lol

[@aaronsperbeck1613]

God damn right

[@JimYeats]

Absolutely a useful machine. Sure, some tasks may take longer because it’s small, but it is incredibly useful around home.

[@moto5914]

I love my Kubota BX23S. Extremely useful and fits in my 12’ dump trailer. I love the grapple for moving and loading logs. Every machine has its limits and it’s important to understand them. For those that trash talk sub compacts…some of us prefer the small size for use in confined spaces. I spend a lot less time conducting manual labor. Some bigger tasks take longer or require some ingenuity and applying mechanical advantage to get it done, but it’s a very capable machine for its size.

[@D70340]

Amen to your statement. Our BX23s is plenty of tractor for my wife & i. The JD1025r couldn`t get into the tight places we`ve had our BX23s in and out of. We tried BOTH tractors out. The BX23s was the better choice without any doubt. Not to mention, we didnt pay those over inflated cost for the green machine name. Our deal for the Kubota BX23s was $5000 cheaper.

[@benjaminreeser283]

@@D70340 who did you end up buying the BX from? cheers!

[@gary4345]

Love mine. Have completed many projects around here. Including backhoe, I have box blade and tiller also

[@lifentimes]

yes, I love the compact design, bigger machine can do more work but its USELESS if its too big to get around a pond, betweene garage and house, through the back gate and rip out stumps from a back yard, without destroying the property and removing a section of fence, btw bigger maching means bigger trailer and truck too !! my half ton truck hauls it around great !! I LOVE IT !

[@crrc4s]

I have a 23s and love it. It’s versatile, small and powerful enough to get into trouble. I’ve consistently moved things heavier then it weight rating through some tricks I know from my years of operation on full size equipment.

[@michaelwilson7110]

Worst backhoe still better than the best shovel

[@jonathanmagic5633]

I have a BX in Australia and grapple was not available, all I could get was 4 in 1 bucket which holds literally no more than a wheel barrow load, I find it's limit pretty much everytime I use it and would definitely consider sizing up however getting in and out of tight spaces is excellent if you have plenty of time as everything slow going. I also use the mid deck mower a lot and even though taking the loader and backhoe on and off is quite easy it's still a pain to be doing on a regular basis. Thanks for the video.

[@drmkiwi]

If you are thinking about getting forks for logs, (you may already be aware) there are forks with an opposable "thumb" and the thumb is controlled by hydraulics (so that also needs to be available on your machine). Makes manipulating logs onto and around your mill much easier. Cheers and thanks for the video, David

[@oldnorthstateoutdoors2002]

Your local dealer is one of the most important factors when buying a tractor. Pick wisely and talk to some people that have bought there. My local Massey Ferguson dealer is awesome. I bought the 1725M sub compact and I absolutely love it. It's amazing what that little tractor is capable of doing. I also bought an old 150 used from the 1960's it is handy for the stuff that the sub compact doesn't do as well. Plowing with a two bottom plow, digging post holes with a 12" auger, and using a one row cultivator. The subcompact just isn't tall enough for the plow and cultivator and the larger tractor just handles the auger easier.

[@gerryplante2651]

I have a 2003 Kubota BX 2200. I have worked it hard including in the woods cutting 6 cords of firewood from tree to wood stove. I have learned a lot through the years including how to pick up heavy logs. It has never broken down. Just routine maintenance. (I have an after market backhoe. It works fairly well but it is fair for smaller projects.) I am 100% satisfied with my sub compact Kubota. Good luck with whatever tractor you decide to get. You will find it incredibly useful.

[@TheFunnyCarpenter]

Thanks for the info Gerry! I ended up getting the 1025R. Boy is it ever handy to have a tractor with forks!

[@daletanner6911]

I have a Bobcat compact size tractor, 27hp. I was looking at the sub-compacts but my dealer recommended the compact size. Not that much more money. I’m really glad I did buy the compact size. Occasionally, I wish I had gone a little bit bigger. Keep up the good work!

[@TheFunnyCarpenter]

Thanks Dale🍻

[@anfernyjackson9013]

Anecdotally, I see a lot of people switching over to Bobcat for tractors. I'm hoping they also get into large scale farming equipment

[@zupmeoff]

We have a John Deere that size. Used it to dig out the foundation around a home to repair a crack in the block wall. Have done some grading corrections and stone driveway work. Great for clearing snow.

[@TheFunnyCarpenter]

Good to know! I think despite its small size that type of tractor could be very handy.

[@b_uppy]

It's certainly useful in that it fits into small spaces.

[@AB0BA_69]

@@TheFunnyCarpenter Is repairability a concern for you? Deere is notorious to be hostile to their users when it comes to DIY repairs and that their repairs are expensive.

[@TheFunnyCarpenter]

@@AB0BA_69 interesting point

[@AB0BA_69]

@@TheFunnyCarpenter No worries. FWIW I don't know anything about Kubota brand or whether it's any better in this respect. Just as an "outsider" looking in I only have a negative impression of Deere as a company.

[@arthurwhite8245]

Thanks a lot man, some very interesting insights. Thanks for taking the time to make this vid.

[@TheFunnyCarpenter]

Thanks for checking it out. I ended up getting a John Deer 1025R. I love it! So handy for snow removal, driveway maintenance and moving stuff around with the forks.

[@arthurwhite8245]

@@TheFunnyCarpenter Its always a problem when looking for a multifunction piece of kit, you know that its going to be a compromise but the question is always which functions am I prepared to compromise on the most. Especially when you don't really want to compromise at all! 😏 Best regards from Italy

[@georgesmith5185]

I've had a BX 2380 for a couple of years. Great machine for me as I have the large mower deck which works really well for my 2 acres. Still not to heavy for being on the lawn but plenty handy with the loader. Have forks and front blade along with a back blade. Live in Michigan so for winter use, I have a Curtis cab. Has been trouble free and my local Kubota dealer is really great.

[@1millionstartups]

I have the Kioti subcompact to use on lawns and you’d amazed how much use you get with more rear weights low down and more attachments like grapple/pallet forks.

[@lancelineberry4335]

Wow! Just the comparison video I was looking for. Thanks for sharing!

[@roadglide1142]

When you were back dragging with the Kubota did you have the transmission in low range ? Probably Not . Good luck with that JD Pin 📌 on bucket . I’ll take the skid steer quick disconnect system to change out implements over the JD bucket any day!

[@D70340]

I`ve owned JD`s for decades. There is a good reason there is now a Kubota BX23s sitting in my garage today. JD couldn`t even come close to the deal i got with the Kubota dealer. You can always add shims to the hydraulic pump relief valve too, to increase the lift capacities. Its real simple to do. Just keep it under 2000psi. The BX will do anything a JD1025r will do, all day long. Another thing that turned me off to JD, was not only the hefty price tag, but they will void your warranty for the dumbest things. The JD FEL & backhoes are made in china and mexico too. No thanks!

[@John-ye4nv]

Both the Deer and the Kubota you are looking at are Agricultural level tractors. They will do jobs you showed in video, but with a lot of struggle. If you want a construction grade tlb but want a smaller compact unit look at Kubota B26, L47, or M62. I have the M62 and for my uses it’s strong, capable and outshines any Ag level tractors. The frame is strengthened and there are multiple options that are designed to help with construction related work.

[@mechanought3495]

In-laws have that tractor and I have used it fairly extensively to work on their property and while it's not a powerhouse, it's definitely useful as hell. Only after I started using the little tractor did I realize just how useful the damn thing was for so many different tasks. Got a land-planer and graded about an acre to relative flatness. It took a while, but it beat the hell out of doing it any other way. Dug several 30 - 50 foot trenches for plumbing and irrigation. Scooped and laid gravel. Helped clear out some trees than fell over during a crazy winter storm. Hell I've used it to tote shovels and power tools across the property. Definitely getting one for myself when me and the wife get some property. Was the John Deere you got significantly more expensive?

[@booifojoe]

Both tractors are good. I'm primarily moving brush and downed trees to a fire pit with it when needed on my private property. The BX 2380 with grapple has been perfect for what I use it for.

[@coreysmith2774]

I have a Yanmar 223 with loader bucket, as well as a box blade and backhoe attachments for the rear. I remove cedar and oak stumps with the backhoe. The 48" box blade with scarfire is effective, as long as your patient and experienced.

[@tomm8650]

I bought a pair of pallet forks for about a hundred bucks and use them all the time such as moving logs (pine & spruce), lumber etc. Its really handy to pick up logs and lift them for bucking.

[@lvlndco]

I've got a little Ford 1210, it is easy to get into sketchy situations with the bucket. The bucket can easily hold and the hydraulics lift too heavy a load. But if you are careful and keep the bucket low these can do a lot. I did get forks for mine and that really helps clear out fallen trees.

[@tomtom6319]

after 3 years i love mine, it took 50 hours to really learn how to actually make it do the things its supposed to do, it can do anything a large tractor can do however the capacities and speed are scaled with the size. I highly recommend this unit.

[@Redneck_Ed]

I have a comparison video on my channel with side by side specs for many of the sub compact brands, but specs are only part of the equation as you have already figured out. How the machine feels to you and dealer factors are also super important. The backhoe would be nice if you have known regular uses for it. Otherwise, better to just rent a mini excavator on demand or use a 3 point attachment to assist with shallow trenching jobs.

[@TheFunnyCarpenter]

No doubt on the mini excavator! I’d much rather just rent one. We will see how it goes, I’d like to make a path around the property.

[@markedward5941]

Great video thanks. One tip would be slinging heavy loads, it's hands down the number one easiest way to tip a BX23s on flat ground with almost zero steering input. Watch one video of it happening and you'll probably never sling that much weight, that far from your bucket again.

[@jacobew2000]

Sometimes a small tractor is better than none, and having to do everything with a shovel and wheelbarrel, or by dragging a log by yourself.

[@WowRixter]

Now that's different for this channel. Looking forward to seeing what you got and how you use it

[@TheFunnyCarpenter]

Thanks Ric!🍻

[@chickenneck]

I love mine. It takes longer than a skid steer or big tractor, but a big tractor won't get into most of the spots you need it around the house. Big tractors are for large jobs. This is perfect for 2-6 acre property.

[@kenito1967]

.. to add to your comment, it will also work for down to 1/2 acre up to 6 acres. I say that because I have .7 acre and my Kubota has a 60 inch deck. I do my front and back yard lawn in 25 minutes. My old Troybilt riding mower took an hour. But if the grass were taller than 6 inches, or wet my Troybilt would bog down. Then I had to make a half bite to cut the grass which took double the time. My Kubota will cut 18 inch of grass dry or wet. And I highly doubt my Troybilts deck will last more than 20 years before rusting out. But that's the difference between a $1099 in 2016 Troybilt (now $2600) riding mower compared to my 2018 Kubota BX23S in bought in 2021 for $18,000. To pay someone to cut my grass would be at least $200 a month (at least 10 months a year here in Florida) $2000 year. I've already saved $8000 towards the price just by mowing (4 years at $2000 a year). And I've lent my machine to my new neighbor who moved in last year. He has same size property. So you could say another $4000 savings there too.

[@MrManic52001]

Why are you not looking at the b series? B2601 is the same size as the John deere.

[@robincompton01]

Good Job my Friend... This Kabota Demo is ideal for my needs around the House... Thanks again for sharing this Video with the World... RLC...

[@ProfessionalDad]

Just got Yanmar 221. The jury is still on on what she can do. Fingers crossed. This was reassuring

[@knirbnosaj1158]

I love my LS MT122. After building one retaining wall with just a Gorilla Wagon, I can really appreciate the value of these little guys.

[@iwantosavemoney]

I wonder if you can put a trencher on one of these I just think it is a great attachment

[@kenito1967]

BXPanded makes a 6 inch or 4 1/2 inch trenching bucket for the BX23S. If you also get the Quick-On Back Hoe Connector, switching from the 12 inch bucket to the trenching bucket is quick and easy. I bought both to do trench for my sprinklers and putting in my electric line under ground.

[@mrgregpappas]

Good video. Update on your usage so far?

[@RPmusic06]

Great video bud!!! really nice to see this, this is like a dream for me 🤣😂 to be able to buy such great equipment. i really enjoyed it bud! have a great weekend!!!🍻🍻

[@TheFunnyCarpenter]

🍻cheers buddy, keeping working hard you’ll get there💥

[@RPmusic06]

@@TheFunnyCarpenter yes bud!!!!

[@konikacariapa3289]

Hi, Thank you for the video. Would you say that the backhoe also serves the purpose of stabilizing the tractor even if it isn't so great on functionality? Thank you again

[@kenito1967]

.. the backhoe definitely helps to stabilize the loader. My neighbor bought a pallet of St Augustine grass and was going to use a wheel barrow to move the 115 pieces of grass (24 inches x 18 inches and probably 20 pounds each) from his driveway to a spot in his backyard. Probably about 80 feet. He estimated 5 pieces in each trip. Would have taken him about 26 trips back and forth. Probably about 2 hours by himself. I brought over my Kubota BX23S with my loader, but without my back hoe on it. I did that so not to create ruts in his present lawn. I have grass tires, too with the larger foot print. It rained the day before. We put 20 pieces in my bucket at a time. Had we put more, my back end would have come off the ground. If the backhoe were on it, it would not have. But, again the added weight would have rutted his lawn. We were done in 15 minutes !!!! And no back break.

[@pah9134]

The Kioti is a pretty serious contender if you have a dealer near you. More bank for the buck over jd. Same south korean manufacturer that bobcat uses for their compact tractors. I have jd now but in the process of moving up.

[@TheFunnyCarpenter]

1025R?

[@pah9134]

@@TheFunnyCarpenter mine is older 4310. Looking at a bigger dk5010 kioti. I had problems with the jd dealer near me.

[@kdegraa]

Thinking about buying a little Kubota BX. We have a Kubota MX5200 with a loader and 4 in 1 bucket. It’s a good tractor and big enough for many tasks, especially mowing in our orchard. However it’s too big to mow round trees. So maybe a little Kubota with a belly mower would be the go. Our place is hilly so I don’t think a zero turn would work well, especially when it’s wet.

[@rajibjoshi9647]

I think a 3 hp tiller and 18 hp. mini tractor are good combo to have on a small acreage with few cattle, garden and feed growing seems like good investment having a trolley would be great you can take out harvest out of the field and bring in manure etc. would cut down a lot on manual labour and make farming 'bearable'

[@Glynchbrook]

I can’t decide whether to get a ride on mower or small tractor. I feel like it would be handy and have attachments or maybe the separate mower and excavator is best. I’m still undecided but your video is helpful.

[@JohnnyRebKy]

I have a 1025R John Deere. It’s like a Swiss Army knife…it does everything. It mows the lawn, grades the driveway, plows a garden, and serves as little bull dozer 👍

[@maintenancewithmike]

Love my Bx! Don’t think you can go wrong with either. Dealership support is huge so I get it.

[@azrls43185]

Had Bx23 and loved it. Think of it as the world's greatest wheelbarrel and shovel. It's no crap but does have limitations and not for the big jobs.

[@HuongPham-it9lj]

Your content is very engaging

[@stuartkorte1642]

Nope. My 1880 allows me to do homeowner projects I’d never want to tackle by hand. Dealing with 12 huge trees, grading around new shop, mowing grass, filling holes.

[@stevemarquis7704]

I just found this video so a very late response: For an older person like myself on a few acres these size tractors are a gold mine. Keep in mind they have a belly mower so the BX can do a lot more quicker than the push mower and wheelbarrow. And it fits in tight spaces. A 4WD diesel subcompact like this is way beyond simple hand tools. The 'niche market' is not that niche - its every landowner with any acreage. Not pretending this is for commercial construction - I have a neighbor with a mid size excavator for that. Then I follow behind with the Kubota, then behind that with hand tools. This 'tiered' system of work will let me maintain my small homestead much later in life - best investment we've made make no mistake.

[@joshuaroberts7511]

The 1025 r and b series kubota I feel are more comparable, the bx compares more to the 1023, I ended up going kubota b series but I like the pedal setup and Kubota didn’t shut off mower when you go in reverse

[@MadHatter764]

I am not familiar with tractors much, but why just 25HP? I think this other guy, Sawing with Sandy, has a 39 HP Kioti that is much better for loading logs onto his sawmill. Are 35+ HP tractors too big to transport by trailer easily? Where would you be trailering your tractor to ?

[@TheFunnyCarpenter]

Sawing with Sandy is awesome. The sun compact tractors are nice in that they are very stable on hills and they take up less space if you want to park it in the garage.

[@davehoward2791]

25 hp is the max you can get before you have to have all the emissions equipment on the engine, so many people stay under that threshold so they don’t have to deal with regen cycles and all the associated problems that come with more complicated engine systems. That’s why the 25 hp compact utility tractors, which are somewhat larger and heavier than subcompacts, are so popular with homeowners with 10 acres of land or less.

[@kenito1967]

​@@TheFunnyCarpenter... you can get wheel spacers for the back tires that'll improve your stability too. A 2 inch spacer works wonders.

[@mcconja]

I’m thinking about this model but may step up one size.

[@cynthiajohnston424]

Smaller sizes are darn useful on horse properties for barn & pasture chores daily use , year round .

[@skinner.b350]

They are small but I've been able to remove large tree stumps (4ft in diameter) just fine. It took several hours and the tractor couldn't lift the stump but my truck was able to pull the stump out. I was able to use the loader to roll the stump to my burn pile.

[@makincash3337]

How much was the rental?

[@jamesvelvet3612]

That toy TLB is for gardening and is perfect for that job. This job would be for something like my Deere 46hp 4 series compact with 48 Backhoe. I like this little Kubota for my summer home with in-town lot.

[@mikeamyotte6584]

Where abouts are you? I have a prairie coast equipment down the street from me in Kelowna BC. Always interesting when you see something that looks close to home. I picked up a new Holland tractor in 2018. Great tractor but it's not a sub compact. It's a compact tractor for my farm.

[@TheFunnyCarpenter]

I’m in Chilliwack- Kelowna area is very nice my sister lives in Penticton.

[@mikeamyotte6584]

@@TheFunnyCarpenter that's awesome. Love your channel.

[@rpaasse6453]

so, you are going to build? Hope so, looking forward to it!

[@TheFunnyCarpenter]

Thanks mate

[@JonsDailyHustle]

Im actually hoping to get a small tractor like that this year i hope, beats a shovel and wheel barel thats for sure lol

[@tfish1955]

Just bought the Kioti cs2020 haven't picked it up yet. Hope it does ok.

[@HioSSilver1999]

My old 03 bx22 still serves me well. Alot of your issues looked to be operator error.

[@shawnmatthews5118]

What’s the price difference?

[@wipatriot510]

"useless", no, HOWEVER, people often buy them on pricepoint instead of gauging the work needed to be done, and end up being dissatisfied with the tractor and it's abilities... Not only does the buyer have a responsibility to do their own research, but the seller(most dealerships) have a responsibility to say, "no that isn't going to work for what you need it for", instead of just selling them what they think they want... I bought a 2008 Montana R4344 in 2009 with just a tad over 200hrs, it now has 860+hrs and I've never looked back, it's done everything I've asked of it, including pulling a 14' disk, but it's NOT a "sub" compact, but a compact...

[@snakeplisken2123]

I’ve heard several people say I wish I got the next size up, they all had bigger tractors than that thing.

[@erikscott5709]

It will just barely fit through a four foot gate and dig modest swimming pools - very slowly. It's a niche market. Also popular with plumbers - add a six inch wide bucket to your arsenal. You can dig for septic tanks and trench with the same machine, and again it will fit in tight spots.

[@batbawls]

3:47 (Bob Ross voice) "we're gonna add just tiny little scoops"

[@smeefamily54]

It has a six (6) year warranty or 2,000 hours. I have had mine for a year now and use it all year round. Snow blowing and earth moving. Only managed to get 183 hours so far. I sometimes just go for a drive. Buy one if you can afford it. $25,000. approx. Canadian price.

[@ianholmes1468]

Like the mini diggers of the 1970s we all used 7 ton plus backhoe loaders , and though a mini digger was a joke , but you have to know it's limits , my first mini digger was a power fab 125 w which was towable behind a car or small van , this was 1980 , I still have it ! A small machine that can dig and load , and will work in confined spaces is great , it beats a pick and shovel ,

[@markcole6475]

I guess overall it’s better than digging if you have a small property to take care of and wanting to do yard work! Having a belly mower would make it more versatile also. Bigger jobs might make using the BX size dangerous in some ways.. They are handy tractors to have with job size appropriate

[@treylem3]

Great vid about BX vs 1025r

[@86steelrain]

All just depends on what you're wanting to do. Personally looking at a 20+HP Kioti sub compact. Not bothering with a backhoe. Will just rent an excavator for the few times I need that functionality.

[@WisconsinDIYGuy]

Love my JD 1 series. It's plenty of machine for my needs. But I wouldn't get the backhoe. I can have a 7000 lb'er rented and delivered for the entire weekend for 500. And i'm lucky to need one every 3 years. Breakout on the sub compacts is less than 2K and even that 7K lb rental had a lot of trouble digging small stumps out.

[@johnmercer5397]

Steer clear of the John Deere, I bought an LS MT125 for about $10k less. Can't remove the bucket from the seat or don't have a drive over MMM, but used the $10k to BUY THE MMM AND GRASS CATCHER.

[@gregorymacneil2836]

So, the B2601 might be a better sized machine for you given your height. The better tool for levelling the driveway may have been a rear mounted box blade. Backhoes are not cheap but if you are going to landscape your property they are great. The problem with the smaller machines is that the hydraulic pumps and values do not facilitate full pressure and volume to all cylinders at the same moment so there is a learning curve to backhoe and loader smoothness on a subcompact tractor. The little BX with backhoe is however a very capable machine if you are under 5 acres and ground clearance is not an issue. I went to a larger machine for the lift capacity on the loader. Pallet forks are by far the best attachment you can have - mine stay on the tractor all the time. The backhoe means you really never need think about a counter weight for the loader. For logs on a small mill you want a minimum of 1000 lbs not including the weight of the pallet forks. I have been impressed with my Everything Attachment forks Green or Orange is fine - but make sure you play safe

[@Zenkai76]

I been looking at both and Decided to go with the 1025R, it's funny that we both are coming to the same conclusions why

[@TheFunnyCarpenter]

I’ve had the 1025r for a year now, and it’s been great. I probably would have got the kubota, but the guy at the dealership was pretty lame. I have no regrets going green.

[@ironwood3201]

Small machines are really useful and efficient

[@TheFunnyCarpenter]

Yes they are!

[@timmietimmins3780]

My sense is that these are fine to rent, but if you don't use it often, why are you buying it, and if you DO use it often, is this really the tool for you? I would think you would pick up something much more specialized for your trade. It doesn't look to have much more, if any, capacity than say, a skid steer, but those things fit EVERYWHERE, and load onto a trailer very easily. That's what all the landscapers in my area use, and it's what I have hours on. Maybe it's a toy for retirees? Teach the grandkids how to dig? Or if you are super rural and on an acreage, and can't get to a rental depot? or work in super muddy areas, where the super short wheelbase of a skid steer can lead them to getting stuck?

[@TheFunnyCarpenter]

Some good points! The things I like is being able to tow it easy on a trailer, fits nicely in the garage, cheaper than a skid steer, probably more enjoyable to ride around on than a skid steer, drive on grass nicely. For any serious work though a skid steer will destroy one of these tiny tractors!

[@karlhungus545]

Skid steers are a lot more expensive, especially when you start adding attachments. They are also a lot heavier, so you need a trailer with at least 7,000lb axles to tow them. My dad has a skid steer, but he has 200 cattle, so he can justify it. They also don't rent these at any rental place where we live in Saskatchewan, but they do rent skidsteers and the mini-excavators. I think I'll be getting a 35-45hp tractor however for mowing trails through the forest, digging, and especially snow-removal on my 160 acre acreage, once we move out of the city. Even this will cost about half that of a skidsteer.

[@chdinct6792]

Your call on what to get, but you won’t find JD equipment for rent at Home Depot or about any rental house and I’ve owned both.

[@TheFunnyCarpenter]

How’d you like the JD?

[@chdinct6792]

@@TheFunnyCarpenter OK, guess I took a swipe at JD. I actually had a JD X485 (same as the X700 series now) with a front end loader and three point hitch. My dislike was the plastic hood and fenders. A chunk of ice fell on the hood one winter clearing snow and cracked it, so not a fan of the plastic parts and probably a big reason you don't see the smaller JDs at rental yards. Also, regarding hp, I don't think the few extra hp will make any difference on traction going up your hill. Usually, traction is more a function of weight and tire choice. The extra hp is more important for pto driven implements like a wood chipper, generator, etc. As for the backhoe, I think you're underestimating their capability. I've taken out decent size stumps with my BX25 (older version of the new BX23s), which I've had for 12 years with no issues. It will take more time digging with the small BH compared to a larger machine or excavator but seat time is part of the fun. For extra performance, I load cement blocks or something heavy in the front end loader (keeps the tractor front end from coming up too easily while digging) and placing rubber chocks behind the rear wheels to keep the backhoe from dragging the tractor backwards so easily. I find those two "adjustments" really help digging performance. Regarding the difference in lifting ability between the two, JD runs their hydraulic pump IIRC at about 2000 or 2100 psi while Kubota spec's theirs at about 1800. You can turn up the pressure on the kubota (I'm sure there are KZbin vid's on it) if needed though you may void your warranty if they claim it caused some issue. (I turned mine up to 2000 psi years ago with no problem). Anyway, hope some of this is helpful to your decision. Good luck.

[@kenito1967]

​@@chdinct6792.. thanks for the tip in putting cement blocks in the loader to weigh it down. I've had my BX backhoe pull my machine downhill while trenching.

[@vontrap6942]

I think bumping up to a B2301 is the way to go if you can afford it. A little bigger but has more capability. I'd have a BX in a heartbeat though. It saves your back and dos the work of 10 men.

[@JimYeats]

The small backhoe is both a pro and a con. If you’re doing trenches and tight work the Kubota is phenomenal.

[@KT-en8pq]

Its a giant 4x4 lawnmower with a bucket. Very fast a great homeowner tractor that does all small jobs quickly.

[@regularguy9264]

Make sure you get one of those legendary hats!

[@TheFunnyCarpenter]

No doubt!

[@kellywilson8440]

If you live in town its probably not feasible or needed to own a compact , If you have some property you will find them very handy for alot of uses !

[@nonyadamnbusiness9887]

Try getting a 40hp tractor into the backyard of a city lot.

[@kmb957]

Bye bye fence

[@guyelluzzi2705]

For many this class of tractor is jus the right size, a one machine fits all solution. Not too big for a mid mount mower, but big enough to run a loader, backhoe, and a variety of other ground engaging attschments.

[@jacobsoby3910]

Dude! That's a good way to bend your bucket... Take the bucket off before lifting.

[@Cummins6720]

I work for kubota. We sell many of them strong little machine. If you are doing more landscape maintance i say go up one size. To LX or even a L series. The L2602 is a big time seller. Still 26hp . No dpf system and much larger frame.

[@danielhammer7148]

Not sure your service and repair intentions but with John Deere they are against right to repair and can lock you out of doing your own maintenance or void warranty.

[@TheFunnyCarpenter]

That’s an interesting point, thanks for bringing it up- I’ll definitely ask about this.

[@coatknight]

@@TheFunnyCarpenter, heard from a farmer and few others that JD doesn't give the same support and have made certain parts proprietary, voiding warranties etc. Hearsay though.

[@chrisb4419]

I have installed hundreds of feet of utility trenches and built endless terraces with my BX25 It's a BEAST Don't forget to lockout the diff for traction Careful, though you can f*ck up the diff if you turn at the same time too hard

[@augieh6146]

Would love one of these to build dirt bike jumps. It’s what I could afford

[@LordBLB]

I love my Kubota BX23S. It's like the Swiss Army Knife of tractors for folks with like 2 or 3 acres or less.

[@Equip_Mint]

Great video. They have their place.

[@billgates-xr9hs]

I got a kioti 2220 whith a backhoe it’s a little beast got forks an drag box it’s amazing the stuff Ive done whith it

[@chicosuaveslowend1877]

The loader on kabota can pick ip the same as the johndeer you just gotts turn up psi on your pump

[@bartdaw6681]

Looks like the Shuswap. They are great tractors and have a 6 year warranty.

[@jimanderson4495]

Videos of carriage house PLEASE. I’m desperate here. Thanks

[@TheFunnyCarpenter]

I will definitely have some finishing carpentry stuff and cabinet instal things coming up.

[@effthegop]

Back dragging UP the driveway was operator error :)

[@adamharris2674]

Well I rented a BX last year, a 2010 model and it didn't look like a dime had Ever been spent maintaining this thing at all in that time! Most ragged out piece of machinery I had ever been around...visually that is. It however functioned flawlessly all weekend and got the job done. Would a Deere that had been put through the same hell as this Kabota still work as well after 12 hard years? Who knows..

[@kenito1967]

.. John Deere is known as the "Cadillac " of tractors. I'm sure they would stand up to the same abuse. But, it'll cost you at least 25 % more. In some cases you're limited to their proprietary attachments though. I own a Kubota BX23S and plan on having mine for at least 20 years.

[@JG-lm9fd]

I have a garden,sub compact and compact. It all depends on your needs. You have to remember better to have too much tractor, then not enough.

[@jimanderson4495]

Hey Funny Man….. what’s ALL the construction going on? Fill us in….pls. Thanks

[@TheFunnyCarpenter]

We are building a carriage home with a shop below on my wife’s father’s property. The plan is to move up there.

[@CommanderOutdoors]

As someone who uses a shovel and wheelbarrow currently, I promise you it’s useless, literally without even watching the video I can tell you I’d rather use that than my current setup.

[@johnschauder]

I think the biggest factor for me is the dealership/service center customer service experience.