I have begun my quest.

[RSchultz@triad.rr.com]

I have finally got off the internet and started visiting dealers. :comp26: Saturday, I test drove the Kubota BX23 with FEL and back hoe. I have to admit I was smitten. Today I drove to the Massey dealer to try out the GC 2310 TLB. I was afraid that I was going to suffer from “my favorite is the last on I sat on”, but the parking brake drove me nuts. I felt like I needed another joint in my leg to set it. He quoted me a slightly bigger tiller and a slightly bigger mower, but that shouldn’t account for $1,100, so the BX23 is still on top.
I still plan to visit the new Holland dealer and the JD dealer. I also plan looking at the Simplicity Legacy XL.
Are there any others I should consider? Or maybe any I’ve mentioned that I should skip? From what I gathered from “another forum” it is not much difference between the major brands, kinda like Chevy, Dodge & Ford. And the dealer will more than likely tip the scales. Although the “other forum” really annoyed me with their treatment of my question about the Legacy XL. Made me think they were a bunch of elitists.

[jodyand]

:Welcome1: RSchultz Sounds like you like the Kubota we have a few here with one and they really like it. I think we have a few with the Simplicity Legacy also and they like it. But try all of them just to make sure which one you like the best. Have you any Mahindra dealer close by they also make a great tractor.

[JDFANATIC]

Deere's sub-CUT offering's (2210/2305) do not have a factory backhoe option. If you are set on the BH, and were leaning that way, you would have to get an aftermarket one, such as : Wallenstein or Woods. Ergonomics (a personal preference) should be high on the list as well.

Happy hunting!

Cheers

JDFANATIC
JD2210

[Argee]

:Welcome1: Welcome RSchultz....others to consider too are Agco...Kioti...Cub Cadet...and Yanmar...all have rock solid reputations.

[Wingnut]

Welcome; don't forget Mahindra tractors.

Do you realize all the replies are from site sponsors.

Don't impulse buy!!!!!!!

[MowHoward2210]

Deere's sub-CUT offering's (2210/2305) do not have a factory backhoe option. If you are set on the BH, and were leaning that way, you would have to get an aftermarket one, such as : Wallenstein or Woods. Ergonomics (a personal preference) should be high on the list as well.

Happy hunting!

Cheers

JDFANATIC
JD2210

I'll echo what JDF said about ergonomics. Factor that in with a good dealer, the right price, and your set.

I'm a Site Sponsor too, but I have no vested interest in my color of tractor other than they have my money and I like it.
:bannana:

[Mickey]

If you don't have to have new, I wouldn't rule out looking at the gray market tractors coming in from Japan. You do need to "get to know" your dealers in your area about what they are offering and how they support the gray's they sell.

You can get an low hr gray with a new U.S. fel in the 20 hp range for about $7k and if decent, should last you many many yrs.

There are some threads here about owners with grays. The Yanmars are the most common. Yanmar also build JD's CUTS for about 20 yrs.

[freebird]

Make sure you report on the new holland. I have a dealer up here that I am thinking of going to. Oh, and welcome to the group. Lotsa good folks here.

[itsgottobegreen]

Kubota BX23 is a hand downs win. I demo one for a job, (needed a little hoe for a project and I couldn't get a mini ex to rent) I has a ton of power for its size.

[lb59]

The Kubota BX23 and the MF GC2310 are the only sub compacts that come standard with a BH.

The Simplicity legacy XL is the only small tractor that you can buy and add an OEM Back Hoe to later.

[Bohica]

The Kubota BX23 and the MF GC2310 are the only sub compacts that come standard with a BH.

The Simplicity legacy XL is the only small tractor that you can buy and add an OEM Back Hoe to later.

I don't see that being an issue IB59. The hoe's from Woods are easily as good as any of the OEM units...in some ways they are better.

[Keweenaw4310]

I don't think RSchultz@triad.rr.com saw anything after the 1st 3 replies above.

He posted the question mid afternoon on October 24th. That was his one and only post ever on MTF. Signed out just after 7pm that same night and never returned.

After further analysis of the situation, I think Argee scared him off with something he said.

Afraid of Kiotis?

[lb59]

I don't see that being an issue IB59. The hoe's from Woods are easily as good as any of the OEM units...in some ways they are better.

Where did i say it was ? ? ?

[JoetheRake]

New Holland makes a Boomer Model called the TC23DA that takes a backhoe,then there is a TC24 that also has a backhoe attachment I do not know the starting price on the first machine but the TC24 starts at $9600. I maybe leaning towards the TC30 but I have not went full force yet the weather up here in NY is still to cold.JTR