[Car Compulsive]

I'm replacing my 1985 JD 318 with something diesel and 4wd that will last for the next 20 years that I'll be mowing and blowing. My property is small, just over 1/2 acre to mow with one area having a steep side slope, one area that gets mucky after a rain, and rather low hanging trees & bushes that I can just get under with my 318. The driveway is asphalt and rather steep. I can only blow downhill with my 318 and, at times, driving back uphill is rather iffy, even with weights and chains. (Unfortunately, I can't reliably use walk-behind units due an old injury.) BTW, my wife is NOT a gardener, so she doesn't generate outside honey-do lists for me.

I've eliminated John Deere due to their drop in quality over the years and Simplicity because they are owned, and use mainly, Briggs engines. I'm deciding between two Kubotas: a GR2120 garden tractor (970 lbs. with mower) with fulltime AWD and a very tight turning radius vs. the BX1870 sub-compact utility tractor (1350 lbs. + mower deck). My current JD 318 weighs about 1,000 lbs. with the mower deck.

The most practical solution given the low hanging trees, mucky area, side slope, and benefits of good handling would be a GR2120 with a 54" deck and snow blower - final price would be about $12.8K. The BX1870 with a 54" deck and snow blower would have a final price about $13.2K. Part of me just wants a tractor, and the $400 premium for a BX is nothing, especially with the long-term value. However, i would probably complain about the ROPS clearance issues (or do lots of tree / shrub trimming), big turning radius, and heavy weight of the BX. However, I suspect if I bought a utility tractor, I'd find reasons to buy and use other implements.

What are your thoughts?

 

[5S Dude]

I can't comment on the GR2120 or it's bigger brother BX1830, but our Kubota 1630 with its tiny 3 cylinder diesel sips fuel, has been ultra strong, is almost unstoppable and been super reliable. I think you'll have many years of dependable service from this brand.

Have you looked at used Honda lawn care tractors?

 

[Car Compulsive]

... Have you looked at used Honda lawn care tractors?

I considered them, but they're hard to find and i want to find something new or late-model used that will last for the next 20 years. I sold the S2000, so I figured I may splurge on a new tractor.

 

[5S Dude]

Wow, I see that even Husqvarna uses a Briggs now. Interestingly, Kubota plans to intro a new machine which will be designated the 1770, and it will be equipped with an air-cooled Kawasaki engine.

I think you'll be extremely happy with the BX simply because you can do more with it. Wishing you the best...

 

[25 Year Honda Owner]

I had the BX 2200 4 WD diesel with 54" deck, FEL, and 2 point hitch. Awesome machine, never a problem. Sold it when I moved to town, been sorry ever since.

 

[Car Compulsive]

Decision made:

- BX1870
- 54" mower
- 60" front blade
- Front end loader (I don't really need this, but they are offering me a good deal on it as it's already on the tractor. And heck, it's great fun and I can scrap my old wheelbarrow.)

$13,816 OTD

Writing a check this afternoon. Sound good?

 

[25 Year Honda Owner]

Decision made:

- BX1870
- 54" mower
- 60" front blade
- Front end loader (I don't really need this, but they are offering me a good deal on it as it's already on the tractor. And heck, it's great fun and I can scrap my old wheelbarrow.)

$13,816 OTD

Writing a check this afternoon. Sound good?

Be careful with the FEL, nearly turned mine over, bucket full of dirt, front wheels turned down hill, starting to back up and looking over my shoulder and left rear came off the ground, I bailed out and it settled back sown. One good thing about the Kubota, no diesel order. I kept mine in the shop of a walk out basement home and never any smell of diesel.

 

[Car Compulsive]

... One good thing about the Kubota, no diesel order. I kept mine in the shop of a walk out basement home and never any smell of diesel.

My wife will appreciate that. I also promised her that once the 318 and its implements are sold, there will be room in the garage for her car. I know she's going to roll her eyes when she sees the FEL.

 

[Car Compulsive]

Delivery on Wednesday...

 

[25 Year Honda Owner]

..........

 

[Car Compulsive]

As promised, it all fits - even without having to trade my wife's Fit for a Smart car. She's most always working when I want to mow, so access isn't a problem.

 

[5S Dude]

Very nice choice. Should give you very long & trouble free service.

 

[Carsmak]

Nice Job. I love seeing a Garage used for it's intended purpose, Vehicle Storage...

 

[Dnick]

That's a cool little beast. You'll have to post pics of it in use..... especially with the front loader function.

 

[25 Year Honda Owner]

If you have any support cables around any of your utility poles, don't forget the safety bar. Nearly flipped me once, remembered it after that.

 

[henni]

Decision made:
- BX1870
$13,816 OTD

How is it that with just 12 hours the price is this far off ..

 

[Car Compulsive]

How is it that with just 12 hours the price is this far off ..

$13.2K price was tractor, mower deck, and snow blower.
$13.8K price is tractor, mower deck, snow blade, and front end loader.