When To Get A Subcompact Tractor? | Kubota BX vs. GR Series
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- čas přidán 10. 09. 2024
- Today we are looking at the differences between a subcompact and garden tractor. If you are enjoying out videos, remember to subscribe!
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Pound for pound the BX1880 is definitely worth it over the GR... Really good video.
I fully agree that the BX has much better bang for the buck. I almost bought one but went with the GR when I realized the BX was over twice the weight of my current mower (Simplicity Conquest 23hp). I have wet lawn areas that I mow, especially in the Spring, and the BX would certainly create major ruts. I also like that the GR is All Wheel Drive (all wheels all the time) whereas the BX is selective 4 Wheel Drive. With the GR, I don't have to think about whether I need to engage anything as conditions change. And, as mentioned in the video, with all the trees and rocks I mow around, the much tighter turning radius of the GR was needed. Kubota unfortunately does not publish the uncut turning radius for their BX mowers unlike for the GR (21.5" @ 48" deck). As for the BX's bucket and 1PH, I'm fortunate in that I've got an L4400 for those tasks. I seriously hope Kubota keeps the GR in the lineup for all these reasons.
Those are all excellent reasons to get a garden tractor over a sub-compact tractor.
Granted, I got a used GR, and wouldn't have been able to justify the cost new. But man, if you can find a deal on one, it is the best feeling mower on hills... I grew up mowing with all kinds of machines (my father repaired lawn tractors) and I've driven a few tractors about, and the GR just makes you feel planted. You can go places at stupid angles that would send you bowling on other machines, not that I recommend that... If you need a niche mower for steep hills, look for a good used GR, its an incredible machine.
In 2024 as just 54" mowers, a GR2120 is around $11,500 and the BX1880 is around $3,000 more (with the loader hydraulics installed, but no loader). They use the same engine. I've used a garden tractor as a snow blower (Deere x540) and I've used a compact tractor as a snow blower (Deere 2032R). The 2032R is so much easier and faster, that it's not even close ... even though the width of the snow blowers is within 6" of each other. Garden tractors' inability to lift the blower very much is annoying ... and my x540 has hydraulic lift just like this GR2120.
The BX1880 is a little more than 25% more expensive than the GR2120. But, the rear 3-point hitch for a small 48" brush hog, heavier weed sprayers, and other implements is just so convenient. And having the ability to add a loader would be a plus if this is your only piece of equipment.
Ultimately, if you only need to cut grass, you're probably getting a zero turn. If you're in the category where you need some hauling, towing, blowing, and non-grass-related work capability of a garden tractor, the BX1880 for $3,000/25% is really a tough value proposition to ignore.
When you consider the cost of a GT it don't make any sense to spend that kind of money on a lawnmower when a sub-compact isn't much more expensive, and you get a heck of a lot more attachment options. The price of these GT's you see listed are just the garden tractor itself, the decks are an additional cost of several thousand dollars.
I have a regular lawn tractor, but do have the 60" MMM for my BX2680...not really that much difference in maneuverability between the 2 machines, the Kubota just goes a little faster than the lawn tractor. The BX was the way to go for me due to smaller property, limited access to a few places and wanted to be able to use it in my shop to move my wood working tools around if I need to...a larger tractor just wouldn't work in that application alone due to limited space. The sub-compact tractor can fit into places a lot of other machines cannot. Subdivision back yards being one example...although many don't even have a gate large enough for a lawn tractor let alone a tractor...did some work for a friend in his backyard last year, roto-tilled, leveled and moved gravel in so he could build a shed....he had to redo the fence so he could install a wider gate just to get my tractor back there, but a larger tractor still wouldn't be useful back there due to the small working space...I only had a couple inches of space between the sides of the tiller and the house and fence.
Started out with a BX1860 myself. But I never considered the GR a true garden tractor since you can’t actually garden with it meaning you can’t run a tiller or small plow, etc., off the back like most other brand garden tractors. If Kubota fixed this shortcoming, it might sell a little better. Don’t understand why they shorted it in that regard.
I have to agree. Deere makes it simple: x300 for pin hitches, x500 for sleeve hitches, and x700 for three point hitches. All can use front mount snow blowers and blades, and the x700 series can use front/rear PTO implements. Pick your class based on your intended use case. Having the GR unable to at minimum use sleeve hitch accessories is a huge miss in my book. It's so odd because Kubota does a bang-up job with their BX line. Simply fitting a hydraulic sleeve hitch to the GR would make it far more interesting especially when you compare it on price to the Deere x500/x700 line.
Wow, for the price difference the BX has a lot more to offer.
It’s good Kubota offer different but similar products. The main advantage of the GR would be it’s able to mow in tighter areas than a BX. The other options are a zero turn or an out front mower. Kubota sells machines in all these categories.
We are thinking of buying a smaller tractor to complement our Kubota MX5200. We have an older Iseki SF333 which is a diesel powered out front mower. The Iseki has just about had it and needs replacement. We use the Iseki to mow around trees in our orchard. If the Iseki died tomorrow I’m not sure what I’d do, maybe try to get a GR. If the Iseki dies in two years I’d probably buy a BX with the biggest belly mower. If the Iseki dies in four years I’ll be able to get a mower to mow around trees that is attached to the MX5200.
I took the BX18 glad I did. the only problem is the hydraulic attachment leaking eve after dealer repaired. have to put single ones on.
I have a BX1880 for mowing only, I have a farm and bigger tractors and skid steer for other work. I'm considering selling the BX1880 and going with a GR2120 because of some tight spots in my yard. I need 4wd on steep area mowing, and the BX turning radius in 4wd is not good. Would the GR be a good move for me?
I have the older GR2010G gas engine model. It turns very sharp and climbs steep enough slopes to the point where just looking at it I wondered if it was even possible. I really like mine. I would not mow as rough a field as I would with a subcompact and a 3 point mower though. It is certainly worthy of consideration, would say go get it if it was not for the cost.
I love my GR I snow blow with it climbing up hill driveways with blower not problem cutting grass was only reason I went with Gr I just wished it had rear pTo I wanted BX but I knew it would be to big cut grass in tight places I put plow on it the other day and pushed load gravel around yard that tractor amaze me at what you can make it do I’d love to have front bucket just wish there was one between the 2 i keep telling my self I made right choice because some days i wish I had bucket
The sub-compacts are the reason the GT’s are going the way of the dinosaurs………
When you consider the cost of a GT it don't make any sense to spend that kind of money on a lawnmower when a sub-compact isn't much more expensive, and you get a heck of a lot more attachment options.