8 Things I HATE about My Kubota BX Subcompact Tractor & Why I Would Buy it Again!

In this video we review the top 8 things that annoy us about the Kubota BX23S subcompact tractor that we have owned for 2 and a half years and 420 hours of use.

[rthawker]

I got sick of sliding my mower deck in and out too. Now I only use my loader to install and remove it. Drive up to your mower deck until the front tires touch it then point the bucket down in almost full dump position and lift the front up until the tires will clear the deck. Roll it back, lower back down and install as normal. To remove, unhook all linkages, lift front end with loader, roll deck forward and resume the rest of your day.

[cityboywithhorses]

I have the BX25. My front tires went bad so when I replaced them, I had them foam filled. I have never had another problem with the tires going flat.

Put lights on on the tall ROPS. Works great!

[shawntblin]

Love the ending! Thanks for the review.

[Mavaholic]

Just ran across your video and I'd lie to share some of the things I've done with mine. First I bought it in late 2016. It's a 25D. I'll address each issue as I see it. Never had an issue with cutting front tires. I have had an issue with them coming off the rim because I failed to diligently keep an eye on the pressure. They are such low profile I never realize they were low until they are rolling off the rim. I've ruined 2 tires so far but hopefully have learned my lesson by now. I agree with the mid deck. it is a pain in the ass however much I've read about the drive on, they are a hit and miss too. My solution was to replace my small zero turn mower with a 60" commercial grade zero turn. They are way better and faster at mowing. I sold my mid deck which solved that problem. As far as the backhoe, I've dug up a few trenches and at least 40 tree stumps. I love it. I made a roll around carriage for it so when I unload it, I can roll it in the corner out of the way. Also makes it easy to hook back up when you can move it around easily. To address the rops height, after running into a few things, I bought one of those skinny fiberglass mast they sell for bicycles with the little flag on top. I mounted it on the floor right against the left loader bracket and cut it 1" taller than the rops. It is now in front of me and it will hit/scrape anything not tall enough for the rops. It has saved me several times. I dont switch between the 3pt and backhoe as much as you so I really dont have much issue with the 3 pt. As a matter of fact I made a bracket for the 3 pt which as a 250lb weight, 2 holders for a shovel and rake, a good size tool box mounted on the top, and a power inverter mounted on the tool box. These days that pretty much is on 75% of the time. I dont think I've ever used mine at night so I can't comment on the lighting. Lastly since I dont have a mid mower I installed one of those skid plates from BXPanded. A very nice piece. Easy to take on and off if you still want to use the mid mower. To bad I can upload a few pictures. Might give you a better idea. Like you said, despite all the little drawbacks, it is a work horse and I'll go before it does.

[tripler]

Until recently I owned two BXs (long story), I now own a BX and ZD1211 ZTR. Mods were rear wheel spacers, weights or filled rear tires, Bro-Tec belly pans, swapped OEM stabilizers for adjustable slides, tail light and hazard light protectors from Paul Short, modified rear wheel lock pad from Paul Short and rear hitch. The JD1025R I bought thinking it was the bees knees now lives at one of our sons house.

[terryh.]

I have a bx 2230 and my two best mods - made a skid plate for underneath and added 2" wheel extenders on rear wheels. Have hilly land and a lot of under brush. Great improvements.

[Highdepthfilms]

I'm right there with you. I got the Bxpanded tool box that mounts on the right side of the ROPS facing forward and it's been a great addition for some small tools, tape measure, gloves, safety glasses, Sun screen etc. Man, #8... you are right on point. I absolutely love my 23S. Approaching the 50 hrs mark and she's been doing great on my 1 acre property.

[rodeleon]

good review. i am going to get a lightly used bx23s this spring. can't wait.

[cissy]

Loved your video. No long drawn out BS. This is about my '08 BX2350 bought new. I do not have a mower or backhoe, do not need them. Agree with the headlight issue. Poor design, and mine came with no toolbox! Bummer. BIG BIG GRIPE, my hr/tach meter died right after warranty ran out. Replacement cost, $600. Still haven't replaced it. But I really have to agree with your # 10. Man I've gotten a lot of work done with that little thing. Money well spent ! Thanks for the great video. I have subscribed! Thanks. bbs bota, Spokane Wa.

[PineyGroveHomestead]

Great video that should help a lot of tractor owners out there. #8 is the truth! 👍

[eastkyboy]

I’m always impressed by what the BX is capable of they are made to work. You are spot on with #8!

[dereikgregory]

Great video and you nailed it! The only issue I haven't had so far is the belly mower issue because I don't have the mower. I also agree its a great little tractor and should have bought one sooner!

[mikec]

Yup, deck removal and install is a pain. I do turn the casters because I'm 70 with Arthritis. I also have to remove a back tire to connect the shaft. I only do it twice a year so I can live with it. And I'm glad I have it.

[glennvengroff]

Over 270 hours 1 year old mid PTO is the only thing i hate doing and the tip for the pins just made my life a whole lot better TYVM.

[sktech]

Great video! I own the 2020 BX23S and I agree with you on all points

Installed led light bars on front and rear of ROPS to deal with the light issue

Like your tip for dealing with the mowing deck. Specs from Kubota say it weighs about 250 and it’s a beast to deal with on your own. Hookup is a real pain but something that helps a little with the mid pto collar is you can pull that latch back and it will actually lock in the open position so you can get a little feedback once you slide the shaft back on properly—that click back into place helps. Im going to modify a 2 wheel dolly or appliance dolly to become my deck dolly for when i get it slid out from under the machine so you can move it around easier

Mounted a toolbox on the ROPS using the 2 bolt holes on either side of the ROPS

[anthonycoleman]

100% agree with you about the headlights. Horrible position. I use a headlamp when working at night and driving the tractor.

[SkinnySkinch]

I agree changing the 3 point hitch to the backhoe is a real PITA. I actually practiced it one day taking it on and off for a few hours and learned how do to it much quicker and easier but still whenever I have to change it I really dread it.

[howardhulstein]

Thx for the video
I just bought a 2022 Bx 2380 with a LA 344s loader and I need help and resources!
You are now one!
Thx
H
From the Great White North

[BaymondRell]

Mid-Mount PTO shaft: Add/Remove when "cold" as possible and I have found to just "push it on there" BEFORE I "pull the collar back". Once it's "on there" and "started", can pull the collar back and click it on much easier.

[rudy]

Spot on with all of these, but my #1 is the center of gravity as it sits from the factory. I have had it in too many uncomfortable situations and one where it almost rolled. I have since added spacers which has helped tremendously.