New member and looking to buy used. Questions on year variations for used BX2680

[Cubota880]

I'm in the market for a good garden tractor. I currently have an old Cub cadet 1572 and love it to death but need something bigger. I have been looking at the BX2680 models. I want the 60" deck and front loader and possibly buy the backhoe later. My questions are, was there any quality of life or game changing changes they made on specific years that would be worth getting a newer year model? I'm buying used and just don't want to get, lets say, a 2014 just to find out a 2016 has a modification that made use, longevity or maintenance significantly better.

Obviously this is subjective to many but looking for input from users with experience. Thank you all in advanced.

 

[North Idaho Wolfman]

No major improvements over the years.
If you want a BH, look at a BX23S, a BH subframe was not offered for the BX2680.

 

[Grandad4]

If you are comparing two used tractors of the same model number (i.e. BX 2380), the most important thing isn't which one left the factory with "better" parts. Waaayyy more important is how they were used and maintained by whoever has been operating them since new. Some people can put severe wear on equipment in a few hours while others get years of work done without repairs.

Kubota doesn't do the "annual new model" thing anyways. Significant model revisions usually bring on a new model number.

 

[Bearcatrp]

All the BX line of tractors have the same lift capacity, just different horsepower. As mentioned above, if your wanting a backhoe, get the 23S.

 

[Bee-Positive]

Grandad4 advice is spot on. Although it's sometime difficult to determine the level of care and maintenance a tractor may have had over the years, depending on your experience.

Here's a simplified list of BX tractors with backhoes and 60" MMM. I think it oldest to newest, and there may be variations within each model.

BX22
BX23
BX24
BX25
BX23S

 

[Steve67]

When looking at previously owned bx tractors, besides maintenance issues also look to see if the hydraulic fan blades are still intact. They are a real pain in the ass to replace

 

[Cubota880]

No major improvements over the years.
If you want a BH, look at a BX23S, a BH subframe was not offered for the BX2680.

You know what I've been looking at so many variations in models that I must have missed that. Good to know. I'll have to compare the two models and see the differences between them. Back down the rabbit hole.

 

[Cubota880]

The plot thickens... Just ran into the B2601 model and now I'm going down a new rabbit hole. Seems to be a better tractor for a little more money (+2-5K used) and its BH compatible, altho not sure how hard it would be to swap subframes between 3pt and backhoe. I'll have more reading material for work tonight.

 

[PoTreeBoy]

Even the BX18xx has more power than your 1572, so it's just a matter of how much larger to go. You might want to visit a dealer and sit on a few tractors to see how you fit.

Here's a link to a BX vs B thread that might help:

B vs BX Series

I have a BX23 currently, bought it used about three years ago. I've done a lot with it, only thing is I frequently wish I had a little more ground clearance for the terrain I get into sometimes, wish I had a little more reach with the backhoe, and in general might like something just a little...

www.orangetractortalks.com

I don't know if any 3ph implements you have would fit either model.

 

[Cubota880]

Even the BX18xx has more power than your 1572, so it's just a matter of how much larger to go. You might want to visit a dealer and sit on a few tractors to see how you fit.

Here's a link to a BX vs B thread that might help:

B vs BX Series

I have a BX23 currently, bought it used about three years ago. I've done a lot with it, only thing is I frequently wish I had a little more ground clearance for the terrain I get into sometimes, wish I had a little more reach with the backhoe, and in general might like something just a little...

www.orangetractortalks.com

I don't know if any 3ph implements you have would fit either model.

Yea not a terrible idea. I'm off next weekend so I can go for a drive and see what's out there. Not a lot of dealerships in my area but I'm always down for a drive. I'm leaning towards a 2680. But just need the peace of mind on that decision.

 

[Bee-Positive]

For what it's worth...there's a lot of discussions on here about the merits of owning a BH. For a some they are indispensable and couldn't live without. For the many they become a $6K paper weight, used a few times for a particular project and done, maybe used once or twice every couple of years after that. Many have commented that renting a BH as needed is the way to go. If you don't have a regular need for one you may be in the second group and can save some cash. Just a thought.

 

[Grandad4]

The plot thickens... Just ran into the B2601 model and now I'm going down a new rabbit hole. Seems to be a better tractor for a little more money (+2-5K used) and its BH compatible, altho not sure how hard it would be to swap subframes between 3pt and backhoe. I'll have more reading material for work tonight.

Continue your research on the backhoes. Many variations in manufacturer from OEM to cheap and crude bargain units, mounting design, etc. Also there are alternatives that may be better (or not, depending on your situation).

Finding a backhoe that will fit a particular used tractor can be an issue. While backhoes that hook up to the 3 point setup on a tractor are available, many, including yours truly, share a safety concern that the 3 point mechanism on compact tractors is often not strong enough to handle the forces a backhoe can generate. The result can be a broken tractor and possible injury.

The better option IMHO is a subframe type backhoe, which usually costs more.

While I step down from the soapbox, keep your questions coming!

 

[JasonW]

Do not even consider a 3pt backhoe. Only a subframe mounted backhoe.

You have to ask yourself do you even need a backhoe? And if you do will one that size be able to do what you want?

I recently got a backhoe, well sort of, it has its own engine and tracks and cost a lot more.

 

[PaulL]

B2601 is a good idea, and one of the reasons I bought it is that I can add a BH later (don't have to make the decision upon buying). But I bought new, so I'd buy a new BH if I wanted one. I never actually purchased one.

The B26 is an even better machine - based on the B2601, but it's the commercial/rental model. The loader doesn't come off, and it's heavier duty. A lot of people like them.

 

[PoTreeBoy]

jwolfet just bought a new BX23s and has been trying it out. Home Depot used to rent them and have them available for purchase used.

Implement Suggestions for clearing (BX23s)

So i've already used the BX23s to great success clearing a path to get into some land so i can get to brush... locate stumps etc (already removed 2 of them). I am coming accross some smaller trees I was able to knock out with the bucket of all things - one of them i was able to dig in with my...

www.orangetractortalks.com

 

[Runs With Scissors]

I am a yuge fan of my BH, however, I don’t think a 3 point version is worth the risk.

A properly fitting subframe style is, in my opinion, the ONLY way to go.

I consider it some of the best money I have ever spent.

I use mine on a regular basis for all kinds of things.

Good Luck