Kubota
Kubota BX23S
The Kubota BX23S is a sub-compact tractor-loader-backhoe (TLB) package that comes standard with a factory backhoe, powered by Kubota's own D902 diesel. It's the go-to machine for owners who want real digging capability in a small package.
Specifications
Features
Pros
- ✓The factory-integrated backhoe is the whole reason to buy this - it's a real digging machine, not a bolt-on afterthought, and it swings and digs like a mini-excavator
- ✓Kubota builds their own engine, so you're not relying on a third-party powerplant, and the D902 has a bulletproof reputation among owners
- ✓The curved-boom loader gives noticeably better dump clearance and reach than the straight-boom loaders on some competitors
- ✓The backhoe swing frame doubles as a rear ballast so you don't need to add weights for loader work
- ✓Kubota's dealer support and parts availability are second only to Deere, and the resale holds strong
- ✓Removing and reattaching the backhoe is a manageable one-person job for occasional loader-only use
- ✓The build is heavy for a sub-compact at over 1,800 lbs, giving it good stability and traction for its size
- ✓Cross-drilled rear axles allow independent left/right brakes for tight turns, a genuinely useful feature owners rave about
Cons
- ✗At 21.6 HP it's the weakest engine of the popular sub-compacts, so with the backhoe weight it can feel underpowered doing loader and PTO work
- ✗The TLB package pushes the price well past $24K, making it the most expensive way into a sub-compact by a wide margin
- ✗No AutoConnect-style drive-over mower deck - fitting the mid-mount deck is more of a hassle than the Deere 1025R system
- ✗The backhoe adds a lot of length and weight, hurting maneuverability and ride quality when you're not actually digging
- ✗PTO horsepower of 17.7 limits it on wider mowers, tillers, and snowblowers compared to a 3-series compact
- ✗Loader lift of 739 lbs at the pin is fairly modest once you account for a heavy bucket
- ✗The dual-pedal HST and swing-out backhoe controls have a learning curve for total beginners
- ✗Kubota's premium positioning means you'll pay near-Deere money without the massive Deere dealer footprint in some rural areas
Compare the Kubota BX23S
Related tractors
More from Kubota →
Kubota
Kubota BX2380
The Kubota BX2380 is the best-selling sub-compact in the BX80 series, powered by Kubota's own D902 3-cylinder diesel. It's the direct value-priced rival to the John Deere 1025R for mowing and light loader work.
Kubota
Kubota LX2610
The Kubota LX2610 is a premium compact tractor slotting between the BX and Standard L series, with a Kubota diesel and available mid-PTO for finish mowing. It targets buyers wanting more refinement, comfort, and loader lift than the base L2501.
Kubota
Kubota L3901
The Kubota L3901 is a Standard L-series compact tractor with a 37.5 HP Kubota diesel, offered in gear or HST. It gives buyers meaningfully more power than the L2501 while keeping the rugged, simple Standard L platform.