Kubota BX vs B Series: Which Should You Buy?

Executive Summary: Who This Guide Is For

If you’re a first-time compact tractor buyer trying to choose between the Kubota BX sub-compact series and the B compact series, this guide is written exactly for you. The wrong choice here can cost you thousands in upgrades, implements you can’t fully use, or a tractor that simply doesn’t fit your property and tasks.

At a high level:

BX Series (BX1880, BX2380, BX2680): Lower, lighter sub-compacts optimized for residential mowing, tight spaces, and light loader/3-point work on 1–5 acre properties and budgets under about $20k for a tractor-loader-mower package.

B Series (B2301, B2601, B2650): True compact tractors with more ground clearance, heavier frames, stronger loaders and 3-point hitches, aimed at 5–15 acre properties with mixed mowing, dirt work, and heavier implements, typically in the $20–30k package range.

Think of the BX Series as the best “mower that can do tractor work” and the B Series as the best “tractor that can also mow.”

Quick Decision Guide: Property Size Scenarios

1Under 5 Acres – Choose BX

Best Fit: Mostly lawn/landscaping, driveway snow, light dirt work, tight gates and trees.

If your property is 1–5 acres, mostly grass with some beds, a driveway, and occasional mulch or gravel work, a BX1880/BX2380/BX2680 is usually the sweet spot.

25–15 Acres – Choose B

Best Fit: Mixed lawn, pasture, woods, regular loader use, light ground-engaging tasks.

If you’re brush-hogging fields, grading long driveways, moving logs, or pulling wider tillers on 5–15 acres, the B2301/B2601/B2650 chassis gives you the clearance, loader capacity, and 3-pt strength you’ll want.

315+ Acres – Step Up to L Series

Best Fit: Regular field work, haying support, large driveways and heavy implements.

On 15+ acres with serious ground-engaging or farm chores, most owners should be shopping the Kubota L Series and above; a BX or small B will feel undersized for the work and hours you’ll rack up.

Size & Weight Comparison: How Big Are These Tractors Really?

Kubota publishes detailed specs, but the most important real-world differences are ground clearance, wheelbase, and overall weight. BX sits lower with less clearance; B sits higher, wider, and heavier for more stability and off-road capability.

Model	Series	Wheelbase	Ground Clearance	Operating Weight	Notes
BX1880	BX	≈55 in	≈7.6–8 in	≈1,500 lb	Smallest BX, lowest stance
BX2380	BX	≈55 in	≈8.4 in	≈1,600 lb	Popular “all-around” BX
BX2680	BX	≈55 in	≈8–9 in	Slightly heavier	Highest-hp BX80 chassis
B2301	B	≈61–63 in	≈12 in	≈1,560 lb	True compact frame
B2601	B	≈61–63 in	12.8 in	≈1,630 lb	Very popular “small B”
B2650	B	Longer B50 frame	≈12–13 in	Heavier (cab options)	More tractor, more loader

Practical translation: the B sits about 4–5 in higher than a BX, which is a big deal in woods, ruts, and snowbanks.

Engine & Power: HP, Torque, PTO

BX and small B models all use 3-cylinder Kubota diesels, but displacement and gross hp climb as you move up the line. PTO horsepower is what really matters for tillers, rotary cutters, and PTO-driven attachments.

Model	Engine	Displacement	Gross HP	PTO HP	Fuel Tank
BX1880	Kubota D722	719 cc	16.6 hp	13.7 hp	≈6.6 gal
BX2380	Kubota D902	898 cc	21.6 hp	17.7 hp	6.6 gal
BX2680	Kubota D1005	1001 cc	24.8 hp	19.5 hp	≈6.6 gal
B2301	Kubota D1005	≈61 cu in	20.9–22 hp	17.5 hp	6.1 gal
B2601	Kubota D1105	≈68.5 cu in	24.3–25.0 hp	19.5 hp	6.1 gal
B2650	Kubota diesel	Larger compact	≈26 hp	≈19.5 hp	Similar

For PTO implements, B2301/B2601/B2650’s higher PTO horsepower and 3-range HST let you run wider tillers and cutters at proper ground speed without bogging as easily as a BX.

Front Loaders: How Much Can They Really Lift?

BX and B series both offer quick-attach loaders, but B-series loaders are notably stronger and taller-lifting. That matters for pallet forks, gravel, and heavy logs.

Tractor	Loader	Max Lift Height	Lift Capacity	Bucket Capacity	Notes
BX1880/BX2380/BX2680	LA344/LA344S	≈70–71 in	≈700–800+ lb	Lower than pin rating	Great for mulch, snow, light gravel
B2301	LA364	Taller than BX	≈900–1,000 lb	Higher than LA344	Good step up for forks & gravel
B2601	LA424	≈78–80 in	948 lb at pins	≈659 lb to full height	Very capable compact loader
B2650	LA534A	≈84 in at pins	1,146 lb at pins	≈827 lb to full height	Significantly more lift & height

Visually, a BX loader looks “compact lawn tractor plus loader,” while a B loader looks like a scaled-down farm tractor loader with more steel, larger cylinders, and taller dump height.

Front Loader Essentials for BX & B Series

Clamp-On Pallet Forks (BX Size):
VEVOR 43″ Clamp-On Pallet Forks — 4.2 stars, 531 reviews, $82.90
Perfect for BX series loaders, 2,000 lb capacity, quick clamp-on installation.

Clamp-On Pallet Forks (B Series Size):
Titan 60″ Clamp-On Pallet Forks — 4.5 stars, 7,100 reviews, $249.99
Ideal for B2601/B2650, 4,000 lb capacity, adjustable stabilizer bar.

Bucket Cutting Edge (Universal 60″):
Mytee Products 60″ Bucket Cutting Edge — ⭐ Overall Pick, 4.2 stars, 26 reviews, $128.19
Bolt-on or weld-on hardened steel edge, extends bucket life, works on both BX and B loaders.

3-Point Hitch: Category I vs “Limited” Cat I

Both BX and B use Category I 3-point hitches, but geometry and lift capacity differ a lot.

BX tractors have a “limited” Cat I hitch: arms are close together and lift height is shorter, which can limit some full-size Cat I implements (post-hole diggers, larger box blades, heavy cutters).

B-series hitches are full Cat I with much more lift capacity and height, letting you use heavier, longer, and wider implements safely.

Approximate rear 3-point lift at 24 in behind lift point:

BX2380/BX2680: around 680–700 lb
B2301/B2601: around 1,300–1,400+ lb
B2650: around 1,600–1,700 lb

That’s roughly double the useful lift on the B vs BX, and it’s why B owners are happier with 5 ft box blades, heavier land planes, and larger cutters.

BX vs B Implement Sizing

55″ Box Blade (Works for Both BX & B):
KUAFU 55″ 3-Point Box Scraper — ⭐ Overall Pick, 4.0 stars, 27 reviews, $299.00
Category 0 & 1 compatible, adjustable scarifier shanks, works on BX (slightly wide but acceptable) and perfect for B series.

Category 1 Quick Hitch:
Category 1 Quick Hitch Assortment
Universal Cat 1 quick-attach system, makes implement changes faster on both BX and B tractors.

Ballast Box (3-Point):
YITAMOTOR 800 lb Ballast Box — Amazon Overall Pick, 4.3 stars, 639 reviews, $199.99
Essential for loader work and hills, 2″ receiver included, fits both BX and B series 3-point hitches.

Mowing: BX Mid-Mount Advantage vs B Flexibility

The BX80 series was designed around a mid-mount mower (MMM), while the B series is equally happy with MMM or rear finish mowers.

BX mowing strengths:

MMM decks (54–60 in) tuck tightly under the tractor, giving a short overall length and excellent maneuverability around trees, rocks, and landscaping
Lower weight and turf tires mean less ground pressure and a more lawn-friendly footprint

BX mowing limitations:

Ground clearance is only about 7.6–8.4 in, and with the deck raised you may only have 4–6 in under the deck
Anti-scalp wheels and deck hang low, limiting rough-ground and woods use

B-series mowing approach:

B2301/B2601 can run MMM decks up to 60 or 72 in (depending on configuration), but many owners choose rear finish mowers to keep the belly clear for rough work
With 12–12.8 in of ground clearance, a B is much better going through tall grass, ruts, and light brush even when equipped to mow

If your tractor spends 70–80% of its hours mowing around a house and trees, the BX MMM setup is hard to beat; if mowing is just one of several jobs, a B with rear finish mower is usually the more flexible path.

BX/B Mowing Accessories

Mower Blade Balancer:
Universal Mower Blade Balancer
Essential tool for balancing mower blades after sharpening, prevents vibration and uneven cuts.

Deck Wash Kit:
Mower Deck Spray Port Kit
Universal deck cleaning system, connects to garden hose for easy under-deck washing.

Blade Sharpener:
Handheld Blade Sharpening Kit
Quick and easy blade sharpening between professional services, keeps your cut quality high.

Real-World Use Cases: 5 Scenarios

13 Acres, Mostly Lawn and Landscaping

Tasks: Weekly mowing, mulch and compost, small driveway, occasional snow.

Recommendation: BX2380 or BX2680 with MMM and loader. You’ll love the maneuverability, low step-over, and lower cost; a B adds more tractor than you’ll usually use here.

28 Acres, Mix of Lawn, Pasture, and Driveway

Tasks: Mowing around house, brush-hogging back field, gravel driveway maintenance, occasional tree cleanup.

Recommendation: B2601 with LA424 loader, 5 ft box blade, and 4–5 ft rotary cutter. You get the clearance, loader strength, and 3-range HST to do real work without jumping to an L.

35 Acres, Steep Hills and Woods

Tasks: Trail maintenance, hauling firewood, snow removal, some lawn mowing.

Recommendation: B2301 or B2601 on R4 or R14 tires. Extra ground clearance and wider stance matter a lot on hills and in woods, and the BX fan under the belly is more exposed to sticks.

42 Acres, Tight Suburban Lot with Fences

Tasks: Lawn mowing, leaf cleanup, occasional landscape projects.

Recommendation: BX1880 or BX2380 with 54–60 in MMM and loader. The shorter wheelbase, narrower track, and smaller turning radius make life easier between fences and buildings.

512 Acres, Long Driveway and Frequent Gravel Work

Tasks: Long gravel drive, regular grading, snow, some field mowing and firewood.

Recommendation: B2650 (or B2601 if you want smaller) with LA534A loader and heavier rear implements. The extra loader height and 3-pt capacity show up every time you move packed gravel or logs.

Price Comparison & 5-Year Ownership Costs

Buying Tip: Focus on total package price (tractor + loader + mower + key implements), not just the tractor sticker. Package discounts and financing can shift the value equation.

Typical 2025–2026 patterns from dealer listings and owner reports:

BX2380/BX2680 tractor + loader + MMM packages generally price below comparable B2301/B2601 packages, often by several thousand dollars
Dealer discounts of roughly 5–15% off MSRP are common when you bundle loader, MMM, and at least one rear implement

Very rough budget guidance (will vary by region and timing):

BX package (tractor + loader + MMM): Commonly fits under a $20k budget for many buyers, especially with standard financing promos
B package (tractor + loader + MMM or RFM): Often lands in the $20–30k band depending on model (B2301 vs B2650) and implements included

Over five years, your real cost of ownership is purchase price minus resale value, plus maintenance and fuel; since both BX and B hold value well, choosing the right series for your tasks usually pays back in saved time and fewer upgrades.

Resale Value & Depreciation

Owner reports from TractorByNet and OrangeTractorTalks show that both BX and B tractors sell quickly when well-maintained. Sub-compacts like BX are in high demand with homeowners, while B-series appeals to both acreage owners and light commercial users.

Rough depreciation pattern (varies by area and hours):

Years 0–3: Biggest drop (often 15–25% of MSRP) as they move from new to used
Years 3–10: Slower depreciation; both lines hold value strongly if kept clean and serviced with records
BX may have a slightly larger buyer pool at the small-property end, while B can command a premium when paired with good implements due to broader use cases

If you suspect you might “trade up” later, it’s often cheaper to buy the B early than to buy a BX, discover its limits, then pay trading costs and possibly lose money on mismatched implements.

5 Common Buyer Mistakes When Choosing

1Buying too small for the work. Many owners buy a BX for heavy gravel, logging, or serious ground-engaging work, then quickly realize they needed the loader capacity and clearance of a B or even an L.

2Over-buying for lawn-only use. Some first-timers pick a B for a small, manicured yard and then fight turf damage, tight turns, and storage issues when a BX would have been perfect.

3Ignoring implement size and weight. Assuming “Cat I is Cat I” leads to buying full-size Cat I implements that are too heavy, long, or wide for a BX, especially box blades and cutters.

4Focusing only on engine horsepower. A few hp either way matters less than loader capacity, 3-pt lift, wheelbase, tire size, and HST ranges, all of which favor the B for heavier work.

5Not thinking about terrain. Hills, woods, and rough ground punish low-clearance tractors; BX owners in that situation often complain about belly fan damage and getting hung up where a B would clear.

BX to B Upgrade: Signs You’ve Outgrown the BX

Warning: If you’re constantly at the edge of your BX’s loader or 3-pt capacity, you’re in the “trading money for time” zone — and that’s when a B makes financial sense despite higher upfront cost.

Common upgrade triggers:

You repeatedly wish your loader would lift higher or carry heavier pallets, logs, or gravel; a B2601/B2650 with LA424/LA534A solves that immediately
Your BX bottoms out in ruts, snow, or woods, or you’ve already replaced (or worried about) the plastic hydro fan under the belly
You’ve added more acreage, longer driveways, or heavier implements than the BX comfortably handles, especially 5 ft or larger tools

If two or more of those sound familiar, it’s worth running the numbers on selling your BX while resale is strong and moving into a B with the right implements the first time.

BX/B Maintenance Kits

BX Filter Kit (Complete Service):
Raptor Filter Kit for Kubota BX — 4.6 stars, 60 reviews, $28.99
Fits BX23S, BX1880, BX2360, BX2380, BX2230. Includes oil, fuel, and air filters in one convenient kit.

Hydraulic Filter (Universal L/B/M Series):
XYZIL Hydraulic Oil Filter HH3A0-82623 — 4.5 stars, 33 reviews, $17.90
Compatible with L2501, L3301, L3901, B2601, and M-series tractors.

Grease Gun (Universal):
Heavy-Duty Grease Gun
Essential for regular loader pin and implement maintenance on both BX and B series tractors.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

QIs a BX strong enough to run a 4 ft rotary cutter?

Yes, a BX2680-class tractor with around 19.5 PTO hp can handle a light-duty 4 ft cutter if you go slow and size the cutter properly, but a B2601 gives more margin with 19.5 PTO hp and stronger 3-pt lift.

QWill a BX tear up my lawn more than a B?

Usually no — BX tractors are lighter with smaller turf tires and lower ground pressure, so they’re generally easier on lawns than a B with R4 or ag tires.

QIs the BX 3-point hitch truly Category I?

Yes, it’s technically Cat I, but the geometry is “limited” Cat I with narrower arms and less lift height, so some full-size Cat I implements don’t fit or lift high enough; the B has a true full Cat I hitch.

QHow big a box blade should I run on BX vs B?

Most BX owners are happiest with a 4 ft box blade that’s not too heavy; B2301/B2601 often pair well with 5 ft box blades, and B2650 can handle heavier 5 ft units easily.

QHow important is the 3-range HST on the B?

Very important if you do a lot of loader and hill work: low range gives serious pulling power, mid is your workhorse, and high is for transport, while BX only offers two ranges.

QWhich series is more fuel efficient?

BX burns a bit less per hour because of smaller displacement, but a B can finish heavy jobs faster; over a season, total fuel often ends up similar if you size the tractor correctly.

QAre maintenance costs different between BX and B?

Routine maintenance is very similar, but BX has a vulnerable hydro fan under the belly in woods work, while B-series may have pricier tires and parts due to larger size.

QWhich holds value better: BX or B?

Both hold value well; BX has strong homeowner demand, while B attracts both acreage owners and small commercial users, so resale is very good on either if well-maintained.

QShould I get a cab (B2650) or open ROPS?

Cabs shine in cold climates with snow and long hours, but add cost, weight, and height; on tight wooded properties, many owners stay with open ROPS for maneuverability.

QWhat’s the “safe bet” if I’m on the fence?

If you have 1–3 acres of lawn and light chores, a BX2380-class tractor is usually the safest value; if you have 5–15 acres with heavier work planned, a B2601 is the safer long-term choice.

Ready to Make Your Decision?

Now that you understand the real differences between BX and B series tractors, you’re equipped to choose the right one for your property. Remember: the BX excels as a mower that can do tractor work, while the B shines as a tractor that can also mow.

Check out our Best Kubota Tractor for Small Farm 2026 guide for more buying advice, or browse our Kubota Specifications Database for exact model details.

Need help with your new tractor? See our guides on choosing ballast weights, essential implements for new owners, and winterizing your tractor.

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