Kubota BX1880 vs BX2380 vs BX2680: Which Should You Buy?

📊 Quick Summary

The Kubota BX1880, BX2380, and BX2680 are three versions of the same BX80 platform — same chassis, same transmission, same loader — but with three different engines, three different tire sizes, and meaningfully different capabilities. The short answer most dealers and forum veterans give is: “just get the 2380.” It’s the sweet spot of the lineup in price, power, tire size, and deck options. But read on — because the BX1880 is a legitimate choice for small properties, and the BX2680 raises a question every buyer at that price point needs to answer.

The real question at the top of the lineup isn’t BX2380 vs BX2680 — it’s BX2680 vs B2301. For only $2,000-$3,000 more than a BX2680, the B2301 delivers nearly double the loader capacity and 3-point lift. If you’re spending BX2680 money and plan to do real work, read the BX2680 vs B2301 section before you decide.

Quick Decision Guide

1
Choose BX1880 if:

Your property is 1-2 acres primarily flat lawn. Mowing and occasional light loader work are your only tasks. Budget is a priority and you won’t be doing PTO implement work. You understand you’re getting smaller tires and will be limited to a 54″ deck.

2
Choose BX2380 if:

Your property is 2-5 acres with mixed mowing and loader work. You want 54″ or 60″ deck options. You want the best balance of price, power, and capability in the BX lineup. Forum consensus, dealers, and experience all point here as the default choice.

3
Choose BX2680 if:

You regularly run heavy PTO implements — large snowblower, heavy brush hog, tiller. You’re at high elevation where power margins shrink. The BX form factor is essential (low profile, mid-mount mower, tight storage). AND you’ve compared it against the B2301 and consciously chosen compact size over loader capacity.

!
Consider B2301 instead if:

You’re budgeting for a BX2680 and your primary tasks include loader work, box blade, ground-engaging implements, or rough terrain. The B2301 costs only $2,000-$3,000 more with loader and delivers nearly double the loader capacity, double the 3-point lift, and 3-4 inches more ground clearance. See the full comparison below.

Full Specifications: BX1880 vs BX2380 vs BX2680

These are three genuinely different tractors despite sharing the same frame. The engine family, tire sizes, and ground clearance all vary — details most comparison articles miss entirely:

Specification	BX1880	BX2380	BX2680
Engine Family	Kubota D722	Kubota D902	Kubota D1005
Displacement	719 cc (43.9 cu in)	898 cc (54.8 cu in)	1,001 cc (61.1 cu in)
Gross HP	16.6 hp @ 3,200 rpm	21.6 hp @ 3,200 rpm	24.8 hp @ 3,200 rpm
PTO HP	13.7 hp	17.7 hp	19.5 hp
Max Torque	~31-33 lb-ft @ 2,400 rpm	41 lb-ft @ 2,600 rpm	45.9 lb-ft @ 2,400 rpm
Fuel Tank	6.6 gal	6.6 gal	6.6 gal
Wheelbase	55.1 in	55.1 in	55.1 in
Ground Clearance	7.6 in	8.4 in	8.4 in
ROPS Height	81.9 in	83.1 in	86.2 in
Overall Width	44.1 in	45.1 in	45.1 in
Tractor Weight (ROPS)	1,336 lb	1,443 lb	1,521 lb
Front Tires (OEM)	16×7.5-8	18×8.5-10	18×8.5-10
Rear Tires (OEM)	24×12-12	26×12-12	26×12-12
Turning Radius	7.5 ft	7.5 ft	7.5 ft
Transmission	2-range HST	2-range HST	2-range HST
Loader	LA344S	LA344S	LA344S
MMM Deck Options	54″ only	54″ or 60″	54″ or 60″
3-Point Hitch	Category I	Category I	Category I
3-PT Lift @ 24″ behind pins	680 lb	680 lb	680 lb
Rear PTO	540 rpm	540 rpm	540 rpm
Mid PTO	2,500 rpm	2,500 rpm	2,500 rpm

💡 What Most Articles Miss: These are three genuinely different engines — the D722, D902, and D1005 are not the same motor with different tune settings. The BX1880 also ships with meaningfully smaller tires (16″ front, 24″ rear vs 18″ front, 26″ rear on the BX2380/BX2680) and lower ground clearance (7.6″ vs 8.4″). These are real differences that affect traction, clearance, and capability.

Loader Comparison: All Three Use LA344S

Here’s something that surprises most buyers: all three BX80 models — BX1880, BX2380, and BX2680 — use the identical LA344S loader. More HP does not give you more loader capacity:

LA344S Spec	BX1880	BX2380	BX2680
Max Lift Height (pivot pin)	71.0 in	71.0 in	71.0 in
Lift Capacity at Pivot Pin	739 lb	739 lb	739 lb
Breakout Force	~1,168 lbf	~1,168 lbf	~1,168 lbf
Dump Clearance at Full Height	~52 in	~52 in	~52 in
Standard Bucket Width	48 in	48 in	48 in

💡 Important: Paying more for BX2380 or BX2680 does not get you more loader — it gets you more engine and larger tires. The LA344S is the loader on all three. If loader capacity is your priority, see the BX2680 vs B2301 section below — the B2301’s LA435 lifts 1,175 lb vs 739 lb on any BX model.

🔧 Essential Loader Accessories (All Three Models)

1. VEVOR 43″ Clamp-On Pallet Forks

Transforms all three BX loaders instantly. Clamp-on design fits the standard 48″ bucket on the LA344S across BX1880, BX2380, and BX2680. At 739 lb loader capacity your tractor’s limit still applies — but for feed bags, lumber, and light pallets these are essential. Installs in minutes with no permanent modification. See our pallet fork installation guide for tips.

⭐ 4.2 stars, 531 reviews

2. YITAMOTOR 800 lb Ballast Box

Critical for all three BX models. At 1,336-1,521 lb bare the BX platform is light — front end lift at full loader capacity is a real concern. Rear ballast is non-negotiable for safe loader work. Fill with concrete blocks or gravel. See our ballast guide for sizing.

⭐ 4.3 stars, 639 reviews

3. Mytee 60″ Bucket Cutting Edge

AR400 reversible steel cutting edge for the 48″ LA344S bucket. Fits all three BX models. Protect your bucket shell before edge wear destroys it — a $130 cutting edge change beats an $800+ bucket replacement every time.

⭐ Best durability upgrade for any BX loader

Three Different Engines: The Detail Most Buyers Miss

Most comparison articles treat the BX1880, BX2380, and BX2680 as the same tractor with different HP stickers. They’re not. Each model uses a completely different engine family:

BX1880 — D722

719 cc, 16.6 HP, 13.7 PTO HP

Max torque: ~31-33 lb-ft @ 2,400 rpm

The smallest Kubota 3-cylinder diesel. Proven, reliable, widely used in compact equipment. Adequate for mowing and light loader work on small properties — but you’ll feel it working harder on hills or with heavy implements.

BX2380 — D902 ⭐ Sweet Spot

898 cc, 21.6 HP, 17.7 PTO HP

Max torque: 41 lb-ft @ 2,600 rpm

The same engine in the BX23S TLB. A significant step up from D722 — 25% more displacement, 30% more PTO HP. Forum consensus says this is the right engine for most BX buyers. Handles 54″ and 60″ decks, loader work, and light 3-point implements comfortably.

BX2680 — D1005

1,001 cc, 24.8 HP, 19.5 PTO HP

Max torque: 45.9 lb-ft @ 2,400 rpm

The largest Kubota engine in the BX platform — over 1 liter displacement. The extra PTO HP is meaningful for large snowblowers and heavy brush cutting. But at this price point you need to seriously compare against the B2301 before buying.

BX1880: The Entry Point — What It Is and Isn’t

The BX1880 is a legitimate tractor for the right buyer — but it’s important to understand exactly what you’re getting versus the BX2380. The price difference between BX1880 and BX2380 is typically $1,500-$2,500 on full packages. For that difference you get:

What BX1880 Does Well

Mowing 1-2 acres of flat to moderately rolling lawn
Light loader work — mulch, light gravel, snow on short drives
Leaf collection and light 3-point attachments
Easy storage — slightly more compact footprint
Lowest price in the BX lineup
Same chassis, transmission, and HST as BX2380

BX1880 Real Limitations

Smaller tires (16″/24″ vs 18″/26″) — less traction and ground clearance
7.6″ ground clearance vs 8.4″ on BX2380/BX2680
Limited to 54″ deck only — no 60″ Easy-Over option
13.7 PTO HP — feels underpowered on hills with mower engaged
Less HP margin for loader work and slopes
Common upgrade regret — owners often wish they bought the BX2380

⚠️ The BX1880 Upgrade Trap: The most common regret in the BX lineup is buying a BX1880 and wishing for a BX2380. The smaller tires, lower ground clearance, and 54″-only deck limitation become frustrating quickly for buyers who underestimate their actual use. If you’re on the fence between BX1880 and BX2380 — spend the extra $1,500-$2,500 and get the 2380.

BX2380: Why “Just Get the 2380” Is the Standard Advice

The BX2380 is the most recommended sub-compact tractor on TractorByNet, OrangeTractorTalks, and dealer floors across North America. The reasons are consistent:

Larger tires standard — 18×8.5-10 front, 26×12-12 rear. Better traction, better clearance, more confident on slopes
8.4″ ground clearance — vs 7.6″ on BX1880. Meaningful difference when deck scalping and rough terrain are concerns
17.7 PTO HP — comfortable margin for 54″ and 60″ decks, light snowblowers, box blades, and tillers
54″ or 60″ Easy-Over deck — the 60″ option alone saves significant mowing time on open areas
Sweet spot pricing — the BX2380+loader package typically costs only $1,500-$2,500 more than BX1880 equivalent but delivers meaningfully more capability
Broadest resale market — the most common BX model means the most buyers when you eventually sell

Forum veterans and experienced dealers consistently steer first-time buyers to the BX2380. It handles the work most BX buyers actually do — mowing, loader work, light 3-point implements — with comfortable margin. For our full deep-dive on what the BX2380 does and doesn’t do well, see our BX23S vs BX2380 comparison. If you’re buying used, don’t skip our Used Kubota Tractor Inspection Guide — covers every check specific to the BX80 series before you hand over the money.

The BX2680 Question: Should You Buy B2301 Instead?

This is the most important section in this article for anyone budgeting for a BX2680. The numbers tell a clear story:

Spec	BX2680 + LA344S	B2301 + LA435
Gross HP	24.8 hp	~25 hp (similar)
Ground Clearance	8.4 in	12.0 in (+3.6″)
Loader Lift at Pivot Pin	739 lb	1,175 lb (+59%)
Loader Breakout Force	~1,168 lbf	2,146 lbf (+84%)
Max Loader Height	71.0 in	78.5 in (+7.5″)
3-PT Lift @ 24″ behind pins	680 lb	~1,356 lb (+99%)
Standard Bucket Width	48 in	54 in
Mid-Mount Mower	Yes — 54″ or 60″	No factory MMM
Price with Loader (approx)	~$22,000-$25,000	~$24,000-$27,000
Price Difference	Typically only $2,000-$3,000 apart

⚠️ The BX2680 vs B2301 Reality Check: For $2,000-$3,000 more than a BX2680, the B2301 delivers 59% more loader lift, 84% more breakout force, nearly double the 3-point hitch capacity, and 3.6 inches more ground clearance. The BX2680 wins only if the mid-mount mower, low profile, and compact footprint are genuinely essential to your use case. If you’re doing real work — loader work, ground-engaging implements, rough terrain — the B2301 is the better machine at a very similar price.

Choose BX2680 over B2301 when: Your primary task is mowing with mid-mount mower. Low ROPS height matters for garage clearance or orchard/tree work. You need the compact BX footprint for tight spaces. Mid-mount mower is essential and you don’t want to add a rear finish mower.

Choose B2301 over BX2680 when: Loader work, ground-engaging implements, or rough terrain are part of your plans. Ground clearance matters for your property. You want future room to grow into bigger implements. See our BX vs B series comparison for the full breakdown.

🚜 Right-Sized Implements for the BX Platform

1. KUAFU 55″ Box Blade

The BX platform’s Category I hitch and 680 lb lift capacity makes 48-55″ the practical box blade range. This KUAFU unit handles driveway touch-up, garden bed prep, and light grading. Going larger than 55″ risks overloading the BX 3-point hitch. See our box blade setup guide for sizing tips.

⭐ 4.0 stars, 27 reviews

2. Category 1 Quick Hitch

Compatible with all three BX models’ Category I 3-point hitches. 30-second implement swaps all season. If you’re running a box blade, rotary cutter, and tiller this is the highest-impact convenience upgrade available. Check our best implements guide for more ideas.

⭐ Best time-saving upgrade for any BX model

Mid-Mount Mower: Where BX1880 Falls Short

MMM Spec	BX1880	BX2380	BX2680
54″ Easy-Over Deck	✅ Yes	✅ Yes	✅ Yes
60″ Easy-Over Deck	❌ No	✅ Yes	✅ Yes
Deck Transport Clearance	6 in	6 in	6 in
Cut Height Range	~1-4 in	~1-4 in	~1-4 in
Attachment Style	Easy-Over drive-over	Easy-Over drive-over	Easy-Over drive-over

The BX1880’s 54″-only limitation is a genuine constraint for buyers with open lawn areas. The difference in mowing time between a 54″ and 60″ deck on a 2+ acre property is meaningful over a full season. If you’re buying the BX1880 assuming you can upgrade to a 60″ deck later — you can’t on the BX1880 platform in U.S. configurations.

🌿 Mowing & Deck Maintenance

1. 8TEN LawnRAZOR High Lift Blades — BX2380/BX2680 60″ Deck (3 Pack)

Fits BX2380, BX2680 60″ RCK60D-26BX deck — replaces K5371-99040. High lift design improves discharge and prevents clumping in thick grass. At $59.95 versus $120+ OEM this is the best annual maintenance value for BX2380 and BX2680 owners. Change every season or when tip wear appears. See our BX2380 service guide.

⭐ Direct OEM replacement at fraction of the cost

2. XYZIL Hydraulic Filter

Annual hydraulic filter change is the single most important service interval on all three BX models. The mid-PTO deck engagement, loader valve, and HST all depend on clean hydraulic fluid. Change every 200-400 hours or annually. Fits BX1880, BX2380, and BX2680. See our 50-hour service guide.

⭐ Annual service essential for all three models

3. Kubota Filter Maintenance Kit

Engine oil, air, and fuel filters for annual BX service. Verify compatibility for your specific model — D722, D902, and D1005 engines have different filter part numbers. Doing your own annual service saves $150-200 per dealer visit. See our complete Kubota maintenance guide for full interval details.

⭐ Verify fitment for your specific BX model

Snow Removal: When BX2680 Earns Its Price Premium

Snow removal is the one use case where the BX2680’s extra PTO HP delivers a real, noticeable advantage over the BX2380. Here’s how they stack up:

BX1880 Snow

13.7 PTO HP — adequate for light snow on short driveways with a ~50″ blower. Will bog in heavy wet snow. Best suited for light-duty residential use.

Recommended blower: ~50″ front-mount

BX2380 Snow

17.7 PTO HP — handles 50-54″ front or rear blowers well in most conditions. Very popular snow tractor. Will slow in deep wet snow but generally adequate for residential drives.

Recommended blower: 50-54″

BX2680 Snow

19.5 PTO HP — the extra 1.8 PTO HP gives real margin in heavy wet snow, long drives, and high elevation. Worth the premium if snow removal is a major use case.

Recommended blower: 54″

Kubota’s front-mount BX-series snow blowers (BX2816 and similar ~50-54″ units) are compatible with all three models through the front quick-hitch system. Rear-mount 540-rpm PTO blowers in appropriate sizes also work on all three. The BX2680’s advantage shows most in heavy, wet snow and at elevation — in moderate conditions the BX2380 is entirely adequate.
Tire chains work on all three BX80 models — see our BX1880 vs BX2380 vs BX2680 comparison to understand the tire size differences between models before ordering.

How They Stack Up Against the John Deere 1025R

Spec	BX1880	BX2380	BX2680	JD 1025R
Gross HP	16.6	21.6	24.8	24.2
PTO HP	13.7	17.7	19.5	~18.0
Loader Lift at Pin	739 lb	739 lb	739 lb	~977 lb
Max Loader Height	71 in	71 in	71 in	~72 in
Deck Attachment	Easy-Over	Easy-Over	Easy-Over	AutoConnect
Price with Loader	~$18-20k	~$21-23k	~$22-25k	~$22-25k

The JD 1025R sits closest to the BX2680 in HP and price. The 1025R has a meaningful loader advantage over any BX model — approximately 32% more lift capacity at the pivot pin. The BX lineup advantages are Kubota’s Easy-Over deck system, simpler serviceability, and often slightly lower package pricing depending on local dealer incentives. For the full Kubota vs John Deere brand story see our Kubota vs John Deere comparison, and for the BX2380 vs 1025R specifically see our L2501 vs 1025R guide.

Pricing: What to Expect in 2025-2026

Package	BX1880	BX2380	BX2680
Tractor + Loader + Deck (approx)	~$18,000-$20,000	~$21,000-$23,000	~$24,000-$27,000
Step-Up Cost	—	+$1,500-$2,500 vs BX1880	+$3,000-$4,000 vs BX2380
0% Financing	Yes — 60-84 months	Yes — 60-84 months	Yes — 60-84 months
Typical Discount	5-10% off package	5-10% off package	5-10% off package

🔩 Annual Service Essentials

1. Heavy-Duty Grease Gun

All three BX models share the same loader pivot, front axle, and 3-point hitch grease points. Service every 50 hours — neglected grease points are the leading cause of early wear on BX loaders and front axles. A quality lever-action grease gun makes the job fast. See our Kubota greasing guide for all zerk locations.

⭐ Non-negotiable for any BX owner

Use-Case Winners

Use Case	Winner	Why
1-2 acres primarily mowing	🟠 BX1880	Adequate for flat/rolling small property. Save $1,500-$2,500 vs BX2380 if you won’t push it
2-5 acres mixed use	🟢 BX2380	The sweet spot — bigger tires, more HP, 60″ deck option, better clearance
Heavy snow removal	🟡 BX2680	Extra PTO HP gives real margin in deep wet snow and at altitude
Loader and ground work	🔴 B2301	59% more loader capacity, double 3-PT lift for only $2-3k more than BX2680
Best overall value	🟢 BX2380	Forum consensus, dealer recommendation, and ownership data all agree
Best resale	🟢 BX2380	Most common model = broadest buyer pool when you sell
Tight storage / low profile	🟠 BX1880	Shortest ROPS (81.9″) and narrowest width for tight garages

What Real Owners Say

BX1880 Owners

Love: Adequate for small properties, compact, easy on lawns, lower price.

Complain: Smaller tires limit traction and clearance. No 60″ deck option. Wishes for more HP on slopes and with implements. Diesel smell on acceleration.

Common regret: “Should have bought the 2380.”

BX2380 Owners

Love: More confidence on slopes, better traction, 60″ deck option. HST convenience. Good balance of price and capability.

Complain: Choppy ride with R4 tires, minor quality annoyances (caps, screen binding). MMM on hills not as good as dedicated mower.

Common regret: Very few — the 2380 owners are generally satisfied.

BX2680 Owners

Love: Extra PTO HP for snowblowing and heavy mowing. “Most capable BX” appeal.

Complain: Higher price, HP bump not always felt in normal use. Still limited by BX frame on loader and ground clearance vs B-series.

Common regret: Some wish they’d compared B2301 before buying.

5 Buyer Mistakes to Avoid

❌ Mistake #1: Buying BX1880 to save money, then wishing for BX2380. The $1,500-$2,500 price difference between BX1880 and BX2380 is the most commonly regretted savings in the BX lineup. The bigger tires, better clearance, and 60″ deck option are worth every dollar for most buyers.

❌ Mistake #2: Thinking more HP means more loader capacity. All three BX models use the identical LA344S loader — 739 lb lift, 71″ height, 48″ bucket. Buying a BX2680 instead of BX2380 does not improve your loader capability. The extra HP goes to the engine and PTO only.

❌ Mistake #3: Buying BX2680 without comparing B2301. At $2,000-$3,000 more the B2301 delivers 59% more loader lift, double the 3-point capacity, and 3.6″ more ground clearance. If you’re spending BX2680 money and plan to do real work, compare both before deciding.

❌ Mistake #4: Assuming the BX platform handles rough terrain. All three BX models top out at 8.4″ ground clearance (7.6″ on BX1880). For wooded properties, rough trails, or significant grade changes the B-series with 12″+ clearance is a better fit. See our BX vs B series guide.

❌ Mistake #5: Buying any BX model without ballast. At 1,336-1,521 lb bare these are light tractors. Front-end lift at loader capacity is a real safety concern on all three models. Rear ballast is not optional for serious loader work. See our ballast guide.

Frequently Asked Questions

QDo all three BX80 models use the same engine?

No — this is one of the most important facts most comparison articles miss. The BX1880 uses the D722 (719 cc), BX2380 uses the D902 (898 cc), and BX2680 uses the D1005 (1,001 cc). These are three completely different engine families, not the same motor with different settings.

QWhich BX80 model do dealers recommend most?

The BX2380 overwhelmingly. It’s consistently described as the “sweet spot” of the BX lineup — better tires and ground clearance than BX1880, same loader as BX2680, and better value than BX2680 for most buyers. “Just get the 2380” is the standard dealer and forum advice.

QCan I put a 60″ deck on a BX1880?

No. The BX1880 is limited to a 54″ Easy-Over deck in U.S. configurations. The 60″ RCK60D-26BX deck is only available on BX2380 and BX2680. If the 60″ deck matters to you, rule out the BX1880.

QIs the BX2680 HP upgrade worth the extra money?

For most buyers, no — unless you regularly run heavy PTO implements (large snowblower, heavy brush hog), operate at altitude, or the price gap to BX2380 is small due to incentives. The extra 1.8 PTO HP is real but not transformative for mowing and light loader work.

QDoes the BX1880 have different tires than the BX2380?

Yes — and this is a genuine spec difference most buyers don’t know. The BX1880 ships with 16×7.5-8 front and 24×12-12 rear tires. The BX2380 and BX2680 have larger 18×8.5-10 front and 26×12-12 rear tires. The BX1880 also has 7.6″ ground clearance vs 8.4″ on the BX2380/BX2680. Upgrading tires on the BX1880 to the larger BX2380 size is a common owner modification.

QHow does the BX2680 compare to the B2301?

The B2301 costs approximately $2,000-$3,000 more than a BX2680 with loader. For that premium the B2301 delivers 59% more loader lift (1,175 lb vs 739 lb), nearly double the 3-point hitch capacity, and 3.6 inches more ground clearance. The BX2680 wins only if the mid-mount mower and compact BX footprint are essential. See our BX vs B series comparison for more detail.

QWhat’s the difference between the BX80 series and older BX models?

The BX80 series (BX1880, BX2380, BX2680, BX23S) replaced the older BX25D/BX24 generation. Key upgrades include the Easy-Over drive-over mower deck system, Swift-Tach quick-attach loader, and updated engine tier compliance. The older BX25D used the LA435 loader and BT825 backhoe — both discontinued on the BX80 platform.

QWhich BX model is best for snow removal?

The BX2380 handles most residential snow removal tasks well with a 50-54″ blower. The BX2680 is worth the premium if you’re in heavy snow country, have a long drive, or frequently encounter wet heavy snow where the extra 1.8 PTO HP provides real margin. The BX1880 is adequate for light snow on short drives only.

Final Verdict

The BX80 lineup is three genuinely different tractors — different engines, different tires, different capabilities — despite sharing the same chassis. Here’s the honest summary:

BX1880 is a capable small tractor for 1-2 acre properties where mowing is the primary task and budget matters. But the BX2380 is only $1,500-$2,500 more and fixes every meaningful limitation of the BX1880. If you’re on the fence, step up.

BX2380 is the right tractor for most BX buyers. Better tires, more HP, 60″ deck option, and the same loader as the BX2680. Dealers and forum veterans say “just get the 2380” for a reason — it’s the sweet spot of the lineup on every metric.

BX2680 makes sense if heavy PTO implements or snow removal are your primary use case and the BX footprint is essential. But before you sign the check, compare it against the B2301 — for $2,000-$3,000 more you get nearly double the working capability on the tasks that actually matter.

Whatever you choose, all three are well-built machines that will outlast their owners with proper maintenance. The right choice is the one that matches your actual property and your actual use — not the one with the biggest number on the hood. 🚜

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