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

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⚡ Quick Answer

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 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.

Quick Decision Guide

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.

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.

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
Ground Clearance	7.6 in	8.4 in	8.4 in
ROPS Height	81.9 in	83.1 in	86.2 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
Loader	LA344S	LA344S	LA344S
MMM Deck Options	54″ only	54″ or 60″	54″ or 60″
3-PT Lift @ 24″ behind pins	680 lb	680 lb	680 lb
Rear PTO / Mid PTO	540 / 2,500 rpm	540 / 2,500 rpm	540 / 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 and lower ground clearance (7.6″ vs 8.4″). These are real differences that affect traction, clearance, and capability. The ’80’ in each name is the BX80 generation code — not horsepower. Our Kubota Model Number Decoder explains how the naming system works.

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
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. See our tire selection guide.

🔧 Essential Loader Accessories (All Three Models)

VEVOR 43″ Clamp-On Pallet Forks — fits the standard 48″ bucket on LA344S across all three BX models, installs in minutes — View on Amazon →
YITAMOTOR 800 lb Ballast Box — non-negotiable for all three models; at 1,336–1,521 lb bare, front-end lift at loader capacity is a real concern — View on Amazon →
Mytee 60″ Bucket Cutting Edge — AR400 reversible steel for the 48″ LA344S bucket; $130 cutting edge change beats an $800+ bucket replacement — View on Amazon →

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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. The smallest Kubota 3-cylinder diesel. 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. The same engine in the BX23S TLB. 25% more displacement, 30% more PTO HP than D722. Forum consensus says this is the right engine for most BX buyers.

BX2680 — D1005

1,001 cc, 24.8 HP, 19.5 PTO HP. Max torque 45.9 lb-ft. The largest Kubota engine in the BX platform. Meaningful for large snowblowers and heavy brush cutting — but compare against B2301 first.

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

The BX1880 is a legitimate tractor for the right buyer. The price difference between BX1880 and BX2380 is typically $1,500–$2,500 on full packages. For that difference you get a meaningfully more capable machine.

✓ 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

⚠️ BX1880 Real Limitations

Smaller tires — less traction and ground clearance
7.6″ ground clearance vs 8.4″ on BX2380/BX2680
Limited to 54″ deck only — no 60″ option
13.7 PTO HP — feels underpowered on hills with mower engaged
Common upgrade regret — owners often wish they bought 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 — 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 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 — typically only $1,500–$2,500 more than BX1880 for meaningfully more capability
Broadest resale market — the most common BX model means the most buyers when you sell

For our full deep-dive, see our BX23S vs BX2380 comparison. If you’re buying used, don’t skip our Used Kubota Tractor Inspection Guide. Just decided on the BX2380? Our First 10 Things guide walks you through exactly what to do the day it arrives.

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

💡 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, 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.

Choose B2301 over BX2680 when: Loader work, ground-engaging implements, or rough terrain are part of your plans. Ground clearance matters. You want future room to grow into bigger implements. See our BX vs B series comparison and our backhoe buyer’s guide for more.

🚜 Right-Sized Implements for the BX Platform

KUAFU 55″ Box Blade — practical range for the BX’s Category I hitch and 680 lb lift capacity, handles driveway touch-up and light grading — View on Amazon →
Category 1 Quick Hitch — compatible with all three BX models, 30-second implement swaps all season — View on Amazon →

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Mid-Mount Mower: Where BX1880 Falls Short

MMM Spec	BX1880	BX2380	BX2680
54″ Easy-Over Deck	✅	✅	✅
60″ Easy-Over Deck	❌	✅	✅
Attachment Style	Easy-Over	Easy-Over	Easy-Over

The BX1880’s 54″-only limitation is a genuine constraint for buyers with open lawn areas. 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

8TEN LawnRAZOR High Lift Blades (3-Pack) — fits BX2380/BX2680 60″ deck, replaces K5371-99040, prevents clumping in thick grass — View on Amazon →
XYZIL Hydraulic Filter — annual change essential for all three BX models, change every 200–400 hours — View on Amazon →
Kubota Filter Maintenance Kit — engine oil, air, fuel filters for annual service, verify fitment per engine — View on Amazon →

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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.

BX2380 Snow

17.7 PTO HP — handles 50–54″ front or rear blowers well in most conditions. Very popular snow tractor.

BX2680 Snow

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

Kubota’s front-mount BX-series snow blowers (~50–54″) are compatible with all three models. Tire chains also work on all three — see our tire guide 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
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, with a meaningful loader advantage — approximately 32% more lift capacity. The BX lineup advantages are Easy-Over deck system, simpler serviceability, and often slightly lower package pricing. See our Kubota vs John Deere comparison.

Pricing: What to Expect in 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	+$3,000–$4,000
0% Financing	Yes — 60–84 mo	Yes — 60–84 mo	Yes — 60–84 mo

🔩 Annual Service Essentials

Heavy-Duty Grease Gun — all three BX models share loader, front axle, and 3-point grease points; service every 50 hours — View on Amazon →

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Use-Case Winners

Use Case	Winner	Why
1–2 acres primarily mowing	BX1880	Adequate for small flat property, saves $1,500–$2,500
2–5 acres mixed use	BX2380	Sweet spot — bigger tires, more HP, 60″ deck option
Heavy snow removal	BX2680	Extra PTO HP gives real margin in deep wet snow
Loader and ground work	B2301	59% more loader capacity for only $2–3k more than BX2680
Best overall value	BX2380	Forum consensus, dealer recommendation, and ownership data all agree

What Real Owners Say

BX1880 Owners

Love: Adequate for small properties, compact, lower price. Complain: Smaller tires, no 60″ deck, wishes for more HP. Common regret: “Should have bought the 2380.”

BX2380 Owners

Love: Confidence on slopes, traction, 60″ deck option, good balance. Complain: Minor quality annoyances. Common regret: Very few.

BX2680 Owners

Love: Extra PTO HP for snowblowing and heavy mowing. Complain: Higher price, still limited on loader/clearance vs B-series. Common regret: Some wish they’d compared B2301.

5 Buyer Mistakes to Avoid

❌ Mistake #1: Buying BX1880 to save money, then wishing for BX2380. The $1,500–$2,500 difference is the most commonly regretted savings in the lineup.

❌ Mistake #2: Thinking more HP means more loader capacity. All three BX models use the identical LA344S loader — 739 lb lift regardless of engine.

❌ Mistake #3: Buying BX2680 without comparing B2301. At $2,000–$3,000 more the B2301 delivers 59% more loader lift and double the 3-point capacity.

❌ Mistake #4: Assuming the BX platform handles rough terrain. All three top out at 8.4″ ground clearance. For wooded properties, the B-series is a better fit.

❌ Mistake #5: Buying any BX model without ballast. Front-end lift at loader capacity is a real safety concern on all three models.

? Frequently Asked Questions

Do all three BX80 models use the same engine?

No — 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.

Which BX80 model do dealers recommend most?

The BX2380 overwhelmingly. It’s consistently described as the “sweet spot” — better tires and ground clearance than BX1880, same loader as BX2680, and better value than BX2680 for most buyers.

Can 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.

Is the BX2680 HP upgrade worth the extra money?

For most buyers, no — unless you regularly run heavy PTO implements, 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.

Does the BX1880 have different tires than the BX2380?

Yes — the BX1880 ships with 16×7.5-8 front and 24×12-12 rear tires versus 18×8.5-10 front and 26×12-12 rear on the BX2380/BX2680. The BX1880 also has 7.6″ ground clearance vs 8.4″. Upgrading tires is a common owner modification.

How does the BX2680 compare to the B2301?

The B2301 costs approximately $2,000–$3,000 more than a BX2680 with loader. For that premium it delivers 59% more loader lift, nearly double 3-point hitch capacity, and 3.6″ more ground clearance. The BX2680 wins only if the mid-mount mower and compact footprint are essential.

✓ Final Verdict

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.

BX2380 is the right tractor for most BX buyers. Better tires, more HP, 60″ deck option, and the same loader as the BX2680. “Just get the 2380” is the standard advice for a reason.

BX2680 makes sense if heavy PTO implements or snow removal are your primary use case and the BX footprint is essential. But compare it against the B2301 first — for $2,000–$3,000 more you get nearly double the working capability. 🚜

Related Kubota Buying & Comparison Guides

Kubota BX23S vs BX2380 →

TLB vs tractor-only decision guide

Kubota BX vs B vs L Series →

Which size should you buy?

Kubota BX vs B Series →

Full head-to-head comparison

Kubota vs John Deere →

Brand comparison and verdict

Best Kubota Tractors for Small Farms →

2026 model selection guide

Kubota 50-Hour Service Guide →

The most important oil change you’ll do

🚜 Own a Kubota BX23S? See our complete Kubota BX23S Problems Guide — 7 most common issues, OEM part numbers, fluid specs, and dealer vs DIY cost estimates.

🚜 Own a Kubota BX2380? See our complete Kubota BX2380 Problems Guide — 7 most common issues, OEM part numbers, fluid specs, and dealer vs DIY cost estimates.

🚜 Own a Kubota BX2680? See our complete Kubota BX2680 Problems Guide — 7 most common issues, OEM part numbers, fluid specs, and dealer vs DIY cost estimates.

🚜 BX1880 owner? See our complete Kubota BX1880 Problems Guide — 7 most common issues, OEM part numbers, DIY fixes, and dealer vs DIY cost comparisons.

The BX80 lineup is three genuinely different tractors despite sharing the same chassis. 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. For more DIY guides and buying advice visit TractorPartsCentral.com.

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