B2620 or BX2660

[psvines]

I can't decide.
I only have 1.5 acres to mow, 1/4 mile gravel driveway to maintain, a little bit of snow in central Virginia.
Also 5+ acres of woods to enter and fetch firewood.
Also, a one-time job of filling in a very large swimming pool with surrounding earth and broken concrete and bricks.
I'm certain the BX would suffice for many years, but the B looks so much more tractor like, and might be better for the woods work, and unknown future needs.

 

[peterc38]

Sounds like you already know the answer to your question. I'd definitely go with the B2620 considering the usage you describe.

 

[maxtractor]

ditto on the 2620.

 

[Hoosier_Daddy]

Have the 2620.. Good machine. Being a new model.. I hope it does not cause me heartache........... Plenty of power and nice seat....

 

[Charlton John]

Also own the 2620 so far so good. Traded in a scut for this model and I have no complaints so far.

 

[KeithInSpace]

The BX will happily accomplish all tasks you describe. But when you're on the fence between a smaller thing and a larger thing, it is usually sensible to get the larger thing.

What would make me think about the B more is the 5 acres of woods. The issue is not capacity, capability, or efficiency...the one and only reason I think the B would be better suited to that is ground clearance. I constantly worry about the tender undersides of my BX when trekking in the woods and when you hit a stump or hole with the rear wheels, it always is very disconcerting...especially with a bunch of wood in the FEL. The B is just "more" in clearance, width, and weight.

The BX is "home on the range". It is a homeowners tractor and performs homeowner's duties with distinction. I have no reason to consider a B on my property (2 acres; 1 grass, 1 wooded; in a neighborhood)...in fact, the size would be a liability in the projects I tend to perform. At the same time, a BX may seem a little small to you with that much room to roam.

Good luck with your purchase, whichever way you go. Though to go wrong with either tractor.

 

[Charlton John]

I agree w/ Keith. There is nothing you cant do w/ the BX it will just take longer. The reason I traded my N.H. SCUT (same size as the BX) is for the ground clearance and weight + I wanted to run a little heavier and bigger implements. I only own just over 3 acres but the whole property needs an overhaul (old pasture not level in spots, some woods to clear etc...), lots of snow to move around in the winter. With 5 acres again I would suggest the B but also consider storage. From seeing the storage limits w/ both the Scut and the CUT there is a pretty big difference. I could actually fit my scut in my 10x14 garden shed and my B wouldnt even come close to fitting and needs to go in the barn, good luck and keep us posted.

 

[psvines]

Thanks for the thoughts.

I'm certain the BX is sufficient for 95% of my use. Like you mentioned, it's only an occasional trek into the woods that concerns me for the same reasons, primarily stability and clearance. (actually there are 20 acres of woods, but only about 5 are level enough for travel, and most are across a small creek)

 

[psvines]

Also, this tractor will become my mower, replacing a SCAG 48" walk (trot) behind. I'm still wondering which mmm to get, 54" or 60". I'm concerned about the trees etc... to work around.
And as I've explained to the other half, "if I can't get to it with my ONE mower, I'll replace it with a rock garden".

 

[Charlton John]

Also, this tractor will become my mower, replacing a SCAG 48" walk (trot) behind. I'm still wondering which mmm to get, 54" or 60". I'm concerned about the trees etc... to work around.
And as I've explained to the other half, "if I can't get to it with my ONE mower, I'll replace it with a rock garden".

A couple of thoughts on the mower. How much land will you be mowing? When I purchased my 2620 I did also purchase the 60"MMM. I mowed w/ it for 10 minutes, stopped called the dealer and asked him if he would take it back. I did also mow w/ my SCUT also 60" The mower cuts really good dont get me wrong I just didnt like the feel personally of mowing w/ such a large machine. I did not want to remove the loader every time I mowed like I did w/ my SCUT and I also have some very mild hilly terain and I didnt feel too comfortable mowing on it. I didnt want to go up and down on these areas as your supposed to and wanted to mow across.

Now keep in mind the 60" MMM for the 2620 is going to run you 2k or a little more, for this same refund price I got back from the dealer and a little extra kick in on my part and I have one **** of a ZTR that actually makes mowing lawns fun. Of course storage is also an issue if you went this route, I luckily had the space for it. As far as the manuverablity w/ the 60"MMM for the 10 minutes I used it, it seemed to handle well around trees for a CUT, but again this is also w/ the loader on so w/o it I am sure it would have been better. Also I have loaded R4'S which sort of dug into the turf. So if you go w/ the MMM you might want to consider turfs but here you will also loose traction/stability in these wooded areas and weight (roughly 250lbs) if you dont load them .

 

[Evil the Weasel]

Installing and removing the loader on the B2620 is a piece of cake. I'm pretty quick at it even though I'm following the instructions step by step. It's only going to get faster with practice. I wouldn't even try mowing with the loader installed. I've got too much stuff to cut around. Having said that, this beast is more nimble than I imagined. Of course it's not as maneuverable as a ZTR, and the mowing deck was not cheap by any means, so take that into consideration.

Another point you may know already is that the BX2660 has independent pto operation, the B2620 does not. You can't run the mid PTO by itself on the 2620 like you can with the BX.

 

[psvines]

I have no immediate plans for a rear PTO implement. Are there any concerns about the PTO always running? Does it degrade the power for other uses?
I've never used a tractor and only last week learned what pto/fel/mmm stand for. I missed the bullet item on the differences in PTO between the BX and B.

I envision always removing the bucket for mowing.
My 1.5 acre "lawn" won't care about small ruts or dents from the weight; I just need to mow it to keep it looking ok and not a chigger farm. It'll never be on Home & Gardens.

I also considered keeping my walk behind, but storage is an issue. Hopefully I can get $1.5K for it, to help with the mmm cost.

 

[KeithInSpace]

What Mr. Evil was saying was that in the BX you can choose if you want the mid-PTO running, the rear-PTO running, or both running at the same time. If I have a PHD (post hole digger) installed on the rear and I happen to still have the MMM mounted, I can run the PHD off the rear PTO and not be forced to have my MMM running at the same time.

In the B, you apparently don't have that choice. Either the PTO's (both) are engaged, or not. No second lever to choose which to run, as is the case on the BX.

However in both, you can certainly select whether or not the PTO system is running or not. It is not a question of leeching power.

You bring up a good point on the mowing. I'm sure the B mows like a banshee, but it is a "tractor tractor" while the BX is more of a "estate tractor". I sit on my BX more to the garden tractors I used growing up than I would a B series tractor. If 50% of your use is lawn mowing, it may sway the thought process toward a BX. Even more, still, if space is a consideration. The B is certainly a larger tractor in every regard.

MMM and other implement costs are probably going to be similar, so it will come down to what you think "fits" your needs. I sat on the B and the BX, and the BX "fit" my needs much better even though it is smaller. Go sit on some and let us know what you think.

 

[Evil the Weasel]

B2620 has 3 PTO options: both off, mid and rear on together, or just rear on. You can't run just the mid by itself, which for me hasn't mattered so far. I went from a G2460 which is a big 2wd garden tractor to the B2620. I sat on the BX2660 and it didn't feel like enough of an upgrade for me. Functionally I think it would have been fine but I didn't want to buy too small and I think I accomplished that.

 

[KeithInSpace]

Didn't know that about the PTO. Odd. Or maybe mine's odd...what do I know. Just seems strange to have "mid only" be the only thing you can't choose to select.

...from a G2460...sat on the BX2660...didn't feel like enough of an upgrade for me.

Makes perfect sense. This is one of those things where if you had gotten the BX instead of the G, you probably wouldn't have a B...you'd still have the BX, perhaps. Conversely, if the BX doesn't meet your needs, seldom would you go for a B2630, you'd be in a big B or a small L.

The B is a great machine and for the money, is probably the best buy here. The statistics on the B are stronger but, in the real world, very similar to the BX. Between the two machines, it comes down to "feel" and what you want, as I said. Can't go wrong either way.

 

[psvines]

So if there is not an implement attached, the PTO is not really running?
So on the B, with a mower attached and running, but nothing is attached to the rear, then the rear isn't really doing anything?

(PTO ignorant, but learning)

 

[KeithInSpace]

On both tractors, the PTO is only running if you engage it via a lever by your thigh.

The only difference between the PTO engagement of the two tractors is this:

On the BX, you can have a MMM attached, have the mid (underbelly) PTO engaged and running and NOT have the rear PTO shaft spin. In theory, I could mow with my PHD attached to the back, have the MMM spin and not the PHD. Big woop.

On the B, when you have the MMM attached and the mid PTO engaged, the rear PTO shaft is harmlessly spinning whether you want it to or not. This isn't that big of a deal since you'll either be MOWING your you'll be doing OTHER THINGS. If you have a bagger, you'd have both running anyway. If you have a chipper/shreader, PHD, Snowblower, or some other rear PTO implement, you probably wouldn't have it attached while your MOWING so it is a moot point. Worst case is you disconnect the drive shaft until you finish whatever you're mowing.

It isn't really a limitation, it's just one of those things that is different between the two tractors. Not a big deal at all and won't impact 'normal' use of the tractor in the least.

And FWIW, bigger is better on the mower. I love my 60" and would have a 72" if they made one. I can mow my acre in about 45 minutes even weaving around the trees in a very inefficient pattern. Another 45 minutes for push-mowing, trimming, and blowing/clean-up. I remember spending over 3 hours mowing my 2/3 acre boyhood home on a Crapsman mower with no trees. The BX is a SWWEEEEET mowing machine. I'm sure the B2620 is similar, if only slightly less maneuverable.

 

[G-force]

The BX series is a good bargain for the money, but it lacks in many areas that I needed a tractor for. The main cause of concern for me was ground clearance and the lawn tractor type wheels and tires. Also from what I was told there was not a true AG tire available for the BX, and with my hills it is something I absolutely needed.

For cut and dry flatland work I'm sure it's great, but I know I would need to someday push the limits. that is why I chose the B2620.

 

[Frosstoise]

I just bought a BX2660 (last week!) and I must say, I am more than happy with it's performance. I've got ~2 acres of horse paddock, and another 14 of woods, and the BX will do everything. I have some trepidation regarding it's HST cooler fan, but I'm looking at the Bro-tek skid plate to take care of that (just waiting to hear back whether it will fit without modification). I couldn't justify the extra cost (Dealer wanted $3000 extra for the 2620,) and I have no buyers remorse at all

Either way, I'm sure you'll enjoy!

 

[psvines]

I decided on the BX2660, more than enough for my needs. It was delivered today; I've not got a busy weekend planned. Thanks for all the help.