Newbie Has Questions

FSE · Oct 29, 2009

I have been looking into getting a small tractor and am a first time buyer. I have researched and think the Kubota BX 2360 is the one I want. But before I buy it I need your help with some questions in making the decision finial.

1. Are the BX owners happy with their buy?
2. Can you stop the rear hitch at any height or is it just up and down? Is it live?
3. Can you operate the FEL and MMM and rear attachments at the same time?
4. Is the 23HP enough power for the tractor or would I need to get the 2660?
5. I will be using it to mow 90% of the time. I think I would like turf tires. Will they hold up under a load on the FEL or do I need R4s?
6. How are the hydraulics cooled?
7. Is there any problem with the BX2360 that I would need to know about?
8. Is there a big difference in the fine cut MMM and the standard cut?
9. The price the dealer gave me on a new BX2360 with 60 standard MMM and FEL $14250.00 plus tax. Too high or about right?
I know I can ask the dealer these questions but I feel like I will be better and more honest answers on here. Again this is my first CUT and I would like to get it right the first time. I have a little over an acre to cut and a gravel drive. Lots of plant beds that need mulching and a small garden. Any help here will be more than appreciated.

bpattie · Oct 29, 2009

re

1 I think you will find the majority are
2 yes you can but it is very sensitive
3 yes
4 probably but you didn't mention what else you will be doing with it
5 tires. big debates on this topic. First where do you live , ie. Winter conditions. R4's offer superior load capabilities as opposed to R3 or turf

the rest I will let someone more knowledgeable answer. and offer different opinions on the above. I think that is something that you will find here, there are lots of varied opinions, but most agree to disagree. good group

Couple of Achers · Oct 29, 2009

I have a BX23 and I agree with bpattie on 1 - 5. I will add my 2 cents about tires. If you are using it for mowing 90% of the time, then that means that you will only be using it 10% of the time for everything else. I don't think you will prematurely wear out the turf tires only using it 10% of the time for loader work. With that being said, I opted for the R4's since I do not mow with mine at all. But as stated, opinions on tire choice varies.

Answer to number 6. The hydo is cooled with a plastic fan that is basically directly under your seat. It is susceptible to damage from sticks or debris if you do not have the belly mower on. It is my understanding the the new BX's have a belly pan on them now to protect the fan. You may want to ask you dealer about it.

Good luck with your purchase.

LBrown59 · Oct 29, 2009

FSE said:
I have been looking into getting a small tractor and am a first time buyer. I have researched and think the Kubota BX 2360 is the one I want. But before I buy it I need your help with some questions in making the decision finial.

1. Are the BX owners happy with their buy?
2. Can you stop the rear hitch at any height or is it just up and down? Is it live?
3. Can you operate the FEL and MMM and rear attachments at the same time?
4. Is the 23HP enough power for the tractor or would I need to get the 2660?
5. I will be using it to mow 90% of the time. I think I would like turf tires. Will they hold up under a load on the FEL or do I need R4s?
6. How are the hydraulics cooled?
7. Is there any problem with the BX2360 that I would need to know about?
8. Is there a big difference in the fine cut MMM and the standard cut?
9. The price the dealer gave me on a new BX2360 with 60 standard MMM and FEL $14250.00 plus tax. Too high or about right?
I know I can ask the dealer these questions but I feel like I will be better and more honest answers on here. Again this is my first CUT and I would like to get it right the first time. I have a little over an acre to cut and a gravel drive. Lots of plant beds that need mulching and a small garden. Any help here will be more than appreciated.

Here's a guy with 3 of them ?
What do you think?

crbr · Oct 29, 2009

FSE said:
I have been looking into getting a small tractor and am a first time buyer. I have researched and think the Kubota BX 2360 is the one I want. But before I buy it I need your help with some questions in making the decision finial.

1. Are the BX owners happy with their buy?
2. Can you stop the rear hitch at any height or is it just up and down? Is it live?
3. Can you operate the FEL and MMM and rear attachments at the same time?
4. Is the 23HP enough power for the tractor or would I need to get the 2660?
5. I will be using it to mow 90% of the time. I think I would like turf tires. Will they hold up under a load on the FEL or do I need R4s?
6. How are the hydraulics cooled?
7. Is there any problem with the BX2360 that I would need to know about?
8. Is there a big difference in the fine cut MMM and the standard cut?
9. The price the dealer gave me on a new BX2360 with 60 standard MMM and FEL $14250.00 plus tax. Too high or about right?
I know I can ask the dealer these questions but I feel like I will be better and more honest answers on here. Again this is my first CUT and I would like to get it right the first time. I have a little over an acre to cut and a gravel drive. Lots of plant beds that need mulching and a small garden. Any help here will be more than appreciated.

5. IF you have the budget, I'd look at a B3030 with turfs and be done with it (90% mowing). Or a good used B7800. There is one here on the board for about $8500. Great deal, great tractor and this one has all of 250 hours on it. Still brand new.

http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/kubota-buying-pricing/156269-difficulty-selling-used-b7800.html

I have the B7800 (30 HP - turfs) and MMM about 90% of the time. The FEL is a very handy gadget too. I wouldn't want to be without it. If a man were to decide on the used B7800, shipping is cheap and reliable. Just saying...

.

timswi · Oct 29, 2009

I have a BX23..5 years old now.

23 HP is plenty unless you get into large brush hogs etc..Even then it can handle it.

I am 70/30 mowing to FEL & BH work. I have turf tires on mine and have had no complaints so far, even with heavy FEL work.

As was stated, there is a fan that cools the hydrostatic trans, but with the mower on it's pretty much completely protected. In fact I never take my mower off, it has never interfered with any loader/BH work.

I have a 54" MMM. I believe it's standard cut. Does a great job. You won't believe how it runs through tall grass.

The only thing you need to know is to follow the maintenance schedule (no cheating)

You'll love it if you use it like I do.

The price sounds reasonable from what I've heard.

TripleR · Oct 30, 2009

1. Are the BX owners happy with their buy? I have yet to meet a BX owner who has not been happy with their purchase though I am sure there are some. I am on my second one and when I went to buy my second one, I re evaluated and thought I might want a bigger tractor, but in the end went with another BX.

2. Can you stop the rear hitch at any height or is it just up and down? Is it live? Yes, it can be stopped, but it takes a little practice unlike on one of the larger tractors.

3. Can you operate the FEL and MMM and rear attachments at the same time? Yes

4. Is the 23HP enough power for the tractor or would I need to get the 2660? I believe it will have plenty of power, I went with the BX2660 in large part because of the seat.

5. I will be using it to mow 90% of the time. I think I would like turf tires. Will they hold up under a load on the FEL or do I need R4s? I personally prefer the R4 due to the hilly terrain of my property and the R4痴 don稚 damage my yard while providing a little better traction.

6. How are the hydraulics cooled? Cheap plastic fan, I have Bro Tek Skids on order.

7. Is there any problem with the BX2360 that I would need to know about? Not that I am aware of.

8. Is there a big difference in the fine cut MMM and the standard cut? I honestly don稚 know. I often mow in wet grass, so the fine cut won稚 work for me; had one on a John Deere and had/have lots of problems with clogging.

9. The price the dealer gave me on a new BX2360 with 60 standard MMM and FEL $14250.00 plus tax. Too high or about right? That is about right; depends sometimes on the part of the country and availability.

Good luck in making a decision. Be sure to test drive it.

harpoonalt · Oct 30, 2009

For your needs, the BX is perfect for you. Mows great and without the FEL on is very agile. The diesel motor sips fuel and the FEL will be your best friend for all sorts of things. You'll never be without one after using it. If you maintain it well, you'll have it for a very long time and your real cost of ownership goes way down. Consider it an investment. Turfs are easy on grass, but search for tire threads or this will turn into a 10 page debate on tires for the hundreth time

Now go get the tractor and start having fun!

JOHNTHOMAS · Oct 30, 2009

Looks like you have gotten the right answers to your questions. I believe you have picked the right machine and it will serve you well. The BX is the best tractor for mowing. think you need turf tires loaded and plan on a boxblade for rear weight when doing fel work and also for your drive way work. Take the fel off when mowing.

FSE · Oct 30, 2009

I went to the dealer today and test drove the tractor and I have to say it felt good although I only drove it around the parking lot. I talked some more and got the price down to $14000.00. That is the BX2360 with 1.8 hours, the FEL and a 60 MMM and turf tires. Although I did not commit I filled out the credit app and was approved for the 0% at 60 months. We did this to lock it in incase they changed the plans this Monday. I wanted to think about it a little more before I take the plunge. If I need a box blade as some have suggested what size do I need to look for? The dealer was out of all small implements so I will have to look else where. I also wanted to thank all that gave their opinions to my questions. You were more of a help than you probably know. I will probably be asking more if I decide to go with the purchase. Thank you again.

Couple of Achers · Oct 30, 2009

All though opinions will vary as to what is the right size implement for any given tractor, I would suggest a 4' box blade for the BX.

thavil · Oct 30, 2009

FSE said:
If I need a box blade as some have suggested what size do I need to look for? The dealer was out of all small implements so I will have to look else where.

I recommend a 48" box blade. Anything larger would be too much for your tractor with a fully loaded box. You really don't want to go any smaller either since you need to cover your tire tracks and your tractor is 44" wide. I bought a good box blade at TSC CountyLine Box Blade, 4 ft. - 2415099 | Tractor Supply Company.

JKirkwood · Oct 31, 2009

Just took delivery of my BX2660 today. Purchased from Barlow Equipment (see listing on this site). My pricing for the tractor/loader/mower was very close to your pricing. I also purchased a box blade and rotary cutter (addtl cost). My local dealer was talking games when I asked about 2008 vs 2009 units. He said all his were 2008 but his pricing was higher than Barlow's 2009. No tax and shipping was reasonable. Might be worth a call at least for comparison.

I chose R4 from reading posts here. I do have some heavy brush work and regrading slopes but expect 80% to be lawn mowing in the near future. A set of extra rims and turfs is not overly expensive so I figured I could always pick up a set if the R4s are too hard on the turf.

Love that seat

Jim

FSE · Oct 31, 2009

Great looking set up. I talked to the dealer about a BX2660 and he said it was only about $300 more but the problem was getting one. He would have to check around at other dealers to see if he could find one. It would be 45 to 60 days before he got anymore BX series in. The one I am looking at is one of 2 he has left. The other one is a BX1860. It will take a week for the 60 inch deck to come. I may be wrong but I do not think 2.5 HP will make a big difference for what I want to do and the only other thing I see different is the seat and he said if that was a big thing he would get one to go on the BX2360. I may be wrong. The lift specs. all seems to be the same or close to it although the PTO has a couple more HP but I am sure you know all of this. If I decide to get one I do not want to wait the 45 to 60 days to get it. The more I talk the more I am talking myself into getting it.

CHDinCT · Oct 31, 2009

Sounds like you're on the right track with the 2360. I would just suggest that you get the dealer to weld some chain hooks onto the FEL unless you can weld yourself. See if he'll through them in. They come in real handy for hooking a chain to so you can lift all kinds of bulky items that won't fit nicely in the FEL bucket. For example, I use mine to tote the 54" deck to/from my shed, used it to unload my rake, chipper, etc. from my pickup, a stove and other items. I've also been able to move big rocks by getting part of the rock into the bucket then running a chain around it an hooking it to the FEL. Well, you get the idea. Cheap to add and will make your FEL much more useful. Good luck.

TripleR · Oct 31, 2009

FSE said:
Great looking set up. I talked to the dealer about a BX2660 and he said it was only about $300 more but the problem was getting one. He would have to check around at other dealers to see if he could find one. It would be 45 to 60 days before he got anymore BX series in. The one I am looking at is one of 2 he has left. The other one is a BX1860. It will take a week for the 60 inch deck to come. I may be wrong but I do not think 2.5 HP will make a big difference for what I want to do and the only other thing I see different is the seat and he said if that was a big thing he would get one to go on the BX2360. I may be wrong. The lift specs. all seems to be the same or close to it although the PTO has a couple more HP but I am sure you know all of this. If I decide to get one I do not want to wait the 45 to 60 days to get it. The more I talk the more I am talking myself into getting it.

I do like the little extra HP of my BX2660, but in real life it won't really be all noticeable if at all as my BX2200 did everything I asked it too, but the seat is really the biggest difference to me and if you can, get one; night and day.

The 2660's really do go fast as I got the next to last one my dealer had and the last one sold the next day. It is a small dealership and he sold six one week. I really think the 2360 will work well for you, but again, get the seat if you can.

FSE · Oct 31, 2009

TripleR said:
I do like the little extra HP of my BX2660, but in real life it won't really be all noticeable if at all as my BX2200 did everything I asked it too, but the seat is really the biggest difference to me and if you can, get one; night and day.

The 2660's really do go fast as I got the next to last one my dealer had and the last one sold the next day. It is a small dealership and he sold six one week. I really think the 2360 will work well for you, but again, get the seat if you can.

I called the dealer today and told him to find a BX2660. See what you did?

TripleR · Oct 31, 2009

FSE said:
I called the dealer today and told him to find a BX2660. See what you did?

Someday you will thank me

But of course until then maybe not so much.

I am a pretty old guy and if I have learned anything it is to get what you want, if you can afford it or even if you have to wait. Anytime I have done otherwise, it has cost me money as I inevetably am not happy with it and lose money on the trade in to get what I really wanted in the first place.

There is certainly nothing wrong with the BX2360 or even BX1860, I just liked the BX2660 better after looking at all of them including the B Series. I actually intended to get a B2920, but after months of research and going to dealers, I chose the BX2660 as being "best" for me.

Good luck finding one.

bp fick · Oct 31, 2009

1. Are the BX owners happy with their buy?
This one is. Love it for what I do. If I had to do work in the woods, no.

2. Can you stop the rear hitch at any height or is it just up and down? Is it live?
It works very well. It does not have a full up, full down feature like a driver's side power window? That it does not have. Miss that feature.

3. Can you operate the FEL and MMM and rear attachments at the same time?

4. Is the 23HP enough power for the tractor or would I need to get the 2660?
Enough for what? Is 26 hp enough? Was 15 hp enough just a few years ago? Obviously this all depends on what you are doing. Traction is a much bigger issue than hp. Got to get it to the ground. PTO is different question.
5. I will be using it to mow 90% of the time. I think I would like turf tires.
Will they hold up under a load on the FEL or do I need R4s? The turfs will squat a bit more under FEL.

6. How are the hydraulics cooled? There is a cooling fan.
7. Is there any problem with the BX2360 that I would need to know about?
8. Is there a big difference in the fine cut MMM and the standard cut?
9. The price the dealer gave me on a new BX2360 with 60 standard MMM and FEL $14250.00 plus tax. Too high or about right? Shop around to find out. Get minimum of three quotes.
I know I can ask the dealer these questions but I feel like I will be better and more honest answers on here. Again this is my first CUT and I would like to get it right the first time. I have a little over an acre to cut and a gravel drive. Lots of plant beds that need mulching and a small garden. Any help here will be more than appreciated.

AHNC · Oct 31, 2009

The dealer I'm talking with checked and the 2660 is available. Having said that, they will not get a ship date until Monday. Said Kubota does get a bit independent on ship dates at times. We'll see!