To B or BX?

[johnking]

I am considering a new tractor purchase. My use will be to mow 3 acres at my new house and do work on my small horse/cattle(4 horse/5 cattles) farm. I was thinking that instead of getting a Zero-turn mower I could just get one of the smaller Kubotas with MMM and a front end loader. I could mow quickly while also having a machine that could do other task. The Zero-turn is a one trick pony. Is this a good way to go? Is the small tractor with MMM about as good as the Zero turn? Also after looking at the kubota website it is hard to compare models. What would you recommend? Right now I use a Massey 135 for cutting the field at my farm and am looking forward to a small nimble tractor for around the house and barn.

 

[Mowbizz]

I have the BX25-D which I use as my mower for about 3-4 acres of lawn. It mows wonderfully but to switch between the mower, backhoe, and front loader is, even though simple in theory, can be challenging in some ways.
The key is to have a solid paved or concrete surface on which to attach and detach these implements. I have only sandy soil, lawn and gravel to use (until my garage is built) for detaching and attaching so it can be tricky and frustrating.
I say go for the BX series and have a blast! Even though my situation here is sketchy for removing and remounting my implements, the sweat and frustration is well worth the end result of having a mower and loader and a backhoe, which are very handy!

 

[TripleR]

Look up some of the threads by JOHNTHOMAS and bp fick as they have owned both and reported on their experience with other members chipping in. We have BXs which work well for us, but have bigger tractors when needed. ZTR won't work on our property as it's too steep in many places.

 

[bp fick]

Since you already have the larger Massey, the BX is flat out a barrel of monkeys to own and operate. You used the word nimble and THAT is the BX. I've had them both, in severals models and the B is an outstanding compact tractor. Loved it. But for tight spot handling and big smiles on your face, the BX is handier than a pocket on a shirt.

 

[Scooby074]

B. 5 characters

 

[Code54]

Since you already have the larger Massey, the BX is flat out a barrel of monkeys to own and operate. You used the word nimble and THAT is the BX. I've had them both, in severals models and the B is an outstanding compact tractor. Loved it. But for tight spot handling and big smiles on your face, the BX is handier than a pocket on a shirt.

I have to agree. Owned a B, an L, have an MX and also a BX and the BX is SUPER handy. Fits everywhere the MX does not and is great around the house. I also sold my zero turn when I recently bought the BX and I don't miss it at all. I much rather cut with the BX than the zero turn. Far better "grip" on the hills, smoother, more comfortable, and just feels solid!

 

[JOHNTHOMAS]

Look up some of the threads by JOHNTHOMAS and bp fick as they have owned both and reported on their experience with other members chipping in. We have BXs which work well for us, but have bigger tractors when needed. ZTR won't work on our property as it's too steep in many places.

Since you already have the larger Massey, the BX is flat out a barrel of monkeys to own and operate. You used the word nimble and THAT is the BX. I've had them both, in severals models and the B is an outstanding compact tractor. Loved it. But for tight spot handling and big smiles on your face, the BX is handier than a pocket on a shirt.

I've owned most of the BX models and several B models and one L model. Don't think I can add much to this but agree. I currently own a B2620 FEL BH and often times wish I had the BX25 back.
Bottom line is mostly ground clearance between capabilities between the BX and B with the BX being a bit more nimble and seat sits closer to the ground for a more secure feeling of safety on hillsides.

 

[johnking]

I am planning on a MX 5100 in 2 or 3 years.

 

[Code54]

I am planning on a MX 5100 in 2 or 3 years.

The BX25D and a 5100 is a GREAT combo for us. Covers everything I have needed to do

 

[yoshi1]

At one time I was deciding between getting a kubota zero turn mower or BX24 with MMM. Obviously there is a big difference in price so for me it came down to justify the price difference and the fact that I would be mainly mowing so I went with the Zero turn. 6 years later I have finally gotten a BX25D. In my first 15 hours, I have completed projects I put off because I did not have the time or will to put my body through the labor. I take care of our small hobby farm by myself and it has been unbelievably useful on so many project. It is extremely nimble and with the backhoe on, if you get in a tight spot, just lift lift your backend up and over a few inches and I'm clear. I still have my zero turn and use it for mowing but if you have the money for the BX25D with MMM, go for it! I also got the grapple which is great!

 

[94BULLITT]

The BX is a good tractor but for a little more money I would steep up to the B. It has a 3 range Hydro, lifts more on the loader and 3PH, back hoe can be added at any time, and it has independent brakes. It is really not much larger than a BX. The 3 range hydro would be huge asset.

 

[Finnster]

The b also mows well but I doubt as well as a bx, altho I much appreciate the larger loader and 3spd. If my mowing job didn't have to many turns, if say b. Lots of turns or trees... Dunno. Cutting pie plates has always been a source of frustration with the b if you are not careful.

 

[dwhite]

For your size property, I'd go with the B for the ground clearance and weight. My first tractor, I went to the dealer for a BX. He convinced me to get the B7500 for just those two reasons and I only had 2 acres. I now have 66 acres and an L5240 but couldn't do without the B. As far a stability, I set the rear wheels all the way out and it has never given me reason to pucker.

 

[PhysAssist]

We have about 8 acres, mostly swamp, but mow about 2-3 acres of hilly grassy areas with groups and single trees interspersed (not at all a golf course style lawn) and our dealer talked me up out of the BX and down out out a bigger B, so we got the B2320.

It isn't a zero turn by any means, but even with a 60" MMM and our grassy areas being fragmented by groups of trees, it gets into some pretty tight spaces and is quite nimble on the slopes too.

We never feel like we're going to roll it over. Especially with loaded tires and a well weighted ballast box.

If it was only about what it could lift, pull, or dig, I'd want a bigger tractor, but for the compromise of mowing and moving stuff-brush, logs and fallen trees, rocks, gravel, dirt, and more things than you (or I) could think of in advance, I would get the B2320 again.

It really is in kind of a sweet spot for the mix of enough lift, pull and push capacity, maneuverability, mowing quality, fuel economy, and features.

It's even going to lift my AC unit up to my 2nd-ish story window this weekend to get ready for summer- did I mention what a back, and other of my worn out old body parts it has/is saving from failure?

For your size property, I'd go with the B for the ground clearance and weight. My first tractor, I went to the dealer for a BX. He convinced me to get the B7500 for just those two reasons and I only had 2 acres. I now have 66 acres and an L5240 but couldn't do without the B. As far a stability, I set the rear wheels all the way out and it has never given me reason to pucker.

 

[Cherokee140]

did I mention what a back, and other of my worn out old body parts it has/is saving from failure?

Man that is so true. I am doing things I know I could NEVER have done without the machine. They really are fantastic and you will wonder how you got along without one.

 

[newbury]

Have you gotten seat time on a BX versus B?
My boots are a size 13. Back in 2009 I tried to make sure I would fit on the tractor. My boots barely fit on a BX. They fit a lot better on my B7610, and now years later, real well on my M4700.

That plus ground clearance forced me to the B.

 

[xring100]

I am planning on a MX 5100 in 2 or 3 years.

If your planing on an mx anyways. I might get the zero turn unless your property is hilly, have a specific need where the mx won't fit ,And or you just like lots of time in the saddle. Yes the zero turn is a one trick pony but it flat out nails it if the property is relatively flat. The bx is a jack of all trades master of none - with the exception of doing small jobs in places larger tractors wont fit.

 

[scaredychicken]

... the BX is flat out a barrel of monkeys to own and operate. You used the word nimble and THAT is the BX. ... But for tight spot handling and big smiles on your face, the BX is handier than a pocket on a shirt.

I think that is the decision maker for me. thanks bp

 

[94BULLITT]

Have you gotten seat time on a BX versus B?
My boots are a size 13. Back in 2009 I tried to make sure I would fit on the tractor. My boots barely fit on a BX. They fit a lot better on my B7610, and now years later, real well on my M4700.

That plus ground clearance forced me to the B.

Really? I wear a size 13 and I have plenty of room on the operators platform on the BX. Sit on a John Deere 1025r, there is not much room to spare.