How about the BX1500? Too small or just right?

[ShowroomShine]

I've had a Kioti CS2410 in the past, loved it but got rid of it in favor of a zero turn and using bigger tractors we have here at the farm. Now that the tractor is gone, I find there are tons of things I did with that small tractor I cant do with the zero or a bigger tractor or skid steer. Trying to find a SCUT for around $5000, and I found a BX1500 with 600hrs on it in decent shape for cheaper than that.

How is the physical size compared to a normal SCUT? I'm a 6'1" 220lb dude, it looks like its pretty small in comparison to my previous SCUT. I'm not concerned about power as it will mainly be a mowing tractor, but it will also be used with a fertilizer spreader, aerator and to move some small round bales with the rear forks.

Honestly, the main thing I dont like about the BX1500 is that its a 2cyl and has a clattery sound.

 

[dragoneggs]

Not sure the physical size of the BX1500 but I am 6'2" and 230lbs and my BX25D fits me great! Maybe someone can comment on relative size of BX's?

 

[dieselcrawler]

Not likely you'll be moving round bales with a BX... Unless they are 2' round... Front end gets light with a very light built rear blade on our BX1800 w/o any front weights or loader. Beware... Otherwise, great machine. Ours is nearing 1000 hours.

 

[TMGT]

They are pretty tiny, I love my dad's and it will suprise you with the work it can do. I'm 6ft 190 lbs and feel a little big on it, especially after using my B2620, even the next size (bx1800) feels a bit bigger.

Haven't really noticed the sound.

 

[JWR]

I have a BX2200 using a 60" belly mower. Powered well, very useful front end loader, bagger, etc. When I got the 2200 I was told -- strictly the rumor mill -- that BX1800's were "the same but underpowered." Those are 3 cyl. My thought would be that a 1500 which is 2 cyl. would be worse yet, power wise. Might work OK with a smaller deck. I can't picture moving round bales with it at all. If I were you I'd test drive it thoroughly before considering a buy.

 

[bellweather]

I own an older model, a BX22 (3 cylinder engine). I think all the tractors in the BX line are built on the same platform. I don't think the fact that you are 6' 1" and 220 will be a factor. I'm the same height, though under 200, and it's not an issue at all. I have no trouble getting on and off and all the controls are well laid out for ease of use. What matters is whether the tractor is right sized for the work you will be doing with it and of course your budget.

 

[crabhab]

I've had a Kioti CS2410 in the past, loved it but got rid of it in favor of a zero turn and using bigger tractors we have here at the farm. Now that the tractor is gone, I find there are tons of things I did with that small tractor I cant do with the zero or a bigger tractor or skid steer. Trying to find a SCUT for around $5000, and I found a BX1500 with 600hrs on it in decent shape for cheaper than that.

How is the physical size compared to a normal SCUT? I'm a 6'1" 220lb dude, it looks like its pretty small in comparison to my previous SCUT. I'm not concerned about power as it will mainly be a mowing tractor, but it will also be used with a fertilizer spreader, aerator and to move some small round bales with the rear forks.

Honestly, the main thing I dont like about the BX1500 is that its a 2cyl and has a clattery sound.

I owned a BX1500 for a year and a half. I bought this used and traded in a 2wd Case IH 1130 for it. My BX1500 had 181 Loader, 54" deck, Kubota 3 bin rear PTO bagger. The biggest complaint I had with the machine was the limited capacity and size rear 3pt lift. Not many standard cat 1 attachments fit the BX1500. I had to cut down the frame on a King Kutter 48" rear bush hog to make it work. I even used a duplicate vertical arm so I could get more height and lift from the 3pt. I doubt it could lift any regular sized bale. It would barely lift my 450 lb rotary cutter.

The loader is nice on all Kubota BXs this is the smallest one and has very limited lift capacity 300 + lbs.

The 2 cylinder diesel engine is extremely rough and lumpy at idle. The BX1500 uses a large static counter weight to counter act vibrations. I had to replace a mount for the weight because I let the engine idle too much.

Great grass cutting machine. Probably the best BX for cutting grass my BX2370 feels a little large for trimming in close to objects. The BX1500 was like a garden tractor on steriods.

 

[mccash40]

No matter which tractor you get, somewhere, sometime, you will say, "Geeze, I wish I got a bigger tractor."

 

[dragoneggs]

No matter which tractor you get, somewhere, sometime, you will say, "Geeze, I wish I got a bigger tractor."

Sure and an excavator too... but we can't have everything. Around my place a bigger tractor won't fit many spots around the house.

 

[AStanton]

I too would recommend the BX-25. They are well made with a full frame due to their back hoe. Having a back hoe available is a real asset. You could probably get a used one for 11K-15K. I know it's more than what you want to spend. However, you can't beat the versatility and power of this little tractor.

 

[Couple of Achers]

The BX1500 is the same size of older BX's (22,23,2200,etc) with one exception. It is 4" shorter in length. To me it appears that most the length that was remove was from in front of the firewall. The 2 cyl engine did not require that long of frame. All the front attachments and front lift from my BX23 and BX2200 fit right on the BX1500. The only difference was that I had to shorten the drive shaft that goes from the mid mount pto to the short shaft on the front lift by 4". I have the 54" mid mount mower deck and it handles it will ease. I even run my cyclone rake on the back of it. It is one mowing and bagging machine. I actually prefer to bag with the 1500 since it turns so much sharper then the old 2200. My wife will not mow with anything else. She loves the 1500. Yes, it does rattle and shake at idle. But I have learned not to let it idle. After starting it I throttle up just above idle and it runs about the same as the others. At full rpm, I can tell no difference. I am 6' and 200 lbs. I am a little cramped on all the BX's. It seems to be the worse when I am turning about looking backwards. My knees like to hit the steering wheel. As others have suggested, go take a test drive. I'm sure the seller will let you mow with it to see how it fits you.

 

[ike]

I have had mine for four years and it has done everything I have asked it to do. I like the small footprint and the power steering. Just keep the idle a bit off the lowest setting and it smooths out pretty good. Mine has 300 hours. My friend has one and he beats the crap out of it. His has 700 hours. Neither are really broken in yet in my opinion. Try to get one with the hydraulics attached to the tractor and the newer headlights.