BX1880 yay or nay?

[eubie5]

Ok, been looking for a new subcompact for 6+ months. Checked out the bx2380, mf1705, and the rk24, all fit with a 3rd function. Also looked at the branson 2510, but that's probably bigger than i need, but ****, the branson is a heavy built tractor. I want to run a small grapple when not using the fel. I currently have a 2002 bx1800, and it's a little tank. It does not have a loader, which i kick myself in the *** for not getting one. The 1800 has done everything I've ever asked of it. It will lose traction before it loses power. When i add weights to the front, it's like an entirely different tractor when I'm grading my gravel drive. It would do even better if i wasn't running turf tires.
My question is, would i be ok looking at dropping down to the new BX1880? It only weighs about 100lbs less than the 2380. The frame is the same, the hydraulic output is the same.
It actually has the same fel as the 2380 and 2680. All the fel specs are the same.
Just wondering if I'd be happy with the new 1880 with fel?
Anyone else have one? Are you happy with it's ability? I live on about 2.5 acres and mow the entire thing. I have a gravel drive that's about 375 feet long. It has a big hill on it, and I've never been able to grade it perfectly. I do a decent job, but i start losing traction going up hill. That's why i was looking at jumping up in size. But everything I've ever read, you really don't see a jump in tractor ability unless you jump up at least 50% in weight. The tractors I've been looking at do not meet that 50% criteria.
So, whatever i get, with a fel, and r4 tires i think I'd see a much better end result than what I'm currently using.
Ok, I'll quit rambling.
Let's hear from you guy's who bought a BX1880, or a rk19, or the branson 19hp.
Are you happy going so small, or do you regret it, and wish you'd gone bigger?
Thanks

 

[jeff9366]

The 1800 has done everything I've asked of it.

It will lose traction before it loses power.

I have a gravel drive that's about 375 feet long. It has a big hill on it, and I've never been able to grade it perfectly. I do a decent job, but i lose traction going up hill. That's why i was looking at jumping up in size. But everything I've ever read, you really don't see a jump in tractor ability unless you jump up 50% in weight. The tractors I've been looking at do not meet that 50% criteria.

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Why not keep your current BX1800 and add implements for the new/additonal tasks you want to accomplish? What are those new/additional tasks? Dealer can order you R1/ag wheels and tires for your current tractor. I doubt you will mark your turf with R1/ag tires on a light BX. Consider adding Kubota cast iron wheel weights to your rear wheels. Have you considered rear tire chains for when you wish to grade?

How many engine hours on your BX1800? It should go 8,000 engine hours with only minor work, if well maintained.

What implement are you using for grading the hill? Possibly we can suggest something better.

What is your objection to a B2650? Money? Storage space? If you yearn for a new tractor, BUY ENOUGH the second time.
(I wasted money on #2 tractor, which was too light, before buying 3,700 pound L3560, my third tractor.)


Please add your LOCATION to your T-B-N PROFILE. Your location would tell us more about your soil, weather and topography.

 

[Jchonline]

I would not get another BX. I would either do as Jeff says and improve your ballast or get a larger B size machine. This can be in other brands if you wish, just be sure you have good dealer support.

The only downsize is new rear implements. If you move up in size you may need to get heavier/wider implements. I dont recall the rear width difference between the BX and B so just be sure to check.

 

[Ortimber]

I had a BX2370 for a while and soon found out it was too small for anything but mowing. I would only recommend a BX sized machine for performing the very lightest of tractor duties on small, flat, smooth acreage.

This is just my experience, and I know plenty of BX owners are very happy with their machines.

 

[eubie5]

I use a 4ft boxblade on my driveway. Like i said on the hill, works great coming down the hill. But, over time, all the gravel runs downhill.
Also, i don't have a front end loader, which I'm now really wanting.

 

[jeff9366]

eubie

I use a 4ft boxblade on my driveway. Like i said on the hill, works great coming down the hill. But, over time, all the gravel runs downhill.

If your traction is improved with CHAINS, R1/AG TIRES, OR CAST IRON WHEEL weights, so your BX1800 maintains traction, will the Box Blade be satisfactory?



i don't have a front end loader, which I'm now really wanting.

FEL for what applications?

 

[eubie5]

eubie

I use a 4ft boxblade on my driveway. Like i said on the hill, works great coming down the hill. But, over time, all the gravel runs downhill.

If your traction is improved with CHAINS, R1/AG TIRES, OR CAST IRON WHEEL weights, so your BX1800 maintains traction, will the Box Blade be satisfactory?



i don't have a front end loader, which I'm now really wanting.

FEL for what applications?

The boxblade worked much better when i added about 210lbs of weight to the front(3 70lb plates). I've never run anything other than turf, so i can't answer that.
The fel, well, i just want one.
My property is surrounded on 3 sides by woods, and there's 20+ years of tree's and limbs that with a small grapple or a set of forks i would be able to clean up a little easier than wrapping a chain around them and dragging where i need them which is what i do now. Was also looking at adding a PTB to the bucket to help remove some scrub thickets once i get rid of all that dead wood.

 

[dalola]

Have you gone so far as to explore your expenses, meaning, trade in value of your current machine & final cost of your preferred new choice? That might help you make a decision!

Seems like your current 1800 is basically working for you, perhaps adding the extra implements & a tire change might be a good choice?

The new rigs are nice, no question. But the budget will need addressed. Try to decide logically what you really NEED, vs what you might want. Then plan a path forward from there.

 

[eubie5]

Can a loader be added straight to the old bx1800's, or do you have to modify the frame, and then add one?

 

[Jchonline]

LA211 is the loader for that model. You can either call your dealer or call Messicks and ask them if the tractor mounts can be added. It looks like Messicks has the parts for the loader.

 

[PaulL2]

I added an FEL to an older BX2350. The loader was quite expensive to add, and the value of the combined unit after doing it was probably not as high as what I'd spent to do it. Realistically I probably would have been better selling it and buying one with an FEL. I'm not sure I'd add the FEL to a BX1800 v's trading in. I also suspect a 2380 with an FEL would hold it's value better than a 1880. But for box blading, I don't think it'll do more than what you already have.....so a B2650 is probably more logical. Or an older B class machine with a loader.

 

[eubie5]

Thanks for all the replies. Not sure what I'm gonna do. I'm definitely not going to add a fel to what i have. I truly only boxblade once or twice a year, and have been making due with what i have. Not sure how much larger i would want to go. With what i mow, anything over a 60" mmm is too large. Really looking forward to getting a fel though.

 

[PaulL2]

I'm definitely not going to add a fel to what i have.

I agree. New tractor and new FEL, or trade for an older tractor with an older FEL. But new FEL on an old tractor is a recipe for losing money.

I truly only boxblade once or twice a year, and have been making due with what i have.

With a FEL as well it may work out fine. Sounds like you can boxblade fine downhill, problem is the gravel makes its way to the bottom. But with a FEL then you won't need to weight the front (FEL is the weight), and you can lift a couple buckets of gravel back to the top of the hill. That may be all you need to have it work well enough.

Not sure how much larger i would want to go. With what i mow, anything over a 60" mmm is too large. Really looking forward to getting a fel though.

The B2601 is also 60 inch MMM, but no need to change if what you have is enough for what you do.

Ultimately I hear you saying you want what you have but with an FEL. So it makes a lot of sense to buy the same as what you have but with an FEL. And that's cheaper than buying a bigger tractor.

In terms of the 18 vs the 23, they're the same tractor. If you have any tasks today that you run out of HP on, then a 23 would be better. But since the BX is known for running out of traction before it runs out of power, and you're not talking about any PTO applications, I don't really see that you need more HP. To me if you were buying new then it's not a lot more money to get into a 23, and you'll never need to worry. But if that $1-2K matters in your budget, then buy the 18.

 

[JOHNTHOMAS]

Being a person that has traded often I recommend you contact Barlows or a few of your local dealers and ask them how they will trade you for a new BX with FEL and R4 tires. Ask them about the BX1880 and get the price and then ask if you change to the BX2380 and see the difference and decide if it's worth it to you. Both will do the jobs your talking about equally. The BX2380 will resale quicker and easier and maybe even return a bit more of the original cost and maybe not.
The FEL is a requirement for a tractor, it's going from a big high priced mower to a tractor :thumbsup::cool2: and once you've been there you never go back. A tractor (has FEL) with a boxblade and a Piriniha or RatchetRake will have you ready to work those acres. Have the dealer add a hook or two hooks on the top of the bucket which really increases the uses of the front bucket with a chain or tow/lifting straps. There was a recent posting concerning getting a grapple for a BX and those of us who have grapples and can afford the increased cost of the added hydraulics and the grapple say go for it. They are handy and a bit fun. Tractors should be fun and usually are for those of us with under 50 acres that don't farm for a living or count on crop income for extras. If your a Veteran then join the Membership - FARMER VETERAN COALITION Farm Vets Coalition (Free) and get $200 to $500 off a Kubota.
You can save state sales tax on the trade in most states by trading vs selling and buying. I just traded RTVs which cut $600 off my state sales tax on the purchase and I would have had to get $600 more by selling it myself to come out at the same price to me.
If you trade you can also take the money for your trade in in cash from the dealer and finance the entire purchase at 0% for 60 months and use that money to pay off any debt you have that is costing you interest or just use the money to buy that grapple from some one besides your dealer (Landpride). Everything Attachments has what looks like some useful grapples and I recommend the one with the flatter bottom EA sells vs the Landpride clam shell type I bought.
Go forth and make that trade!!!!!!!!:cool2::cool2::cool2:

 

[George the Beagle]

I had a BX 1860 which I traded for a BX 2370. I've used a 54" mmm, a 50" front mount snowblower, and an FEL on both. The only difference I could see was in the slightly increased FEL lifting capacity with the 2370. So I agree with John Thomas in saying that either one will work out for you. If you want more, go for the B. But you will love a FEL no matter which one you get, trust me. Oh, and get the hook welded on the bucket, too. I have one in the center which works just fine.

 

[moparrob]

Im considering the 1880 as well. I have an M59 (love it, but it would kill my lawn) and a crappy Craftsman riding mower which is on its 4th transmission in 3 years. I want a decent mower that can use farm diesel, and it would be nice if it had a loader for cleaning stalls where my M59 won't fit. The smaller BX isnt much more expensive than a small diesel riding mower with no loader, and the 0% financing is appealing also. Does the midmount mower and bagger work at least as well as a regular riding mower?

 

[PaulL2]

Does the midmount mower and bagger work at least as well as a regular riding mower?

Midmount mower, definitely. Bagger I have no experience with, and my usual advice to people is to buy it without the bagger and use it for a while to see if you really need a bagger. The bagger is expensive and cumbersome. On my lawn, I just use the side discharge (no mulching kit), and I just discharge to the centre, and re-mow over it each round. When I get to the centre there's a small pile left, most has gone into the lawn. I have a chain on the side discharge flap, so I pull it up and drive over the grass that's left, it blows up into the wind, and is gone. It also means less fertilizer on the lawn.

I've never felt the need to bag - to be fair I intensely dislike bagging, so I may not be the most unbiased person around. I suspect a lot of views on this revolve around how thick your grass is, how fast it grows, how often you mow, and how fussy you are. Our grass is a buffalo grass of sorts (kikuyu), it grows fast in spring/summer, but I mow twice a week at peak times, and my main concern is that grass clippings not come inside on feet, which they don't. I'd rather mow more often without bagging (I like driving my tractor, I hate emptying grass clippings), you may be different. But you can try without, and if you don't like it on your lawn with your grass etc, then you can buy a bagger at that point.

If it weren't for the stall cleaning, then a Kubota diesel zero turn, or second hand F, would be the best mower. A BX is a good mower, and not having to clean out stalls is definitely worth a little compromise on mow quality and speed.

 

[Diggin It]

^^ I have no use for baggers either, but then I don't live on a country club cul de sac.

I will some times use one on my push mowers if I need to collect clippings for use as mulch somewhere else, but that's only happened once in the last few years.

 

[eubie5]

I loved my 1880. It was a beast n and did everything i asked of it. I just wanted a front end loader. I didn't have a bagger, but sometime used the pull behind lawn sweeper that i paid a couple hundred bucks for. That thing worked great.

 

[eubie5]

^^also, the tractor was great at cutting grass, it's why i bought it.