B vs BX

[JCA]

Hi Folks, First time poster. I'm looking to buy a Kubota for general utility, to help maintain (remove snow and grade) a 1/5 mile private road and keep about 10 acres of woods clean. We get about 100 inches of snow a year, average. I'd plan to buy a blower, an FEL, and a chipper. My questions:

* How much tractor do I need for this kind of use?
* I've been looking at the BX 2230 and the B7510 (decent choices?); HP is about the same. Ground clearance is a lot more on the B-series. But just looking at the spec sheet I can't see much difference between them (BX even seems a little more powerful, and attachments are easier to switch out). My dealer says the B-series tractor might be better for my needs, but I'd rather not spend the extra dough (about $1400) if I don't need to.

I'm new at this. Last time I drove a tractor was on my grandpas farm when I was about 12. Any feedback appreciated.

Jim

 

[WiJC]

you seem to be in a similar situation that i recently was. i ended up with the b7610. i was thinking the bx2230 would have some clearance problems in the woods. yesterday i went thru some muddy slop into the woods and easily drug out a tree (2+ feet in diameter)...branches and all. i think the bx would have had some issues doing that.

something to look at is the bx has limited ability with some attachments (also because of height)...i.e. a post hole digger.

in the end i figured the b would give me many more options in the future for not that much more $$. who knows..maybe ill want a backhoe one of these days... /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

i was sold on the 2230...and ended up with the 7610 and am happy i did. (thanks in part to some prodding from people on this site telling me to go bigger /forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif)

have you tried both in person?

John

 

[aloha]

For your list of implements, add a box scraper, a.k.a. box blade, to maintain that road and to do general grounds maintenance. How about a rotary mower to keep down brush?

An advantage to a BX might be maneuverability in tight spaces in the woods you mention. But with that much land and road, if you are going to own just one tractor, consider going to a B7800 or even an L3130. (Since it's your money, you'll find lots of us happy to spend it for you.) Give some thought to Henro's comments regarding his BX and his B2910 and his longing for larger.

 

[B2400]

I have a B2400( predecessor to the B2410) and if handling in tight spaces is a concern you mght also look at the Bi-speed turn that is available with this model( B2410). It has proven extremely handy the few times I've had to use it( cuts turning diameter down by quite a bit by doubling the speed of the front wheel drive to help pull it around in a tighter circle)

 

[Jimbrown]

I have a BX22 it is hard working machine but it does not like rough uneven terrain if your woods are not smooth or fairily flat you will be much better of with the B7510. Also it will lift more and the hydralulics are more powerful even though the horspower is advertised as less.

 

[don716]

I have a B7500 HST and it's a great little machine. If ground clearance is a concern for you well I would go with a B series tractor. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif
Donny

 

[Henro]

<font color="blue"> Give some thought to Henro's comments regarding his BX and his B2910 and his longing for larger. </font>

My gut feeling was for JCA's use, the B7500 or 7610 would be a good choice.

Gaining more ground clearance and a more standard 3PH size would drive me that way.

Aloha, now as far a my personal longings go...well...we spell lager with only one r around my neck of the woods... /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

That might be an inside joke... /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif

Anyway, JCA I do have a B2910 and a BX2200. I only have 3.7 acres. I don't think the BX would suit me as an only tractor. But I think the B7xxx series would, as much as I hate to say it!

I was at one time half-seriously thinking of upgrading to a L series, because I like the BH90 backhoe better than what I have. Oh...you could add a backhoe to a B7xxx series later if you wanted to, but none are available for the BX, unless you spring for the BX23.

I would spend the extra $1,400 and do it right the first time, if what I think your uses are actually might be what your uses are!

The bx is a good tractor, but it is not a B. And a B is a good tractor but it is not an L. Each time you go a little bigger you seem to get more for each dollar spent.

That is the way I see it... /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

 

[chocolatehauler]

I own a bx22 and I can't knock it at all. But I'm doing more woods work than expected. And as others have said ground clearence is a factor. I to have hauled some fairly large trees out with it. If I had to do it over I would spend the money. Kind of like getting a fel everyone says get it you won't be sorry. I not sorry for the fel at all. Just could use a little more tractor some times. But I suppose no matter how big I have I might always want a little bigger a little faster, ect have fun /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

 

[paco]

Jim, I have a bx2200, granted a fine machine and will do all I need, I would advise the 7500 or 7610 because of limitations of the 3 ph and ground clearance. I am in the process of trading for a b2710 out of want more than need. You would be happy with either but in the long run would be better served with the bigger tractor.

 

[art]

I'd say to look at the spending the extra money. I don't often say that but you are on the upper edge of BX territory. Yes they both take a 60' mower deck but there are other differnces such as the tires. Then again for about 2000 more you get the BX23.

 

[RossDean]

Hey JCA, about a month ago I was in the same boat you're in right now.

We've got close to 10 wooded lakefront acres, and the drive is close to 1000' back to the cabin. BX or B-Series was on my brain for quite some time. Ended up with the B7510, and after last weekend, I'm very, very glad that I moved up a notch from the BX.

We've been going through the annual thaw/freeze/rain/snow
/thaw here in Michigan, and after 10 months of construction traffic on our drive, it turned into a soupy, nasty, rutty mess.

My tires were easy in 8-10 inches of that sludge, but the ol' girl just climbed right through it all. In the month that I've had it, I've moved close to 25 yards of sand with ease and enjoyment.

The decision to NOT get the BX turned out to be very wise indeed, with many thanks going to the folks on this board telling me I just might regret not having more ground clearance and the bigger tires. I already would have been sorry, without a doubt.

Managed to roll the hour meter beyond 10, which was an oddly good feeling. Very easy to use once you take the time to get familiar with all of the controls.

So with your scenario being as close to mine, I would highly recommend ponying up the extra dough for a bigger tractor, you'll be thankful that you did.

 

[EastTexFrank]

JCA,
Unlike everybody else here, I'm going to save you money on a tractor. I don't know where you live but you need to take the cost of that tractor and apply it to moving further south ... a 100" of snow a year!!!!!!!! /forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif /forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif /forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif That's 'way too much for this Texan to fight. Right now its supposed to get to 80 degrees today, the sun is shining, the redbuds are in bloom ... life is good!!!!

As far as the tractor choice is concerned, I have a B2400 and its a great little machine and the newer version, the B2410, should do what you need to do. Like the others, I would be concerned about ground clearance once you get off the lawn although the BX I looked at for my sister-in-law seemed to be a very capable piece of equipment.

 

[KubotaSteve]

I was looking at the BX22 with the backhoe being very tempting but glad I went with the B7800 with no hoe. After looking at the limits for the FEL (weight) it made sense to go bigger. I also like the ground clearance when doing loader work and the additional height of the loader. Spend the extra money and get the larger machine.

 

[frank_f15]

For all the reasons stated above , i will also recomend the b series, perhaps even something a little larger than the b7510, if it is financially possile , but at least the 7510

 

[KNotMe]

Ask Henro about the machines. Without having used either the BX or B series machine, it is hard to eyeball the capabilities. Everybody here will try and justify their choice by the "I am glad I"