B2620 or BX2660

[Evil the Weasel]

Installing and removing the loader on the B2620 is a piece of cake. I'm pretty quick at it even though I'm following the instructions step by step. It's only going to get faster with practice. I wouldn't even try mowing with the loader installed. I've got too much stuff to cut around. Having said that, this beast is more nimble than I imagined. Of course it's not as maneuverable as a ZTR, and the mowing deck was not cheap by any means, so take that into consideration.

Another point you may know already is that the BX2660 has independent pto operation, the B2620 does not. You can't run the mid PTO by itself on the 2620 like you can with the BX.

 

[psvines]

I have no immediate plans for a rear PTO implement. Are there any concerns about the PTO always running? Does it degrade the power for other uses?
I've never used a tractor and only last week learned what pto/fel/mmm stand for. I missed the bullet item on the differences in PTO between the BX and B.

I envision always removing the bucket for mowing.
My 1.5 acre "lawn" won't care about small ruts or dents from the weight; I just need to mow it to keep it looking ok and not a chigger farm. It'll never be on Home & Gardens.

I also considered keeping my walk behind, but storage is an issue. Hopefully I can get $1.5K for it, to help with the mmm cost.

 

[KeithInSpace]

What Mr. Evil was saying was that in the BX you can choose if you want the mid-PTO running, the rear-PTO running, or both running at the same time. If I have a PHD (post hole digger) installed on the rear and I happen to still have the MMM mounted, I can run the PHD off the rear PTO and not be forced to have my MMM running at the same time.

In the B, you apparently don't have that choice. Either the PTO's (both) are engaged, or not. No second lever to choose which to run, as is the case on the BX.

However in both, you can certainly select whether or not the PTO system is running or not. It is not a question of leeching power.

You bring up a good point on the mowing. I'm sure the B mows like a banshee, but it is a "tractor tractor" while the BX is more of a "estate tractor". I sit on my BX more to the garden tractors I used growing up than I would a B series tractor. If 50% of your use is lawn mowing, it may sway the thought process toward a BX. Even more, still, if space is a consideration. The B is certainly a larger tractor in every regard.

MMM and other implement costs are probably going to be similar, so it will come down to what you think "fits" your needs. I sat on the B and the BX, and the BX "fit" my needs much better even though it is smaller. Go sit on some and let us know what you think.

 

[Evil the Weasel]

B2620 has 3 PTO options: both off, mid and rear on together, or just rear on. You can't run just the mid by itself, which for me hasn't mattered so far. I went from a G2460 which is a big 2wd garden tractor to the B2620. I sat on the BX2660 and it didn't feel like enough of an upgrade for me. Functionally I think it would have been fine but I didn't want to buy too small and I think I accomplished that.

 

[KeithInSpace]

Didn't know that about the PTO. Odd. Or maybe mine's odd...what do I know. Just seems strange to have "mid only" be the only thing you can't choose to select.

...from a G2460...sat on the BX2660...didn't feel like enough of an upgrade for me.

Makes perfect sense. This is one of those things where if you had gotten the BX instead of the G, you probably wouldn't have a B...you'd still have the BX, perhaps. Conversely, if the BX doesn't meet your needs, seldom would you go for a B2630, you'd be in a big B or a small L.

The B is a great machine and for the money, is probably the best buy here. The statistics on the B are stronger but, in the real world, very similar to the BX. Between the two machines, it comes down to "feel" and what you want, as I said. Can't go wrong either way.

 

[psvines]

So if there is not an implement attached, the PTO is not really running?
So on the B, with a mower attached and running, but nothing is attached to the rear, then the rear isn't really doing anything?

(PTO ignorant, but learning)

 

[KeithInSpace]

On both tractors, the PTO is only running if you engage it via a lever by your thigh.

The only difference between the PTO engagement of the two tractors is this:

On the BX, you can have a MMM attached, have the mid (underbelly) PTO engaged and running and NOT have the rear PTO shaft spin. In theory, I could mow with my PHD attached to the back, have the MMM spin and not the PHD. Big woop.

On the B, when you have the MMM attached and the mid PTO engaged, the rear PTO shaft is harmlessly spinning whether you want it to or not. This isn't that big of a deal since you'll either be MOWING your you'll be doing OTHER THINGS. If you have a bagger, you'd have both running anyway. If you have a chipper/shreader, PHD, Snowblower, or some other rear PTO implement, you probably wouldn't have it attached while your MOWING so it is a moot point. Worst case is you disconnect the drive shaft until you finish whatever you're mowing.

It isn't really a limitation, it's just one of those things that is different between the two tractors. Not a big deal at all and won't impact 'normal' use of the tractor in the least.

And FWIW, bigger is better on the mower. I love my 60" and would have a 72" if they made one. I can mow my acre in about 45 minutes even weaving around the trees in a very inefficient pattern. Another 45 minutes for push-mowing, trimming, and blowing/clean-up. I remember spending over 3 hours mowing my 2/3 acre boyhood home on a Crapsman mower with no trees. The BX is a SWWEEEEET mowing machine. I'm sure the B2620 is similar, if only slightly less maneuverable.

 

[G-force]

The BX series is a good bargain for the money, but it lacks in many areas that I needed a tractor for. The main cause of concern for me was ground clearance and the lawn tractor type wheels and tires. Also from what I was told there was not a true AG tire available for the BX, and with my hills it is something I absolutely needed.

For cut and dry flatland work I'm sure it's great, but I know I would need to someday push the limits. that is why I chose the B2620.

 

[Frosstoise]

I just bought a BX2660 (last week!) and I must say, I am more than happy with it's performance. I've got ~2 acres of horse paddock, and another 14 of woods, and the BX will do everything. I have some trepidation regarding it's HST cooler fan, but I'm looking at the Bro-tek skid plate to take care of that (just waiting to hear back whether it will fit without modification). I couldn't justify the extra cost (Dealer wanted $3000 extra for the 2620,) and I have no buyers remorse at all

Either way, I'm sure you'll enjoy!

 

[psvines]

I decided on the BX2660, more than enough for my needs. It was delivered today; I've not got a busy weekend planned. Thanks for all the help.