B7610 or BX2350 ???

[ahenthus]

I am trying to decide between a BX2350 w/60" mmm and FEL and a like equipped B7610. The B is $14,900, the BX is $11,900. I drove both today just around the dealer's parking lot. I liked the feel and size of the B best. I'm just not sure the extra $3K is worth it. I have 10 acres, 7 in pasture and 3 in lawn. I have a 4' bush hog for the pasture and several other implements that I use with my 26HP Shibaura. I like the Shibaura okay for the pasture but I'm getting pretty tired of mowing the yard with a Murray 46" 18HP gas lawn tractor and a 33" 14HP Snapper riding mower. I'd rather consign the Murray to pulling a small trailer and misc small chores and the Snapper to the small hard to reach lawn areas. I may sell the Shibaura after getting the Kubota but will initially keep it for the convenience of not having to hitch and unhitch so much. Which Kubota sounds best for me? The extra $3K savings would be nice but not a show stopper. Thanks

 

[KeithInSpace]

I'd almost certainly go with the B series. The extra size will be better suited to your described needs.

I'd say if you're maintaining much more than 3 acres, certainly more than 5 acres, that is probably where you should consider stepping up from the BX. It is more of an "estate" machine that works perfect for my 2 wooded acres, for example.

The cut on the B series is comparable to the BX, so you're not sacrificing much and you're getting loads of clearance and utility in the larger frame and 3PH. Not much question in my mind. B series. Can't say 7610 necessarily since I'm not that familiar with the nuances of the different models, but I'm sure others will chime in with suggestions.

 

[crbr]

B7800 here. It's a little more than I need but I am way glad I have it there if I do need it. I found a new B7800 with MM mower, and the FEL for $18,000 out the door. Good, bad, or indifferent, I am pleased with the machine and knowing it will serve any need that I'll ever have.

That is one fine MM mower. I have acerage that I allow to grow for weeks at a time and it cuts that down very nicely.

Good luck on your new machine.

 

[Harvster]

Welcome to the forum. I would go with the B7610. (in fact I did). I liked the higher ground clearance and the larger frame in general. The increased FEL capacity in going to the 352 loader was also a plus. The 3K will never be noticed 5-10 years down the road. Although, be careful about looking at what you can get for "just a little bit more".

 

[AceDeuce]

I'll echo everyone elses comments. My BX suits me well on a couple acres, but I would definitely go with a B-series for 10 acres. Don't get me wrong though... the BX-series is very capable and might even be adequate for your needs, but you'll probably wish you got the bigger machine.

Sell the Shibaura. You'll probably recoup much of the cost differential. Then, change out some of the 3PH parts from a B2630 or B3030 to make hitch-ups faster and easier.

 

[bigdad]

Like AceDeuce's slogan at the bottom of his posts says......

"If you're gonna do it, do it right!" BTW welcome aboard, this forum will save you a lot of time and money.

BD

 

[Bob_Young]

Welcome to TBN; where we spend the money of others with all the determination and glee of the Federal Govt.

If you keep the Shibaura and use the Kubota primarily on the lawn, the BX would be a good choice. Otherwise, I have to agree with the other posters, the B7610 should work best. The larger wheels won't beat you up as much on uneven ground and the extra ground clearance is always useful. It might let you do some off-lawn work without having to remove the MMM.

Make sure you know what you're getting into with the quarter-inching valve on the 3 pt. hitch. If the Shibaura has Position Control, you might not like the Q-I. I sometimes get into trouble on uneven ground pulling a bush hog with my B7610. This is because it's harder to keep the hog at a known height. The answer is check chains, but I haven't figured out how to put them on the 7610 yet.

I agonized the same choice last May, BX2350 or B7610. Nearly bought the BX twice but ended up buying the 7610. Glad I did, the thing is nearly perfect for residential and light field work.

From what I recall shopping for mine a year ago, those are both very good prices. What part of the country are you in?

Think hard before selling the Shibaura. If it's in good shape & reliable, it'll give you a lot of flexibility having it around. Only thing better than one tractor is two.....or three or....
Bob

 

[art]

With the thoughts of keeping the Shibaru for the bush hogging I'd go with the BX but gain the backhoe!

 

[Buckeyeman]

I was in the same dilemma last year when I bought my B7610. I originally wanted the BX2350 but the dealer talked me out of it. I also have 3 acres and with all the quality issues the BX had, I'm glad I went with the B-series. The B is made in Japan and the BX is made in Georgia. Go with the B and you won't be sorry.

 

[don716]

I have a B7500 and really like it.You would'nt be sorry for the extra $$$ at all.I have alot of property too and I think it would really wear on the BX.Alot of FEL work and ALOT of mowing.I just hit 200hrs tonight and I still get excited every time I set in the seat.The 7610 would be your best bet.
Donny