Bubota BX1830/2230

[Bobsacres]

I know these two machines are pretty much the same except for the HP.
I'm a newbe to this sort of thing so please excuse what may seem to be a dumb question, but is the difference in HP noticeable? I will mainly be using the machine for mowing and would be using a 54" deck, no real heavy work.

 

[Bobsacres]

Sorry that should of course be Kubota ! /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif

 

[AceDeuce]

The only difference between the BX1830 and BX2230 is the engine. However, there are additional differences between the new BX1850 and BX2350. It appears as though the new BX1850 is being positioned between the outgoing (I think) BX1500 and older BX1830 in the model lineup to replace both. Right now some dealerships have all of these models on their lot. It'd be a good time to compare them next to one another before the older models sell out.

 

[RonR]

If you mow 1-2 times a week, all finish work, I don't think you would notice the HP difference. Doing FEL work, or pulling a box blade, and yep, I think you would.

I have the BX2200, and do very little mowing, so I'm glad I have the HP.

ron

 

[proudestmonkey]

I just purchased the 2230 because I decided to get the FEL, and thought I might regret the lesser amount of HP. I also live on a property that is essentially an old river bed's eastern bank, so hilly terrain. I can say without question that there have been times when I've needed all the power my engine can muster to do the things I want it to do--carry a bucket full of dirt or rocks up a good incline. Could I have done it with the 1830? Probably. I could probably have done it with the !500 too. But, I figure better to have more power than I need than less, and for me, the difference was something like $600, so it was a no-brainer--get the 2230. Don't forget resale value either. I am guessing that, if I sell this machine with less than 1,000 hours on it some day, I will get most of that money back.


By the way, I want to make sure you know that those two models have been replaced by new models in 2006 (the 1850 and 2350). So, if you are looking at leftovers, you should be getting a pretty good discount (like I did).

 

[kdlklm]

I couldn't have said it better myself, the more power the better, and better resale value.

 

[Bobsacres]

Thanks everyone, all very valid points
I have 3 acres with a slight slope and a good chance of adding another 2 acres on. I'm pushing my budget a little and was wondering if all that I'm doing is mowing, would there be a noticeable difference in performance or would the BX1830 be more than enough?

 

[Jimbrown]

If all you plan is mowing and maybe a litle landscape work the 1830 will do just fine. I almost never run my BX 22 at full throttle it just does not need that much power 90% of the time.

 

[proudestmonkey]

One thing I've heard in these forums over and over again, and it something that applies to me very well: the biggest mistake you can make is to get insufficient power and features. I just bought this 5 acre property last year. Before that, I lived on a cookie cutter lot in the city (45 feet by 140 feet). So, I had never needed anything bigger than a 3 HP lawn mower (the kind you push). When I got out here, I figured the JD riding mower would be good enough. I was wrong. I paid $2500 for it last year and consider myself lucky to have gotten $1,500 as a trade-in this year (right after I traded it in, I saw the exact same model, brand new, sitting at Home Depot for $1,999. So, in a sense, it cost me $1,000 to learn this lesson. Part of the reason I took two steps up (from the 1500 to the 2230) is that I did not want to go through that again. In fact, I took three steps up, because I was originally looking at the Simplicity Legacy XL, and my wife talked me out of it because she wanted me to get something that would still be enough in five years.

By the way, the reason I didn't go any bigger: low center of gravity, and weight. I didn't want to be high off the ground on my hills, and I didn't want to be tearing up my lawn with a 2,500 pound tractor. So, I opted for about as much power as you can get in a small and relatively light package.

 

[proudestmonkey]

One other thing. Since your dealer is showing you last year's model, he might have an FEL that fits that year's model laying around. If he does, he will really want to get rid of it, because this year's model requires a different model of FEL. So, even if you don't think you need an FEL, first of all, I can tell you this, you do. I didn't think I needed one, or would really have any use for one. After buying my 2230, I've put about 25 hours on it, and haven't even used it to mow yet (which is THE MAIN reason I bought it, or so I thought). Second of all, if there is any chance you want one, and he's got one, now might just be the time to get it, rather than waiting. My dealer essentially gave me mine for about 30% off his price (which was more than 30% off MSRP).

 

[redharley]

I've gota be honest with you,If all you'll doing is mowing your lawn an 1830 will be plenty.If your looking at this site In 2 month's will you want more attachments,find things to do with this machine that you never even considered before.We all have wallet's only so deep so if and 1830 is what you can afford do it.You can buy plenty of attachment's for it,that will fit a larger one down the road if you need a larger tractor later. By the way I have a BX2230 and love it along with a loader,60"deck,snow plow,rotary cutter.Most likely if your married your wife will love it,"she'll always now where do find you,with the tractor.Good luck let us know what you decide. Red

 

[midlf]

I have (had) a BX2230. Wife does not know where I am, she doesn't have time to think about it, she's out on the tractor. She's now known as "Kubota Girl". I still get time with the little beast, I get to change the implements.

 

[AceDeuce]

In defense of the BX1500, the ENTIRE BX series has more power than their lightweight chassis and small tires can put to the ground. A good reason to get a higher HP model is for power hungry PTO driven attachments, such as a bushhog or tiller. For heavy landscaping, the BX23/24 have a more robust frame to handle the backhoe. But if all you are doing is mowing, light to moderate FEL work, and using non-PTO powered or low PTO power implements, you don't really NEED the extra HP. It's easy to get "Tim Taylor Syndrome"... MORE POWER! ARH ARH ARHHHHH!!!

 

[proudestmonkey]

</font><font color="blueclass=small">( In defense of the BX1500, the ENTIRE BX series has more power than their lightweight chassis and small tires can put to the ground. But if all you are doing is mowing, light to moderate FEL work, and using non-PTO powered or low PTO power implements, you don't really NEED the extra HP. It's easy to get "Tim Taylor Syndrome"... MORE POWER! ARH ARH ARHHHHH!!! )</font>

On flat ground, I might be willing to agree with you (assuming we agree on what "light" FEL work is).

On hills, I don't think that's true. With my BX 2230, there have been several times when I have been pulling a heavy load in my utility cart (full of dirt and rocks) up my hill (don't know the grade, but not so steep its dangerous), and I have had to crank the throttle all the way up to keep going. Also, I have been using my FEL to dig into a hillside to create a more level walking path. There have been more than a few times that I've needed all the juice I could get to push the FEL to the limit--get it to push, curl and lift just a little bit more. So, to tell you the truth, I've already managed to reach the limit of my 2230 and I don't have any PTO implements in the back (although I will be attaching a 60" MMM in a few weeks).

Lastly, I don't think anyone is pushing him to get something bigger than the 1830. We are just warning him not to get less than what he needs, so he doesn't regret it later (like I have myself). Also, I don't think anyone has suggested he go get a 30 HP CUT. He wants a SubCUT, and the only question is whether 18 HP is enough, or if he'd be better off with a bit more (22/23). You are probably right that 18 HP is plenty, but if it doesn't cost much more for a fairly significant jump in power capacity, it might just be worth it.

 

[Bobsacres]

Thanks again everyone.

proudestmonkey you are spot on with: "We are just warning him not to get less than what he needs, so he doesn't regret it later." That too is my worry and at this stage I am considering just finding the extra cash!

 

[proudestmonkey]

Have you done a price check in the pricing forums?

What is the difference your dealer is charging between an 1830 and a 2230? For me, it was $600.

 

[Bobsacres]

Thanks again proudestmonkey.

The difference at my local dealer is about $1000. He has always had a reputation locally as being very helpful when things go wrong and with servicing, I'll therefore try to deal with him.

 

[newcountry]

I'm only going off what you've put done as your goals for the tractor --

Get the 1830, there's no need for more horsepower if you're just going to mow.

NOW, Think long and hard as to any projects you want to do around the house. Lots of wheelbarrow work? Moving anything around (trees, firewood, rocks, etc)? Use a loader (more horses is good). Need to level any areas? for grass? or driveway? You'll need a box blade (and more horses). Any plans to clear snow, if it snows where you're at? You'll need a blade (yes, probably more horses).

There's usually a lot more things you need to do, you just don't realize it yet. Think about it. If you still can't come up with much more than rare needs for the above, then the 1830 will be a great mower for you and will still pull the occasional tree around.

Either way, you'll end up having a lot of fun!! Enjoy /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

 

[Bobsacres]

Eric (newcountry) Thanks for your wise words, I've been in my place for the past 14yrs and all the donkey work is done. Since my old mower is warn out and I'm just about to purchase a further 2 acres from next door, I decided it was time to get a new mower.

To everyone who has replied to my post, thanks for the guidance. I'll let you know when I get the tractor home!