BX 24 to B2630 upgrade

[megaboz]

I am thinking about upgrading from my BX24 to a B2630. One of the reasons is because I am not happy with the BH and I don't use it anyway, mostly because I am not happy with it anyway. Did I say I was not happy with the BH?

One of the biggest reasons for the upgrade is that I am hoping that I will get a little more stability with the 2630. I live on some rough land, I am hoping that a larger wheel base and length will help in that department. I realize the size difference isn't that large, but I really don't want to go too big anyway.

Anyone have any thoughts?

 

[Hozen]

My neighbor has a B7610 (I know, not the same). I have a Cub Cadet Yanamer 2400 which is around the same size as the BX24. While the B series is wider, it's also taller. I would think that you probably won't gain much stability by up sizing to the B series. What you do gain is more tractor meaning you can potentially use bigger equipment.

If you don't mind me asking, what don't you like about your BX24? I always assumed they were pretty decent machines.

 

[Hozen]

Oh, wanted to add...

Before I got my Cub, I was looking heavily at the BX2360 and the B2320. I wanted something to pull double duty of being my lawn mower plus doing the work of a small tractor. For me, having the agility of the BX sized tractors for mowing in tight situations was a big win. I couldn't justify the added cost of the B series knowing it was probably more tractor than I needed. This is just my situation. I noticed you have a MMM for your BX24 and am assuming you'd get one for the B series tractor you might get as well.

 

[megaboz]

Yea, I would get the MMM and the FEL. The BH's just aren't fast enoguh to suit me and need it very little anyway. If I did, I would rent a mini-exevator.(boy my spelling sucks).

My dealer pretty much assured me he could sell my BX and bout the only think I woul dhave to buy would be the FEL and MMM. Which is still a fiar amount of change. I have room on my property, but I just feel the BX is just too unstable.

A couple of times I have only had one front and one rear wheel on the ground and it was a heck of a ride for a couple of seconds. It does bother me that the B series I am looking appears to haver skinnier tires. So that has me on the fence as I feel the wider contact patch is better.

I'm trying to work it out to get a loner brought out to play with to see how I like it. Hopefully that will help a bit.

 

[ChuckinNH]

I went from the BX22 which was the forerunner of your tractor to the B2620. Part of my reason was the instability of the smaller tractor, especially with the backhoe mounted, in my woods. My B2620 has loaded R-4 tires, and I noticed a dramatic improvement in stability on the uneven ground in my woods especially. Not so much just on slopes, etc. Still I often easily roam areas now that made me nervous before. I know it doesn't make much sense, just looking at numbers, but it is very easy to feel the difference. I also like how much easier it is to do most of my work at low rpm. I'm sure the B2630 is the same in that regard. My BX always sounded "busy" to me even when doing loader work because the rpm had to be so high for the hydraulics to work smoothly. Since you are planning on a mmm, I would look closely at the install, and removal of both the B2X20 series, and the B2630 since they are quite different. I would also suggest turf tires since my R-4's tend to be a little rough on the yard. Great in the woods though!

 

[TripleR]

For some people a BH is indispensable, but I need one so seldom I just rent one, so I have never even considered buying a TLB.

When looking for a replacement for my BX2200, I thought I wanted a B2920 until I spent a lot of time looking at them and comparing height, width and the MMM. In the end, due to my hilly land, I bought a BX2660 due to their stability on inclines. I don't know about the B2x30 machines, but the B2920, while a great tractor just appeared to have to high of a COG for me and was too tall to fit in some of the places I needed to go.

I guess about everything is a trade off as while the BX are very stable, the ground clearance is really limited, ride pretty rough and so on.

I'm not saying a B won't work well for you, it just wasn't for me. Good luck shopping.

 

[JOHNTHOMAS]

I have hill side property. Have had BX's, B's and an L. Stability is to the BX's hands down without the BH. I now have a BX2660 and a BX25. If your concerned about stability, take BH off until you use it. If you want to sell your BX24 since you don't use the BH then do that and get another BX without BH but will probably cost you more than just removing the BH from your BX. I've had a B7800 and a B3200 and they are great but not as stable as the BX2200, BX1500, BX2350 and the BX2660 with FEL and BH off. Just try a B on your property before you jump.

 

[ultrarunner]

I'm hillside too... biggest improvement was foam filling the rear tires... added stability by adding weight down low and the backhoe digs better. My biggest Backhoe issue is the 12" bucket is too easy to "pack solid" unless my soil is just right.

 

[Tractor Factor]

Hey John, I don't mean to hijack megaboz's thread, but I've never had the backhoe off the BX25. Why does taking it off make the tractor more stable. I would think the weight would actually make for greater stability. Is it because the COG is higher with the BH?

 

[timswi]

Hey John, I don't mean to hijack megaboz's thread, but I've never had the backhoe off the BX25. Why does taking it off make the tractor more stable. I would think the weight would actually make for greater stability. Is it because the COG is higher with the BH?

I only take my BH and FEL off for mowing..haven't noticed any increased or decreased stability either way...I think the BX is very stable with the low COG..The B is definitly taller, and not a whole lot wider..the bigger filled tires might help it feel more stable...Who knows. The only times I've hit the pucker factor on mine is when I deserved it.

 

[Toolguy]

For stability on side hills and uneven ground I think a B2630 would be a good choice. I have Rimguard loaded turf tires on my B3030 and it feels very stable to me. Bigger and heavier is always better for providing a more solid platform. Everything has it's limits, but size does matter. You can put rear wheel spacers on the B2630 if you feel the need. The 14" ground clearance is a plus in my book. The MMM is easy to R&R. I have a 60". It just rolls under the tractor without a problem. The 72" should be just as easy. Good luck with your decision.

Here is a picture of my tractor on the steepest part of my property. While it was setting there I tried to push it and get it rocking to see I could get it to start to tip over. No chance. I couldn't even come close to getting the highside wheel off of the ground.

 

[Tractor Factor]

Here is a picture of my tractor on the steepest part of my property. While it was setting there I tried to push it and get it rocking to see I could get it to start to tip over. No chance. I couldn't even come close to getting the highside wheel off of the ground.

That 3030 is a good looking tractor even without the cab! From your picture, I'd say that slope looks like less than a foot over 5 feet (the width of your mower). That would be less than a 20% slope, right? That should be fairly safe, but the tractor does appear to be quite tipped, and, if I were on it, I would be creeping along carefully, feeling it out.

I only take my BH and FEL off for mowing..haven't noticed any increased or decreased stability either way...I think the BX is very stable with the low COG..

Thanks, timswi, appreciate the opinion!

 

[megaboz]

For stability on side hills and uneven ground I think a B2630 would be a good choice. I have Rimguard loaded turf tires on my B3030 and it feels very stable to me. Bigger and heavier is always better for providing a more solid platform. Everything has it's limits, but size does matter. You can put rear wheel spacers on the B2630 if you feel the need. The 14" ground clearance is a plus in my book. The MMM is easy to R&R. I have a 60". It just rolls under the tractor without a problem. The 72" should be just as easy. Good luck with your decision.

Here is a picture of my tractor on the steepest part of my property. While it was setting there I tried to push it and get it rocking to see I could get it to start to tip over. No chance. I couldn't even come close to getting the highside wheel off of the ground.

Well, the hills I got are alot steeper than that, but I don't try to run sideways on all of them. I know safer is beter than faster. But there are places where I do run sideways that are steeper than yours and it just feels like it is ready to tip. I have tested it many times, but still doesn't make me feel better.

As for taking the BH and FEL off when mowing. It is pretty mucha must in almost every situation when cutting grass. 1. Lighter on the turf, leaves less of an impression you was there. 2. DOn't have to worry about catching it on the side of the house or something. 3. Sometimes a light tractor goes more places easier. 4. Center of gravity is better. 5. On hills, that darn FEL will catch a hill when turning. 6. FEL and no BH, front end to heavy, won't back up steep hills. 7. Soft ground, sink deeper!

So, as you can see I have experienced a few issues with trying to leave it on there.

I have used my BH 3 times since I got it. I thought with the new house I would use it more, but to be honest, it is just too slow to do big jobs.

Mainly I just don't want to get into something that isn't as steady as the BX. The narrower tires on the 2630 has me wondering if I would not be running into that issue. Ground clearance doesn't matter to me, stability is what I am all about.

 

[JOHNTHOMAS]

Hey John, I don't mean to hijack megaboz's thread, but I've never had the backhoe off the BX25. Why does taking it off make the tractor more stable. I would think the weight would actually make for greater stability. Is it because the COG is higher with the BH?

I've had the BX25 for a few weeks and it may just be in my mind but I feel that it has raised the COG and doesn't feel as stable as the BX2660 with MMM and FEL removed. I'm not positive about this but just in my mind.

Well, the hills I got are alot steeper than that, but I don't try to run sideways on all of them. I know safer is beter than faster. But there are places where I do run sideways that are steeper than yours and it just feels like it is ready to tip. I have tested it many times, but still doesn't make me feel better.

As for taking the BH and FEL off when mowing. It is pretty mucha must in almost every situation when cutting grass. 1. Lighter on the turf, leaves less of an impression you was there. 2. DOn't have to worry about catching it on the side of the house or something. 3. Sometimes a light tractor goes more places easier. 4. Center of gravity is better. 5. On hills, that darn FEL will catch a hill when turning. 6. FEL and no BH, front end to heavy, won't back up steep hills. 7. Soft ground, sink deeper!

So, as you can see I have experienced a few issues with trying to leave it on there.

I have used my BH 3 times since I got it. I thought with the new house I would use it more, but to be honest, it is just too slow to do big jobs.

Mainly I just don't want to get into something that isn't as steady as the BX. The narrower tires on the 2630 has me wondering if I would not be running into that issue. Ground clearance doesn't matter to me, stability is what I am all about.

In my opinion based on 6 years of Ky hillside usage of a BX2200, BX1500 (now residing in W Va) B7800, L3240, BX2350, B3200, BX25 and BX2660, the BX stripped down to MMM is the one I feel most comfortable with. The BX1500 the leader of the pack. I moved up to B's for ground clearance and to save a bit of time with FEL work. Once my major projects were/are completed then it's back to BX's for stability. Having a tractor stopped on a hillside and trying to rock it is interesting but put you a good sized rock under one tire on the high side or dig a decent sized hole under one wheel on the lower side, then drive forward while on the tractor and tell how secure it felt. Do it with all three models. That's the real test of stability, scared the crap out of me a couple of time with the L3240 so rarely used it. B's were better and I could have lived (maybe) with them but the BX's are a joy and pleasure to use compared to the bigger ones, on my hillside property. I have areas that I'm not about to drive across on any of them, unless I get caught in a situation which I have a few times, scary, especially on the bigger tractors and also scary on the BX's but it happens and scarier on the bigger the tractor. Try the B before you buy. B's are great, L's are great, BX's are great. You that are reading this, whatever you have is the best one bar none, OK. You keep whatever you have and be glad. I'm not putting your (???) tractor down and I'm not saying your (???) isn't the perfect model and choice of combinations that could possibly be bought. You have the best one and everyone just like you with property just like yours and your same age and financial status should buy exactly what you have. You've done well and picked the best one. OK! But leave your mind open just a slight amount and consider that possibly, just possibly, someone else may have a bit different situation than you, just possibly. Now, hopefully no one will take offense that I've said their tractor isn't the perfect tractor and that their choice hasn't proven that they aren't the smartest person/tractor buyer in the world.

 

[gyro433]

Megaboz, I agree with the others that the B will probably have a higher Centre Of Gravity (COG). The bx low COG is hard to beat. I own a B2320 and it has it's limit. By the sound of your post you have some pretty good slopes on your land. I was raised on a farm with very steep hills and have scared myself a few times as a boy driving the big toys. Tractors are not well designed for steep inclines in general. The angle you take to go up or down is the big factor but if you plan to go sideways I don't think you will be gaining much with the B.

Oh by the way here is a link and a few pictures I found last year of some really well designed equipment for that. They also have a video to watch, pretty interesting.

www.kutkwick.com/superslopemaster.htm

 

[megaboz]

Megaboz, I agree with the others that the B will probably have a higher Centre Of Gravity (COG). The bx low COG is hard to beat. I own a B2320 and it has it's limit. By the sound of your post you have some pretty good slopes on your land. I was raised on a farm with very steep hills and have scared myself a few times as a boy driving the big toys. Tractors are not well designed for steep inclines in general. The angle you take to go up or down is the big factor but if you plan to go sideways I don't think you will be gaining much with the B.

Oh by the way here is a link and a few pictures I found last year of some really well designed equipment for that. They also have a video to watch, pretty interesting.

www.kutkwick.com/superslopemaster.htm

That is kind of what I was afraid of. I had my concerns that it wouldn't be as stable, but I thought I would check on here because I know we have users of all types on here.

I wasn't necessarily wanting to cut the hills sideways, but where I have to, I just wanted more stability.

Maybe I will just save my money and buy me some more toys for my truck.

I love those mowers, the seats pivots to keep you up right, that is cool. They could have at least included prices.

 

[JOHNTHOMAS]

I've tried to let this slide but every time I see the title I sort of cringe. From a BX to a B is not an upgrade. You may be going to a newer tractor or you may be going to a bigger tractor but from a BX24 to a B2630 is not an upgrade. Bigger is not better, it's just bigger. More HP is not better it's just more HP. There are some jobs a B can do better/faster than a BX and there are some jobs that a BX can do better than a B (confined spaces). From one size BX to another size BX or from one size B to another size B may be upgrades but not from a BX to a B. Sorry B guys.

 

[gyro433]

Megaboy, Do you have the rear tires filled ? if not, like others have said it will decrease your center of gravity lower and improve your stability. The spacer option might also be a good option to look at. But if you really don't like the BH and have the itch to buy something new I would call a dealer to have a test drive on your lot and compare both tractor's stability. That way you will be sure and if the test is non concluant you won't have to spend the extra $ .

Gyro

 

[megaboz]

I've tried to let this slide but every time I see the title I sort of cringe. From a BX to a B is not an upgrade. You may be going to a newer tractor or you may be going to a bigger tractor but from a BX24 to a B2630 is not an upgrade. Bigger is not better, it's just bigger. More HP is not better it's just more HP. There are some jobs a B can do better/faster than a BX and there are some jobs that a BX can do better than a B (confined spaces). From one size BX to another size BX or from one size B to another size B may be upgrades but not from a BX to a B. Sorry B guys.

Granted it isn't much of an "upgrade", but there are several things that the B can do that my BX can't do. Like a true Cat 1 3pt.

Also, a bit more HP allows for a few more toys that could be added to the 3pt.

But the major goal was more stability, and the more I compare, I don't see where I get more stability, maybe as stable, but not more.

I already have my tires filled and use front weights, but while it helps still doesn't make me comfortable. Nothing probably will. The first month of every season drives me crazy on the tractor until I get a feel for the changes on the land.

Oh well, I think I will probably stay with my BX, at least it will be paid off in a couple of months.

 

[JOHNTHOMAS]

Granted it isn't much of an "upgrade", but there are several things that the B can do that my BX can't do. Like a true Cat 1 3pt.

Also, a bit more HP allows for a few more toys that could be added to the 3pt.

But the major goal was more stability, and the more I compare, I don't see where I get more stability, maybe as stable, but not more.

I already have my tires filled and use front weights, but while it helps still doesn't make me comfortable. Nothing probably will. The first month of every season drives me crazy on the tractor until I get a feel for the changes on the land.

Oh well, I think I will probably stay with my BX, at least it will be paid off in a couple of months.

You look like a candidate for a BX2660, to me. The 3ph will handle any attachment that my B3200 handled and the BX2660 has your additional HP and it is lower to the ground which is the biggest difference between a B and a BX, ground clearance. I traded my B7800 to a L3240 when I got it paid off. Course I've found out since then there's never a better time to trade than today. Maybe tomorrow is as good. 0% interest is hard to beat. Borrow the whole amount and take your equity in your BX24 and pay off any other debts or just blow it.