Comparison Bx or B? That is the question...

[cfdwarrior]

I am in the market to purchase my first "tractor", have had riding lawn mowers in the past and currently have a zero turn. I want something that can be used for multi purpose and will not jar the living daylights out of my kidneys when I mow the lawn. I currently have about 4 acres, mostly flat, some trees and a fence. I also have a driveway that is about 220ft long that will need snow removal ( I live in NE Ohio). I have a garden that is roughly 60x60 and I also want to use the machine for light landscaping in my land and another five acre lot. I have narrowed my choice down to Kubota. The question is...do I go with the BX 2360/2660 or the B 2320/2620? The BX is definitely priced better for me, but I could swing the B if I really wanted to. I will be initially going with a MMM and a loader. I don't want TOO much tractor, but I also want to make sure I have enough for what I want to do. I am on vacation until Sept 22 and when I return I plan on making my purchase. Any thoughts, advice, or suggestions are welcome! Thank you ahead of time....this is my first post!

 

[bp fick]

I've owned both. I did a compare/contrast kind of review here. Perhaps you enjoy reading this short forum thread.
http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/.../185147-bx1860-vx-b2320-contrast-compare.html

 

[cfdwarrior]

Thanks for the link! It still makes me wonder what to do though. I think that there are good arguments for both. I was looking at the BX2360 to begin with, however the B2320 caught my eye (not sure if I need the "26" in either model). I have talked to many people that say for my needs to BX will do it all. I guess sitting on a higher platform and having the larger rear tires were appealing to me. When it comes to performance, it seems they are both pretty capable. More input please!

 

[JOHNTHOMAS]

Thanks for the link! It still makes me wonder what to do though. I think that there are good arguments for both. I was looking at the BX2360 to begin with, however the B2320 caught my eye (not sure if I need the "26" in either model). I have talked to many people that say for my needs to BX will do it all. I guess sitting on a higher platform and having the larger rear tires were appealing to me. When it comes to performance, it seems they are both pretty capable. More input please!

Here is the more input. http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/kubota-owning-operating/148830-b3200-bx2660-side-side-not.html If you can't decide after the article by BP and the input on this one, your never going to decide. I've bought 13 Kubotas from the smallest BX up to an L3240HST. The biggest difference between the BX and B is ground clearance. Look at the side by side pics. You can only learn so much from reading. Read these two threads and then stop reading and asking and go set your butt on them to make your final decision. While on vacation, look for Orange and stop in.

 

[samofsweden]

Here is the more input. http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/kubota-owning-operating/148830-b3200-bx2660-side-side-not.html If you can't decide after the article by BP and the input on this one, your never going to decide. I've bought 13 Kubotas from the smallest BX up to an L3240HST. The biggest difference between the BX and B is ground clearance. Look at the side by side pics. You can only learn so much from reading. Read these two threads and then stop reading and asking and go set your butt on them to make your final decision. While on vacation, look for Orange and stop in.

Welcome to TBN!!! I bought a BX24 back in 2007, a fantastic machine for it size, but if I know what I know today I would gone for the B series, because of the ground clearnce as Johnthomas say. If you ever think of doing work in the woods (I dont know if you have that) go for the B series, more ground clearance AND bigger wheels. Good luck and hope you find what you looking for

 

[46andtool]

I would recommend the B2320 (that's what I bought). I also live in NE OH and the loader will be a nice tool to get Lake Erie off the driveway. The B is more tractor, larger frame, wheels, and a closed hydraulic cooling system (instead of a plastic fan that blows on the trans - I can't believe Kubota went with that.) The Cat I three point hitch also opens it up to a lot more attachments than the BX's Cat 0.

 

[MikeInEburg]

... I know what I know today I would gone for the B series, because of the ground clearnce as Johnthomas say...

1+ on this. In my view, the most substantive difference between the two is ground clearance.

 

[Tomtint]

I had a BX22 TLB with MMM and rear bagger, it was a fantastic machine for maintaining a 3 acre property. Mowing was a pleasure and almost fun. My sister and meat head X husband bought a B7500 with a front loader MMM and a bagger at the same time. The B did have a bit more ground clearance and maybe a bit stronger loader but for mowing it was no where near as good. The wider tires will lay the grass down as you mow. Now if I was going to stomp through the woods all day than the B would be a better choice. But for a yard machine it is tough to beat the BX

 

[bp fick]

The difference is obvious, isn't it? The consternation escapes me, personally. They share much, much more than they differ. Having had both, it is right there in front of one's eyes.

The B has virtually TWICE the real world ground clearance. It has stronger hydraulics, a 3 speed trans, and a much better dash board and no HST fan to worry about. That's it.

The BX has a low center of gravity (thus half the ground clearance). That is either a negative or a positive. It's different. Not better, not worse, in and of itself, just IS.

It is all about your needs, flat out simple. The B2320 (rated at a lower RPM has the same D1005 engine as the BX2660 (rated at a higher RPM). Same - same. And, the price difference is tiny, around $500, that's it. So money shouldn't be the HUGE deciding factor.

Would I personally ever go back to a BX, after having a B2320? Sure. Absolutely, if my needs changed. But..... Kubota would have to follow Deere's new 1000 series and make some improvements and updates. If so? Sure, I'd go "back" to a BX. But not right now....

 

[skspurling]

I have the B2620, and I am not sure if I would go with anything less for the extra HP and ground clearance. Ground clearance is important, and there is nothing you can do to add it later. When I looked at the BX, garden tractor on steroids was what I thought. It is quite a little beast, and I was impressed with the brochure, but seeing it in person made me wonder if t would do what I needed. I was looking at something that could get around in wet clay. I had bottomed out a rented bobcat trying to move some dirt, and bottomed out my mid sized 4x4 truck in the snow last winter and n 2007. I was hoping what ever I got could get around without bottoming out in snow or mud so I could pull stuff out if I need to. Almost went to a small L series, but then I saw the B's. I love that little tractor. I think it has more ground clearance than the older B series I see for sale used on the dealer lot.

If you are mowing mostly open area, I would highly recommend ditching the idea of the MMM. They add a lot of cost, and don't hold their value except as part of your specific tractor. A RFM can be used on any other brand, and sold/upgraded/repaired for cheaper than a specific MMM deck can. My FIL has a belly mower on his John Deere tractor, and he's hit stumps and things with it that eventually made it hard to remove from the tractor. If you aren't worried about getting around in tight spaces, or have a smaller rider to do the edges, an RFM is great.

The extra HP is great for dirt engaging work and PTO implements. It seams that the B2620 is right at the place where the HP and weight balance out. If I had gone with the B2920, I doubt I would ever run out of HP, but the larger mowers and things would be too heavy without adding all kinds of weight to the tractor. If I had gone with the B2320, I would have to use the smaller attachments which seam small for the frame size.

 

[Garybake]

I picked up my BX24 in 2006 and was really pleased with it changing all the landscaping on our 1 acre township lot. In 2007 we bought 20 acres in northern MI that is loaded with mature cherry trees. Now I loved the BX cutting ability and versatility but it is overworked up north lumberjacking and clearing. I am really happy with the ability to tow it around easily in the Wells Cargo trailer that I store it in now though.:thumbsup:

 

[fredhargis]

I'll just offer my experience, which isn't nearly as much as the others have. I'm in NW Ohio and mow about the same, clear about 5-600' of drive (not Lake Erie, but sometimes Lake Michigan) and do odd jobs on 10 acres or so. I went with a B2920 (only tractor I've ever owned); same as the 2620 except a little more HP. If you are critical of your mowing, this tractor may not be for you. I use a 60" MMM, and often have stripes left in the grass where the front tires press the grass down, it doesn't spring back up quickly enough to be mowed to the same height as the rest of it. The weight (though these tractors aren't all that heavy) can leave tire tread impressions (R4's on mine, less a problem with turfs) in the soil if it's just a little soft. And turning (again with R4's) can be rough on the lawn unless you're gentle. So I gauge this tractor a little large for mowing, even though I'm not one to be real particular about the stuff I mentioned. Then for snow plowing, it's the reverse...the tractor can be on the small side, especially when I'm dealing with the 4' or so drifts I get every once in a while. But I put a snowblower on the back, and keep the FEL on the front just for that....all in all, it's a nice combo. I think my point is, you will be happy with either, and you will be unhappy (in same cases) with either. So, you can't lose, or you can't win...but consider the cup 1/2 full (you can't lose). I do think bp's assessment is spot on, the 2320 may be the best balance. However, like me, you may find that it is too much or too little at times.

 

[lawn_king]

Buyt the B series. I purchased too small twice before i got it right with my L!

 

[cfdwarrior]

All the input has been great, as well as eye opening! Things I like about the 2320 are the height and tire size as well as the class I 3 point hitch as opposed to the BX2360 (even though I thought the BX 2360 had the same). I will be using this as my primary cutting mower and I do like a nice cut, so the input that the 2320 doesn't cut grass all that well concerns me. Like I said, I will be using this as my primary mower, so maybe a B2320 with turfs would work fine...anyone have that setup?
I get back from Austria on Thursday, I may have a buyer for my zturn mower, so the decision is nearing!

Again...thank you all so far for the info!

 

[samofsweden]

Buyt the B series. I purchased too small twice before i got it right with my L!

:thumbsup: Go for the B series. I purchased too small ones now Im waiting for my M7040HD with FEL

 

[skspurling]

All the input has been great, as well as eye opening! Things I like about the 2320 are the height and tire size as well as the class I 3 point hitch as opposed to the BX2360 (even though I thought the BX 2360 had the same). I will be using this as my primary cutting mower and I do like a nice cut, so the input that the 2320 doesn't cut grass all that well concerns me. Like I said, I will be using this as my primary mower, so maybe a B2320 with turfs would work fine...anyone have that setup?
I get back from Austria on Thursday, I may have a buyer for my zturn mower, so the decision is nearing!

Again...thank you all so far for the info!

Not sure about the MMM. I hear that some people are very pleased with the B2x20 MMM setup, because it is the floating type. If you get strips from your tires crushing the grass, you need a high lift blade. I used to think there were mower blades and mulching blades, but that's not the case at all. I have a rear finish mower, and it cuts every bit as good or better than my lawn tractor. Again, I like the rear mower because it's not a specific model that is only good for one type of tractor. It was cheaper, and I can sell it or buy another if I need to do something different. I also think it is easier on and off.

Another interesting part is that it has medium lift blades. There are apparently four kinds of mower blades, Low, medium, and high lift and mulching. The lift is to pick up grass that is laid down from being too tall or being crushed by your tires. The reason you don't want lift is if you have sandy or gritty soil. The higher lift will pick that up and wear your deck and blades out faster.

As far as tearing up the soil, you shouldn't mow when it is that wet anyway. I have, and it can be hard on your lawn. This ain't no lawn tractor. You have to use it different, and then it will work just fine. Make larger sweeping turns. I have a Cub Cadet zero turn tractor, and it can tear the yard up worse than the B2620 if I don't use it right either. I let the yard dry up, don't run 4WD, and make wider sweeping turns. The yard looks like a golf course when am done. I love it, I just can't mow close to trees because of the ROPS and because I keep knicking the bark when I get distracted. I have R4's. They work great. Waiting to see if I need to grove them for working in the snow.

 

[CHDinCT]

The B and BX 3PH's are both Cat 1 just to clear that up. Good luck with your decision.

 

[magicheater]

The B and BX 3PH's are both Cat 1 just to clear that up. Good luck with your decision.

Good point. They do however have different loaders. More lift on the B series.
That can be invaluable as well as the ground clearance mentioned in earlier posts. Personally I would go with the lift capacity of the loader as the tipping factor in my decision. That's just me though...

 

[art]

Unless you have a back forty desire the fan on a BX will not be an issue. I'd be looking at the BX and pick an additional tool for the tractor to make your life easier.

The attachments for the bx should be less then the B-series!

 

[Cruisin]

Good point. They do however have different loaders. More lift on the B series.
That can be invaluable as well as the ground clearance mentioned in earlier posts. Personally I would go with the lift capacity of the loader as the tipping factor in my decision. That's just me though...

I'm missing something here... The Kubota spec sheet lists the lift capacity of the LA304 from the B2320 at only 27 lbs more than the BX's LA243. Hard to see that that's very significant. Certainly less important to me than the stability of the lower tractor and the more nimble mowing capabilities. The B2620/2920 come with a larger loader with more lift capacity and more $$$$.