BX1500 or BX1800

[Anonymous Poster]

Look to see if BX1500 is what I need? My Needs: Mowing 3 acres of lawn(40 Hours per Year), mowing around pond(10 H/Y) and ditches, and trail work on 10 acres of woods(20 H/y). To use for light winter clean up off 500 foot driveway(10 H/Y) and spring maintaines(5 H/y) Have a friend to do the big snowplowing for me. Would like to move small amount of dirt , like leveling out low spots and filling holes(10H/Y)!, Also would like to weld up an adapter for small one bottom plow (10 inch) from old walk behind tractor to use on garden(2 H/Y). Would like to get a York rack (15 H/Y)., small back-fill blade and put together a rear box for lift and moving thing round (chain saw, firewood, blacksmith thing, and tools)( keep on most of the time) . Current we have a using a 35 year old sears lawn tractor(12 HP). In the spring, summer, and fall we use it all most every day, beside the one-day a week we are fixing something on it. Last year repair got to be a drag. With the trail and ditch work we do, we often get stuck. We thing a locking rear and/or 4 wheel will help. My 13 year son dose most of the lawn mowing, with two younger boy looking to the day that they can help. My wife would do all the lawn and trail mowing if she can. That reason is way I like the size of the bx or JD X series. I have used my fathers JD 40 with woods bush hog and 8N but feel big lawn mower is a better fit for my famley. Have all most no need for fel but feels being able to add one is good. Looking at the BX1500 with 54in mmm and turf tires (chains in winter) or BX1800. The 15 hp and new engine design sound a little scary to me? Will the 15 hp diesel have the power for lit back blade work ? or will traction be the problem The 15 at 8500 is a little more than I wanted to spend but I like the 3 point and 4WD . Is the 15 a good fit?

 

[chrisjbell]

For what you describe, IMHO, you want 4WD for sure. I'm not familiar with the BX1500, but just checked out the BX1800 and I like it quite a bit. I think you'll find that even with a 15HP diesel that you will run out of traction before you run out of power, which makes the 4WD important.

You should be able to do light blade work with the BX1800, for certain. (Like I said, don't know much about the BX1500 so can't post opinions on it.) I'm not sure if that is a Cat 0 or Cat 1 hitch (I think it is a Cat 0 - smallest available), but I'm certain you can get a small blade for it.

You'll be surprised at the difference between HP ratings when you switch from gas to diesel. The diesels have a lot more power and torque. There really isn't a way to make a direct comparison between them.

 

[Steven]

I have read that the total tractor size of the 1500 is smaller than the 1800 not just the horse power. Not by a lot but they are not the same machine with a smaller engine. make sure you look at all the specs to compare them. that is why on the kubota page it is listed seperate from the 1800 & 2200.

 

[Rick Jay]

bnobles,

Welcome to TBN! I've got to say, there aren't many posters that have their prospective tractor hours plotted out as accurately as you do.

As far as the BX1500 goes, I've seen them at my dealers a couple of times and I'm really impressed with it. I wouldn't worry about the 15 hp. If you use appropriately sized implements and take small enough "bites", I think it'll do much of what you want. It sounds like this is going to be a bit of a stretch for you financially, so I won't suggest "bigger" tractors. (I'm sure someone else will. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif)

With 4 WD, locking differential and 15 hp diesel, you will be amazed at what a tractor of that size is capable of. I personally wouldn't worry about the "new design" Kubota engine. They've been building engines for a while and seem to have a long history of reliability.

I would recommend, if at all possible, that you try to figure out a way to get a front end loader with your tractor. Although they're expensive, I believe they are worth every penny and once you have one, you'll wonder how you survived without one.

Good Luck, welcome, and feel free to ask more questions as they come up.

~Rick

 

[Anonymous Poster]

bnobles,
Any of the bx series tractors should do the jobs that you describe. I have no experience with the 1500 but the bx 2200 is a very strong running little unit. My guess is that the 1800/2200"s will have better resale value, but if thats not an issue.................................
Good luck!
DaveL

 

[surfran]

I just purchased a BX1800 and also looked at pricing on the BX1500 also (did not actually see on to compare side by side though). I went with the BX1800 because it was only $600 more than the BX1500 (Actually the BX2200 was only another $1000).

I have only used mine for few hours so far, but am pleased with the performance so far.

I think you can do what you want to do with either, but you may find that the cost difference isn't much and the BX1800 gives you a slightly larger unit with an extra 1" ground clearance.

 

[chrisjbell]

<font color="blue"> I would recommend, if at all possible, that you try to figure out a way to get a front end loader with your tractor. </font>

Yes, I'll second that. The FEL is probably the handiest implement I have.

 

[r0GuE]

I would bet that there isn't many situations where the BX1500 would let you down (that the BX1800 would have made a difference). However, to get the third cylinder, I would DEFINATLY pony the extra $$. Especially with the excellent financing available. I really liked the BX1500, but the fact is, that they just aren't much cheaper than bigger units with more weight power and (theoretically) capability.
And I can virtually guarantee that in resale, every penny of the extra $600 would be recouped. That means the extra long term cost of ownership to you is just diesel! /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif

 

[ragman]

I've not looked at the BX1500, though I did look at the 1800 before I bought my BX2200. ( The 1500 wasn't available at the time) I have a tendency to want to conserve cash, even when I might be able to afford more. However, if the 1800 is only 600.00 more I would seriously consider it as an option. Also I would jump to the 60"mmm over the 54". I've read many reviews touting the 60 over the 54 for various reasons. (closer cutting ability, floating deck, etc.) Another option is to check some local dealers for a slightly used BX2200. I have been told of a number of BX2200's being traded in on BX22's for the backhoe attachment. I've had thoughts along that line myself. I was offered $9000.00 in trade towards a BX22 at my local dealer. Maybe you could find a BX1800 or 2200 used (1 or 2 years old, under 200 hours for a good price. One other thing. If you get the front loader you will automatically rack up more seat time. Don't ask me how it happens, I don't know. It's a Guy thing

 

[Anonymous Poster]

This is my first post. I am looking at the bx1800 also. I went looking for the 1500 but the salesman said he would sell me one but the 1800 was much better. 3 cyl instead of 2, less vibration etc. He said he would sell me a bx1800 with 54"mower, back work light and loaded tires for $8800. Does that sound fair or should I try to get a better price. Yes I will probally get the fel, another $2100. I owned a cub cadet lowboy many years with a fel. It was great.
I will also be landscaping around my new pond, cutting 1.5 acres of grass, fixing trails on the other 3 acres of woods.
My JD lx277 did not like pulling that rented tow behind rake last weekend. I do have some steep slopes also.
By the way another dealer wanted $9700 for the same bx1800. $600 more for the bx2200.
$8100 for the bx1500