BX2200 for 3.6 acres with incline?

[hartsjc]

I have recently purchased 3.6 acres in central Illinois. The majority of the lot is mowable, but it has a decent incline. To get a better idea of the lot, please see:
http://maybe.unloyal.com/lot/plot.html and click on the red arrows.

I originally thought that the BX2200 would be more than enough tractor for me. However, I continue to talk myself into a bigger tractor due to the incline (or just MORE POWER!). For this reason I keep looking at the B7500 & B2410. The tasks I want the tractor for are:
1. Mowing (Mid mount or finishing I am not sure)
2. Move dirt (take dirt from neighbors basement's dig)
3. Snow removal / Misc after I build a house in a couple years

I think a 4WD & hydro trans are a necessity; however, any suggestion on what type of tractor would best fit my needs would be greatly appreciated. I have never owned a tractor previously, so please feel free to provide input on type of tires, weights, or any information you think is worth considering. I appreciate the help and thanks in advance. The information available in this forum is wonderful!

/James

 

[TresCrows]

Your not going to dig a basement with any of the tractors you mention unless you got a lot of time on your hands. Other than that you sound like a match for a BX. It might be best to pay someone else to dig the basement. J

 

[1funride]

3.6 acres with nothing for a BX (get the 60" deck).
The inclines will be no match for the BX (go straight up and down).
My lot is very steep in spots. Without 4 wheel drvie and low gear I would go for a ride.
Load the tires on the BX and mow away.
The BX is much better than the 7500 for unlevel ground. I would be afraid to mow the spots on my yard with a 7500.

 

[hartsjc]

TresCrows,

I do not plan on digging a basement, I just want to use the tractor to take dirt from basement digs and level out some areas on my property. So, it sounds like the BX should do the trick. I think I will go talk to one of my local dealers tomorrow.

Thanks,
/James

 

[hartsjc]

1funride,

What type of tires do you have (turf, bar, ag)? Secondly, what did you use to load the tires with?

Thanks,
/James

 

[Jeff396]

When I made my decision I decided that getting a tire which would handle my FEL was more important than getting the best for the grass. I eventually landed on the R4's which set me back an additional $150 over the turfs and barturfs. I was told that the turfs (my origonal choice) didn't have as thick a sidewall for the heavier lifting and was told that the R4's would also last twice as long as the other choices. I am very happy with the minimal impact on the lawn but I also don't have any damp areas. Also, when my dealer prepped my tractor he filled the rear tires with liquid ballast.

Jeff

2001 B7500HSD, LA302 fel, 60"mmm, grass catcher

 

[Jeff396]

Tires from left to right are turf, bar and R4's

Jeff

 

[Jeff396]

Here are the bar turfs

Jeff

 

[RPM]

Looking at the lot abd based on experience I would say the BX will handle it just fine. If you are a new tractor owner then the lower center of gravity will also make you feel much safer on the slopes.

One tip regarding moving dirt from your neighbors basement excavation ... the loader is not that big on the BX. You might want to use a vehicle with a trailer - and then use the BX to load the trailer with dirt to move it from one place to another.

Patrick

 

[1funride]

I have the turf tires.
I loaded the tires with automobile windshield washer fluid (back tires only) so it would not freeze.
It is very inexpensive.
I did not add inner tubes. I added a rust inhibitor (radiator) to each tire. Rims should last life of tractor.
I filled the tires to above the rims (probably 90%) no problems, plenty of flex.
Each tire weighed 153 pounds when done. You can get more weight with sodium, but risk rust.
If you do use sodium, put it in tubes.
This change significantly modified the feel of the tractor. Much more stable, settled down, and better traction.
Helped alot with the FEL, but I still use a counter balance.
I removed the valve stem, compressed the tire (compress it as far as you can, very impotant on the last filling since you will go above the valve stem, you will have to tip the tire also), and used a hose/funnel to add the fluid.
Goes alot faster than you might think.