BX2200 or B2410

[Anonymous Poster]

I am trying to decide between a BX2200 and a B2410 both 4wd both with 60 in MMM (appears B7500 no big advantage over BX2200). I have 17.5 acres, 4 acres groomed lawn, 6 acres fields that I want to cut approx. every 3rd time I cut the lawn, the rest of the property is woods. I also want to get a FEL to move mulch, rocks, dirt and plants. My property is rolling (hilly) and the fields are a bit bumpy. I want good handling with enough power but I don't want to go to a larger tractor since I want to use it on the lawn...please advise.ekenten

 

[TresCrows]

Wow, this is the same topic we discussed about a week ago and currently discussing in the General Buying forum. I suggest you register and do a search or just thumb back through all the recent threads on this subject.
I would not discount the 7500 so easily but heck--I came to the same conclusion you mention so I am not going to beat you up over it. The 7500 is more tractor than a BX and in my thoughts the 2410 is the most tractor you can get and stay kind of small--if that makes any sense. In your case--I think you need a 2410 with a three point mower, a brush hog and FEL and boxblade and you might as well grab the 60in MMM while you are at it---or---buy a smaller lawn tractor for the lawn area though 4 acres is a lot of lawn. The only thing that bothers me about a BX for you is the 6 acres of bumpy fields you wish to mow. You will need something other than the MMM for this with either tractor, the BX suspended design does not beat up the mower deck as much as the 2410/7500 castor type banging along the ground but you may take more beating with the BX in the rough due to the smaller wheels--so I am told--I cannot tell the difference myself and I have both a BX and a 2410. Another option, get the cheaper 7500 and some goodies for not much more than the 2410. Decisions, decisions. If you are just going to cut pasteur grass then I think you can use a 5 foot hog with the 2410 but if you plan on cutting brush then a 4 footer is probably max size. Good luck. J

 

[Charliebrn]

It sounds to me as if you might want to go the way of the 2410. Though I love my BX, the ground clearance could be an issue for you if you want to do any work in the woods. The 2410 is one heck of a tractor, and I would have gone for it if I had more property. I'd also plan on smoothing out those ruts in the field so you can mow without being beat up. I don't think there's going to be any advantage in the ride for either machine.

 

[MrP]

My suggestion would be to buy a tractor that can meet your needs today and tomorrow. Think about what you want out of your property over the next 20 years (the tractor will last that long) and buy a tractor to meet all those needs.

As to the size/weight being an issue for mowing, I have a large (L series) tractor and don't have any problems mowing. The tractor and deck do a wonderful job.

 

[Dave41]

I was in a very similar situation. Was debating the B7500 and the B2410. The 2410 is an excellent machine for it's size, but I couldn't justify the extra $2000 for the few extra features, so I bought B7500. As far as the BX, I wanted something with more ground clearance and have also heard that due to the small spread on the 3PH arms, some implements are tough to mount. An equally equipped BX2200 and B7500 cost about the same. For mowing around trees and such, the BX is the clear winner. I wanted a rear discharge, rear finish mower for mowing, which again pushed be towards the B series. The engine in the B series is also beefier than the BX. They make peak HP at lower RPM's which means they should last longer and run quieter.
It sounds like you may be better off with the B series depending on your mowing needs. If you can afford the 2410, go for it. But you can buy a couple of nice attachments and a B7500 for the same price. To further cloud the issue, for a few hundred bucks more than the 2410 you can get a nice NH TC30, which is a bigger, heavier machine (if you can live with the bigger size).
Good luck shopping. Let us know how it works out.
Dave

 

[Anonymous Poster]

Thank you for your answers. I am the Mrs. doing all of the research for the family tractor because I AM THE ONE THAT LOVES THE TRACTOR. Believe it or not I have been regularly cutting my 4 acres for 5 years with a Ford LS-55 and at least once a year cut the entire 10 acres. Other cuttings have been done by a local farmer who either just cuts or bales hay. As I was cutting today I did think of one more question. I do a lot of sideways hill cutting...is there a difference in the stability of the BX2200 B7500 or B2410 on such cutting (it must be cut on this sideways angle). Thank you all again.

 

[Old_Wanker]

Yes there is a difference on the stability. Because the BX has the smaller wheels it is closer to the ground and therefore is less tippy than the other two. Thats the trade-off you have - ground clearance on the 2410 and 7500 versus stability with the BX.

 

[Jeff396]

The BX has the shortest stance and should give you the best stability sideways on a grade. I don't remember ever hearing what degree grade that translated to though. On my B7500 my maximum comfort level is 15 degrees. I have taken it to 20 degrees but you better be on your toes and going REALLY slow. Seems like the slightest bump on the high side or slip could put you into a tumble./w3tcompact/icons/shocked.gif

Jeff

 

[glennmac]

kenten,

I think you are looking at tractors that are too small. In the Kubota line, I would suggest a minimum size of 2710 up to the 3710. In JD, I would recommend the 4300/4400, and in Blue the TC 29 or 33.

I have 11 acres, less than you. I finish mow 3 acres and field mow about 4. I also maintain some trails in woods with my cutter.

I originally owned a BX2200, but traded it in for a 2910 after 3 weeks. I realized that it could not carry a large enough cutter (ie, at least 60") and did not have sufficient FEL capacity. I now mow my lawn with a 72" mmm and my fields with a 60" medium duty brush cutter. I would not want to do these jobs with smaller implements than these. I'd like a 72" cutter, but a 2910 is too small for that. You have more mowing to do than I do.

That is the reason to get a larger tractor--so you can safely and efficiently use larger mowers. You are limited to the smallest cutters and a 60" mmm with both the 2200 and the 2410 (tho you may be able to pull a 72" rmm with the 2410).

The tools do the work; the tractor only powers or pulls the tools. Get the right size tools, and then get the tractor that can efficiently power and pull those tools. This is a long term investment for your land. Don't be put off by a few thousand more dollars over a lifetime investment, unless it would absolutely break you.

Look at the 2910 and the 3010. If you want a mmm, stick with the 2910 as it is much easier to manipulate on and off than the mmm on the Grand L Series. If you prefer a rmm, go with the larger tractor. It's about the same price street price. Plus Kubota has rebates going on now.

 

[MrP]

Time for a shamless plug: I am selling my used L3410 with 3 pt rear deck. E-mail me if intersted.

 

[frank_f15]

i would think the 2410 is the smallest u would want to go, it will do the job but take a little longer than something that could handel a 72 in mower, guess it depends on the type of grass u want to cut in the fields, the lenght of it and the amt. of seat time u have available to u. i have b2400 and i love it, but u might want to consider something larger,cost is always a factor. another thing to consider is the wight of the tractor , sometimes a bigger machine can be too heavy for your ground conditions. all things to consider.

 

[PaulT]

Get at least the 2710! I have a very similar situation as you. We only have 11 acres, but we have christmas trees, and soon grape vines. We also have a pond to maintain. YOu will want a 5 foot bush hog, and the 2710 will handle that just fine. I have a VERY soft lawn in the spring, but I can mow it with NO damage or marks of any kind if I am careful. I use a 60 mmm, but I would buy a 72 mmm if I could do it over. You may want to consider a rear mount mower AND a bush hog (different equipment, though they look the same from the top!). I think the rear mower trailing wheel(s) would be more likely to cause damage during spring mowing on sharp turns, but that would be a relatively low risk/concern for me. I can stand the occasional ruts - just smooth them out later! More importantly for you is what else you will do with your land down the road. If you EVER would consider a backhoe, you need a heavier machine. I find the backhoe has endless uses around my "estate" /w3tcompact/icons/wink.gif. Even so, the extra "oomph" of the FEL is justification enough, especially when you start using it to lift large, heavy logs you have cut to maintain your beautiful walking trails through the woods. And to spin the chipper to chip those logs to spread on your walking trails, that requires serious horsepower, too! Oh the things we could do if we only didn't have to work/w3tcompact/icons/sad.gif

 

[frank_f15]

good advice paul! BUT u had to go spoil it and mention the work word. i have to go back monday after ten days off/w3tcompact/icons/frown.gif and it is to wet and cold here to even cut my lawn.

 

[Anonymous Poster]

I have been shopping over the last few weeks and test driving the BX2200, B7500 and B2410. I am pretty certain that I want to buy the B2410 for my 17.5 acre property with 10 acres of grass. It handles much better than I thought it would...I thought it would feel bigger. I have a quote of $13,400 for the B2410 with a 60 inch MMM after the rebate has been subtacted. What do you guys think of that quote.Thanks for your help,E(My Ford/New Holland LS-55 really needs a rest)

 

[TresCrows]

I think the price is decent and I think you are going with the proper machine for your size acerage and described needs. Not to big, not to little--just right, Kubota B2410.
J