BX23/B3030 swap

[Nik]

Those of you who have upgraded from a BX to the B3030, are you happy with this swap? Do you have any regrets moving up in size? I am considering moving up to a B3030 from a BX23. I do not use the backhoe much and think I would prefer the smoother ride and 3 range HST of the B3030.
Also does anyone have the quick attach bucket and what does this option cost?

 

[AMR]

I just made the BX23 to B3030 move about a month ago, I couldn't be more pleased.

Here are some of my early observations/comparisons:

1. Much much much more heft and power, much more ground clearance.
2. Much easier to hook up 3 point stuff.
3. Equally as good or even better manuverability, can really get into tight places.
4. Heavier for sure but doesn't mark the lawn up appreciably more, there is a little more tracking after a mow.
5. Just about as good a mow, maybe 95% as good.
6. Mower deck goes on and off easier, I really never had any trouble with the BX23 though.
7. The BH and FEL go on and off just as easy as the BX. MUCH more FEL heft, you will notice the difference right away.
8. I got loaded turf tires and like them a lot.
9. Waiting for the winter to see how the front blade does, the 72" blade looks great, goes on just as easy, still has limited ground clearance but still more than my BX23. I think the loaded tires will make a big difference plowing.
10. I used to be in 4wd for my entire mow, now I never need it at all.
11. Mush less engine noise mowing.
12. It is easy on the fuel, I have mowed 3 times on less than half a tank, I used to get two mows from the BX on a full tank. I am only running up to about 2,000 RPM's now during break-in, I used to run the BX WOT, also my bagger is not in and on yet, so yet to be seen.
13. Much smoother ride, I find myself mowing much faster.
14. The loader lever is a little further away for my short arms, it is not bad but a little more of a reach, I never thought to adjust the seat, that may solve it.
15. Tilt wheel is nice.
16. I never use cruise control so I can't comment, I don't find holding the pedal down an issue, I may try to get used to the cruise.
17. As someone else mentioned all of my old PTO shafts fit just fine, spreader, brush hog and tiller, although I cut them for the BX they work on the B3030.
18. Haven't done much with the BH yet, have to follow up on that.
19. Bagger comes in January, can't comment on that yet either.
20. Much more agile on the hills, I feel much better than I did on my BX.

Frankly, this is a gigantic lawn mower and toy for a little bit of brush hogging, about 1/2 acre of tilling, limited land clearing, and plowing and just general stuff around 9 acres but I love it!

Good luck. My deal was about $16K (+ my BX23 with 60" MMM, Bagger and Blade) out the door delivered for the 3030 with BH, FEL, 60" MMM, Quick Hitch, Blade, Hooks on Bucket and BH, Bagger, Block Heater, loaded turfs and 4 work lights.

 

[swmpbgy1]

I just made the BX23 to B3030 move about a month ago, I couldn't be more pleased.

Here are some of my early observations/comparisons:

1. Much much much more heft and power, much more ground clearance.
2. Much easier to hook up 3 point stuff.
3. Equally as good or even better manuverability, can really get into tight places.
4. Heavier for sure but doesn't mark the lawn up appreciably more, there is a little more tracking after a mow.
5. Just about as good a mow, maybe 95% as good.
6. Mower deck goes on and off easier, I really never had any trouble with the BX23 though.
7. The BH and FEL go on and off just as easy as the BX. MUCH more FEL heft, you will notice the difference right away.
8. I got loaded turf tires and like them a lot.
9. Waiting for the winter to see how the front blade does, the 72" blade looks great, goes on just as easy, still has limited ground clearance but still more than my BX23. I think the loaded tires will make a big difference plowing.
10. I used to be in 4wd for my entire mow, now I never need it at all.
11. Mush less engine noise mowing.
12. It is easy on the fuel, I have mowed 3 times on less than half a tank, I used to get two mows from the BX on a full tank. I am only running up to about 2,000 RPM's now during break-in, I used to run the BX WOT, also my bagger is not in and on yet, so yet to be seen.
13. Much smoother ride, I find myself mowing much faster.
14. The loader lever is a little further away for my short arms, it is not bad but a little more of a reach, I never thought to adjust the seat, that may solve it.
15. Tilt wheel is nice.
16. I never use cruise control so I can't comment, I don't find holding the pedal down an issue, I may try to get used to the cruise.
17. As someone else mentioned all of my old PTO shafts fit just fine, spreader, brush hog and tiller, although I cut them for the BX they work on the B3030.
18. Haven't done much with the BH yet, have to follow up on that.
19. Bagger comes in January, can't comment on that yet either.
20. Much more agile on the hills, I feel much better than I did on my BX.

Frankly, this is a gigantic lawn mower and toy for a little bit of brush hogging, about 1/2 acre of tilling, limited land clearing, and plowing and just general stuff around 9 acres but I love it!

Good luck. My deal was about $16K (+ my BX23 with 60" MMM, Bagger and Blade) out the door delivered for the 3030 with BH, FEL, 60" MMM, Quick Hitch, Blade, Hooks on Bucket and BH, Bagger, Block Heater, loaded turfs and 4 work lights.

I have to agree with all of the points AMR brings up. I traded my BX2230 in July for a B3030 and have enjoyed every minute of the 25hrs I've put on it since then.

Go for it!
Swmpbgy1

 

[BizDoc]

Can't tell you about the difference between the BX23 and B3030, but I can tell you that I have traded up from a NH TC21D to the B3030 w/Cab and find the larger machine does mow faster and I have a 72 inch MMM now which also decreases mowing time on the 7 acres I mow. The R4 tires do indent a small bit more than the Turf's on my TC21D, but it doesn't last. I do like the cruise control. I wasn't sure I would like it at first since I used to have a button to push when I reached the speed I liked, but now I prefer the lever over the NH button. the tilt wheel is great. I can comment on the Quick attach bucket. Since Kubota does not make one for the B3030 I went with an ATI quick attach system that cost 624.00 and the 60 inch low profile quick attach skid steer bucket I got was $460.00. Lift two levers and the bucket comes right off.

I also got the 72 inch front blade. Looking forward to a snowy night in my cab with the heat on moving snow with the front power blade.

At this point I can't see anything that would make me trade for anything else. I have 10 acres and this tractor will do anything I need. Looking for this one to be a keeper for a long time.

 

[workinallthetime]

best move i ever made !!!!!!!!
such a delima at first but kicking myself for not making the move a long time ago

 

[lawn_king]

B3030 hsdc,Very pleased with this machine, looking foward to sea trials this winter on my 2782 front snowblower! Factory cab with hydraulic chute contol, thats more fun than a frog in a glass of milk!

 

[Nik]

I will not be mowing with the tractor as I use a ZTR for this. I will use it for mostly landscaping, snow removal, and brush cutting.

I test drove the B3030 and love the HST pedal compared to the slightly sticky HST pedal of my BX. I have only 2.5 acres. I do not care for my Woods 42" BX rotary cutter. The cut is not very good and is best when driving backwards. I guess the small blades on this do not lift and cut the tall grass well after the low clearance BX smashes them down. I yearn for a 5 foot brushhog.
The manual on the B3030 makes mention of a quickattach FEL bucket option.

Will the fast hitch and power angle blade of the BX fit on the 3030. attached is a photo of my BX setup.

 

[Nik]

Here is the WOODS cutter and tractor and photo of the cut

 

[Nik]

the blades of the RC

 

[Volfandt]

Can't answer any of your B3030 questions but that rotary cutter might do a much better job if the leading edge was kept approx 1/4" to 1/2" lower than the trailing edge. Are you useing check chains?

I know what you mean about wanting a smoother ride on a BX23. On rough ground my BX23 will beat a man to death...
I was able to smooth mine out a bit by going to turfs and running the rear air pressure about 8lbs lower. It's alot better but not as smooth as a B3030 with those large wheels would be.
I'd say go it, good luck.