Tractor Sizing BX25D ... Is it the machine I need?

[archwoodholding]

I recently sold my L3540 with LA740 FEL, Pallet Forks, and rear blade. The main reason was it was too big and heavy for the tasks I had planned except when it came to moving snow. I couldn't mow with it due to the weight of the machine so much so that just driving on the turf would leave indentations due to 7,000lbs of weight and that I have some fairly steep hills and ditches. I am looking for a machine that will blow snow and also still be able to mow, move materials (granted not as much) and maybe do some digging from time to time. In looking at the BX25D it seems to be priced at the same as what I paid for the L3540 about 6 years ago. I don't want to buy an expensive garden tractor but a versatile machine capable of working year round etc... When I bought the L3540 it would not go in the shed only the garage with ROPS folded down. Had I kept it, I would have had to spent a lot of money building it a home. I know the BX and all its attachments can make it into my storage shed so that isn't my issue. My issue is that the BX25D is like a little Swiss army knife of tractors and as one might say when you do a lot of things okay you never really standout doing any one thing in particular. I guess my question is whether this machine truly is a workhorse or is it an extremely expensive garden/lawn tractor that does an average job or is it a great machine worth the money and the hype?

I have 2+ acres, a 400' asphalt drive, and many flower beds and foundation plants requiring mulching etc... each year. I also own an apartment complex on about 3 acres about 10 miles away from my residence where I sometimes need to do maintenance and landscaping tasks. I currently mow my lawn with a JD 445. I like the tractor but hate the way it mows so was hoping the BX25D could do that and all the other things better.

Any help would be appreciated.

 

[Code54]

The BX25 is a great little machine, now it will not move as much snow as your L series would due to the lack of weight but with a blower it will do a good job keeping the driveways clear. I have a MX series I use for my heavy duty work and a BX for the lighter duty work around the yard and for mowing. The BX is excellent for these tasks. It is light enough it does not rut up the yard or do any damage with just the MMM on and does a good job mowing. We have about 8 acres at the house I take care of and the backhoe makes quick work of several jobs that i never expected to use it for. If I am brush hogging trails (I help at the neighbors farm) and cutting the big fields I chose the MX due to its size, but if I had to only have one machine I would keep the BX as it does everything but just a little slower than the MX. If you have not seen Bxpandeds website check it out, they have some really nice add ons for the machine that makes it even better.

 

[chucky79]

I have been contemplating the same. I keep going back and forth between the bx25 and a b2301. I currently have a bx and have been impressed but want a loader and backhoe so I'm trying to decide which to trade in on. Hate to buy another bx and then wish I'd bought bigger. Already made that mistake once when I didn't get the TLB from the start.

 

[4570Man]

I have a smaller L series, but I have more ballast on it bringing the weight to about 8,500 pounds. I spent several hours on a friends JD version of a BX. Some ballast would have done it wonders, but it was almost worthless. I would consider it an expensive garden tractor. The loader couldn't even scoop chipper chips. The draw bar pull was pitiful. It struggled to pull a trailer loaded with brush weighing less than 1,000 pounds. The guy that owns the JD doesn't like to mow with it. He said it is still to heavy to mow with when it is wet.

 

[Code54]

I have not ran a JD but can assure you that the BX can lift a load of chips without a problem. The loader is not strongest loader ever built but is very well matched to the machine. I use the loader to dig out our ditches along the road and the only time I hit the limit of the loader is when digging into a bank. The actual load of mud is never a problem for the machine, it is the weight caused by pushing into the bank and lifting is the only time I hit the limit.
As for towing stuff i have used ours to move our empty eqpt. trailer (2200lbs) around and even up the hills on our road without any drama. I wouldn't want to take something that heavy down a steep hill due to the size/weight of the BX but just shuffling it around the neighborhood it worked great.

Just interested in how you are ballasting your small L to 8500lbs - that is a lot of weight. (My MX with loader and loaded tires, grapple and a 1400lb counter weight is less than that)

 

[chucky79]

I wouldn't call it a garden tractor like you see garden tractors today. Its definitely not a huge farming tractor either though. I have two early 80's heavy duty cub cadet garden tractors with hydraulic lift and hydraulic front control that have the option for 3ph attachments too. I also have a new bx2370 to compare those too and I have to tell you its NIGHT AND DAY difference. Diesel power, 4x4, cat 1 3ph, Rear PTO, etc. I love my bx and hope to own a loader or trade for a bx25D soon myself. thought about a B2301 too but I do more mowing than anything else and much of that is on steep inclines so ill probably just stick with the BX. I say go rent one for a day or two and use it around the spread to see what ya think. Im willing to bet you will be impressed.

 

[4570Man]

I have not ran a JD but can assure you that the BX can lift a load of chips without a problem. The loader is not strongest loader ever built but is very well matched to the machine. I use the loader to dig out our ditches along the road and the only time I hit the limit of the loader is when digging into a bank. The actual load of mud is never a problem for the machine, it is the weight caused by pushing into the bank and lifting is the only time I hit the limit. As for towing stuff i have used ours to move our empty eqpt. trailer (2200lbs) around and even up the hills on our road without any drama. I wouldn't want to take something that heavy down a steep hill due to the size/weight of the BX but just shuffling it around the neighborhood it worked great. Just interested in how you are ballasting your small L to 8500lbs - that is a lot of weight. (My MX with loader and loaded tires, grapple and a 1400lb counter weight is less than that)

The JD could lift the wood chips fine. It couldn't scoop the chips with loaded tires. My L is a L3240 only one series smaller than the op's. I have a loader, grapple, loaded tires, and a backhoe&subframe.

 

[Tompet]

I have been contemplating the same. I keep going back and forth between the bx25 and a b2301. I currently have a bx and have been impressed but want a loader and backhoe so I'm trying to decide which to trade in on. Hate to buy another bx and then wish I'd bought bigger. Already made that mistake once when I didn't get the TLB from the start.

If you have doubt go with the 2301 or whatever size in that series. It is simple. Same to the op archwoodholding.

 

[JOHNTHOMAS]

I'm on my second BX25 owning. Have owned an L3240, several Bs and several BXs.
The BX25 is a workhorse, well small workhorse. Going from an L down in size two steps to a BX will seem like a giant step and it is a giant step down "in size". It is what it is and that's a Sub compact tractor thus called a SCUT vs the B size being a CUT or compact utility tractor. I just traded a B2620 FEL BH to another BX25D since I missed my first one so much and now I'm really missing the extra power and size BH and FEL buckets.
The BX25D can do most jobs with time. Great mower? BXs aren't great mowers but are mowers with tractor capabilities. Zero turn Kubotas and F Kubotas are great mowers but no tractor capabilities. Any BX should mow better than your L but no BX will mow as good as a Zero turn or F.

 

[Lilguy]

I have 2 mid 80's Kubotas, a L2250 gear and a B8200 HST. Except for a hydraulic pump on the 2250 they have cost me oil, filters and belts in almost 30 years. I'm shopping the BX25D and the B2601 with like packages. My first impression is they are less substantial units now. Vibration transmitted through unit is noticeably greater. The BX seems more a lawn tractor with drive members mounted to a frame rather than one and other, in line, like a true tractor.
My home is 16 acres with one steep hill I mow up and down only in FWD. Want a BH and will not put a 3 point hitch on the older rides. I did notice the exposed plastic fan on the BX, feel it could be
better shielded. Are these units multi decade use machines still? What's been everyone's survice experience
with late model tractors. Thanks all.

 

[G31]

I have a BX w/ turf tires, and my observation is it does leave ruts in the yard over time, specifically in the areas where there is no way to mow different directions each time. Around the perimeter, and around some trees and tight spots, I saw ruts forming within the first few months of mowing. The machine is heavy. Anything larger will accelerate the timing of this issue.

The snow will not be an issue, if you don't let it build beyond a foot or so before scraping. I had 18"+ at one time, and the combo of FEL and rear blade made it easy to clear. The hardest part was losing traction, not power. A front blade with a 400lb ballast box/ back hoe might fix that anyway. Any higher than 2 feet and I'd want a blower.

My loader has no problem lifting anything I can fit into the bucket. I've routinely loaded it with heaping piles of limestone gravel for various projects, and it didn't miss a beat. The spec on Kubota's website says it will lift 745 lb at the pins (518 @ 500mm in front of pins) at MAX HEIGHT, so there's not much you can lad into the small bucket to surpass that rating. Furthermore, my grapple will pick up just about anythiung that fits within the jaws. I even used it to tear down a shed in about 5 minutes!

So, my recommendation is to get the BX. You will not be disappointed.

 

[LarJea]

I have 2 mid 80's Kubotas, a L2250 gear and a B8200 HST. Except for a hydraulic pump on the 2250 they have cost me oil, filters and belts in almost 30 years. I'm shopping the BX25D and the B2601 with like packages. My first impression is they are less substantial units now. Vibration transmitted through unit is noticeably greater. The BX seems more a lawn tractor with drive members mounted to a frame rather than one and other, in line, like a true tractor.
My home is 16 acres with one steep hill I mow up and down only in FWD. Want a BH and will not put a 3 point hitch on the older rides. I did notice the exposed plastic fan on the BX, feel it could be
better shielded. Are these units multi decade use machines still? What's been everyone's survice experience
with late model tractors. Thanks all.

I have the B2601 and I haven't noticed any vibration. My old Case 580 would vibrate the roof on the ROPS so bad, that at certain RPM's I would need hearing protection. I mow on a fairly steep hillside so I added 2 1/2" wheel spacers, much more stable now. Other than that, the only other thing I would like to change is the reverse pedal position, it's to far back..... for me anyway.

 

[ultrarunner]

I've had my BX23 for about 10 years now... no complaints... it spent a week moving 200 yards for dirt/gravel to level out a backyard area where no bigger tractor could access without taking down part of a brick wall.

My brother was so impressed with my BX he was going to simply buy one for his place... I talked him out of it because he has many times the acreage and some real rough areas where the small BX tires would be challenged.

He bought a L3800 and is very happy with it.

From mowing... he uses my Craftsman finish mower or bush hog...

As to BX loader capacity... I can put 12 60# sacks of concrete in the loader from the truck and move them... I cannot pick up 12 60# sacks from the ground... I do have loaded rear tires with foam and my backhoe for ballast.

 

[archwoodholding]

I'm on my second BX25 owning. Have owned an L3240, several Bs and several BXs.
The BX25 is a workhorse, well small workhorse. Going from an L down in size two steps to a BX will seem like a giant step and it is a giant step down "in size". It is what it is and that's a Sub compact tractor thus called a SCUT vs the B size being a CUT or compact utility tractor. I just traded a B2620 FEL BH to another BX25D since I missed my first one so much and now I'm really missing the extra power and size BH and FEL buckets.
The BX25D can do most jobs with time. Great mower? BXs aren't great mowers but are mowers with tractor capabilities. Zero turn Kubotas and F Kubotas are great mowers but no tractor capabilities. Any BX should mow better than your L but no BX will mow as good as a Zero turn or F.

I currently use my JD 445 for cutting grass but would prefer 1 machine be able to do the job. I have some steep hills and ditches so a zero turn (without brakes) or any other mower that doesn't afford you that little bit of safety would be suicide on my 2+ acres. I wouldn't mind renting a BX25D to see how it performs but haven't found a tool rental company nearby that has one. Most have the B-Series TLB's

 

[Code54]

We are in a similar situation as you with steep hills and a zero turn here was more trouble than it was worth. If it was wet you were spinning and trying not to slide over a hill so I sold it and bought the BX. As I mentioned it works good on our hills and I vary my cutting angles/directions so I don't leave any ruts or marks. As for the cut- I find it pretty good, it is not a 10K zero turn but on a rougher non manicured yard it does a darn nice job. I have had several neighbors even comment on the fact the BX does such a nice job mowing the lawn. A lot has to do with having sharp blades and having the deck adjusted correctly.
Oh, if you do buy one make sure you check the loader pressure - when I got mine I checked it and it was below factory spec. I adjusted it to the higher end of the factory spec and found it really gave it some extra oomph.
Also try checking with Home Depot for rentals - I heard some locations were renting BX25's

 

[ultrarunner]

Home Depot rents BX25 for the day in Washington... maybe elsewhere?

 

[archwoodholding]

We are in a similar situation as you with steep hills and a zero turn here was more trouble than it was worth. If it was wet you were spinning and trying not to slide over a hill so I sold it and bought the BX. As I mentioned it works good on our hills and I vary my cutting angles/directions so I don't leave any ruts or marks. As for the cut- I find it pretty good, it is not a 10K zero turn but on a rougher non manicured yard it does a darn nice job. I have had several neighbors even comment on the fact the BX does such a nice job mowing the lawn. A lot has to do with having sharp blades and having the deck adjusted correctly.
Oh, if you do buy one make sure you check the loader pressure - when I got mine I checked it and it was below factory spec. I adjusted it to the higher end of the factory spec and found it really gave it some extra oomph.
Also try checking with Home Depot for rentals - I heard some locations were renting BX25's

I'll definitely check out HD to see if they are renting them in my area. The dealer will let me sit on theirs and drive it around their yard but won't let me mow etc... so very hard for me. After all I had owned an L3540 so it's a big drop in size ... especially when I'm a big guy at 6'4" and 375lbs ... the only other option is a B2601 or B2650 but may not be the best when it comes to mowing as the bigger (taller) it is the higher the center of gravity etc... and I sure as **** don't want to ever take that ride ... let alone pay dearly to take a ride like that! The other issue I have is storage. When I was looking at the L's I was looking at the 3240 and specs had overall height fitting in my shed. As fate would have it, I found a dealer that had the L3540 on the lot that he had special ordered for a local business but they sold out prior to completing sale so I got a great deal on it, a heavy duty loader, pallet forks, rear tires loaded with rimguard, etc... I assumed that the only difference was the HP on the engine and a bit of weight. When it was delivered I went to put it in my barn and with the ROPS folded it was 1" too tall. It could go in the garage but that didn't sit well with the wife so it's home became the drive next to my work trucks. So as they say you live and you learn. The L was a great tractor but it was all tractor and with FEL and back blade it ate up some real estate and was not the easiest machine to use in tight areas or around other vehicles and obstacles.

 

[Lilguy]

Where is the difference between the BX25 and the BX25D-1?

 

[Code54]

Lilguy - Here is a thread that talks about that a good deal and may help answer your question.
Over all they are pretty close but there is a few differences.

http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/...ler-sold-me-used-2012-a.html?highlight=Bx-25d

 

[JOHNTHOMAS]

Where is the difference between the BX25 and the BX25D-1?

Had BX25 and now have BX25D-1. D has digital dash and it doesn't stop when the floor pedal is released like all other HST Kubotas. D also has arms on seat which not sure the BX25 did. The brake pedal has been moved to left side on the D and was on right side on the BX25 that stopped when the foot pedal released.
Brake changed sides, digital dash and not stopping when the pedal is released are the main differences between the BX25 I previously owned and the BX25D-1 that I currently own that I've noticed.