Considering the BX2230

[rick_from_tx]

I have read through some of the threads here and found some solid and useful information - but have a few other questions.

First, I love Kubota tractors. I have owned a couple. I currently have a M5400 for my larger use projects - but would like to pick up a second smaller tractor for smaller projects.

Is the BX2230 with a MMM a good choice for actual yard-type mowing - especially if outfitted with FEL? Or, is is not maneuverable enough for tight areas? I do have a large lawn area to mow and am currently using a Sears riding mower.

How easy is a MMM to remove and reattach?

This small tractor would be mainly for the missus and her gardening (hauling and turning compost and dirt, etc) - but would also see some field work - can the turf tires handle an occassional cactus thorn without threat of puncture?

And the final question - and the main one. I have a DR Chipper that is PTO mounted. My M5400 is a bit of an overkill for this implement and would love to mount it on a small tractor and leave it on there pretty much full time. I believe the Kubota specs say the BX 2230 is rated at about 17 PTO hp....which may be a tad undersized for the chipper. Does anyone have any experience with running rear PTO implements witha BX2230? How is the power?

Thanks for any and all help

Rick

 

[rick_from_tx]

I have read through some of the threads here and found some solid and useful information - but have a few other questions.

First, I love Kubota tractors. I have owned a couple. I currently have a M5400 for my larger use projects - but would like to pick up a second smaller tractor for smaller projects.

Is the BX2230 with a MMM a good choice for actual yard-type mowing - especially if outfitted with FEL? Or, is is not maneuverable enough for tight areas? I do have a large lawn area to mow and am currently using a Sears riding mower.

How easy is a MMM to remove and reattach?

This small tractor would be mainly for the missus and her gardening (hauling and turning compost and dirt, etc) - but would also see some field work - can the turf tires handle an occassional cactus thorn without threat of puncture?

And the final question - and the main one. I have a DR Chipper that is PTO mounted. My M5400 is a bit of an overkill for this implement and would love to mount it on a small tractor and leave it on there pretty much full time. I believe the Kubota specs say the BX 2230 is rated at about 17 PTO hp....which may be a tad undersized for the chipper. Does anyone have any experience with running rear PTO implements witha BX2230? How is the power?

Thanks for any and all help

Rick

 

[RonR]

I have the 2200. A nice machine!

I have the 54" MMM and like it. My yard is not that large, so I don't mow with it. The few times I've mowed with the FEL on, I've poked holes in my shed! That bucket sticks WAY out there. If you do mow with it, curl the bucket all the way up so you can see the cutting edge...........

Mounting/Dis-mounting not hard. Most difficult to master is getting the PTO shaft hooked up. I can probably do it in 15 minutes total now.

I don't think the turfs would puncture any easier or harder than the ags.

I have a 52" tiller. Also a PHD. The BX has never shown a lack of power to run them. I'd think it could run the chpper ok.

The BX is fun and easy to operate. You won't be able to get your wife off of it!

Ron

 

[RonR]

I have the 2200. A nice machine!

I have the 54" MMM and like it. My yard is not that large, so I don't mow with it. The few times I've mowed with the FEL on, I've poked holes in my shed! That bucket sticks WAY out there. If you do mow with it, curl the bucket all the way up so you can see the cutting edge...........

Mounting/Dis-mounting not hard. Most difficult to master is getting the PTO shaft hooked up. I can probably do it in 15 minutes total now.

I don't think the turfs would puncture any easier or harder than the ags.

I have a 52" tiller. Also a PHD. The BX has never shown a lack of power to run them. I'd think it could run the chpper ok.

The BX is fun and easy to operate. You won't be able to get your wife off of it!

Ron

 

[rick_from_tx]

I would imagine if the machine will handle a PHD or a 52" tiller without sputtering it should handle a chipper just fine as well.

I like the size of the tractor for yardwork and hope I don't feel the need to remove the FEL for mowing. I did whack the side of my metal barn once with the FEL of my M5400, so I know allllll about watching out for those loader corners!

I hope the wife decides she likes it and takes over the mowing around the house - that would sure make the investment worthwhile!

 

[rick_from_tx]

I would imagine if the machine will handle a PHD or a 52" tiller without sputtering it should handle a chipper just fine as well.

I like the size of the tractor for yardwork and hope I don't feel the need to remove the FEL for mowing. I did whack the side of my metal barn once with the FEL of my M5400, so I know allllll about watching out for those loader corners!

I hope the wife decides she likes it and takes over the mowing around the house - that would sure make the investment worthwhile!

 

[tractor127]

If you can find the 2230's left go for it. You will get a pretty good deal. If not go for the newer 2350 styling /forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif

 

[tractor127]

If you can find the 2230's left go for it. You will get a pretty good deal. If not go for the newer 2350 styling /forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif

 

[rick_from_tx]

One more question - regarding the new bx2350

Though the brochure says that the MMM and 3pt are independent of one another - does the position control move both up and down together? IOW, if you are using the MMM, can you have an implement mounted on the 3 pt at the same time without it being lowered to the ground? /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif

 

[rick_from_tx]

One more question - regarding the new bx2350

Though the brochure says that the MMM and 3pt are independent of one another - does the position control move both up and down together? IOW, if you are using the MMM, can you have an implement mounted on the 3 pt at the same time without it being lowered to the ground? /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif

 

[shermers]

MMM can be locked into up position, however 3PTH will always move up or down with hydraulic control lever. So they are really only halfway independent.

 

[shermers]

MMM can be locked into up position, however 3PTH will always move up or down with hydraulic control lever. So they are really only halfway independent.

 

[DGS]

I have a BX1830 with FEL Ballast box and 54"MMM mower.
I have to cut around a lot of trees but if you are careful it can be done.
It just slowes you down when when you have to raise the FEL up and down when manovering.
Be careful if you are on uneven terrain as rollovers are so easy to happen.
Regards. DGS

 

[DGS]

I have a BX1830 with FEL Ballast box and 54"MMM mower.
I have to cut around a lot of trees but if you are careful it can be done.
It just slowes you down when when you have to raise the FEL up and down when manovering.
Be careful if you are on uneven terrain as rollovers are so easy to happen.
Regards. DGS

 

[Billy_S]

I have a BX2230, equipped as you describe, with a 60" MMM and a FEL. I can't imagine why you would want to mow with the FEL attached, as you can take it off in about a minute, literally. It goes back on in the same length of time.

The MMM is easy to remove. Attaching it is a bit more of a challenge. I have trouble with the PTO shaft. Not a big deal and I am sure I will get better. I only just did my 50 hour service this weekend so the machine is pretty new to me.

I think cactus thorns would definitely puncture turf tires and probably the bar tires too. I had mine foam filled which, while expensive, eliminates flats. It also adds substantial weight to the unit.

 

[Billy_S]

I have a BX2230, equipped as you describe, with a 60" MMM and a FEL. I can't imagine why you would want to mow with the FEL attached, as you can take it off in about a minute, literally. It goes back on in the same length of time.

The MMM is easy to remove. Attaching it is a bit more of a challenge. I have trouble with the PTO shaft. Not a big deal and I am sure I will get better. I only just did my 50 hour service this weekend so the machine is pretty new to me.

I think cactus thorns would definitely puncture turf tires and probably the bar tires too. I had mine foam filled which, while expensive, eliminates flats. It also adds substantial weight to the unit.

 

[rick_from_tx]

Billy,

It is good to know that the FEL is easily removed. My M5400 is supposed to be a "quick" remover as well, but isn't.

I am having the tires pretreated with a sealant that is supposed to be epoxy-like and good for keeping them inflated. I talked with a guy about the foam as well - that really sounds like the way to go. He said you could basically wear the tires down to the foam without going flat. But, like you said, it is more expensive.

 

[rick_from_tx]

Billy,

It is good to know that the FEL is easily removed. My M5400 is supposed to be a "quick" remover as well, but isn't.

I am having the tires pretreated with a sealant that is supposed to be epoxy-like and good for keeping them inflated. I talked with a guy about the foam as well - that really sounds like the way to go. He said you could basically wear the tires down to the foam without going flat. But, like you said, it is more expensive.