Buying Advice Deciding on a Kubota BX2680

[jeff9366]

Trying to decide between tires. Since it will be used for mowing a lot I was thinking turf but if there isn't a huge difference with R4's, I'd rather go with them. Thoughts?

I regularly cross DRY residential turf in my 5,400 pound tractor, in 2-WD, with air filled R4s, without marking the grass.

If you will want a moldboard plow consider 10-1/2" bar tires. R4s on a BX are 12" wide and difficult to use in the furrow of a 12" size moldboard plow. Most who want to prepare a garden or game food plots wisely choose a PTO powered roto-tiller over a moldboard plow.

I like 12" wide R4s. 16" wide Turf Tires will make the BX feel more stable.

 

[tractorshopper]

Michael, you'll do better with not losing traction so easily if you fill your rear wheels. I use a 5' box blade with my BX and pull it nearly full of gravel up hill while working on our neighborhood road. I put it in 4 low and go. I've had the box full on flat land and not lost traction. I have the R4 tires on mine.

 

[Michael Aos]

I bought my 2016 BX2370RV-1 on 1/10/2017. Just hit 51hrs.

BX2370 - $11,449 (includes R4 tires, engine block heater, but no Rimguard)
LA243A loader - $2,609
PD10 post-hole digger - $1,236

Compared to a B2601:
B2601 - $14,894 (includes Rimguard, R4 tires, engine block heater)
LA434 loader - $3,816
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[Michael Aos]

Darn it. For months I've been planning to get the tires filled AND add wheel weights at the 50hr service.

After adding that ~440lb GS1548 to the back, I just decided today to forego filling the tires and adding weights!
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you'll do better with not losing traction so easily if you fill your rear wheels.

 

[robertm]

While removal of the MMM when your FEL is on the BX is fairly simple, the drive-over is much easier and simple. You don't even get dirty. My better 1/2 can do it with her eyes closed after doing it 2x if I asked her.

I've had 4 standard MMM's, and while I grimaced at spending the extra on the drive-over deck on my BX2670, I'm really glad I did. Literally a 5 minute job for on/off if needed. The standard takes longer, and works with four cup dollies under the deck anti-scalp wheels, but it's not nearly as easy, and as I get older, I appreciate the ease.

 

[tractorshopper]

Darn it. For months I've been planning to get the tires filled AND add wheel weights at the 50hr service.

After adding that ~440lb GS1548 to the back, I just decided today to forego filling the tires and adding weights!
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Ha ha. Can't have enough. I think with loaded rear wheels on the BX, you get another 200 + lbs. Plus if you mow any slopes like I do (with loader and attachments off), the extra low weight makes the tractor more stable.

I had my rears filled on my L3800 and with a 550lb box blade on the back, my loader could still lift my rear wheels off the ground. The more ballast and counterweight you have, the more you'll get out of the machine for loaderwork and ground engaging activities.

Still, not trying to talk you out of a different tractor if that's what you really need Michael. We all have different circumstances at different times. Just trying to tell you from what I've learned.

My brother has the BX-25D. His BH is good ballast, but when he's got it off for mowing, his tractor just feels a lot different than mine. Less stable on hills, etc. Using his with box blade on and doing loader work (essentially same as my BX2370), I can still feel a noticeable difference from mine with the rear wheels filled.

I guess what I'm saying is whether you keep what you have, or get a B, L, or MX, I'd still recommend loading the rears and using heavy back attachments to get the most our of your machine.

 

[Michael Aos]

I probably shouldn't admit it, but maybe FYI for someone else.

The BX2370 with the BXpanded quick-on pallet / brush forks on the bucket couldn't lift the GS1548 (~450lbs) out of my trailer. It could take the weight off the trailer, but not quite lift it.

I went ahead and backed away from the trailer. Once it cleared, the BX ever so slowly pivoted on the front axle and gently set the pallet on the ground. Back tires sticking up in the air. I lowered the forks / tractor and everything worked out fine. I've been talking to Jery Dunn about a TACH-N-GO and a set of pallet forks. I suspect that solution would have worked a lot better for me in this situation -- and going-foward with the GS1548 hanging off the back.

 

[dodge man]

I'll just add that I hate hooking up my deck on my BX. It probably only takes 10 to 15 minutes but its one of those things that seems like it takes an hour just because its kind of awkward. Hooking up the PTO shaft is the hard part. I'd also recomend a drive over but its not that big of a deal hooking up the regular deck. I only take mine off for the winter and put it back on during the mowing season.

I think a lot of what I think you should get depends on what you are going to do with the remainder of your property. If you aren't planning much, a BX will be a do it all thing for you. If you have big plans for the larger portion, bigger would be better.

 

[robertm]

With my drive-over deck, I DO take the added chassis off when winter comes to avoid its unnecessary exposure to the elements and salt. There is a carriage that remains on the tractor that has the shaft coupler and latches. It's really easy to take off, but not necessary in the summer, unless you are on ground with high stumps and things it could hang up on. Then, chances are, you don't have a BX.

 

[TripleR]

Can't argue with any of the excellent advice you have been given, only add what has worked best for me in owning BXs since 2003. I have weights or fluid i my rear tires, Bro-Tek HST fan guards, broke a fan even with the mower deck in place. I also have 2" wheel spacer on each side, trailer hitch and extendable stabilizers from Mike Hodge. I have a BX2200 and BX2660, in my experience I "like" the extra power, but you'll be fine with the BX2380.

I prefer the RCR1548 over the RCR1248, but I really need the tougher model. I agree on the RTR0550, go with a heavier mode, wish I had.

Enjoy your new machinery and yes, you'll be surprised at all the BX will do, but eventually your want to add, not replace, a bigger tractor.