Differences - BX2200, BX2230, BX2350, BX2360

[abeal]

So I recently moved up to the SE region of PA and have a little over 3 acres, probably 2.5 of which is grass. I think I have decided on a BX series but have a couple questions. Mainly, what are the differences between the different tractors noted above? I know they are progressively newer models but what the pros/cons of each?

I haven't been to any dealers yet...seems like the all close early during the week and on Saturday but I would really prefer to buy used to save a little $$. Must have a FEL and 60" deck. If anybody out there is looking to sell...let me know. Thanks in advance

 

[KeithInSpace]

Very little difference between the BX2200 and BX2230. Same engine, same metal fenders, same spectacular track record.

Big changes with the BX2350.
---New plastic fenders and hood. There were some issues with the fenders. A fix has been instituted to respond that works well.
---1 additional HP over previous generation, which is always good.
---3PH mounting point is higher, which is also a good thing as the previous generation (BX22xx) was a little low to get some attachments off the ground (PHD, for example...I can only get the tip ~1 inch off the ground and it often drags in transit)
---Common knowledge is that they (Kubota) did something in the transmission to make stopping from reverse distinctly abrupt in this particular model. Some hate it, some don't know the difference.
---Seat belt was mounted to the seat instead of the frame with the BX23xx models. This is good in that the frame mounted belt progressively tightens as you spring across hill and dale. I've gotten used to it, but a seat mounted belt seems like a good thing.
---There is a small digital tach where the previous gen had none. I honestly don't care what RPM I'm running at...it is all by feel of the task at hand. Knowing I'm at 2850 RPM vs. 3050 RPM means nothing to me.
---New headlights that are brighter.
---Generally speaking, the BX2350 was a big step "forward" (that's in quotes for a reason), but it had some teething issues. Great tractor...but...

The BX2360 builds on the strengths of the BX2350, but fixes some of the "improvements" in that generation. I believe it goes back to metal fenders (not sure about the hood). The biggest deal was it fixed the transmission reverse issues, making it less jerky.

Some in this forum would suggest a B series rather than a BX just because 2.5 acres is a bit of roaming room. A BX is REALLY happy in the 1, 1.5, and 2 acre range. Not that you'd be unhappy...not at all...the B just has a little more capacity, double the ground clearance, more weight and more "stuff" for a somewhat similar cost. What would take you 50 minutes in a B, would take you 60 minutes in a BX. That's all.

Surely hope you get all the information you need and buy a Kubota. They're great tractors. I'm just sending mine in for the 300 hour service this week and after 4 years of ownership, I have been nothing but tickled pink with the machine. Spectacular unit and hasn't given me a moment's issue.

 

[bp fick]

Correct. The 60 series went back to metal hoods, FWIW.

 

[TripleR]

Can't really add much to what KEITHINSPACE said. I owned a BX2200 for several years and sold it to my son in law to get my BX2660; long story.

The things I like about the 2660 over the 2200 are the cruise control, but you can get that as an option on the 2200, much improved seat, bigger operator platform, little more FEL power, split HST pedals, easier PTO engagement, and improved light controls not to mention added HP for chipper at some point; nothing earth shaking.

Having said all that, I must admit the 2660 won't really do anything the others won't, so I believe you will be well served by any of them. I am old and money wasn't an issue, so I just bought a new one.

 

[KeithInSpace]

Apparently, that was one of the handful of upgrades from the BX2200 to BX2230...mine came standard with cruise control. I don't use it much, but I'm not mowing 2.5 acres of grass, either.

 

[JOHNTHOMAS]

Some in this forum would suggest a B series rather than a BX just because 2.5 acres is a bit of roaming room. A BX is REALLY happy in the 1, 1.5, and 2 acre range. Not that you'd be unhappy...not at all...the B just has a little more capacity, double the ground clearance, more weight and more "stuff" for a somewhat similar cost. What would take you 50 minutes in a B, would take you 60 minutes in a BX. That's all.

Surely hope you get all the information you need and buy a Kubota. They're great tractors. I'm just sending mine in for the 300 hour service this week and after 4 years of ownership, I have been nothing but tickled pink with the machine. Spectacular unit and hasn't given me a moment's issue.

I've had a BX2200, BX1500, BX2350 and now a BX2660 and BX25 along with B's, F and an L. The BX's are work horses. As stated before the B can handle a bit bigger bucket and other implements and will save a few minutes out of an hour doing bucket and implement work. A 60" mowing deck on either one will take the same time to mow. I don't consider acres being a part of deciding between a B and BX. It's jobs on those acres. If your mowing 10 acres of lawn, not fields, the BX is great. The BX is in it's sweet spot mowing.
If you get the itch to move up in size to a B (which has more ground clearance but not double) here is a thread to read.
http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/kubota-owning-operating/148830-b3200-bx2660-side-side-not.html

 

[TripleR]

I've had a BX2200, BX1500, BX2350 and now a BX2660 and BX25 along with B's, F and an L. The BX's are work horses. As stated before the B can handle a bit bigger bucket and other implements and will save a few minutes out of an hour doing bucket and implement work. A 60" mowing deck on either one will take the same time to mow. I don't consider acres being a part of deciding between a B and BX. It's jobs on those acres. If your mowing 10 acres of lawn, not fields, the BX is great. The BX is in it's sweet spot mowing.
If you get the itch to move up in size to a B (which has more ground clearance but not double) here is a thread to read.
http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/kubota-owning-operating/148830-b3200-bx2660-side-side-not.html

Agreed, I use my BX2660 on my 330 acre farm where I live and an 80 HP on my 90 acre property.

 

[KeithInSpace]

...has more ground clearance but not double...

I was going by 'old' specs, I guess. I recall when I bought my machine that they listed the ground clearance at 6 inches while they now list it as 8.7 inches. Perhaps there was another improvement somewhere in there!

The smallest B runs 12 inches clear, so take from that whatever you want. It's a bigger tractor.

I totally agree with the point that the BX is a heck of a lawn mower. I was only bringing up the B, but the BX will take care of EVERYTHING a B will take care of...just not over a log that is too big.

I love the BX and think it an exceptional buy in whatever guise you choose.

 

[JOHNTHOMAS]

I totally agree with the point that the BX is a heck of a lawn mower. I was only bringing up the B, but the BX will take care of EVERYTHING a B will take care of...just not over a log that is too big.

I love the BX and think it an exceptional buy in whatever guise you choose.

That's why (over a log to big) you get a FEL. To move, push out of the way that log!!! I've also found logs that my B's and L would not go over. Each step up adds a bit more weight which gives a bit more traction and of course the greater lift force for fel and ground clearance. I know there are a few (not a majority as someone states) of "bigger is better" advocates out there but it's really the job that should determine the tractor. If jobs change then change tractors. If you have multiple jobs then "settle" for the best tractor for your jobs or get multiple tractors. It's like which car for a Rally race vs a car for Drag racing. They are different cars and one isn't any better than the other but using one for it's intended purpose makes it better than the other at that function.

 

[keyman1808]

One question that no one seemed to ask. What kind of terrain will you be using it on. Flat?? Hills?? The bigger you get the mpre tipping you get also. Just some food for thought. All above is great advise.