Have BX2350, considering smaller riding mower for yard

[jesseb3@att.net]

Techguy - I was thinking about my wife's old Scott's mower, and remembered one issue we had with mowing that wasn't mentioned, which was its tendency to create rows of clippings. The BX and the X530 both do a much better job of spreading the clippings evenly on the lawn.

I should note that the others are correct about wheel spin. The small tractors from the box stores don't have the traction you've grown accustomed to. On hills, you'll find yourself shifting your butt around to maintain traction on the uphill-side wheel when mowing in side-slope directions of travel - something you've likely never thought about doing on your BX!

Since there's no shortage of small, used mowers for sale, you could better protect your investment by purchasing one. Any chance you can borrow a neighbor's mower to get a sense of the pros and cons prior to making a purchase?

Jesse

 

[peterc38]

I wouldn't waste money on a Deere from Lowes or HD -- they just aren't built well and in fact I think they are overpriced considering what you're getting. Put the money towards an X300 or X500 from a Deere dealer, and it will be a far better value and should last a long time.

I had the same decision and that is what I did (X500). Glad I did. Alternatively, for the money one would pay for a box store machine, you might be able to pick up a decent used JD 300 or 400 series or similar.

 

[SLIMSHADIE]

I used my BX25 to mow for a season, I mowed without the backhoe but left the FEL on. I also used the BX25 to plow in the winter, I took the backhoe and FEL off and put the front blade on. I was looking at a decent dedicated mower which was pretty pricey so I decided to go with a BX1870 with a 48" deck and I also got the front snow blower since I had the front mount for the plow - that was pricey too. It fits in my 12x8 shed and sips fuel. I also use it to run my 3 pt wood splitter I built and utilize the 3 pt for other things so I no longer have remove the backhoe or FEL from the BX25. I picked up the rear remote kit and a hydraulic top link but have not installed those yet.

It wasn't a huge deal to remove the FEL and BH but I guess I got lazy. either way, I am happy with the BX1870 for mowing and snow removal and the fact that it has the 3 pt and PTO and I put those to use. The BX1870 is also pretty stable on the hill I have. Do your research and weight the pros and cons and make the best decision based on that. You can second guess yourself all day along.

I wish i had the money for 2 BXs. I would cab 1 for snowplowing. Take the doors off in the summer and do some mowing. Same size implements can be switched between the 2. If 1 is down, the other can be made ready to go. Maybe in a couple years I can find a low hour Bx2370, sister model to my Bx25D, after mine is paid for.

 

[bellweather]

I mow with a BX22 with 54" deck. If the ground is wet it can make a mess in areas with poor drainage. I suggest you remove the FEL, if it's on, to reduce weight (as another already suggested) and avoid mowing wet grass. I find I get a better cut mowing dry grass plus there is a lot less build-up under the deck. I don't mow in the mornings because the grass is alway wet with dew, and if it's wet from rain, I just take a break from mowing.

 

[techguy2]

I never mow with the FEL on, just too many trees for that.

I find I have huge problems with build up pretty much no matter what I do. I think it is a combination of clay and weeds that contain lots of moisture.

We took the deck off last night to clean and pressure wash, HUGE HUGE mess. I think this thing will rust out before it's time. Not much I can do other than remove after every mow, which if I have to do that, says to me that I dont have the right tool. Lots of right angles under that deck to trap mud and grass.

 

[RaydaKub]

I mow with a BX22 with 54" deck. If the ground is wet it can make a mess in areas with poor drainage. I suggest you remove the FEL, if it's on, to reduce weight (as another already suggested) and avoid mowing wet grass. I find I get a better cut mowing dry grass plus there is a lot less build-up under the deck. I don't mow in the mornings because the grass is alway wet with dew, and if it's wet from rain, I just take a break from mowing.

On the positive side, the BX makes it possible to mow it just about any time. We were headed on vacation and the rain clouds were coming in. I was pretty soggy when I got done, but the grass had been cut off cleanly. The mower smelled awful when I got back and needed a good cleaning, but the BX got'er done.
I mowed once with the FEL on, first day I got it. Never again. Tree's, deck, hillside, etc. No thanks.

 

[G31]

Coming from a box store mower to the BX, I would say you will be disappointed overall. It was lighter, and created fewer ruts on flat ground, but tore up the yard in wet grass, especially on turns or hills. I found that the tires are much more prone to spinning when wet, and will create slick spots of dirt in the yard where the wheels "burned out". It left ugly spots, and usually in the same general area of the yard. Furthermore, it got stuck in soft dirt and mud constantly, meaning I had to shut it off, get in the dirt, and push it out, or put stuff under the rear wheels.

Look at a 4wd rider if you want to mow in soft conditions, or you will be sorry. My opinion, and it's worth what you paid. I would never get a cheap 2wd again. Ever.

 

[JoeOtto]

I just came across this today. I have been mowing for the last 3 years with a BX1870 with a 54" deck. I am very particular about the 2 acres "lawn" part of my yard, even having it treated for weeds. I actually get gently harassed about how much time I spend keeping it nice, that mower does an absolutely wonderful job. My neighbor has a 60" JD something zero turn, and he is even jealous about how well my BX mows. In the far back part of my lawn, it is wet in the spring and if we get really hard rain. The BX leaves wet marks, but doesn't really sink in. The 4WD eliminates any chance of spinning. The rest of my 6.5 acres is a mix of brush, etc. that I keep partially mowed or with paths, either with the deck or my Bush Hog.

I am waiting on my BX2670. Needed more power for Bush Hog and wanted the weight/loader I didn't have with the 1870. I don't expect it to be any different, other than the larger deck. We shall see!

This new tractor will be my third Kubota, and each one of them has been an absolute pleasure to mow with.

 

[sandyc]

I have a B2620 that I use for everything but lawn mowing. For that I have a Kubota T-1880. Seems excessive but that lawn tractor makes quick work of the lawn and some fields. It's about the same cost for mower deck versus lawn tractor and I don't have to drop my backhoe and install the TPH. Lots easier!

 

[meos1]

I have a BX2370-1 that I got last year in October. I use the 60" MMM and was pleased with the performance. I have a mixed of "yard salad" on some slopes and grass in some areas that is 1.5 acres. The "lawn" is really a country pasture. For me moving from four hours of riding lawn mower riding with no bagger to 1.25 hours of bagged joy was a great pleasure. The envious looks from the other men in the neighborhood also helped.