jump up to B2410

[KevinKubota]

Hey Folks:
I just registered, but I've been "perusing" this site for quite some time. I'm considering trading my BX2200 in on a B2410, or possibly a B7500. The 2200 has an excellent mmm, but I find myself using the loader more than the mower. I would like a loader with more capacity and lifting ability. The ground clearance on the 2200 is lacking as well...I can't do much loader work without removing the mmm. I have a heavy duty 4' bush-hog that nearly overwhelms my 2200. I have four acres, mostly wooded, with about one acre of lawn. My CFO (wife) isn't necessarily opposed to me trading up, she just wants justification. Its also mandatory I get a unit with a mmm so "wifey" can mow with it. Any expert advice would be greatly appreciated. My lot is mostly level.
thanks

 

[Rick Jay]

KevinKubota,

Either the B7500 or B2410 will increase your ground clearance and loader capacity. I would just suggest that you include the B7800/B2710/B2910 in your comparison as well. They have the highest loader capacity in the B series. I also like the L-M-H hydro range. When you talk to dealers about trading, sometimes they might be able to make you a better deal on a higher $ machine.

Not saying you need the bigger machine, but since you feel the BX is a bit under what you need, it might be better to look at something that is a bit more than you think you need now. With the low finance rates available now, the extra money is pretty cheap.

My wife has used my B2910 on several occasions and has had no problems, although we don't use it to mow.

Just don't look at the new L3130's. What a tractor. THAT you'd have a hard time justifying to the wife.

Good Luck,

~Rick

 

[TresCrows]

Hmmmmmmmm, I have both a BX and a 2410. The BX is a better mower, the 2410 is a better loader. I suggest, you get a 2410 or if the other guys insist a 2910 and then don't get a MMM. Get a Lawn Tractor instead. I don't agree with the others, the 2410 is as large as I would go is you insist on having one tractor do it all. Anything bigger will not do much of a job at mowing and since I am doing the comparing on my lawn, that is my opinion. Oh, since a MMM will run 2500 dollars you can get a decent Lawn Tractor instead. J

 

[Rick Jay]

TresCrows,

You're a good source for comparison here being in the enviable position of having both a BX and a B series.

I know you've done previous posts on the quality of cut and differences between the two. In your judgement, wouldn't the B7800/B2710/B2910 have a similar cut as the B2410 considering a 60" mower is available for all? In fact, a 72" deck is available for the larger tractors and this might even allow a smaller cutting diameter than the B2410. Not sure on that and it's probably too close to matter. I suppose if it's really an issue the bi-speed turn option on the B2410 is the way to go.

I've seen the MMMs available for the L series, so even tractors that weigh 1500 lbs. more the the upper end of the B-series apparently can be used for cutting nice lawns. (The brochures always show them on some expansive mansion lawn.)

I use a small lawn tractor to cut my extensive 2/3 acre property and it cuts well. But my definition of "well" is that it looks quite a bit better than it did before I cut it, so I'm obviously not too fussy about the lawn. I don't care for all the "artistic" approaches to lawn mowing with "cross-hatching" patterns and the like. Is that what you're basing the diffence between the cuts on? I do bag my grass clippings so I don't have a problem with "clumping". Is the difference between the BX and B a matter of evenness of cut or clipping dispersal? I'm just thinking that the "quality of cut" could be a bit subjective, and perhaps not as much of an issue for some.

Anyway, if what you're saying is that if and when my Honda lawn tractor bites the dust I have to go out and buy a BX, well, that's reason enough for me. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

Thanks for the info on the comparison.

~Rick

 

[GregJ]

Kev,
I have a B7500 and a JD LX277. I also have about an acre of lawn. In my area, I couldn't mow with the B7500 because of it's weight and my soft ground. I can travel across my lawn with minimal damage with the R4's, but when I repetitively run over an area, it will chew up the turf. I have had my JD for about 3 years now and it does a great job of mowing. I have the 42" mulching deck which really speeds the whole process because we don't have to mess with bagging. For me, I need 2 machines. One for mowing and one for heavy tractor work. I think it would be hard to find a machine that would be really good at both. I am also very happy with my B7500. I looked closely at the BX22 before buying and am glad that I spent a little extra, because I have needed it.

Greg

 

[riptides]

Kev,

What TresCrows said.

I have a B7800 with a 5' Woods Brushcutter.

I also have a YardPro with a 52" bellymower.

Each has it's own place. Although when the grass gets totally out of control, the B takes over.......

At this point I don't think the 7800 will see fine grass cutting any time in the future......

-Mike Z. /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif

 

[TresCrows]

Rick, it is not so much that the 2410 is a lousy mower as that the BX is is such a superior one. The suspended deck is the big reason and it is deeper so that it produces better vacum. yes, it clumps less also. It produces a very smooth cut because it is suspended and does not tear up the lawn with little wheels like the 2410 ground contact deck does.
The bigger tractors are to big, to long, to wide and to heavy and the 72 inch ground contact decks are also very heavy and likely prone to scalping. With turf tires I imagine they would not totaly compact a lawn but the MMM decks would still rut a soft lawn. The BX deck is very scalp resistent and because it is suspended leaves no marks of it's own.
I think the ultimate arsenal would be a L3410 and a BX2200 for doing everyhting the big tractor cannot do including mowing.
J

 

[Rick Jay]

TresCrows

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( I think the ultimate arsenal would be a L3410 and a BX2200 for doing everything the big tractor cannot do including mowing. )</font>

Ahhh....now I see. I need to trade in my B2910 for a new L3430 (I took the liberty of modernizing the model #) AND buy the BX2200. I like the way you think. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif


Thanks for the info. I guess I see what your saying, I just don't know if that's something that would bother me too much. I guess the layout of the yard and type of soil comes into play as well.

Actually, from what I've seen from all the professional landscapers around here, the zero-turn mowers seem to be the fastest and appear to cut well. Plus, they have phenomenal maneuverability, but they are a bit more special purpose than the traditional tractor, and seem to be every bit as expensive.


Thanks again,

~Rick

 

[Will_C]

Rick, I agree with you. The BX is a fine all-purpose machine for my use, which is around 75% mowing. If $ were not a consideration, I would have a ZTR and a bigger Kubota, probably a large B-series (for my snowplowing, loader work, etc.) Oh well, it's fun to dream /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif
Will

 

[KevinKubota]

Thanks to everyone who replied. The BX2200 is certainly an excellent mower. I also have the Kubota grass-catcher for it...it does an outstanding job of catching grass. I was amazed at how little the catcher reduces leaves it collects. The main reason I got the catcher is because I'm surrounded by oak trees. I'm considering the PTO powered Trac-Vac. I realize I'll be getting better reduction on the leaves collected, but I'll be sacrificing maneuverability. Any "pros" have some advice ?
thanks