Just ordered a new BX25, any suggestions?

[CORamos]

After "daydreaming" about it for a couple of years, and seriously considering it while I was in Afghanistan most of last year, I finally pulled the trigger on a new BX25. Should be delivered sometime next week.

I'll get it with the 3PH, 54" MMM, grass catcher, and loaded tires.

-I've been reading up on the forums for a while, and I'll be picking up a set of Bro-Tek skid plates. I don't really think I need them on my property, but I don't want to take a chance.

-I'll probably pick up the Bro-tek thumb and ripper also. I have several trees I want to remove, and may eventually end up clearing a half acre of woods, give or take.

-I'm still trying to decide on a snow removal implement. I only have about 80ft of driveway, so the snow blower seems a bit pricey, but a plow seems to fit the bill. I saved a couple of threads I found on this subject, but I've basically narrowed it down to either the Kubota manual blade, or the BXpanded plow. Is the Kubota blade something I could use for grading/pushing dirt around, or is there a better implement for that?:newhere:

-I have need for a 3PH post hole digger, but after searching the forums, that may not work for me with all the rocks I have to deal with.

-I'll also probably get the BXpanded backhoe dolly. (Actually, I'd like to buy one of pretty much everything BXpanded has.... but I need to save some $$$ to spend on projects. After giving me the OK to get the BX25, she's going to watch me like a hawk to make sure I don't buy anything else for a while. :laughing

These forums have been a wealth of information. I've added several topics to my "favorites". Any suggestions on what other implements/attachments I might find useful? Here's a list of what I plan on doing over the next few years:

- Plant several flowering/fruit/nut trees
- Build an outdoor kitchen/patio
- Build (dig?) a Koi pond/water garden
- Expand the lawn (I had about a half acre cleared and graded but it still needs to be finished; one of the reasons I started looking at tractors)
- Build a shed/garage for the tractor. My car will have to stay outside until I can get this done....



Too bad there's so much snow on the ground... I guess I'll have to wait a bit to play with the new toy!

 

[zoltanthegypsy]

After "daydreaming" about it for a couple of years, and seriously considering it while I was in Afghanistan most of last year, I finally pulled the trigger on a new BX25. Should be delivered sometime next week.

I'll get it with the 3PH, 54" MMM, grass catcher, and loaded tires.

-I've been reading up on the forums for a while, and I'll be picking up a set of Bro-Tek skid plates. I don't really think I need them on my property, but I don't want to take a chance.

...

Good call on the plates, even though you don't think you need them. I lost the _radiator_ fan and part of the wiring harness on my BX24 just mowing tall grass with a bush hog.

That soft underbelly is vulnerable any time the MMM is off (and maybe with it on - I don't have one).

Z.

 

[stevess]

your off to a good start. loaded tires are a must. i've got the hyd plow and i like it very much but i think maybe a rear blower is in my future... the fel is nice to have when your moving snow. bxpanded products are very nice and i've got the worklights,bh dolly, and forks. don't go too crazy at once on implements.... seems as though you've got plenty .
steve
bx25

 

[radioman]

congrats! you are gonna love the BX! I'd spend money on the garage for BX first before getting things like thumb, etc. You may find that you want to take the BH and FEL off when mowing and its gonna feel weird to leave it outside. Having a garage for BX will make it better . Plus it will give you a excuse how useful it is to build garage with BX :thumbsup:

 

[bigbull338]

congrats on your new tractor.

 

[CORamos]

congrats! you are gonna love the BX! I'd spend money on the garage for BX first before getting things like thumb, etc. You may find that you want to take the BH and FEL off when mowing and its gonna feel weird to leave it outside. Having a garage for BX will make it better . Plus it will give you a excuse how useful it is to build garage with BX :thumbsup:

Radioman, looking at my post, I guess I didn't express it correctly... I have a two-car garage. My car will stay outside to make room for the BX. (The other side is my wife's.... untouchable...:laughing. Maybe in a few years I'll be able to afford another two-car garage for the toys.

 

[chrisott]

"After "daydreaming" about it for a couple of years, and seriously considering it while I was in Afghanistan most of last year, I finally pulled the trigger on a new BX25. "

Sounds like you were n the military. Thank you for your service.

Enjoy the BX25. I have the BX24. I use Harbor Freight car dollies for the backhoe - a little less money than the sweet BXpanded ones. You can hook them up at the right distance if you want. I have a wish list too for some of their stuff.

 

[CompactTractorFan]

Enjoy the BX25. I have the BX24. I use Harbor Freight car dollies for the backhoe - a little less money than the sweet BXpanded ones. You can hook them up at the right distance if you want. I have a wish list too for some of their stuff.

Do you have a picture of that? I tried that, but it did not work out to well...

 

[CompactTractorFan]

Congrats on your new orange toy!!! :thumbsup: I would probably just use the FEL (loader) for the snow.

 

[Tom_H]

For building the pond, I'd recommend a sub-soiler to rip and then a toothbar to help scoop with the FEL.

Another possibility is a box blade to move the soil and shape it if you are going to use the excavant close to the hole.

Have fun!

 

[jwatt51]

Congratulations on the new BX25.I had a BX 1850 and traded it this past July for a BX25 because I wanted a backhoe.I too live in MA. and used my front loader on the 1850 for snow removal,but bought a front snow blower for my BX25.I did plan on doing driveways in my neighborhood with it this year,but had to have rotor cuff surgery on Jan.5th,so I'll have to wait til next year to advertise to do driveways.I also have a post hole digger,a box blade and a 3pt.log splitter for mine and everything works great. You won't regret buying it at all.If you click on my name and then click to see more of my posts,you'll see one that says "BX25 toolbox" it's a nice addition to add to your new 25 for storing some tools,pins,etc.in.

 

[RayCo]

Congratulations on your purchase. You will LOVE it!

As for some of your questions, for snow removal, I would just stick with the loader. If I magically come across a very low-priced snow blower some day, I'd certainly get one, but as you said, the current price is hard to justify unless you blow snow for a living.

And regarding your list, I've done all of those things or comparable things (minus building the shed) with my BX. The only implement that I used in addition to the BX is a 4' box blade. Oh, and a toothbar. So, you might be fine with the same. I'd at least wait until an implement need exposes itself instead of trying to predict.

Enjoy your tractor and all that it enables you to do.

 

[ranchonodinero]

Hey congrats on the new tractor-you are gonna have a blast. I've had mine less than a week! I've got a box scraper that I haven't even tried out-tiller gets here sometime this weekend and I'm already trying to get a circular cutter as I want to save the fine cut for the lawn and use the shredder for the pasture-rough areas. I think if you leave your belly mower on, you only need one of the bro-tek skid plates. Saying that, my thumb, rear skid plate and front guard should get here sometime this week. Also, one other accessory you might find helpful is a hitch for your 3 point so haul trailers around. Got mine on ebay-brown truck coming tomorrow with it-I'll let you know how it looks. I've used the tractor 3 days and have over 8 hours on it-the thing sips diesel!

 

[JOHNTHOMAS]

Ratchet Rake, LLC - Tractor attachment, Bucket attachment, Loader, Skid loader, Kubota, Skid steer, Landscape rake, Brush remover, York Rake, Harley Rake, Rock Rake, Tractor rake attachment, Construction attachment, New Holland, Bobcat, Fire safety,
How To Video Demos - Implements & Attachments

 

[ranchonodinero]

How do you like the quick attach? Are they the ones from eb@y?

 

[CORamos]

Hey congrats on the new tractor-you are gonna have a blast. I've had mine less than a week! I've got a box scraper that I haven't even tried out-tiller gets here sometime this weekend and I'm already trying to get a circular cutter as I want to save the fine cut for the lawn and use the shredder for the pasture-rough areas. I think if you leave your belly mower on, you only need one of the bro-tek skid plates. Saying that, my thumb, rear skid plate and front guard should get here sometime this week. Also, one other accessory you might find helpful is a hitch for your 3 point so haul trailers around. Got mine on ebay-brown truck coming tomorrow with it-I'll let you know how it looks. I've used the tractor 3 days and have over 8 hours on it-the thing sips diesel!

I placed an order for the Bro-tek thumb, ripper, and rear plate. I think I'll hold off on a plow until next winter season.... need to save some $$$ for projects!


Unfortunately, I still have almost two feet of snow on the ground, so other than possibly playing with the loader (or if we get a lot more snow), I won't be able to use it much for at least another month.

 

[CORamos]

Ratchet Rake, LLC - Tractor attachment, Bucket attachment, Loader, Skid loader, Kubota, Skid steer, Landscape rake, Brush remover, York Rake, Harley Rake, Rock Rake, Tractor rake attachment, Construction attachment, New Holland, Bobcat, Fire safety,
How To Video Demos - Implements & Attachments

That's a good reference for attachments. Thanks!

 

[roma3112]

The skid plates are a must, I made my own out of an old street sign, brotec thumb is a must i love mine. One thing that also is a must is a tooth bar, mine was put to great use, and is well worth the money. My machine (bx24) with loaded tires would not dig well without the tooth bar. I am out in Woburn got my machine out in harvard ma where did you get your 25?

 

[radioman]

Radioman, looking at my post, I guess I didn't express it correctly... I have a two-car garage. My car will stay outside to make room for the BX. (The other side is my wife's.... untouchable...:laughing. Maybe in a few years I'll be able to afford another two-car garage for the toys.

perhaps it was me, that explain why.... I too have a 2 car garage and I stored it in the garage at first. You will find out REAL fast that the rops doesnt fold all the way down due to BH mount. It becomes wings for a serious headbanger. Once you start leaving it up becuase it gives you headaches- you will SMACK your rops into the garage. Most garage doors are 8 by 7 and its NOT high enough for the rops in upright position. I have a few dingers to prove it. :ashamed:
FYI- I noticed that if the BX is heavily loaded in rear, it WILL squat tires enough so it might squeeze/squeak in the standard sized garage door. Taking the FEL, BH off you will put some dingers in your garage header . (at least this is what happened to me)

I ended up building a garage addition just for the BX so I don't have to worry about the darn ROPS!!! Leave it up I say just for safteys sake and no head banging.


Heed my advice-- within a year, you will going to reflect on my statement and smack yourself in the head about it. I was one of those guys who said, never happen to me since I don't forget.

 

[JOHNTHOMAS]

How do you like the quick attach? Are they the ones from eb@y?

I've bought three different sets of quick hitches. Pat's, which I've sold to Milkmans brother and two other different ones from Ebay. The ones from Ebay came from someone that makes them in Indiana or I guess they make them. This set is my favorite since I can stand them up or point them down and they don't extend the reach so my tiller will work with the drive shaft that is on it. With the Pat's and the other copy of Pat's they extended the distance so much that the upper arm and drive shaft wouldn't reach. The upper arms are cheap at TSC but drive shafts are more expensive.
Pictures of all of them and notice the BB attached with QH facing down.