keep BX24 or upgrade to B2620?

[jambx]

I am really considering this. Both TLB with unloaded turfs. I love the looks of the B and the increased ground clearance. Here is what I use a tractor for on my 6 acres:

1. on grass for aeration, fert and lime. leaf removal after I get a vac. it seems like the 2 tractors weigh virtually the same (except for whatever the backhoe subframe adds to the B). I am concerned about a Bs front tires tearing up the grass on these tasks even with turfs. I have a ZTR so no mowing.

2. prep for new yard box blade and landscape rake etc

3. clearing downed tree sections in woods

4 clearing 1/4 driveway of snow

5 install gravel trails for shed in woods etc

6 move wood piles and brush

7 prep for and install flagstone patios

In all actuality the specs on the two machines are much closer than I would have thought. How stupid is it to upgrade because you really like the look of a bigger, more tractor like tractor? What are the pros and cons? Most of all will a B mess up my grass?Thanks in advance!

As with Chuck I too had a BX (first a BX2200 and then a BX22). Last May I went with the B2920 - not that I needed it but I had the tractor itch and needed a scratch. The BX22 would have done all I needed however I too like the idea of a bigger tractor. I only have 2 acres for my primary land and 24 at my other property. I use the B 75% of the time on the 2 acres. It will NOT mess up your lawn - I have R4s. Of course if it is really wet then thats another story. At the end of the day I am not looking back. I do miss the BX22 at times it was a kickin tractor but I like the bigger platform - for me it fulfills my need for a tractor that looks like a tractor and not a lawn mower on steriods (this is to be a a compliment). BTW - I thought the B3200 was where I wanted to be but it was a seat of the pants feel I had when I sat on a B2X20and a B3200 side by side - no question but for me the B2X20 was the ticket.

Good Luck, have fun and be safe

Oh and call BRADY BARLOW!!!

 

[LBrown59]

As with Chuck I too had a BX (first a BX2200 and then a BX22). Last May I went with the B2920 - not that I needed it but I had the tractor itch and needed a scratch. The BX22 would have done all I needed however I too like the idea of a bigger tractor. I only have 2 acres for my primary land and 24 at my other property. I use the B 75% of the time on the 2 acres. It will NOT mess up your lawn - I have R4s. Of course if it is really wet then thats another story. At the end of the day I am not looking back. I do miss the BX22 at times it was a kickin tractor but I like the bigger platform - for me it fulfills my need for a tractor that looks like a tractor and not a lawn mower on steriods (this is to be a a compliment). BTW - I thought the B3200 was where I wanted to be but it was a seat of the pants feel I had when I sat on a B2X20and a B3200 side by side - no question but for me the B2X20 was the ticket. Good Luck, have fun and be safe
Oh and call BRADY BARLOW!!!

A JD x7XX comes closer to fitting the descreption of a lawn mower on steriods than a BX does.

 

[donn12]

ChuckinNH how does it do with the BX42 chipper? I also have my eye on this.

BStrom I would like the 60" bucket as well. ANy reason not to have this be my only bucket? That way I would not need the QA unless I get forks.

 

[bstrom]

Well - the 60 inch bucket is supposed to be for the somewhat larger loaders, for example the 504. You'd have to special order it and I'm not sure how that would work since the B2620 comes with the 50 inch. I sort of had to talk my dealer into it. I still have my 50 inch bucket which I use for dirt and gravel. You might not want to fill the 60 inch bucket with dirt and gravel because I think it would be pretty heavy for the 364 loader and maybe the tractor too. I use mine for light materials like snow (even wet it's around a third of the weight of gravel), chips, mulch,firewood, etc. If you were moving heavy materials you would probably not want to fill it all the way, although it is pretty amazing what the tractor will pick up with loaded tires and three point ballast. You probably will not be able to get a B2620 off the lot with it anyway - you would have to see what the dealer says. Hope this helps.

 

[jambx]

A JD x7XX comes closer to fitting the descreption of a lawn mower on steriods than a BX does.

LB,

Yes, I would agree with that.

I was in no way trying to convey the BX was any lesser of a platform that the B however since the original poster was looking for perspectives on the LOOKS of the BX vs. the B I was trying to make a point.

The BX is a brut of a tractor - I know since I owned two BXs and they both could do anything my B does however I at the time of my upgrade I was looking to upgrade to a platform that looked more tractor like. I prefer the larger tires, higher ground clearance (although I have to admit the on again off again does get old!) and a little more BH power with wider bucket. The BX22 would not effectively punch through my NE soil with a 16 inch bucket.

One of the issues I had was trying to make hills for potatoes. The BX just did not have to clearance I was looking for.

I do at times wish I still had the BX - easy on and off, get in and out of tight spots and it was MUCH more smoother than the 2920.

 

[CHDinCT]

Your situation is somewhat similar to my own. Yours is almost entirely a "want" whereas, mine has an element of "need".

Do I detect a hint of early trade-up syndrome BP? Pray tell you're not going to leave the BX(1860) club already?

 

[ChuckinNH]

ChuckinNH how does it do with the BX42 chipper? I also have my eye on this.

BStrom I would like the 60" bucket as well. ANy reason not to have this be my only bucket? That way I would not need the QA unless I get forks.

The B2620 works great with the BX42 chipper. My neighbors bring me maple syrup, gift coupons, etc. all the time. It has worked out well, and has saved both me, and a couple of neighbors a lot of work. When I first got it it would plug up on viney, or really leafy small branches. I checked the book and found I could run it at the higher rear pto rpm, and let me tell you it spit that small stuff out then! Later, in checking things over I found, as others have, that the knives weren't set right at the factory. I reset them to the specs, and it has worked fine at the 540 rpm setting ever since. I've used it a lot, and have rotated the knives, but haven't had to sharpen them yet. Probably got about 40 hours on the first side which pleased me.

"One of the issues I had was trying to make hills for potatoes. The BX just did not have to clearance I was looking for."

Mine has worked well with the middlebuster for a variety of tasks. I dug my potatoes with it last fall, and it sure saved a lot of work. I did have to use the second set of holes in the lower lift arms to get it as deep as I wanted though.

 

[bp fick]

Do I detect a hint of early trade-up syndrome BP? Pray tell you're not going to leave the BX(1860) club already?

Chris,

I love my 1860. If I could keep it I would. I might have to, if I don't sell it right, and that would be fine. But, I have GREATLY and unexpectedly expanded my organic gardening. Likely to almost an acre of tilled ground. I will need to cultivate more mature plants than the BX can traverse with it's lower clearance. I don't need even one more pony, so this isn't a HP issue whatsoever. The BX is also a brute with snow, so that isn't an issue either. We shall see how it unfolds.