Need suggestions for choosing mower/small tractor

[snodley55]

Folks,
I need suggestions regarding what USED mower/small tractor to be looking at. There are too many models and too little info on specs available for me to be able to research this thoroughly, so was hoping to pick the brains of the knowledgeable folks here on TBN.
I was thinking Kubota but not stuck on that. I already have a Kubota L3000 tractor so I do not need anything with a three-point hitch. I am not opposed to it, but I figure that will add significant cost and not get used.
1) looking for diesel
2) need 4 wheel drive
3) do not want anything too large, which would be less maneuverable and just too much weight on the yard if it is a little soft
4) power steering (I am getting older)
5) power mower deck lift would be nice
6) unit that commonly sold with factory-supplied mid mount mower
7) enough power to pull a small boat/ trailer (750 pound total) up a pretty steep concrete drive
8) hydrostatic drive
Thanks, John S

 

[pdowling1]

It sounds like you just described a BX series tractor!

 

[steverichmond]

I agree, the BX does sound like it will do everthing you mentioned and more. I recommend you avoid the BX2350 due to it's abrupt stopping when letting off the reverse side of the HST. I've heard that prior series as well as the new 60 series do not have this issue.


Thanks,
Steve

 

[LBrown59]

It sounds like you just described a BX series tractor!

http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/1558528-post4.html
L B

Folks,
I need suggestions regarding what USED mower/small tractor to be looking at. There are too many models and too little info on specs available for me to be able to research this thoroughly, so was hoping to pick the brains of the knowledgeable folks here on TBN.
I was thinking Kubota but not stuck on that. I already have a Kubota L3000 tractor so I do not need anything with a three-point hitch. I am not opposed to it, but I figure that will add significant cost and not get used.
1) looking for diesel
2) need 4 wheel drive
3) do not want anything too large, which would be less maneuverable and just too much weight on the yard if it is a little soft
4) power steering (I am getting older)
5) power mower deck lift would be nice
6) unit that commonly sold with factory-supplied mid mount mower
7) enough power to pull a small boat/ trailer (750 pound total) up a pretty steep concrete drive
8) hydrostatic drive
Thanks, John S

 

[LBrown59]

. I recommend you avoid the BX2350 due to it's abrupt stopping when letting off the reverse side of the HST.
Thanks,
Steve

Does the BX1850 have this problem?

 

[JOHNTHOMAS]

It seems to only be the BX2350 of which I have one that has the jerk from forward to reverse and back. It is driveable but you have to get used to being more gentle in the pedal pressure. I can do mine gently but I have to pay attention. My BX1500 and BX2200 or B7800 did not have this problem nor does my L3240 or F2880. I believe any BX will fulfill your need. There are people like me that maintain their tractors and then sell or trade them in for a newer smaller or larger model. Contact some Kubota dealers and tell them what you are hunting. Several of us on this board have had positive experience with Barlow Equipment and they deliver every where.

 

[radioman]

Yup - you just described a BX series tractor. it has all the features you are looking for. it will also tow with the lower hitch up to 1765lbs trailer weight. If you put the tractor in low gear going up concrete driveway, it will be fine. Just dont try it in the winter.

 

[LBrown59]

~~ It seems to only be the BX2350 of which I have one that has the jerk from forward to reverse and back.

I don't have the problem with my BX23 or either of the BX1500s.
There is a 2 year age difference between the 2 BX1500s.

 

[LBrown59]

*My BX1500 did not have this problem nor does my L3240 or F2880.
**Several of us on this board have had positive experience with and they deliver every where.

*Will a BX1500 tow a Toyota pick up in a level driveway ?
**Pleasantly pleased with Barlow Equipment and the 2 BX1500 tractors i got there a little over a year ago.

 

[itsjustme]

Does the BX1850 have this problem?

I've been following the threads on different forums about the abrupt stopping on the BX18/2350 series since this past March. Reading everyone's opinions and comments. While it not being a problem for me I can see that it would bother some owners.

After using my BX1850 since April, it's not anything that I consciously think about when changing directions. Granted, there was a learning curve the first few weeks to get used to it. Where I put my heel on the reverse pedal made all the difference. Using just the edge of my heel on the bottom edge of the reverse pedal made it hard to keep from jerking to a stop. But putting my WHOLE heel and COVERING most of the reverse pedal I can feather it without thinking about it.

A few days before Christmas I went to my dealer and took an 1860 for a test spin to see for myself how much improvement there was. There was a noticeable change, nothing drastic or a daylight -n- dark difference. You can still slide the wheels in gravel.

Back to the posters question;
Your description of what you need/want to do could have been printed in a Kubota sales brochure. A BX series would be perfect for your needs. The criteria listed is what I use mine for!