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!

 

[CHDinCT]

I just moved up from a JDX485 to a BX and while the BX will do what you describe, it is a sub-compact whereas you seem to be wanting a garden tractor for mowing (don't think you'll find diesel in anything less).

JD made the 455 from the earlie 90's or so then replaced that model with their X495 / X595 models - diesel with 2WD or 4WD. They've since rebadged the line to X74x series. 3PH's were optional. Also, the Kubota G or GR series was/is offered with diesel power as was/is the Simplicity Legacy garden tractor. Just giving you some more options if the BX is not what you're looking for.

 

[Czbilly]

I had essentially the same criteria as you last year and through much searching found my BX 1850. I have been very happy and never found myself at a lack for power yet it is small enough to mow around trees and my patio. When you start looking at mowers from JD or the likes you will find fewer features that you want at a greater price tag. Also, keep in mind you may be able to buy attachments or implements at auctions and sales that you could use.

 

[LBrown59]

I had essentially the same criteria as you last year and through much searching found my BX 1850. I have been very happy and never found myself at a lack for power yet it is small enough to mow around trees and my patio. When you start looking at mowers from JD or the likes you will find fewer features that you want at a greater price tag. Also, keep in mind you may be able to buy attachments or implements at auctions and sales that you could use.

The BX 1500 and 1800 is hard to beat for this.

 

[LBrown59]

I just moved up from a JDX485 to a BX and while the BX will do what you describe, it is a sub-compact whereas you seem to be wanting a garden tractor for mowing (don't think you'll find diesel in anything less).

JD made the 455 from the earlie 90's or so then replaced that model with their X495 / X595 models - diesel with 2WD or 4WD. They've since rebadged the line to X74x series. 3PH's were optional. Also, the Kubota G or GR series was/is offered with diesel power as was/is the Simplicity Legacy garden tractor. Just giving you some more options if the BX is not what you're looking for.

I bought 2 BX1500s 11/2008.
Great workers.

 

[Doug in NNY]

I bought a new BX2350 in June 2008. The abrupt stopping coming out of reverse was noticeable all summer. By August I began a long discussion with me dealer, eventually gaining the attention of an area rep. I was patient and detailed in my description of the problem (something known widely on TBN and other forums). Research taught me that there are only a handful of differences between the HST on the 50-series and the 60-series, perhaps eight parts internally, and the external linkage is different also. The area rep authorized replacement of the external linkage at Kubota's expense. That solved about three-quarters of the problem for me.

The BX2350 was a great choice for me. It has more than enough power and it is downright fun to use. With the loader our wheel barrow is retired, maybe permanently.

Access to a good dealer is mandatory. I cannot overstate this. No matter how good your unit, you will need your dealer some day. Having someone who is with you for the long haul is very important.

List your needs. Then talk to your dealer. My guess is you'll end up in BX country. Think about how you will use your machine 80%-90% of the time. Don't buy for that 10% - 20% that would lead you to want something other than what gets most of your jobs done. Unless, of course, you are Mr. Brown and you can afford three tractors (just kidding -- some days I'd like three myself).

Doug

BX2350, LA243 loader, 54" MMM, Markham tooth bar, Redland Hill Handi-Hitch and Carry-All.