New BX2230 owner q's?

GntlmnFarmer · Aug 16, 2004

New BX2230 owner q\'s?

Hello everyone. I feel like I know most of you already. I have been reading your posts for about three days straight! In three weeks the Boss and I are moving to our new home in the country, 7 acres, a 600' (400' gravel, 200' paved)driveway, a new garden to be made and 3-4 acres to mow. In about one week I'll be going to my Bota dealer to order my new 2230 (he has already set aside for me). I'm getting the FEL, 60" MMM, Tiller, and Blower.

After reading many (not all) of the posts on this forum I am left with a few questions. First off I have about 350-400 feet of drive that are in pretty good shape. Will I need a box scraper or will the FEL do ok at taking care of the drive? Secondly...leaves? The bagger sure is expensive, any suggestions? I read one thread that sugggested a tow behind, but that was $1000, and the bagger is $1500 and will also take care of the grass easily. Thirdly, speaking of grass. If I have the bagger should I bother with the mulching kit? Is it that much better for your lawn? That makes about a $300 swing. Lastly tires. I have read some people that say get the bars, and then add the turfs later if needed. I have also read people that say the tires are cheap so get them up front. I'll mostly be mowing when warm, and blowing when cold. Perhpas turfs with chains in the winter? All of this of course can be added later, but anything I get up front is getting put on the financing...

Thanks for all your help!

Jeff

Henro · Aug 16, 2004

Re: New BX2230 owner q\'s?

I think a box scraper would be much better for taking care of the gravel drive than the loader would. I find my landscape rake also does a good job at dressing the gravel...my drive/parking area is not that big, but I expect that if it were larger the box blade and rake would be even more appreciated.

Don't know anything about baggers, but if you cut the grass frequently enough you may not need one. I don't miss not having one. Except when I get behind then it would be nice...then I end up cutting twice, once to cut the grass and once to cut the clippings and disperse them.

I just bought a second set of tires for my BX2200. $296 for the four tires/whels. If you buy them you need to store them somewhere when you are not using them. As far as traction in the snow, turf tires with chains might be the way to go. I only say that because I know that with the lugs on the R4 tires on my larger tractor, the ladder chains I have fall between the lugs, and so only about half of each cross chain is actually up where it can do anything. With the bx bar tires, I am not sure if this is a concern or not. I have seen pictures of chains on BX turf tires and they look really effective.

Finally, don't forget about a toothbar for the loader! /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif

At the risk of sounding like I want to spend all your money, you might consider the price difference between a BX23 and the BX2230. Is there a remote chance you might want a small backhoe in the future? If so, the added cost now could save you money in the long run...and while it seems like a lot, it is really fairly reasonable (if you consider the cost of kit backhoes that you build yourself). Just a thought as it is better to consider something and not act on it, than not to consider and then think later "if I had only thought about that..." Beenthere, done that speaking now... /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif

Junkman · Aug 16, 2004

Re: New BX2230 owner q\'s?

I would upgrade to the BX23 for starters. With that amount of land, you will never regret having a backhoe attachment. This isn't a optional add on you can purchase later, except from aftermarket companies. Well worth the investment price up front. I would fore go the bagger for now. I have a tow behind from my old tractor and don't use it any longer. At $1500, I would rather put that money toward the hoe even if I had to rake leaves for a year or two. You haven't given us an indication where you live, so this may not apply to you. A hoe is the only thing that will dig out a tree stump that is surrounded with rocks like in New England!! You also have a tiller on the list, and a hoe will handle rocks that the tiller encounters better than the front bucket. You haven't listed a tooth bar, but I would strongly recommend one to you. As for the extra set of tires, it is only $300 and as long as I am spending your money, go for them if you are up to changing tires on a regular basis. Turfs don't dig well under certain conditions. I have both, and the turfs have never been on the tractor. Have the rear tires loaded with "beet juice" for additional traction. If you don't go for the hoe, then consider a weight box for the rear. I know that you can use the tiller, but why have an expensive item on the rear if you back into something and damage it. A weight box serves more than one purpose. You can also carry shovels in it. You mention "blowing in the cold", but you didn't put the snow blower on your shopping list. Better order that now, because by the time there is snow on the ground, there won't be a snow blower to be found. Last year they ran out by December, and they are now just catching up on deliveries for blowers ordered in January. If you are anywhere near my neck of the woods, you are welcome to come over and try mine on for size. /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif

GntlmnFarmer · Aug 16, 2004

Re: New BX2230 owner q\'s?

Thanks for the advice Henro and Junkman! Yeah I looked at the upgrade to get the backhoe, my dealer says I can get one for the 2230. It will cost me about $900 extra dollars at some future date to add the backhoe to the 2230, as oppsed to getting it upfront with the 23. I also won't get the cool swivel seat, nor will I get the cool folding ROPS (I sure hope the non folding one fits in the new garage). But, the simple fact is at the moment I have no foreseeable use for the BH. I mean, with a backhoe, I am SURE I could *find* something to do..but $5000 is $5000!
I am also sure that a year or two from now I'll be buying it and regretting that I didn't finance it and get all the cool extras and save the $900, but man I can dig a lot of holes with a shovel for $5000!

Jeff

BANDAMAN · Aug 16, 2004

Re: New BX2230 owner q\'s?

I can't answer all your questions, but I will try and help. I have a paved drive, so no expert on the driveway, but if it were me, I think I would get a york rake with guage wheels to keep the drive level. I use the FEL to back drag, but don't think I would want to do 400 feet.

I don't bag or mulch. I mow once a week at 3.5 inches and haven't had a problem leaving piles of grass. I mow when it is dry and the 60 MMM chops it fine and blows it out nice. No trees, so can't comment on the leaves.

I have both sets of tires. My dealer gave me a set of bar tires and wheels with the rears loaded with rim guard for $265. I couldn't pass it up. If only getting one set, I would get the Bars. if the yard is dry, they leave no marks. The turfs are great until you get in a little greasy mud. they become slicks in seconds. if your trying to dig, you can spin all four even in dry dirt. I like having both, but don't change them much because both sets of rears are loaded (about 150 lbs each) The ballast is nice when mowing side banks, and I can use the loader safely on flat ground without adding a ballast box. If I am doig any serious loader work, I put my grader blade on the back for another couple hundred pounds and a nice wheelie bar.

I love my 2230, I am sure you will too.

at_obuk · Aug 16, 2004

Re: New BX2230 owner q\'s?

Get the box scraper and forget the turf tires. I got bars on my BX23 and mow everything in sight. I don't have to worry about changing them to do other jobs and if you take it easy on the turns you shouldn't mar the lawn. You'll be glad you have the bars on when you get into mud and other slimy stuff. I looked at the BX2230 also. But with the 0% fin. I couldn't justify not getting the BX23. Boy am I glad I went for the BH. I too thought I wouldn't use it, not so. My wife has me digging all over the place for plants, I've been digging out stumps and big bushes etc. The best part is no blisters on my hands. What ever you get have the rear tires filled(windshield washer in mine). Also so my 2 cents is let the grass lay where it may, mow higher and dryer if need be, save the money spent on bagers and such, plus the time it takes to empty and change them.
What ever you get best of times, have fun and may the god of orange be with you and your tractor.

Eric P.

GntlmnFarmer · Aug 16, 2004

Re: New BX2230 owner q\'s?

Yeah leaving the grass lay where it falls is probably ok with the wife, but the leaves laying will be an issue. And I have no desire to hand rake 3+ acres of land. Also, I'm wondering if I get the bagger can I use that on the back for weight instead of a ballast Box? Maybe I'll even be able to put shovels in it.

So, so far everyone thinks the box scraper is a must, so that's going on the list. Also going to get the bar tires and have them filled by the dealer (and of course I have to remember to get a hat, anyone know if they have them in Orange?)

Jeff

bam · Aug 16, 2004

Re: New BX2230 owner q\'s?

I've was having the same question; to get the bagger or not. I did not purchase it. I mow towards the center of the yard and end up pushing all of the cut grass towards the center. After running the MMM over it numerous times, it nearly disappears by the time I get to the center. I end up with about 2 loader size piles to rake in the center of the lawn. Takes about 10 minutes longer to do this. Bagging would take considerably longer.

SeymourBota · Aug 16, 2004

Re: New BX2230 owner q\'s?

Box scrapers are great- I have one for my B2410. I wouldn't even think of using it on my BX2200, though. It weighs 400+ lbs and as it does it's job, it drags alot of gravel with it. It will take alot to pull it with a BX2230.
I have turfs on my BX2200 and use chains during the winter for snowblowing. I can attest that the traction with turfs and chains is excellent.

Henro · Aug 16, 2004

Re: New BX2230 owner q\'s?

 Box scrapers are great- I have one for my B2410. I wouldn't even think of using it on my BX2200, though. 

How wide is that box? I know my 5' Box blade is too much for my BX2200. But a smaller one like a 4' or even 42" would probably work pretty well.

Without question though...a 5' box and an a BX2200 (with turf tires) certainly would not be a match made in heaven... /forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif

RonR · Aug 16, 2004

Re: New BX2230 owner q\'s?

I have a 5' BB on my 2200. I agree it's too big, but it's what I had. I also have turfs. While I can't compete with bigger units, it does serve my purposes. I use 4WD and many times pick up a partial bucket of dirt to get some more weight on the front. I do like the extra width and contend with partial box fulls.

Just my 2 cents.

ron

SeymourBota · Aug 16, 2004

Re: New BX2230 owner q\'s?

Mine is a 5 ft. I agree that a 42" or 48" would probably be sized well, especially considering you wouldn't be dragging it around every day. It's just tough to pay more $$ for a smaller blade!!!

DannyD · Aug 16, 2004

Re: New BX2230 owner q\'s?

but man I can dig a lot of holes with a shovel for $5000! >>>>>

I just dug a 3.5 foot deep hole for a pole with mine, I could not and would not have wanted to do that without the hoe. I also just put in a french drain around the barn, again not without the hoe. I have dug up some stumps that were in the way of cutting grass..........again with the hoe. In fact it is on the tractor now, waiting for tomorrow when I will be again digging out a tree the neighbor wants gone, starting my gutter drains and the french drain for my patio............

If I could trade it in, I would get a 3 pt finish mower, 5' or bigger and keep the MMM off the tractor.

I also have a tiller, rock rake, carry all, potatoe plow, I have found very useful for things that would NOT have been done or I would have paid for someone with a hoe to do.

Oh, I traded the 2003 version of the 2230 in for the 2004 23, not a regret yet.......except for the MMM, that would change

DannyD · Aug 16, 2004

Re: New BX2230 owner q\'s?

and of course I have to remember to get a hat, anyone know if they have them in Orange>>>>>>

I have bought 2 tractors from my dealer, still dont have a hat. I am calling his place in the A.M.................... /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif /forums/images/graemlins/mad.gif /forums/images/graemlins/mad.gif /forums/images/graemlins/mad.gif /forums/images/graemlins/mad.gif /forums/images/graemlins/mad.gif /forums/images/graemlins/mad.gif /forums/images/graemlins/mad.gif /forums/images/graemlins/mad.gif

OK /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif Again. But I am calling him!

Junkman · Aug 16, 2004

Re: New BX2230 owner q\'s?

I have often wondered how many BX owners have traded up for the BX22/23 models after realizing how handy the tractor is and how much better it would be with the hoe. Once you have one, you wouldn't even consider being without one. I wouldn't be without a hoe in my life. /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif

Tom_H · Aug 16, 2004

Re: New BX2230 owner q\'s?

( my dealer says I can get one (backhoe) for the 2230. It will cost me about $900 extra dollars at some future date to add the backhoe to the 2230, as oppsed to getting it upfront with the 23. )

If you get a bh for the 2230, it will be a Woods. The frame on the 2230 isn't designed for a backhoe as the 23 is. Kubota does NOT make a bh for the 2230. If you think you want a backhoe in the future, get the 23 now. I'll probably get a woods for my 2200 as trade in on a 4 y.o. tractor isn't great. If I were buying all new I'd go for a BX23TLB for sure.

I LOVE my mulch kit, but you can't use the blower/bagger if the kit is on the MMM. The baffles divide the MMM into 3 distinct & separate, unconnected cavities, one for each blade. The blower cannot suck material from 1 cavity to another with the baffles in place. It takes way too long to take the baffles on & off. You'd need to have 2 MMMs. I think the mulch kit is superior to the bagger/blower with grass and wish I could sell my b/b. With your need to suck up leaves, however, you may need to decide to go either b/b or mulch; to do both, you'd need 2 MMMs. BTY, the blower is very difficult to get on & off as the middle arm DOES NOT PIVOT. It is welded rigid to the blower and is a very serious pain to get on & off.

For the driveway, I'd choose a blade (rear OR front) over the FEL or a box.

My bar tires meet all my needs; they're never a problem in grass unless the lawn's totally flooded for some unusual reason. It's easier to start with the bars & buy turfs later if needed than it is to buy both & try to sell the turfs later. My turf tires have been sitting under my house for 3 years: not the best way I could have invested that $300.

NY_Yankees_Fan · Aug 16, 2004

Re: New BX2230 owner q\'s?

Jeff,

I will spend your $$ too. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

Block Heater IF the BX will be stored in an unheated area. Starting a cold engine = more wear on the engine, cheap insurance.

Larger alternator IF you plan to add lights, which you will because the headlights with the FEL do not help much.

I have both turf and bar tires, will change to bar for winter snow blowing.

Also buy a set of MMM deck axles wheels from Larry
http://www.moweraxle.com/pages/1/index.htm

very helpful for storing and working on the MMM deck.

Maintenance manuals, 50 hour service filters and fluid.

KStach · Aug 16, 2004

Re: New BX2230 owner q\'s?

Jeff,

Do you really need a blower. I've been pushing snow and even a little dirt in Illinois and formerly in the snowbelt in Northeast Ohio for many years with a front blade on a garden tractor much smaller than the BX2230. Unless you live where there's a lot of snow or you don't have room to push it off to the side, a blade is probably a better alternative. You'll move snow a lot quicker with a blade, and I suspect that you might save enough money to buy that bagger. I paid $1800 for a front blade with a quick mount for my BX23.

I agree with the other folks who've recommended that you consider a BX23. I bought my BX23 a couple of months ago, and I have no regrets. I haven't used the backhoe for any real work yet, but it's really neat to dig a six foot deep hole in my garden just for kicks without breaking a sweat. I have 13 acres, and I have no doubt that I'll find a lot of use for the backhoe.

Karl

GntlmnFarmer · Aug 16, 2004

Re: New BX2230 owner q\'s?

Wow all, I just got back in for the night and I had a lot of helpfull information to read!

I definetly see that the 23 with the BH (as my dealer suggested) would be the way to go. Unfortunatly the extra $80 a month isn't gonna cut it for a year or two, so be warned now you will all be reading posts from me a year or two from now about how I am selling my 2230 to upgrade! Wish I could do it now, but don't think I'll be able to tell the Boss that one of the kids is going to have to skip college for a semester or two!

KStach, yeah I think I need the blower. I've done a LOT of professional snow plowing in my life, and I live close to Lake Michigan, so we can get good lake effect dumps here. I've plowed driveways this long before for cash, and I can tell you that my (former) Dodge 2500 HD would have a problem with this driveway if it got a good 10"-12" overnight which is a rather common occurance around here.

I have also decided to get the Box Blade. I have no idea how to maintain 400' of gravel drive, but I will trust you guys that do it everyday. I also think I'll skip on the turf tires for now and just go with the bars. If they tear the lawn I can choke up the $300 without financing for some tires. Besides, I think those nice paddle looking tires make it look like a tractor instead of a lawn mower!

Tom, any idea what the block heater will cost? I am a certified mechanic, so fixing and maintaining engines is second nature to me, but what I know about desels could be stuck in a thimble and still have room left for my thumb! (They still have cylinders, right?) Also I see that I have to have the bagger for the leaves, no way around that, so the question now is, how benificial is the mulched grass for the lawn? If I am mulching my grass can I skip fertilizing in the spring and fall? If I suck all my clipings up will my lawn get less full instead of more compact? If I don't mulch or suck is the Boss going to think the lawn looks like crap?

Thanks again for all your help! And DannyD, if you strike out on that hat, send me your address, I'll make sure to get two from my dealer! (As well as having him fill my tires for free!) Although if he gives me an Orange one and a crappy Grey one just note, the Orange one isn't coming your way!

Jeff

Junkman · Aug 16, 2004

Re: New BX2230 owner q\'s?

The block heater is about $30 and the dealers usually install it at no charge on a new machine. Don't let him talk you out of it. The mulching blades and kit I believe run about $300 and they do a fine job if you cut often and don't cut too short all at once. The grass MUST be dry for the blades to work properly. If you don't mulch the grass, it will leave clippings on the surface and they might be objectionable to some, but not to me. You will need to fertilize no matter what, even if you use mulching blades, but not as often. Fertilizing is dependent on the quality of the soil and the PH of the soil. Before fertilizing, a soil test should be done to see exactly what is needed, but most home owners, including myself, don't do this. Lime is more important to a good lawn that fertilizer in my opinion. From all the reports here about the BX Bagger system, I would be doing more investigation before buying one. Many owners seem to be dissatisfied with them, but we might just be hearing from the disgruntled owner, not the satisfied ones.
Yes the BX diesel does have cylinders.... 3 of them... /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif