New hood on the BX series?

[r0GuE]

I stopped at the dealer today for the first time in many moons. I noticed (how could you not) the new aerodynamic /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif design of the hoods. Let's just say I'm glad I got one before they made that marketing decision.

Oh well, I guess it doesn't matter, I just thought I'd ping the board and see what others thought. I haven't been on in quite a while.

 

[Bilser]

I was glad I bought mine before they started making them out of plastic even though I'm sure plastic will be OK.

 

[proudestmonkey]

There are a few long threads touting the virtues of the new slanted hoods and curved FEL arms--its supposed to give you better visibility out front. It probably does, a little. I am with you though, in that I think they are not too good looking. I don't mind the slanted hood as much as I dislike the layout of the new headlights, which are also supposed to be better (brigher halogens). Again, I think the look fugly. I am guessing the "marketing" decision was to keep up with the new look of the New Holland "Boomer" series (now that name is kind of dumb if you ask me).

I am also glad they had last year's model available for two other reasons. I don't like to buy a first batch of any redesign. I am guessing (I did not look) that they had to make a few design changes under the hood to get the curved look. Things have to be closer together. They've also bumped up the HP rating on the same exact engine (not sure how they did that). So, I bought a product that had two to three years of production behind it, not one which is new off the line. The other reason I am glad I got an old one is that Kubota credit gave me an additional $500 rebate on the 2005, and my dealer brought it down another $1,100 (off their sale price).

 

[LBrown59]

<font color="red"> If I wanted a blimp that's what I would buy.
Any thing that looks like a blimp or a ball on wheels is ugly as sin. </font>

 

[r0GuE]

Being a newby to tractors in 2001, I was lured to the BX by the stoudt nature of it (both looks and in practice). If I walked into a shwroom today, I may have been tempted to live with a G or even TG (this was before I knew how usefull a FEL is).

I got mine now! Good to go for 40 years of homeownership and groundskeeping. 5 years in, at about 150 or so hours. That would put it at 1000ish hours by the time they plant me. /forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif

By then, they'll probably have tractors looking like flying saucers and they'll probably be electric.

 

[jgarfield]

I know what you mean about the rounded hood, I think that it makes the 24 look smaller and not as substantial as the previous models. Looks more like a lawn tractor imo.
It's odd though because I like the rounded hood and arms on the bigger tractors, I think that visability is more of an issue with them so the round design makes more sense.

 

[TobyH]

Anyone look at the MMM? The belt and pulley covers are plastic! That is a bad idea if you ask me. That's one thing that impressed me about my BX, the mower deck is indestructable. How can you justify anything plastic on an attachment?

 

[Tractor_Jim_CT]

I would say our BX23's have just gone up in value based on the feedback of new Xs out there.

 

[Charliebrn]

As the owner of A new BX2350 who used to own a BX2200, I think I'm qualified to chime in here. There is more visibility with the new design, not a huge amount mind you, but there is definately an improvement. When you are about to destroy something, even that little bit may help.

Secondly, the lighting is a HUGE improvement, and if the new design helped that along, then so be it. Anything that helps safety or visibility is an improvement, and face it, if it doesn't hurt the capabilities of the machine, why is it an inferior product as some here are suggesting? We aren't buying Picassos to hang on the wall, we're buying tools to do a job safely.

While the previous BXs are fine machines, I've seen nothing in the new models that makes it inferior in any way. You may argue either way about the use of plastic, but an argument can be made in both directions. I think the advantages and disadvantages of metal/plastic balance each other, personally.

As far as raw numbers, the new models have a slightly better 3pt design, and slightly better lift capacities. The loader attachment method is a little easier to line up as well.

My point is betfore some start assuming that Kubota "cheapened" the product, you go out and use one a bit. You;ll find that there have been quite a few changes and you may also find that while they may not be huge improvements on an already fine machine, they are improvements nonetheless.

The only thing that gave me pause about the new models is the fact that they are new, but given my happiness with one of the first BXs on the market, I am fairly confident that my new one will be just as solid.


~Flame suit on!!!~
~CB /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

 

[Charliebrn]

Yea, the new ones are plastic. I wasn't impressed at first either. But after actually using it, I find it's much quieter than my BX2200. Those metal covers rattled incessantly, no matter how tight I made those snaps.

My only complaint now is that they don't come off as easy. But I'll fix that soon...Stay tuned.... /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

 

[aesanders]

I might be the only one, but I think the new bx's are far and away improved. The looks might turn some people off, but the machines ergonomics are much improved. The backhoe and front end loader designs are superior to the older model.

Yes their are some things like plastic belts covers that replaced metal belt covers, but they are just belt covers. For lawn mowing you should never ever have to worry about damaging the belt covers.

I prefer metal hoods over plastic ones as well, but I like the way the new hood opens now.

There is also quite a bit more room on the operator platform for both the loader and backhoe.

All in all I am quite happy with the new design even if it has a face only a mother could love.

 

[Volfandt]

While I definitely like my BX23, the BX24 has improved on some features over the old BX's.

The airfilter bracket on the new style BX's has been moved and strengthened. This is an improvement over the original bracket and shouldn;t break like the older style.

The operators station has been enlarged to largest in the class.

Theres more ground clearance.

The FEL & BH both have more lifting and digging capacity which is due in part to a larger displacement hydraulic pump.

While I've grown very used to my treadle pedal, I can see where the newer style has a less cluttered footboard which may do away with the accidental treadle pedal getting depressed when mounting back on the BX (I've seen this a few times)

I don't know if I care one way or the other about the plastic hood and fenders.

I guess I'm in the minority in that I don't think the little beast looks too bad. Course I like those old Godzilla monster flicks too /forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif but I'll just go on ahead and keep my good ole BX23, I've just about got it broke in just like I like it /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

Volfandt

 

[proudestmonkey]

Hey, don't get me wrong: if the 2350 had been available for the same price as the 2280, I would have gotten the 2350, all considerations of aesthetics and first batch issues aside. I would like the bigger operator platform (I'm 6'4"). I also like the seatbelt on the 2350 better. Besides, its a newer model and will retain its value a little longer.

 

[r0GuE]

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( There is more visibility with the new design, not a huge amount mind you, but there is definately an improvement. )</font>

Visability? When sitting on top of a sub-compact?? Please sir... /forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif

Visability isn't an issue at all, not even a little bit, on my old 2200. Zero issue. Plastic = cheaper to manufacture. And I am darn sure that the look of the new one is more aimed to make it a Piccasso than the old square steel hood. It's marketing. That's all. It's cool though, I'm sure then new ones are fine. I don't care for the fancy new look. At 10 MPH tops, aerodynamics are not that important. Next year they'll add a spoiler on the back to add downforce. And someone will add that it helps the weight and balance when using the loader and moving forward! /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

Retro-Grouches Unite! /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif

 

[Charliebrn]

Hmm....that brings up a good point... You know that ironing board that kids duct tape to their mom's Honda Civic? Now make it out of lead, add a 3pt hitch....raise it up a bit...functional ballast!!!! /forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif

 

[djwill]

I guess to each his own....
Being a newb, I cant argue the fact of better visibility from old to new design...or whether metal or plastic hood is better. What I can say is when I purchased in Feb. I test drove both the BX23 and 24. I just felt the 24 had much more room on the platform, better specs...and yes, I liked the look much better. Felt it looked up to date...not like something from the 70's /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif and if I had a metal hood, it might be all scratched up right now /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif
Luvin it...and havin fun!

dj