Newbie Has Questions

FSE · Oct 29, 2009

I have been looking into getting a small tractor and am a first time buyer. I have researched and think the Kubota BX 2360 is the one I want. But before I buy it I need your help with some questions in making the decision finial.

1. Are the BX owners happy with their buy?
2. Can you stop the rear hitch at any height or is it just up and down? Is it live?
3. Can you operate the FEL and MMM and rear attachments at the same time?
4. Is the 23HP enough power for the tractor or would I need to get the 2660?
5. I will be using it to mow 90% of the time. I think I would like turf tires. Will they hold up under a load on the FEL or do I need R4s?
6. How are the hydraulics cooled?
7. Is there any problem with the BX2360 that I would need to know about?
8. Is there a big difference in the fine cut MMM and the standard cut?
9. The price the dealer gave me on a new BX2360 with 60 standard MMM and FEL $14250.00 plus tax. Too high or about right?
I know I can ask the dealer these questions but I feel like I will be better and more honest answers on here. Again this is my first CUT and I would like to get it right the first time. I have a little over an acre to cut and a gravel drive. Lots of plant beds that need mulching and a small garden. Any help here will be more than appreciated.

bpattie · Oct 29, 2009

re

1 I think you will find the majority are
2 yes you can but it is very sensitive
3 yes
4 probably but you didn't mention what else you will be doing with it
5 tires. big debates on this topic. First where do you live , ie. Winter conditions. R4's offer superior load capabilities as opposed to R3 or turf

the rest I will let someone more knowledgeable answer. and offer different opinions on the above. I think that is something that you will find here, there are lots of varied opinions, but most agree to disagree. good group

Couple of Achers · Oct 29, 2009

I have a BX23 and I agree with bpattie on 1 - 5. I will add my 2 cents about tires. If you are using it for mowing 90% of the time, then that means that you will only be using it 10% of the time for everything else. I don't think you will prematurely wear out the turf tires only using it 10% of the time for loader work. With that being said, I opted for the R4's since I do not mow with mine at all. But as stated, opinions on tire choice varies.

Answer to number 6. The hydo is cooled with a plastic fan that is basically directly under your seat. It is susceptible to damage from sticks or debris if you do not have the belly mower on. It is my understanding the the new BX's have a belly pan on them now to protect the fan. You may want to ask you dealer about it.

Good luck with your purchase.

LBrown59 · Oct 29, 2009

FSE said:
I have been looking into getting a small tractor and am a first time buyer. I have researched and think the Kubota BX 2360 is the one I want. But before I buy it I need your help with some questions in making the decision finial.

1. Are the BX owners happy with their buy?
2. Can you stop the rear hitch at any height or is it just up and down? Is it live?
3. Can you operate the FEL and MMM and rear attachments at the same time?
4. Is the 23HP enough power for the tractor or would I need to get the 2660?
5. I will be using it to mow 90% of the time. I think I would like turf tires. Will they hold up under a load on the FEL or do I need R4s?
6. How are the hydraulics cooled?
7. Is there any problem with the BX2360 that I would need to know about?
8. Is there a big difference in the fine cut MMM and the standard cut?
9. The price the dealer gave me on a new BX2360 with 60 standard MMM and FEL $14250.00 plus tax. Too high or about right?
I know I can ask the dealer these questions but I feel like I will be better and more honest answers on here. Again this is my first CUT and I would like to get it right the first time. I have a little over an acre to cut and a gravel drive. Lots of plant beds that need mulching and a small garden. Any help here will be more than appreciated.

Here's a guy with 3 of them ?
What do you think?

crbr · Oct 29, 2009

FSE said:
I have been looking into getting a small tractor and am a first time buyer. I have researched and think the Kubota BX 2360 is the one I want. But before I buy it I need your help with some questions in making the decision finial.

1. Are the BX owners happy with their buy?
2. Can you stop the rear hitch at any height or is it just up and down? Is it live?
3. Can you operate the FEL and MMM and rear attachments at the same time?
4. Is the 23HP enough power for the tractor or would I need to get the 2660?
5. I will be using it to mow 90% of the time. I think I would like turf tires. Will they hold up under a load on the FEL or do I need R4s?
6. How are the hydraulics cooled?
7. Is there any problem with the BX2360 that I would need to know about?
8. Is there a big difference in the fine cut MMM and the standard cut?
9. The price the dealer gave me on a new BX2360 with 60 standard MMM and FEL $14250.00 plus tax. Too high or about right?
I know I can ask the dealer these questions but I feel like I will be better and more honest answers on here. Again this is my first CUT and I would like to get it right the first time. I have a little over an acre to cut and a gravel drive. Lots of plant beds that need mulching and a small garden. Any help here will be more than appreciated.

5. IF you have the budget, I'd look at a B3030 with turfs and be done with it (90% mowing). Or a good used B7800. There is one here on the board for about $8500. Great deal, great tractor and this one has all of 250 hours on it. Still brand new.

http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/kubota-buying-pricing/156269-difficulty-selling-used-b7800.html

I have the B7800 (30 HP - turfs) and MMM about 90% of the time. The FEL is a very handy gadget too. I wouldn't want to be without it. If a man were to decide on the used B7800, shipping is cheap and reliable. Just saying...

.

timswi · Oct 29, 2009

I have a BX23..5 years old now.

23 HP is plenty unless you get into large brush hogs etc..Even then it can handle it.

I am 70/30 mowing to FEL & BH work. I have turf tires on mine and have had no complaints so far, even with heavy FEL work.

As was stated, there is a fan that cools the hydrostatic trans, but with the mower on it's pretty much completely protected. In fact I never take my mower off, it has never interfered with any loader/BH work.

I have a 54" MMM. I believe it's standard cut. Does a great job. You won't believe how it runs through tall grass.

The only thing you need to know is to follow the maintenance schedule (no cheating)

You'll love it if you use it like I do.

The price sounds reasonable from what I've heard.

TripleR · Oct 30, 2009

1. Are the BX owners happy with their buy? I have yet to meet a BX owner who has not been happy with their purchase though I am sure there are some. I am on my second one and when I went to buy my second one, I re evaluated and thought I might want a bigger tractor, but in the end went with another BX.

2. Can you stop the rear hitch at any height or is it just up and down? Is it live? Yes, it can be stopped, but it takes a little practice unlike on one of the larger tractors.

3. Can you operate the FEL and MMM and rear attachments at the same time? Yes

4. Is the 23HP enough power for the tractor or would I need to get the 2660? I believe it will have plenty of power, I went with the BX2660 in large part because of the seat.

5. I will be using it to mow 90% of the time. I think I would like turf tires. Will they hold up under a load on the FEL or do I need R4s? I personally prefer the R4 due to the hilly terrain of my property and the R4痴 don稚 damage my yard while providing a little better traction.

6. How are the hydraulics cooled? Cheap plastic fan, I have Bro Tek Skids on order.

7. Is there any problem with the BX2360 that I would need to know about? Not that I am aware of.

8. Is there a big difference in the fine cut MMM and the standard cut? I honestly don稚 know. I often mow in wet grass, so the fine cut won稚 work for me; had one on a John Deere and had/have lots of problems with clogging.

9. The price the dealer gave me on a new BX2360 with 60 standard MMM and FEL $14250.00 plus tax. Too high or about right? That is about right; depends sometimes on the part of the country and availability.

Good luck in making a decision. Be sure to test drive it.

harpoonalt · Oct 30, 2009

For your needs, the BX is perfect for you. Mows great and without the FEL on is very agile. The diesel motor sips fuel and the FEL will be your best friend for all sorts of things. You'll never be without one after using it. If you maintain it well, you'll have it for a very long time and your real cost of ownership goes way down. Consider it an investment. Turfs are easy on grass, but search for tire threads or this will turn into a 10 page debate on tires for the hundreth time

Now go get the tractor and start having fun!

JOHNTHOMAS · Oct 30, 2009

Looks like you have gotten the right answers to your questions. I believe you have picked the right machine and it will serve you well. The BX is the best tractor for mowing. think you need turf tires loaded and plan on a boxblade for rear weight when doing fel work and also for your drive way work. Take the fel off when mowing.

FSE · Oct 30, 2009

I went to the dealer today and test drove the tractor and I have to say it felt good although I only drove it around the parking lot. I talked some more and got the price down to $14000.00. That is the BX2360 with 1.8 hours, the FEL and a 60 MMM and turf tires. Although I did not commit I filled out the credit app and was approved for the 0% at 60 months. We did this to lock it in incase they changed the plans this Monday. I wanted to think about it a little more before I take the plunge. If I need a box blade as some have suggested what size do I need to look for? The dealer was out of all small implements so I will have to look else where. I also wanted to thank all that gave their opinions to my questions. You were more of a help than you probably know. I will probably be asking more if I decide to go with the purchase. Thank you again.