Researching the BX2660

[Haywire]

Hey guys (-n-gals),
I'm researching the BX2660. I plan on using it for mowing ~2 hilly acres and using the FEL for general yard maintenance like moving mulch, dirt and moving firewood from the wood shed to the house. Might groom the gravel driveway with it as well.

Do these machine have any well known weaknesses or problems? I read in the reviews that the tranny is whiny, but didn't see anything about failure.

thanks for sharing your experience,
Ian

 

[Haywire]

disregard... while my search failed, the "similar thread" list below answered my questions...

Ian

 

[CHDinCT]

disregard... while my search failed, the "similar thread" list below answered my questions...

Ian

That's OK. On your original question, can't think of any serious issues with any of the current BX models but you should be aware of the vulnerability of the plastic HST fan and HST oil filter if you're running "off lawn" with the deck off.

 

[psvines]

I've had my BX2660 since September 2008, about 120 hours of use. So far I've been very happy with it for typical home owner tasks.
- MMM for 1.5 acres
- carrying firewood
- gravel driveway maintenance
- snow removal on 1/4 mile gravel road, last year had record 59"!
- mulch
- bush removal with toothbar on FEL

Starts easily every time and no maintenance issues yet.
(except for having to tube the front tire because of probable faulty rim)

 

[Haywire]

Thanks for the replies. I don't anticipate it will see any off roading. I take it the fan and oil filter are exposed under there and will take hits from anything that kicks up with the deck off. Good to know.

Anyone know the rated towing capacity? I can't find that in the literature.

thanks again,
Ian

 

[Haywire]

I've got a question about the frame. I expect I know what the answer is since it's built to do a loader but I'll ask anyway.

My mower (JD LT-180) has enough movement in the frame that when I hit a hill at an angle, the frame twists a bit when the first front tire starts up the incline. The result is that I have two stress cracks in one of the body panels from the twisting motion.

Is the frame on the BX2660 stiff enough to avoid a similar situation a couple years down the line?

thanks,
Ian

 

[radioman]

My BX is simalar to th 2660. I haven't seen any body twisting on mine and I Know this since I was in awkward position with front tire off ground and other 3 still on ground.

As for your weight question-
3 pt hitch can lift 1210 lbs
Lower hitch tongue weight = 550lb
Lower hitch tow 1765lbs trailer weight

 

[AceDeuce]

BX's have 3/8" thick solid steel frames with fully welded cross members. Not even comparable to a lawn tractor. Like the difference between a Mack truck and Honda civic. You couldn't bend that frame if you pushed it off a cliff.

Don't be fooled by their size. BX's are scaled down compact utility tractors; not scaled up garden tractors---No offense to your JD, but an LT-180 isn't even a garden tractor, it's a riding lawn mower.

BTW, radioman is right on as far as rated capacities. However... [earmuffs---safety police] I have towed well over 4000lbs with my BX over flat land. It had no trouble whatsoever.

I've got a question about the frame. I expect I know what the answer is since it's built to do a loader but I'll ask anyway.

My mower (JD LT-180) has enough movement in the frame that when I hit a hill at an angle, the frame twists a bit when the first front tire starts up the incline. The result is that I have two stress cracks in one of the body panels from the twisting motion.

Is the frame on the BX2660 stiff enough to avoid a similar situation a couple years down the line?

thanks,
Ian

 

[Haywire]

Thanks, that's what I figured.

Good to know the rated tow capacity too. That's more than I figured it would be. Where did you find the numbers?

Ian

 

[Haywire]

an LT-180 isn't even a garden tractor, it's a riding lawn mower.

Oh, I'm painfully aware of that... it's tranny is dying as we speak. Can you hear the pitiful moan from there? :laughing:

Ian