Riding mower vs BX

[dougtrr2]

I have a BX24 with mower, loader and backhoe. I am on nine acres of hilly forest with maybe 2+ acres being mowed. I have the 54" deck because of narrow forest paths.

I leave my mower on for most of the time, even when doing light dirt work. I do take it off when using the backhoe. Changeover is not too bad, but I am on concrete in a garage.

Sometimes I wish I had a blower, but in the 18 years I have owned this tractor I could count on one hand the times a blower would have been truly needed.

Doug in SW IA

 

[KennyG]

Just a question. Are you getting a loader? A CUT without a loader doesn't make sense to me. How much more for the drive over? I didn't know they even made non drive overs anymore.

 

[KennyG]

A BX mows flat out in low range at 3.5 MPH. A garden tractor with the Hydrogear G730 mows at 8 MPH and a Garden tractor with a Tuff Torq K66 mows at 6.5 MPH according to GPS. I own both. The BX would be a horrible mower in that it is slow, heavy and costly. A Husqvarna 354DX with a Kawasaki FR730 engine and Tuff Torq K66 is the value leader in garden tractors at $4,499 currently. At that price point, I do not know of another brand that competes.

Why would you mow in low range? With my JD I mow in high range as fast as I can go without getting bucked off.

 

[JJZ 109]

I bought a BX2380 a couple of years ago for general maintenance on 2 acres. A John Deere X394 4 wheel steer is the primary mower. But I use the BX's 60 inch MMM on my lot next to the house that's a little rougher. I also use the BX to mow in early spring wet conditions due to the 4x4. The LA344 loader is a breeze to take off for mowing.
The deck is a little bit of a pain to remove but I'm sure it'd get easier if I did it more than spring and fall or if it needs to be pressure washed to remove buildup.
One thing to consider is are you going to use the 3 point hitch for anything during mowing season? I ask because I'd love to keep my ballast box on full time but it drags on the ground if the mower deck is lowered, as the lift arms move up & down with the deck. Fortunately I have a skid steer if any lifting or heavier duty grading/dirt or stone moving is required. So I don't have to remove the deck to reinstall the box on the BX frequently.
But I do remove the deck to clean & lube in the fall and leave it off all winter. Then the ballast box goes on for the winter even though it is not often used for snow removal because the skid steer has a heated cab.

 

[TobyH]

I've owned my BX2200 for almost 20 years. I have no idea why someone would mow in low range. I mow wide open throttle in high. 7mph, no issues, just slow down a bit in high grass. I take the deck off multiple times during the summer to use the loader. It doesn't take long. Sometimes I leave it on for ballast. I have a BX2750 snowblower. That thing moves snow at an unbelievable speed. If you may be taking in gravel, have spare sheer pins.

 

[iptman]

Get the cheapest commercial quality zero turn mower you can find. Even a used unit with 200-300 hours. Using a ZT to mow will take you half or less time than a tractor mounted MMM or garden tractor/mower.

 

[Tony H]

I always like the idea of a tractor that can do mowing rather then lawn tractor that can almost do yard duty. I'd think about the BX with rear mount (PTO driven) finishing mower

 

[Tony H]

About 6 inches.

Bravo X-ray, look into Clarence modification for your JD Blower. Don't buy the actual kit, buy some 4" wide belting, cut and Bolt onto your Impellers. Shoot will stay clear even on the slushy days.

 

[Robocop5626]

Hello everyone!

Should I sell my riding mower/snow blower and buy the MMM and snow blower for my upcoming BX23s purchase? What are your thoughts on the MMM and the BX2816 snow blower?

I’ve been reading through many posts and have found the forum a very helpful resource so I’m hoping you guys can help me. I live on 3.5 acres in rural Idaho and am hoping to work on improving my property this year as it needs a lot of TLC. About an acre of the land is sloping forest that I do not plan to improve. My needs include tending my garden, light brush removal, moderate snow removal, 300 feet of gravel driveway to maintain and about an acre of mowing. I am also going to be doing light (small) stump removal, putting some fences in, trenching French drains, and trenching electrical and maybe water lines. I’ve decided that a BX23s would be perfect for my needs. There are other brands available but I like the local Kubota dealership and there is very good resale for Orange in my area. I currently own a Husqvarna TS354XD with the 54in deck and a 42in Agrifab front snow blower. I have been very happy with this set up and have found the blower indispensable for my situation. Plowing snow doesn’t work as well for my situation. I wanted the BX previously but was not able to afford it until now. I can cover the cost of the non drive over MMM (RCK54-23BX) and the front mounted snow blower (BX2816) by selling my current setup.
Even though I am happy with the Husky setup, I am not sure that the belt driven snowblower will have quite the longevity of the PTO driven 2816 blower. I also like the idea of only having one engine to store/maintain.

Thoughts?

Thank you.

I bought a bx23D about 10 yrs ago. It was a TLB and I added the 4 foot mid-mount mower to cut about 2 acres of yard. It consistently took me four to four and a half hours to mow. Note the backhoe and bucket were off on storage dollies. Cutting required extreme vigilance to avoid obstacles. Lots of short backups to change direction.
Last year I bought a 54 inch zero turn mower and my cutting time was halved to 2 hours as a rule. Still love my tractor, but that mower excels for both yards, especially since my backyard is a terraced slope too.

 

[Idahomestead]

I bought a BX2380 a couple of years ago for general maintenance on 2 acres. A John Deere X394 4 wheel steer is the primary mower. But I use the BX's 60 inch MMM on my lot next to the house that's a little rougher. I also use the BX to mow in early spring wet conditions due to the 4x4. The LA344 loader is a breeze to take off for mowing.
The deck is a little bit of a pain to remove but I'm sure it'd get easier if I did it more than spring and fall or if it needs to be pressure washed to remove buildup.
One thing to consider is are you going to use the 3 point hitch for anything during mowing season? I ask because I'd love to keep my ballast box on full time but it drags on the ground if the mower deck is lowered, as the lift arms move up & down with the deck. Fortunately I have a skid steer if any lifting or heavier duty grading/dirt or stone moving is required. So I don't have to remove the deck to reinstall the box on the BX frequently.
But I do remove the deck to clean & lube in the fall and leave it off all winter. Then the ballast box goes on for the winter even though it is not often used for snow removal because the skid steer has a heated cab.

I would plan on using box blade on the 3pt during warmer months

 

[thelanterns]

I have a BX2350 with a 54"mmm and a front mount snowblower. Different model than the new 2816, but similar. I put the mmm on in the spring and it stays on all summer. I also have the FEL which I use occasionally and the mmm stays on when I use it. In the fall I take the mmm off and mount the snowblower and it stays on for the winter. I wouldn't have it any other way. But, I don't have fields and forests to travel through with the mmm mounted, that might be a problem. Another note though. I have ordered a new BX2380 with the same equipment except, I ordered the new "roll Over Mower". It is supposed to be easier and quicker to remove and remount. Just a side note about that, the mower seems to be very hard to get. My dealer has been trying to get one for 3 weeks.

 

[Idahomestead]

Just a question. Are you getting a loader? A CUT without a loader doesn't make sense to me. How much more for the drive over? I didn't know they even made non drive overs anymore.

I would definitely want a loader. This would be my first tractor and I’m pretty excited for the capabilities. I think the drive over deck is another 800 or so

 

[CinderSchnauzer]

I have a JD 3320 TLB. The MMM is 72" This would be heavier than BX. I found there were a number of areas (slopes / trees) that were inaccessible with the JD / MMM and therefore also had a Craftsman Lawn Tractor / Mower. Despite Turf tires on the JD after some years it became evident the lawn was becoming increasingly rutted from the weight of the JD. The ruts were never visible, but were noticeable by the rough ride. I also found the MMM to be often stuck in the road when dong ground engagement work. The JD also has a rear mount snowblower. While a front mount snowblower would not require turning the he'd to see, it is very handy to have the bucket front mounted during snow clearing.

I sold the Crafstman and purchased a JD X739 with 60" MMM and now use it exclusively for lawn work. Have not used the JD / MMM for lawn in about 10 years. Have about 2.2 acres and find the lawn work is actually faster with just the X739 doing the whole job instead of the JD / MMM and then having to use the Crafstman to do all the places that were not accessible with the JD.

Depending on the condition / efficiency of your current mower / blower, considering how much it might sell for and the cost of a new MMM / Blower for the BX, I'd be tempted to keep the current machine and just buy the BX TLB. Just make sure the BX has the necessary PTO drive / hydraulics from the factory so that you could easily add the MMM / Blower at a later date if you change your mind. For example, my JD does not have a mid-PTO unless ordered originally and it is a lot more expensive to add later. With the Loader / BH mounted the BX will not be the greatest lawnmower (lack of maneuverability & excess weight) and while not particularly difficult removing / installing one or both every time they re needed will quickly become PITA.

 

[Metalman5767]

I've used my BX-23 with the 60" MMM for 12 years now (roughly 950 hrs). I leave the MMM on close to 11 months of the year. If I use the FEL or BH, I leave the MMM deck on and just raise it up high. If I use the 3 point hitch (for the 72" rake or 4 ft box), I leave the MMM on, raise it up to the max and lock it in place using the cutting height dial, so I can raise/lower the 3 PH as needed. In the highest position, I have 5 7/8" of ground clearance to the lowest point of the MMM.
At least annually, I'll take the MMM off to grease, check the oil, sharpen the blades. I usually put it back on since it gives me ~300 pounds of extra weight.
Here in Northern Alabama, I don't get much snow, e.g., no need for a blower or brush, though I have used the FEL to push snow/ice and I just raised up the MMM when I did.
I always mow using the high gear range and probably go around 7 MPH, which is plenty fast for me. Don't know why anyone would mow in low range - maybe if there were hills - my land is flat.
The MMM is heavy to move around by hand. I can get it off or on in 5-10 minutes. Getting the drive shaft re-attached to the mid-PTO can be challenging;e.g., making sure the ball detents are locked in the PTO shaft groove can take a few minutes.
I changed to turf tires last year from bar tires. The turf tires give me a much smoother ride.
I haven't felt any need to go to a z-turn, though I do see some neighbors zipping around on theirs.

 

[tmcdougall]

We have that exact combination. Yeah. The mower needs to come off to use the tractor but it only takes 10 or 15 minutes. Perhaps worse is removing the bucket/backhoe/weight box to use the mower.

If your current grass/snow method works well I would say use that until it craps out and then look for the snowblower and mmm.

 

[charles todd]

A Husqvarna 354DX with a Kawasaki FR730 engine and Tuff Torq K66 is the value leader in garden tractors at $4,499 currently. At that price point, I do not know of another brand that competes

Bought a 54" MZ Magnum Bad Boy from TSC for $3999.99 with a 25 hp Kohler 7000 series engine. Cuts fast and clean. Even 12" tall rough grass at a decent clip.

CT

 

[charles todd]

Hello everyone!

Should I sell my riding mower/snow blower and buy the MMM and snow blower for my upcoming BX23s purchase? What are your thoughts on the MMM and the BX2816 snow blower?

I’ve been reading through many posts and have found the forum a very helpful resource so I’m hoping you guys can help me. I live on 3.5 acres in rural Idaho and am hoping to work on improving my property this year as it needs a lot of TLC. About an acre of the land is sloping forest that I do not plan to improve. My needs include tending my garden, light brush removal, moderate snow removal, 300 feet of gravel driveway to maintain and about an acre of mowing. I am also going to be doing light (small) stump removal, putting some fences in, trenching French drains, and trenching electrical and maybe water lines. I’ve decided that a BX23s would be perfect for my needs. There are other brands available but I like the local Kubota dealership and there is very good resale for Orange in my area. I currently own a Husqvarna TS354XD with the 54in deck and a 42in Agrifab front snow blower. I have been very happy with this set up and have found the blower indispensable for my situation. Plowing snow doesn’t work as well for my situation. I wanted the BX previously but was not able to afford it until now. I can cover the cost of the non drive over MMM (RCK54-23BX) and the front mounted snow blower (BX2816) by selling my current setup.
Even though I am happy with the Husky setup, I am not sure that the belt driven snowblower will have quite the longevity of the PTO driven 2816 blower. I also like the idea of only having one engine to store/maintain.

Thoughts?

Thank you.

Using a CUT with a MMM sounds like a horrible idea compared to a ZRT or Garden Tractor mower.

CT

 

[jyoutz]

Why would you mow in low range? With my JD I mow in high range as fast as I can go without getting bucked off.

Depends on how smooth your ground is.

 

[hornett22]

I'd keep the husqvarna. I'm no fan of belly mowers on tractors. I'd keep the lawn tractor and put the money from the mmm towards a B or LX series at a minimum.

 

[bcp]

Use a mower for mowing and a tractor for tractoring.



Bruce