Snow Seeking Opinion - BX24 Snow handling Capability

[davitk]

Forgive me for my ignorance, but a 300 foot rise over a 750 foot run is a **** of a steep drive, do you guys really think such a small tractor could handle that?? I can't imagine a BX climbing that with a 12" wet snow. Sure, you can plow downhill but will have to go back up to come down again....

 

[LBrown59]

My driveway sounds identical to your friends. Actually, mine probably has less elevation change, but it's still pretty significant.

I've plowed 18" of wet snow with a 30-year-old garden tractor without much issue. Chains were necessary on the turf tires. One problem that I ran into was that where my driveway goes from flat to starting its upslope, the angle was too great for the plow that I was using lifted as maximum height. I had to back up through the unplowed snow while dragging the blade, but even doing this, it got through.

Here's are some pictures of what I was using. Wheel Horse D-180 Events This tractor is leaving my possession on Friday , and I'm still waiting for my first post-Kubota snowfall. EAGERLY

Why did you sell the WH?
How long have you had the BX24?

 

[RayCo]

Why did you sell the WH?
How long have you had the BX24?

Like most of us, probably, I have too many projects and not enough time. I've had a couple of D-Series Wheel Horses for a few years now, and both of them need work. I hoped to combine the two into one dependable machine, but I know that I will never actually get around to doing this. And now, after a tree fell on my truck, I have that project to deal with. So, it was time to clear out things and reprioritize my projects.

The guy who bought the Wheel Horse pictured in this thread is coming on Friday. I honestly think that I will be in tears as it leaves my property. I absolutely adored this tractor. I had so much fun with it and I have so much respect for its construction and abilities. It is the epitome of a "They don't make 'em like they used to" machine. The only problems I've had with this tractor revolved around a leaky carburetor and a less-than-reliable fuel pump. So, I'll blame Kohler for this (although it is a 30+ year-old engine) and leave Wheel Horse totally unblemished!

I got my BX in June of last year. Because of having only so much time to work on things (recently became a father ), I really needed something that was turn-key. The BX24 is exactly what we needed! So, I'm keeping that and my John Deere lawn tractor.

 

[LBrown59]

I have 2 Bolens 850s.
The 1966 I bought new June of that year.
I bought the 1967 June of 2005.
Like you with the WH I've moved several 10 to 12 inch snows with the 1966 Bolens.
I had a front blade on the 66 and a tiller on the back of the 67.
Back in Nov. I bought a used 2003 Kubota BX1500 with a new 60'' Hyd lift and angle front blade and a new 48'' rear tiller and no longer need the 2 Old Bolens tractors, so am putting the 67 and all of the attachments and accessories up for sale.
I am keeping the 66 tractor only for sentimental reasons.
I got my BX23 Sept. of 2004 and have done over 900 hours worth of projects on my place with it.

== L B ==

The guy who bought the Wheel Horse pictured in this thread is coming on Friday. I honestly think that I will be in tears as it leaves my property. I absolutely adored this tractor. I had so much fun with it and I have so much respect for its construction and abilities. It is the epitome of a "They don't make 'em like they used to" machine.

I got my BX in June of last year. Because of having only so much time to work on things (recently became a father ), I really needed something that was turn-key. The BX24 is exactly what we needed! So, I'm keeping that and my John Deere lawn tractor.

 

[ByronBob]

My buddy is contemplating mowing, some tilling, and possibly cutting some trails.

Cutting some trails? This might be a concern. The ground clearence on the BX is kinda low. Going off flat land is a problem. They do make a skid plate for it but it's still a concern.

What types of trials are you talking about. The B series has more ground height to the axles and transmission.

 

[davitk]

Just to put your friend's hill in perspective, the 300 foot rise over 750 feet equates to about a 5/12 pitch roof. Any steeper than that and things slide off if not anchored down. Sound about right, Mike?

I have a neighbor with a steep section on their drive, they occasionally slide off the "crown" and into the ditch. They built about a year ago, gave up on the 4 wheeler with plow and instead borrow his dad's John Deere Ag tractor with a rear blade (the also have a Bobcat, gave up on that, too; too slow).

Lots to think about. The BX's are wonderful little tractors, but IMO not capable of handling a 'worst case scenario'. Just my 2 cents.

Dave

 

[easygo]

I would say that plowing 12" of wet snow up that steep hill would bee a tall order for the BX especially without chains. I know that because I have some issues plowing wet snow on the level section of my driveway. My neighbor uses the bucket on his JD 790 to plow his driveway (also about 500') and he plows downhill to maintain control. I'm not sure what the 790 weighs but it certainly is a lot heavier and more powerful then any BX. If ground clearance is an issue for your friend he should look at the B-7510 that is about the same price/power as the BX-24 but has more ground clearance. There should be some good deals on those now that the new models are coming out.

 

[MIKEKUBOTA]

I was hesitant about the BX24 - his driveway is a bear in the dry weather. I think a field trip to the dealer and a side by side comparison of the B and the BX series may be in order for him.

Now we have to work on his wife and his wallet...

 

[Volfandt]

Not to get too far off topic but as a onwer of two 40+ yr old Wheel Horse's that still earn their keep, I can't help but remark on the seemingly large amount of WH owners who have also chose Kubota for their new machines.
Could it be that these folks can recognize quality?

We don't get much snow down around these parts so I can't comment on how well a BX will handle moving deep snow up a steep incline but if a two wheel drive machine can handle it theres no doubt a 4X4 machine can.

 

[RayCo]

Not to get too far off topic but as a onwer of two 40+ yr old Wheel Horse's that still earn their keep, I can't help but remark on the seemingly large amount of WH owners who have also chose Kubota for their new machines.
Could it be that these folks can recognize quality?

I'm willing to accept that as the reason. It absolutely pains me that my last Wheel Horse is leaving my possession tomorrow. I don't have any experience with the post-Toro days, but I do at least know that ones prior to then were absolutely excellent machines.

I love when I see the occassional D-series with a loader and a backhoe go on E-bay for six or seven thousand dollars. That's a 30+ year-old machine pulling that price, because people know that it'll last another 30+ years. And it's certainly not made of plastic anywhere. When I'm rich and retired , I will reacquire many Wheel Horses!