Buying Advice To B or not to B

[dirkster]

I need some insight on my buying decision. I have 1 1/2 acres to mow, some of it is steep. Along with that I have 3 1/2 more acres that are wooded. I also enjoy help my inlaws keep up with there 130 acre cabin and woodland about two hours away(opening logging roads, clearing, ect.). I was looking a BX2360 but the B2320 has caught my eye. My tractors main use will be mowing and FEL work with fire wood, landscaping, ect. BUT I need it to be able to handle a brush hog with ease and eventually food plot work. If my sources are correct there is about a $1,000 difference between the two. If I am spending this much $$$ I want to make the right choice. Messicks is only about 1 1/2 miles away so I am fortunate with that. Any set up advice will help. Any prices would also be appreciated Thanks

 

[amigauser]

The B will give you more ground clearance, a 3 speed hydro, a stronger loader, etc. Between the two I would go for the B2320. It would be a better off lawn into woods machine. An it has a similar mower setup to the BX so the cut should be similar. It is probably a little less manuverable then the BX though.

 

[easygo]

Given the tasks you are describing and the possible tasks that can come up on the large lot of land I would say go for the B2320. I think it would be a much better fir for your needs.

 

[JOHNTHOMAS]

I agree the B for the above mentioned reasons. Here's a thread with info that may be helpful.
http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/kubota-owning-operating/148830-b3200-bx2660-side-side-not.html

 

[KU Gator]

I also agree with the B, although I would suggest you look at the B2620. I think by going up to the 2620 you get a little bigger tires giving you yet a bit more ground clearance. Also a stronger loader comes with it.

 

[brandoro]

I would (did) buy the B. I looked at the BX line but decided the low ground clearance and small tires would be detrimental for use in the forest.
I don't have much steep terrain to cover though, that would be an area where the taller B would be at a disadvantage.

 

[TripleR]

That is a really tough call. If woods working is a priority go with a B and if lawn mowing especially on inclines is a priority go with a BX. I won't go into the pros and cons as others have done a good job. I went with a BX even though I loved the B2920 because I mow on too many steep slopes that I can't go straight up and down and the B2920 was too tall; sometimes tall, good ground clearance is good and others not so much. Either will in my opinion be a compromise, but in the end the B less so and there will probably be times when you will wish you had the other.

 

[dirkster]

I liked that "side by side comparision",(thanks John T. ) could anyone tell me how the BX frame and weight hold up with a brush hog? I just think a brush hog would man handle it? But I would not know either. Would R4's on a B tear up the yard?

 

[KU Gator]

You need to be carefull when using the B2X20's with R4 tires when the ground is wet. You especially need to keep it out of 4wd as turns will result in tearing the grass. The key when using it to mow the yard is take it easy on the turns and take off extra weight like the FEL. Sometimes you may need to wait an extra day or so if it has been pretty wet. I have a garden tractor with turf tires, so use that on the yard as I don't want it to just sit and not be used, but the B does as good of a job of mowing as the garden tractor. The B2X20 also uses a drive over mower deck so it is pretty easy to remove or reinstall. Probably about a 10 minute task or less.

 

[Dusty1]

I have done quite a bit of reaserch on both, and will agree you would be much happier with the B. With either machine front end loading you will reach it's limits fairly quickly and also the weight issue. To move anything you need some weight to counter balance it and it just isn't there with the BX. Also the BX yes you have clearance issues, but also with that small of tires on it try to go over some uneven ground with any kind of speed, it felt like my fillings were about to raddle out of my teeth, much nicer on the B series. The only thing you will like about the BX would be the price, If I were you I would go with a little bit higher B series to get a bit more capability out of your loader, you'll be glad you did. If you don't agree, check out craigslist or such for used tractors. The BX you can find millions for sale, not nearly as many B's on the market, lot's of people trading up when they get the smaller model.

 

[Dusty1]

Sorry, left out some, BX on the positive side felt more stable on hills with the lower center of gravity. Last year quoted BX2360 with 60" mid mounted mower was $11,000, a B3200 with 72" MMM was $15,000, a loader for each was the same price of $3,300 but a big difference in lifting compacities.

 

[newbury]

I faced a similar dilemma a year ago. But I'm in an area with ZERO tractors and did most of my research via the net. Despite all the pictures I'd seen of grown men on BX's I was not prepared for the diminutive size when I finally got to a dealer. As soon as I saw a BX24 I realized they were to small for my future needs. I ended up getting my ride for a starter tractor. I did have to put in a new, wider gate to my backyard.

 

[lawn_king]

B series machine for sure, one of the bigger models. BX tractors are fine little machines best suited to homeowners, their low ground clearence & limited 3 point lift height make them impractical for seroius tractor applications.

 

[abeal]

My situation is about the same as yours...I started off thinking I wanted a BX and now I'm leaning towards a B2320. Most of it's use will be mowing but having the extra ability for other chores will be worth the reduced agility of the BX while mowing.

 

[radioman]

130 acres on your inlaws? get the B. The BX in rabbit speed is a tad bit too slow on 130 acres. go with the B. Ideally the BX can handle a 48" bush hog, but on a larger property, you may wish to go with a larger tractor to go with a larger bush hog like 5' or so.

 

[dirkster]

Just stopped by Messicks for a test drive. Nice tractors. The B got my attention. They gave me a price of 15500 for a B2320 w/ FEL and 60"MMM, is that good?:confused2:

 

[newbury]

One other point to note is CC and HP at RPM - the BX2360 uses 898CC to get it's rated 23HP at 3200RPM, The B2320 uses 1001 CC to get it's rated 23HP at 2800RPM.

 

[Iowachild]

Just stopped by Messicks for a test drive. Nice tractors. The B got my attention. They gave me a price of 15500 for a B2320 w/ FEL and 60"MMM, is that good?:confused2:

I would say yes. My B2320 set up the same was $15,080 in April of '08.

 

[dodge man]

I have a 4' brush hog behind my BX and it does fine. That said, I'd get a B if I were you.