Buying Advice Tricking Out BX1860/2360

[terrierlady]

I've decided I want a little Kubota, and I've visited several dealers around here and found one I can work with. So it's time to make some final decisions on how to have this tractor set up.

I have about 2 acres of flat, marshy land along with four horses, chickens, dogs, etc. About 1 acre in lawn interrupted iwth fruit trees, fences, etc. Gravel road thru property is maintained by the town, so I'm only responsible for three short gravel driveways to house and barns.

As a recently retired grandmother I'm looking to save my back while doing some terra-forming around the place, filling in low spots and cleaning out the edges of the creek as well as scraping the manure out of the horse paddocks. Mowing in the summer and moving snowbanks from the ends of the drives in winter are also really important.

I'm hovering btween the BX1860 and the BX2360, tilting toward the 2360 - I had a Craftsman GT5000 that turned out to be an expensive glorified lawnmower and not much more, so I don't want to make that kind of mistake again.

So far I've chosen the 54" mower because the little wheels will turn to help me get it off, whereas the 48" lacks that feature.

Loader of course.

In response to my questions, dealer has suggested turf tires loaded, block heater (upstate NY) and welding three hooks on the edge of the loader bucket. I like the way he thinks but I'm not so sure about the turf tires?

I would certainly appreciate any comments or suggestions.

 

[TripleR]

My wife and I began looking for a replacement for our 03 BX2200 now owned by our daughter and son in law. We settled on the BX2660 due to the more comfortable seat and little extra power, but mostly the seat. We had used 48", 54", 60" and 62" decks and went with the 60" as you can trim closer with it and it is great for mowing in ditches.

We got wheel weights on the back in lieu of filled tires. We don't have welded hooks on it, but do on another tractor and recommend it.

We have Industrial tires for the puncture resistance and little extra traction in the dirt. You will get varying opinions on this, so what someone in your area has to say about tires will be more relevant.

If you are going to be running in the woods, get under carriage and tie rod protectors from Bro Tek.

Of the two, my choice would be the 2306 and it sounds like you have a knowledgeable dealer.

 

[art]

I always recommend the smallest tractor and the largest deck you can get everywhere in the yard with! Triple R is right about trimming so always buy the largest deck. The 60" deck also has the wheels turn as they do on the 54" deck.

Tire wise you could go with the industrial or the turfs and if you have a lot of digging to do then the industrials could be more benefical.

 

[SeymourBota]

2360 (or maybe 2660) with filled turf tires.

You will need chains for winter use anyway and with chains on, the turfs will go anywhere. With them off, your lawn is spared for mowing.

60" mower deck. (I have owned both the 54 and 60. No question the 60 is a better choice- it reaches closer to trees, etc.)

His other suggestions are right-on.

It might seem like a minor item- but get a steering wheel spinner!!!

 

[davcog]

looking to save my back while doing some terra-forming around the place

Have you considered a BX25? The backhoe comes in handy for "terra-forming." I have used mine to lift and place rocks on retaining walls I've built. Get the hooks and weights for traction I think would be the better option:2cents:

 

[davcog]

looking to save my back while doing some terra-forming around the place.

Have you looked at the BX25? The backhoe came in handy doing my terra-forming. Used it to dig, pick-up and place rocks in several retaining walls I built. Hooks and heater are essential additions but would go with wheel weights for additional traction.

 

[radioman]

if you want to terraform your lot, BX25 is the way to go. Add a thumb for it and you will find its the cats meow for many different things around house. taking the BH off is something you can do when not in use, no heavy lifting. I would put liquid weights in your tires, go with turfs.

 

[terrierlady]

Thank you ALL for the suggestions. Lots of good stuff there.

Yes, I'd love to have a BX25, but hard to justify (or even store) on two acres. I have to admit to myself I will do more mowing than digging. Bottomland along the Hudson, I don't have ANY rocks. Really.

I didn't even try the 2660 out for size - I'm only about 5 feet tall, so a reclining seat doesn't hold a lot of appeal. As it is I will need to adjust something or add a back cushion to really be comfortable with the steering wheel...hmm, steering wheel spinner might help!

I wasn't considering the 60 inch deck but the geometry around the trees makes sense. I have six foot gates or more in all the fenced areas so it would fit, barely.

So far it sounds like bx2360 with 60 inch mower and loaded turf tires. Now if it would just stop raining........

 

[kubotadriver4life]

For Digging, I would really go for R4's. They don't do that much damage on lawns, unless its wet. I have turfs (R3's) on my BX. I find that they are great for mowing, when the grass is dry. In the snow, chains is a must. And, if i were you, the 60" MMM wouldn't even be a question! Good luck!

 

[TripleR]

Thank you ALL for the suggestions. Lots of good stuff there.

Yes, I'd love to have a BX25, but hard to justify (or even store) on two acres. I have to admit to myself I will do more mowing than digging. Bottomland along the Hudson, I don't have ANY rocks. Really.

I didn't even try the 2660 out for size - I'm only about 5 feet tall, so a reclining seat doesn't hold a lot of appeal. As it is I will need to adjust something or add a back cushion to really be comfortable with the steering wheel...hmm, steering wheel spinner might help!

I wasn't considering the 60 inch deck but the geometry around the trees makes sense. I have six foot gates or more in all the fenced areas so it would fit, barely.

So far it sounds like bx2360 with 60 inch mower and loaded turf tires. Now if it would just stop raining........

The BX2660 isn't any bigger than the 2360 and I am not trying to sell you on one. My wife and I find the reclining seat great as she sits up very straight and I have a bad back and need to tilt the seat back a little more than her to be comfortable. If you will be the only operator, adjustability won't be an issue. My wife has pretty much taken over the 2660 since she retired and relegated me to the 5030 or 8540, but when I was using it, I have to admit, I occasionally parked under a shade tree, reclined the seat back and just relaxed and/or cooled down. My wife is 5'4" and finds the BX models very comfortable. The seat on all the the BX's will slide back and forth, so you should be able to find a position to fit you.

The 2360 looks like it will be a very good fit for your needs and good luck.

 

[BXpanded]

Bucket hooks are really handy. Depending on how they are installed, welded on hooks might prevent the use of some of the aftermarket accessories offered by our company and others.
BXpanded

 

[CompactTractorFan]

Yes, I'd love to have a BX25, but hard to justify (or even store) on two acres.

We have a BX25 for 2.44 acres...:thumbsup:

 

[davcog]

We have a BX25 for 2.44 acres...:thumbsup:

I have little over 1.5 acres lot. For the first 4 yrs I had the BX 23 it went into my 26X26 garage with two cars. Then I bought a Bearcat snowmobile and a Suski four wheeler. Two winters with all that stuff was enough. Last fall purchased a 13X20 4x6 studded post and beam framed shed roofed building and the machines left the warm comfort of the heated garage. Long outdoor rated extention cord for the tractor block heater and no problems starting even on coldest days.

 

[sw18x]

Interesting comments on the seat...my BX2360 arrived yesterday and I dragged my wife out to the garage to try it out (she'd refused to take it for a test drive before the purchase). She's 5'0, and the first thing she said was "I can't reach the pedals". I said "c'mon, move the seat ahead, it's adjustable you know!" She did. Still couldn't reach the pedals comfortably. Oh well, looks like I get to do all the mowing from now on! :laughing:

 

[Tom_H]

Your own description of terraforming sounds a little more tame than what I usually think of that word meaning. From your description, I am thinking that the BX1860 might suit your size property and your needs well. Any BX will outperform any garden tractor by light years. As for your back, I highly recommend using dollies for any and all implements you might use. It makes moving and aligning them virtually effortless. A dolly would actually make the 48" mower deck easier to get on and off than the 54". Rather than hooks, I have a small U-bolt in the center and holes in the outer FEL edges where I can quickly clip heavy duty spring clips. You can see my MMM dolly, the spring clips, and other ideas of mine in this thread:

http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/kubota-owning-operating/168681-bota-cave.html

With your mention of marshy land, cleaning out stream beds, snow work, and maintaining gravel driveways, I just cannot see how the dealer would recommend turf tires. You absolutely should go with ag tires. They will give you the traction you need in those wet/slippery places and for ground engagement on the driveways. Further, for the majority of people, they do no damage to turf.