Trying Decide on a used bx2350

[sjm1580]

Wondering about folks thoughts on a bx2350 with 169 hours with a 60" in mmm for about $8000 delivered.

I was also looking at a bx1860 with 40 hours with a 48" mmm for about the same price.

I only need to mow about an 1-1/2 acres but do need it to push snow on a steep driveway.

Just can't decide if these are decent deals or should I wait and keep looking. Both are from dealers with good reputations so with that being equal any thoughts would be greatly appreciated.

 

[IH3444]

That's a good deal. You do know about the abrupt reverse stopping of the 50 series? You could use that point for negoatation.

 

[JOHNTHOMAS]

Not as convinced that $8000 is a great price for a used BX. I'd take the BX1860 before the BX2350, had a BX2350. I'd contact Barlows for a price on a new one before buying either one.

 

[harpoonalt]

Things to look out for. I had a BX2350. See if the abrupt stop in reverse bothers you. Try a new one to see the difference. I got used to it but others hated it. The plastic deck will crack if it hasn't done so already and been repaired. I was very careful but mine cracked right around 400 hours. Ask if the deck has been replaced and the kit to beef it up installed. If not, have it done. There is a new seat to replace the original. I got mine free. Night and day difference and worth having. Watch the plastic hood parts. Open the hood and have a look at the front 2 mounting tabs where the thumbscrews hold the hood in place. The tabs on mine broke and the hood was held in place by a small amount of plastic. My BX was functionally outstanding. Did everything I asked and then some. I could have lived with the abrupt stop though it gave me worries when others used it like the wife. The plastic parts bothered me the most. I really take care of my stuff and things still broke. Doesn't bother everyone, but it bothered me and for that reason I would go with the xx60 series.

 

[dodge man]

I don't think the deck was a problem with the 2350, I think they were reinforced. But the other problems are spot on. I have a BX2350, about 3 years old and 300 hours on it, I like it.

Mine brand new with a 60" deck was a little over $10,000 brand new. If it comes with a end loader for that price also, thats pretty good. If it just has a deck, I'd say that price is O.K.

 

[KeithInSpace]

I don't think the deck was a problem with the 2350...

It definitely was on the early ones...there was nothing between the 'old' BX2230 (like mine) and the 'new' BX2350. After the new models came out, there was perhaps a 6 month period where the 'weak' decks were out there and did not have any reinforcement strategy. About the time the reinforcement kit showed up at the dealerships, the tractors were already showing up with beefed up plastic and the reinforcement kit already installed, making it a non-issue.

I agree that the operative question to the OP is whether it has the FEL. If it does not, it would be a tough sell. If it does, it could be a pretty decent price if it is an otherwise clean used unit that was stored inside.

 

[sjm1580]

I am leaning towards a 2009 bx1860 with under 50 hours on it for $8000 delivered. No fel and just a 48" mmm but like brand new. Probably a little high but there isn't a lot of options used right now.

Am I crazy at this price?

 

[KeithInSpace]

Benefits to 60 vs. 50 in the improvements they made between the two.

However, also, there is a significant difference between 18 and 23 horsepower. And you get the longer frame and bigger wheels/tires with the 2350. And I don't know how your yard is shaped, but an extra 12" of mower deck is nothing to sneeze at. I have a 60" deck and LOVE it.

If the 2350 was garage kept and otherwise clean, there is very little difference between 40 and 169 hours. VERY little. For the same money, I'd be into the 2350.

 

[dodge man]

I agree, the 2350 is a little bit more machine. I think Keith is right, the early 2350's didn't have the reinforced deck, but mine does. Its easy to check.

I have the 60" deck, and like it. If you have a really tight yard with a lot of narrow spots, the 48" deck might be the right choice, otherwise bigger is usually better.

There are a lot of people that hate the sudden stop when backing up on the 2350. Just make sure you try it out before you buy, it doesn't bother a lot of people, including me. I've learned to adapt to it and don't notice it anymore.

 

[medicshawn]

You can get a new BX 1860 with a mmm for 10500 with zero percent.

 

[TripleR]

I don't know anything about the 2350, but the difference in hours is inconsequential. I have used 48", 54" and 60" decks and recommend the bigger one unless it physically won't fit between things. Like Medicshawn says, for the price I would consider new.

 

[oldnslo]

Dumb question but will the 48" deck on the 1860 cover its tracks? I have the 54" MMM on my 1850 and works well to edge around trees building etc. I think the deck is offset a couple of inches to help with this also.

Roy

 

[KeithInSpace]

Considering that a 4' box blade covers my 2230's tracks, I would say that the 48" cut would cover the tracks of the tractor, if only just.

One thing to mention about the abrupt reverse: He isn't getting the machine for FEL work. Obviously, some people have a strong opinion about the reverse condition of the 50-series, but I would think it considerably more undesireable with 500# of stone or a heaping pile of mulch in the FEL bucket dumping all over the driveway. When just mowing, perhaps it is a more liveable condition.

In this case, all else being equal, he's trading 100 hours in for a machine that originally cost $2,000+ more when new in the BX2350 over the BX1860. That represents a good trade, in my book.

And I LOVE my 60" deck. Did I say that before? Worth repeating. Love it.

 

[TripleR]

Considering that a 4' box blade covers my 2230's tracks, I would say that the 48" cut would cover the tracks of the tractor, if only just.

One thing to mention about the abrupt reverse: He isn't getting the machine for FEL work. Obviously, some people have a strong opinion about the reverse condition of the 50-series, but I would think it considerably more undesireable with 500# of stone or a heaping pile of mulch in the FEL bucket dumping all over the driveway. When just mowing, perhaps it is a more liveable condition.

In this case, all else being equal, he's trading 100 hours in for a machine that originally cost $2,000+ more when new in the BX2350 over the BX1860. That represents a good trade, in my book.

And I LOVE my 60" deck. Did I say that before? Worth repeating. Love it.

Me too, when we had a smaller deck, we had to have a push mower to trim, but with the 60" we don't need one.

 

[trouthog]

The 2350 beats any others I have tried in that range. The backk up issue has been no big deal to me an I have even found it to be a benift at times. Lots of power for this unit with the flexibility to go with it. You can see lots of people enjoy them and few have issues. that a fair deal for a great unit IMO.

 

[sjm1580]

Thanks for the thumbs up. I did buy the unit and love it. I have had a bx 22, a b3030 in the past and this machines back up issue is very minor even in comparison to the B3030. It will be perfect for what I need it for. Thanks for all the advice and guidance.

 

[teamorange7]

Great tractor I got my Bx 24 in 2006 and have had NO PROBLEMS the back up issue is not a issue for me either

 

[teamorange7]

Great tractor I got my Bx 24 in 2006 and have had NO PROBLEMS the back up issue is not a issue for me either:thumbsup: