Which one? GR2120 or BX1870

[PHILIP8N]

I had the same issue come up about 2 years ago that you are going thru now. I had a JD LX188 that needed replacing, so it was GR2120 or BX1860. I ended up getting GR2120 with snowblower, has been a great machine, pleasure to operate. My decision may have been a little easier because I also have a L3940 with fel and front blade. Philip.

 

[KYKub]

Hi 70cst. It sounds like we have similar yards; mine is one acre, sloped, and several trees to mow around. I have a G1900 and recently acquired a BX1860. I haven't used a GR, but my G1900 is similar except it doesn't have 4wd. The BX does mow nicely and would be perfectly fine as a primary mower. It is heavier and a little more "tipsy," but unless you have very steep hills to mow I think it would be just fine.

If you only plan to mow and maybe move snow I would go with the GR. However, if you think you might want to do any implement work (who can't think of a list of projects for a front end loader?!) the BX will mow basically just as good while still being able to accommodate implements.

For what it's worth, I planned to sell the G1900 and use the BX but am now thinking I will keep both. I could do it all with the BX, but I really like zipping around quickly on the G1900. Still, if I had to commit to only one machine it would be the BX hands-down.

 

[70cst]

I had the same issue come up about 2 years ago that you are going thru now. I had a JD LX188 that needed replacing, so it was GR2120 or BX1860. I ended up getting GR2120 with snowblower, has been a great machine, pleasure to operate. My decision may have been a little easier because I also have a L3940 with fel and front blade. Philip.

Thanks fir your input

 

[70cst]

Hi 70cst. It sounds like we have similar yards; mine is one acre, sloped, and several trees to mow around. I have a G1900 and recently acquired a BX1860. I haven't used a GR, but my G1900 is similar except it doesn't have 4wd. The BX does mow nicely and would be perfectly fine as a primary mower. It is heavier and a little more "tipsy," but unless you have very steep hills to mow I think it would be just fine.

If you only plan to mow and maybe move snow I would go with the GR. However, if you think you might want to do any implement work (who can't think of a list of projects for a front end loader?!) the BX will mow basically just as good while still being able to accommodate implements.

For what it's worth, I planned to sell the G1900 and use the BX but am now thinking I will keep both. I could do it all with the BX, but I really like zipping around quickly on the G1900. Still, if I had to commit to only one machine it would be the BX hands-down.

Yes it sounds as if we have similar yards -- I'm leaning towards the BX1870

 

[aczlan]

Go with the BX. Our BX2660 (with turfs on) won't tear things up unless you crank the wheel all the way over.
The GR series had some issues for a while with transmissions that didn't hold up.

Aaron Z

 

[MortalWombat]

The advantage of the BX is the 3 pt hitch, rear pto, and the ability to add a front loader if you want to later.

 

[rjkobbeman]

I bought a new GR2120 in early 2015. I ended up returning it because it could not go up a couple of my slopes, which I found I absurd for a 4wd.

I took it back the same day and brought home a BX. Couldn't be happier.

I read about the GR HST issues in the past, but hoped they were resolved. I was wrong. My 2wd Home Depot special HST that I was replacing would pull steeper hills than the GR. The HD would lose traction, but would never "give up" like the GR.

The BX of course is a great machine.

 

[zoltanthegypsy]

rj,

That really surprises me. My GR will go up any slope that won't make it fall over backward. That's one of the things that I really like about it. Very strange.

Z.

 

[70cst]

Well I pulled the trigger ... I purchased the BX1870. The Price difference was only $500 between a GR and a BX. I paid $10,500 for the BX1870, 54" Deck with a 3 Bag Bagger. I was hoping to buy used but after looking about a month nothing came up that peaked my interest. The GR2120 is a nice mower but long term I thought the BX better met my needs. I appreciate all your thoughts and replies. Thanks

 

[dragoneggs]

You are getting good advice I think based on what I am hearing from you. Since you say you are not expecting a manicured yard and if you want to play in the woods, do any other kind of landscaping, gravel, dirt, bark, the BX is the right machine. I love mine but I don't mow with it. I have a small Zero turn. Best of both worlds.