Would You Buy Another BX?

[Keuka]

I'm about to replace my old John Deere 265 garden tractor. I also own a Kubota L35TLB (Tractor/Loader-Backhoe). My property is side hill, mowing about 2 acres, 8 acres woods and maybe 700 feet of grave/crushed stone drive. I'm considering upgrading from a garden tractor to gain the versatility of a 4 wheel drive subcompact. I'm considering a Kubota BX-2380. I realize the BX loader lifting capacity is limited but I have the L35 Loader if needed. I'm very satisfied with the performance of the Kubota L35. So I'm considering a Kubota BX 2380 with detachable loader & 54 inch mm mower for hillside mowing etc. For those who have experience with a Kubota BX, would buy it
or look elsewhere?

 

[Eagle1]

I have over 4500 hours on my old bx2200 and it has served me well. It has done a lot of hard work before I got a second bigger tractor. It's been abused to no end but never died, the motor and HST never gave me lick of problems, except the stop solenoid going out. Well I did break some motor mounts and upsized them while replacing them. Hydraulic hard lines have worn through with vibration and the loader/bucket have take a beating (abuse in many case). I still have it and use as much as the bigger machine. Handy to have near the house for all those little jobs not worth starting the LS for. Still use it to mow the rougher parts of the property that does not need the brush hog.
They have their issues but are easy and cheap to fix. Really one of the best things I ever bought.

 

[TMGT]

I have a BX2680, my dad has a BX1500. My BX replaced my zero turn as I wanted something I could use year rounds, its been great, mowes well, easy on fuel. I'm using it for leaf cleanup this year and having 4wd is great on the hills pulling the leaf vac.

The loader come on and off so easy I'll throw it on for a quick job during mowing season. As you stated loft capacity isn't high, but like you I have a bigger tractor when needed.

The BX is a stout and versatile machine for sure.

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[dj1701]

I bought a BX2680 with a 60" mower for the sole purpose of mowing, cause I needed the 4x4 for the trails. I put spacers on the back which widened it a bit. It will mow field grass with no problem. The machine is a beast for a little tractor. I highly recommend getting the remote control option although it can be a bit finicky. You can see it in action in the pic.

 

[dodge man]

I owned a BX2350 for several years and put a little less than 800 hours on it. Solid tractor, I liked it. I replaced it with a bigger tractor.

The faults. Small bucket. Not a problem for you since you own a larger one.

The plastic. The rear fenders, hood and engine surround all cracked on mine. The engine surround is the only one I eventually replaced. I think they are all metal now.

The fuel filters. Tiny little ones. I replaced the rear one with a Racor setup. A lot of people use one from a B sized tractor to put a bigger one on.

Slow road speed. This bothered me mostly dealing with firewood and gravel. My driveway is 600 feet long and I spend a lot of time going back and forth at times. It has small tires and that’s just the way it is.

Overall I liked it and had good luck with it. I wouldn’t buy another one and the slightly larger size of what I have now. It’s a good mower setup. If the size fits your needs I’d definitely recommend it. My nit picks sound like they probably wouldn’t be an issue.

 

[dougtrr2]

I bought a BX24 with the loader and backhoe in 2004. I would buy a new one in a heartbeat and wouldn't even seriously look at the competition. It has been pretty much trouble free with a few minor issues. I live on an acreage with forest. I have a logging winch and burn at least 6 cords of wood a year. I also mow maybe 2 acres. It fits my needs perfectly.

Doug in SW IA

 

[D&D]

I bought a BX2680 with a 60" mower for the sole purpose of mowing, cause I needed the 4x4 for the trails. I put spacers on the back which widened it a bit. It will mow field grass with no problem. The machine is a beast for a little tractor. I highly recommend getting the remote control option although it can be a bit finicky. You can see it in action in the pic.


View attachment 4561773

That remote appears to operate child labor When you upgrade to spouseI with the same benefits, you’ll sell out

 

[Keuka]

Thanks for the replies, they're about like I expected. I sure appreciate opinions from people who own and operate them regularly. I'm thinking the 1880 model will probably do everything I need. However I'm leaning toward the larger 2380 engine. I know the loader lift ability is the same and somewhat limited. However it would be handy in tight places and I have a L35 if needed. I'd also like your opinion on tires & wheel spacers vs a 54 inch mower. Tires: I'm thinking R14's but wondering if they would tear up the lawn. I'm thinking they would be fine but in 4 wheel drive they may require wider turning than "turf" tires on the lawn. Our soil is mostly clay so it's firm unless saturated. Mower: I'm looking at the non-drive over 54 inch deck. I'm running a 48 inch deck now and a 54 Inch will be tight in some places. I'm hearing the non-drive over deck is a beast to remove & remount? I'm sure the first time is the worst time and it gets better as you gain experience. How is the quality of the mowing? Wheel Spacers: I understand adding these may cause a clearance issue between rear tire and mower scalping wheel. I've read 1.5 inch spacers are about maximum with a 54 inch deck. Might anyone know for sure? Thanks again.

 

[tacticalturnip]

I don't have a BX, but I do use R14T tires on my Kioti, and had similar VersaTurfs on my previous Deere subcompact, and I will tell you that they're probably the best all-around tires on the market for these small tractors. They're great in mud and snow, and reasonable on the yard. Not as good as straight turf tires, but so much easier than ags or industrials on the lawn.

Plus I've never needed snow chains with them. Well, certainly not in 5 years.

Also, you'll never regret extra horsepower, but there is always a chance you'll regret getting too little.

 

[oldnslo]

I had. BX1850 with 54” several years ago and the deck was not super difficult to remove but then I was also younger then. What I do not remember is if the gauge wheels on the BX had feature so could roll out the side or if I modified the gauge wheel mounts to allow rotating 90 degrees.

Was a good mower but like others my needs changed and went a size larger. Never saw a need for more power when mowing my lawn.

 

[bcp]

I bought a BX, no mower deck, instead of a B because of the lower center of gravity. About the only flat place I have is under the house. A couple of times, if I had started lifting something the same way, with a B, I would have probably rolled it.

If I had the same property, but much flatter, I would have a B. An L would be nice, but more than I really need, and I have a lot of 4ft and 5ft gates.

I just make more trips and get more seat time.

And when I had a lawn, I mowed it with a lawn mower, not a tractor.

Bruce

 

[dodge man]

I found taking the mower deck on and off not difficult but a little awkward. Hooking up the pto was the hardest. They offer an autoconnect type setup but I’m not sure how well it works. I know someone who has one but he never takes it off. I’d go with a 60” deck. The left side sticks out further and is good for getting close to stuff such as fences and bushes.

I currently own a JD2025r with an autoconnect deck and it has spoiled me. Off and on in less than 3 minutes.

 

[drssg]

Personally, I wouldn't buy another one. I bought a BX2350 new in 2006. I got about 2000 hours and 16 years out of it. I dumped it when it needed a new engine, which cost about $8000 with labor.

I had chronic issues with transmission fluid leaks. At a certain age, it seemed like every gasket in the tractor dried up and started leaking.

FWIW, my M5700 also has chronic transmission fluid leaks, but the tractor is still functional.

 

[simplemike]

Thanks for the replies, they're about like I expected. I sure appreciate opinions from people who own and operate them regularly. I'm thinking the 1880 model will probably do everything I need. However I'm leaning toward the larger 2380 engine. I know the loader lift ability is the same and somewhat limited. However it would be handy in tight places and I have a L35 if needed. I'd also like your opinion on tires & wheel spacers vs a 54 inch mower. Tires: I'm thinking R14's but wondering if they would tear up the lawn. I'm thinking they would be fine but in 4 wheel drive they may require wider turning than "turf" tires on the lawn. Our soil is mostly clay so it's firm unless saturated. Mower: I'm looking at the non-drive over 54 inch deck. I'm running a 48 inch deck now and a 54 Inch will be tight in some places. I'm hearing the non-drive over deck is a beast to remove & remount? I'm sure the first time is the worst time and it gets better as you gain experience. How is the quality of the mowing? Wheel Spacers: I understand adding these may cause a clearance issue between rear tire and mower scalping wheel. I've read 1.5 inch spacers are about maximum with a 54 inch deck. Might anyone know for sure? Thanks again.

I have a BX2380 with the 60"deck I am 63 years old and it easy to take the deck on and off. It works better on concrete or asphalt it took some practice but is really easy to mow with it maneuvers better than my old Simplicity Conquest.

 

[TMGT]

Personally, I wouldn't buy another one. I bought a BX2350 new in 2006. I got about 2000 hours and 16 years out of it. I dumped it when it needed a new engine, which cost about $8000 with labor.

I had chronic issues with transmission fluid leaks. At a certain age, it seemed like every gasket in the tractor dried up and started leaking.

FWIW, my M5700 also has chronic transmission fluid leaks, but the tractor is still functional.

What was leaking on the trans and why did it need a new engine?

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[drssg]

What was leaking on the trans and why did it need a new engine?

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Both tractors leaked transmission fluid from a variety of locations. If the casing was assembled with a seal, it would start leaking. The BX also required all new seals on the front axle.

I can't remember the specifics on why the BX needed a new engine. I want to say scoring on the piston shaft? I was using it one day, and the engine started making a new knocking noise. I took it into the dealership, and that was their diagnosis.

 

[Keuka]

I've been mulling over 54" vs 60" deck. My concern is my lawn is about half hillside and I have some tight spots with my 48" deck. I'm also mulling over tires in lawn areas, turf vs R14.

I have a BX2680, my dad has a BX1500. My BX replaced my zero turn as I wanted something I could use year rounds, its been great, mowes well, easy on fuel. I'm using it for leaf cleanup this year and having 4wd is great on the hills pulling the leaf vac.

The loader come on and off so easy I'll throw it on for a quick job during mowing season. As you stated loft capacity isn't high, but like you I have a bigger tractor when needed.

The BX is a stout and versatile machine for sure.

Sent from my SM-S921U using TractorByNet mobile app

I've read your reply and thanks for your input. I'd be very interested to know what you're using as your leaf vac and how well you like it. I have an older tow behind powered vacuum for my JD 265 Garden Tractor. It works great on level ground but mowing and turn on slopes, it's limited and it's long. I'm likely going to buy either a BX 2380 or 2680, still pondering that option. As someone suggested, I've pretty much decided to go with a 60 inch instead of the 54 inch mid
deck. One important option I will defiantly be researching is leaf removal with the BX. I move a whole bunch of leaves to pick in the fall and the BX Bagger is small for my needs.

 

[TMGT]

I've been mulling over 54" vs 60" deck. My concern is my lawn is about half hillside and I have some tight spots with my 48" deck. I'm also mulling over tires in lawn areas, turf vs R14.

I've read your reply and thanks for your input. I'd be very interested to know what you're using as your leaf vac and how well you like it. I have an older tow behind powered vacuum for my JD 265 Garden Tractor. It works great on level ground but mowing and turn on slopes, it's limited and it's long. I'm likely going to buy either a BX 2380 or 2680, still pondering that option. As someone suggested, I've pretty much decided to go with a 60 inch instead of the 54 inch mid
deck. One important option I will defiantly be researching is leaf removal with the BX. I move a whole bunch of leaves to pick in the fall and the BX Bagger is small for my needs.

I have a leaf vac I made about 15years ago, works really well. A comparable vac to mine would be a Cyclone Rake.

I also have the rear powered bagger for mine. It does ok but the capacity is limited, I usually just use it for cleanup work in the spring and early fall or if I need to do a quick cleanup after the main leaf cleanup.

I have had a 54in on a BX1870 and was very happy with the cut quality, my current BX2680 has the 60in and it does great.

My one complaint is the blowout on the discharge side of the deck when using a collection system, I'm working on a fix for it. I never had a collector on the 54in deck to compare though.

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[Yander]

My dad bought a used BX2200 when he was about 75 (around 2015). He absolutely loved it, and it served him well until he sold his 20-acre farm in 2020. He used it for everything you can imagine. Sub-compacts are so easy to get on and off that they are kind to the elderly who don't want to give up their independence.

I will own a Subcompact when I cross the 70-year-old threshold, I'm convinced of that. Mine will be a Yanmar, but no one is throwing rocks at a Kubota BX either.

I have a Yanmar SA425 Compact tractor now, and as long as my wife and I can climb on it, we will keep it.

 

[dodge man]

Have you tried mulching your leaves? I had the mulch kit on my BX and always mulched. Definitely not as good as bagging but better then you’d think.

At about 600 hours the BX I owned developed a momentary loss of steering. There was a seal in the steering cylinder that I replaced that fixed it. I read online how to fix it and it said if the other seals didn’t leak don’t replace them. Of course it leaked afterwards. I had the stuff to fix it but traded it in before I fixed it. That was the only leak I had on the tractor when I traded it in with about 800 hours.