Yep...what I've found with the BX22 (and I'm made some references to it in other forums here in TBN) is that it's a very powerful machine for what it does, but it does everything in small doses.
I think the right way to look at the BX22 is that is a seriously pumped up Super-Garden Tractor for the homeowner who is not going to buy a larger unit either because the bigger ones are physically too large or too expensive.
There are those that take shots at it for being too small, and not powerful enough for real farm work but that's not what this tractor was designed for. Rather this is an Estate tractor for owners that have residential properties they enjoy keeping up themselves, or don't want to have to call some landscaper in to do some chores. And for that, it's the perfect tractor that fills a niche previously occupied by nothing in the market segment. Teramites are the closest thing out there, but they don't mow and are highly crude machines at not much less money.
The BX22 can do the work of the larger tractors, but it will take more bites to do it when moving material, up to the maximum limits of the machinery (weight capacity, breakout force, etc.) For me, that's not an issue, 'cause I LOVE to get out there and work the tractor.....it's quite fun after a day at the office. So if it takes me an hour on the BX22 vs. 45 minutes with something like an B2410 than that's not a real issue for me.
What is an issue is purchase price! When I made my tractor choice I wanted a brand new unit and could not find anything with all the features of the BX22 (FEL, BH, MMM) for under $ 20K in a high-quality unit. I liked the JD'd and the NH's, and event the other Kubos but the cost of the backhoe unit was always the deal breaker on those, putting me into a much higher price category. At some point, your cost/benefit ratio degrades and you wonder if you can justify the expenditure for the intended uses (in my case, my tractor is 75% mower) for dollars spent. After all, with only 5 acres to maintain how often to you really need the backhoe? About $ 4K was all I was willing to invest in that (the added cost over a BX2200 w FEL and
ballast box).
I've always done all my own work around the property, and my only tool before was a Cub Cadet 2000 series Garden Tractor with a Sears tow-behind cart for work. It was all still basically pick-shovel-wheelbarrow as the Cub could do little more than mow and tow. What a revelation with the BX22 ! Here was the answer I was looking for.....a real working tractor that can go all day on 5 gallons of diesel and after a day of chores I can still get out of bed the next day <g> as my back is intact.
I don't think I'd ever agree to sell it, even though my WorldCom stock is in the tank! It's become a very valuable tool in a very short time and I've not found myself wanting something larger/more powerful.
-Duane C.
