Would you rather own a BX1800/2200 or a BX2350?

[ShowroomShine]

I'm looking for a decent used BX with mowing deck for under $6000. In that range I've found 1800/2200's and a few 2350's. I know the 2350's had some dislikes and this one has some plastic body damage, but it does seem to be a stronger tractor with a higher rated rear hitch and a newer deck. The older BX tractors seem more solid but have limited lift height in the rear and seem like a little smaller tractor.

How are the mowing decks on either? This will be used primarily for mowing and I'm pretty picky about my cut quality.

 

[art]

The decks mowing quality are both about the same. The big difference is the hydraulics for attachments where on the older model they were on the frame on the right they moved them to be with the tractor on the newer ones. That also standardized the hydraulics and the mounting of front attachments so they are more interchangeable with the later models.

 

[JOHNTHOMAS]

I've owned about 20 Kubotas in the BX, B, F, L, RTV and Z sizes. Owned a BX2200 and a BX2350. BX2200 great machine, BX2350 not so great. In fact I encouraged/demanded my dealer take the BX2350 back after about a year and got some money off my next purchase from Kubota for the bad flaw of the jerk in reverse issue. I've used many of the HSTs but the BX2350 could not be feathered out to a decent gradual stop in reverse and always or almost always jerked my back/neck when it stopped in reverse. The RTV1140 will throw you thru the windshield when you let off the pedal quick but it can be eased off to a very easy gradual stop, not so the BX2350 in reverse. If one is only going forward and not constant backing up during their mowing then the BX2350 is almost as good as the BX2200. Mowing quality would be based on the deck and blades so about the same for any of the BXs as far as the machine is concerned.

 

[TripleR]

My pick would be a BX2200, bought one new in 2003 and we are still using it. We bought a BX2660 to replace it, but decided it was just too handy to get rid of and now have two.

 

[SeymourBota]

My pick would be a BX2200, bought one new in 2003 and we are still using it. We bought a BX2660 to replace it, but decided it was just too handy to get rid of and now have two.

Exactly what I have!!! My BX2200 was slightly older- around 2000.
Make sure it has a good steering cylinder up front and doesn't suffer from the leaking fuel tank issue and the 2200 would be my choice.
Also- I made the mistake of getting a 54 inch mower on my 2200. I corrected that mistake with a 60 inch mower on the 2660.

 

[Kubota 2350]

I had a 2350 for 10 years, (2006 to 2016) never a problem.

 

[Zick]

I had a 2350 for 10 years, (2006 to 2016) never a problem.

Pretty much the same here, bought mine in 07 and haven't had a single issues yet.

I've complained about the reverse jerk over the years but I'm able to keep it mostly under control by pulling up on the front pedal to go into reverse instead of pushing down on the back pedal. That gives me the most control but every now and then it still gets me but it hasn't been bad enough for me to get rid of it.

My neighbor has a BX2200 since about 05 and he's been pretty happy with it. He doesn't like that the loader controls come off the tractor and that the rear hitch is lower. Everything else is about equal.
I do like that his hydraulics will move the loader at idle where as I have to raise mine to about 1800+ to get it to start moving.

Oh and make sure the BX2350 has the upgraded seat! The factory seat made it feel like you were always sliding forward and super uncomfortable. I almost got rid of it just for that reason alone until they offered the seat replacement.

 

[TripleR]

The BX2350 has more plastic parts than the BX2200, even the BX2660 has more than the 2200, but not as much as the BX2350, just a personal preference for me. The abrupt direction change really got me as I have neck problems. We had a John Deere that did the same thing and rather than put it in reverse, if possible, I'd just loop around like a crop duster.

 

[2ndhalf]

Anyone know if the BX2200 deck is a "drive over". My dad just bought one and that would really help him if it was. He is far too old to be manhandling the deck. I will be helping him either way or doing it for him but just curious.

 

[JOHNTHOMAS]

Anyone know if the BX2200 deck is a "drive over". My dad just bought one and that would really help him if it was. He is far too old to be manhandling the deck. I will be helping him either way or doing it for him but just curious.

Mine wasn't and doubt any BX2200s had drive on hook up MMMs. Fairly easy to install/remove by laying down and unhooking pins and drive shaft and turning wheels sideways.