Scrounger
Platinum Member
Tom_H points out some really good points. I've got about 200 hours with my BH6000 and I can point out some of the issues/annoyances that I have had. I will say the overall the unit has been a digging monster and I've had the chance to dig with it side by side against the BX23 and the BX24. The general opinion of the users has been that in some instances the BH6000 felt stronger. I can't be sure but it might be due to the fact it is built to go onto multiple tractors so it might be build to a slightly higher capability.
The concerns of the sub frame being stronger on a BX23 or a BX24 is not a valid concern at all. If you compare the designs and study how the sub frame is constructed and installed, it might actually be stronger than OEM. That is from a NY State DOT engineer that looked at it while I was playing on ATV trails in NY. It is possible since you know that Woods does not want to have an issue with the BH damaging a tractor and basically killing their business.
As far as issues, the lower ROPS has been an issue at times but generally only with new users to the setup. Once you are 'aware' of the concern, you can work with it. I still get a good bang on the head every so often however. I'm 6' 2" however. I did have a custom made hinged ROPS on for awhile, but it was too tall for the garage, so it was removed for the stock one.
The seat mount could be better. It was cutting the hydro connections under the seat until the dealer, Messicks, fixed it for me. Messicks also did the install which was perfect. The money spent to have it installed is well worth it. Just make sure you ask for the parts to return it to stock should you choose to do so. I forgot to do that and still need to get them from Messicks if its still even possible.
The stock hydraulic fittings on the BH have leaked three times and I'm about ready to have them replaced again. Only the two fittings that connect to the tractor have leaked. A PITA, but not a critical issue.
On and off is very simple and I can do it quicker than the BX23 that I had for comparison for a few weeks.
A thumb is a must add. I never added one to mine since my situation with the BH was a bit different than most. I would make sure you add one. It makes the versatility of the BH limitless. The design of Bird's is the one that I'm most impressed with. I'm sure that the magazine I was working for at the time would've bought any model I wanted, but his would be the one I would've wanted had been it been out at the time. I never installed one since I was not thrilled with the design of any of the thumbs on the market at the time. I planned to have one made custom.
The interference with the 3PH is an issue, but not a show stopper. With anything other than my RB, it has not been an issue. I think the lack of vertical lift on any of the older BX's was an issue with full size cat 1 implements. With everything else that I've use on the 3PH, it has not been an issue.
Overall, I would go this route again if I already had a tractor. Would I go this route if I was starting from scratch? Maybe, the design and capabilities of the BH6000 have really impressed me. I do like the Kubota loader design on the BX24 better, but the Woods loader at the time was as good if not better than the loader for the BX2230 or BX23 at the time. It take me longer to remove than the BH by the way. Right now, its driving me nutz since it has started to get limp on me when a load. Still working on fixing it.
If you want to talk about the FEL or BH, PM me and I'll send a number. If you were closer, I'd let you play, I mean 'test' it a bit.
The concerns of the sub frame being stronger on a BX23 or a BX24 is not a valid concern at all. If you compare the designs and study how the sub frame is constructed and installed, it might actually be stronger than OEM. That is from a NY State DOT engineer that looked at it while I was playing on ATV trails in NY. It is possible since you know that Woods does not want to have an issue with the BH damaging a tractor and basically killing their business.
As far as issues, the lower ROPS has been an issue at times but generally only with new users to the setup. Once you are 'aware' of the concern, you can work with it. I still get a good bang on the head every so often however. I'm 6' 2" however. I did have a custom made hinged ROPS on for awhile, but it was too tall for the garage, so it was removed for the stock one.
The seat mount could be better. It was cutting the hydro connections under the seat until the dealer, Messicks, fixed it for me. Messicks also did the install which was perfect. The money spent to have it installed is well worth it. Just make sure you ask for the parts to return it to stock should you choose to do so. I forgot to do that and still need to get them from Messicks if its still even possible.
The stock hydraulic fittings on the BH have leaked three times and I'm about ready to have them replaced again. Only the two fittings that connect to the tractor have leaked. A PITA, but not a critical issue.
On and off is very simple and I can do it quicker than the BX23 that I had for comparison for a few weeks.
A thumb is a must add. I never added one to mine since my situation with the BH was a bit different than most. I would make sure you add one. It makes the versatility of the BH limitless. The design of Bird's is the one that I'm most impressed with. I'm sure that the magazine I was working for at the time would've bought any model I wanted, but his would be the one I would've wanted had been it been out at the time. I never installed one since I was not thrilled with the design of any of the thumbs on the market at the time. I planned to have one made custom.
The interference with the 3PH is an issue, but not a show stopper. With anything other than my RB, it has not been an issue. I think the lack of vertical lift on any of the older BX's was an issue with full size cat 1 implements. With everything else that I've use on the 3PH, it has not been an issue.
Overall, I would go this route again if I already had a tractor. Would I go this route if I was starting from scratch? Maybe, the design and capabilities of the BH6000 have really impressed me. I do like the Kubota loader design on the BX24 better, but the Woods loader at the time was as good if not better than the loader for the BX2230 or BX23 at the time. It take me longer to remove than the BH by the way. Right now, its driving me nutz since it has started to get limp on me when a load. Still working on fixing it.
If you want to talk about the FEL or BH, PM me and I'll send a number. If you were closer, I'd let you play, I mean 'test' it a bit.
But seriously... I haven't noticed any problems yet regarding the 3 point hitch limitations. All I use the 3P for is a box blade for now, but I am about to buy a PHD this summer, so hopefully it won't be an issue with that either. The frame mount actually seems to add rigidity to the frame. I have not experienced any frame flexing while using the BH. And I have had occasion to dig out some pretty large rocks. If you are choosing between buying a new BX24 or adding a Woods BH, all I can say is that I had the same question. I looked at the 24, and I didn't like all the plastic. I knew that I loved my 2200, but I read all the concerns about the Rops not being big enough and the frame not being designed for the BH etc... I took a chance and bought the Woods. I had it installed by the local Bobcat dealer (I would definitely recommend the professional install) and have never looked back! I am just shy of 6' and have no problem with the Rops. As for Keith's observation about not being able to raise the Boom while rotating the dipper stick, well..you can..sort of.. It just takes a lot of practice, and it really slows down the movement in both directions. But it is really fun practicing!