Loader on BX1800

tbr701 · Jul 11, 2008

I am considering adding a front end loader on my BX1800 (LA211). I don't see many BX1800 with loaders. Most are on the BX2200 or larger. Are there any issues with loaders on the 18HP BX1800 over the 22HP BX2200? I don't want to put the money into a FEL on the BX1800 if it is too small to handle it.

Will_C · Jul 11, 2008

I don't have a 1800, but I have had a 2200 for 8 years. I don't think you will have problems with power. I never found my tractor needing any more power for FEL work; traction yes, but never power. I bought the 2200 rather than an 1800 because the primary use for my tractor was running the 60" MMM.
Will

tbr701 · Jul 11, 2008

Will, thanks for the info. I wish now that I had purchased the BX2200 because I would like to have the 60" mower but at the time I did not want to spend any more money then necessary. The Kubota dealer says it will work ok, but just concerned I might not have the power I need.

bx24d · Jul 11, 2008

with the loader, your first limit will be how much you can fit in the bucket. Your second limit will be how much balast you have and the third and final limit will be the weight of the object you are lifting....so don't worry about anything. Once you purchase the loader, you'll not want for a 2200.

LBrown59 · Jul 11, 2008

tbr 1 said:
I am considering adding a front end loader on my BX1800 (LA211). I don't see many BX1800 with loaders. Most are on the BX2200 or larger. Are there any issues with loaders on the 18HP BX1800 over the 22HP BX2200? I don't want to put the money into a FEL on the BX1800 if it is too small to handle it.

One of the first things i discovered right after i bought my 2 bx1500s is i could have done everying i did with my bx23 with them except for the bh jobs.

paparammer · Jul 14, 2008

I have a BX1800 for which I purchased the loader a year later. I've never regretted it. It's so simple to take on and off that that occurs frequently, even if only to pick up and carry something for about 15 minutes. Like you, I occasionally think perhaps I should have gotten the 2200 but I got such a good price on the 1800... And I doubt the extra power would have helped much with anything I do. One piece of advice - get a toothbar. Even if you rarely dig (I don't), the extra extension helps immeasurably with the amount of stuff you can carry, especially things like branches.

LBrown59 · Jul 14, 2008

paparammer said:
I have a BX1800 for which I purchased the loader a year later. I've never regretted it. It's so simple to take on and off that that occurs frequently, even if only to pick up and carry something for about 15 minutes. Like you, I occasionally think perhaps I should have gotten the 2200 but I got such a good price on the 1800... And I doubt the extra power would have helped much with anything I do. One piece of advice - get a toothbar. Even if you rarely dig (I don't), the extra extension helps immeasurably with the amount of stuff you can carry, especially things like branches.

I have a BX23 with a fel.
I doubt I'd notice much difference if i had a fel on my BX1500.

tbr701 · Jul 14, 2008

Thanks for everyone's help and replies. I plan to stop tomorrow and order the FEL. The dealer advises that loading my tires would be enough ballast. Everything I read on this site advises it is not enough and I will need rear ballast. I have a 5' blade but I don't want to have the blade on as I think it would be difficult to work with in on.

Papparammer, since you have the BX1800, do you have your tires loaded, use a rear ballast, or both?

Dascro · Jul 14, 2008

A few years ago I owned a BX1800 with a loader. Except for different engines that makeup the few engine horsepower difference (on paper), the older BX1800 and BX2200 tractors are near identical. In the years I owned the BX1800 I never encountered a situation where I lacked power mowing or with the loader.

Because of the short and narrow wheelbase, I would really suggest rear ballast when using the loader in addition to loading the rear tires.

Based on my experience I would not hesitate for a moment to put a loader on a BX1800. Just remember it is a subcompact tractor and has the requisite limitations.

Hope this helps.

AceDeuce · Jul 15, 2008

I'd recommend getting a loader in a heartbeat. I just added one to my BX1500 and I only wish I had done it sooner.

However...

The machine became A LOT more tippy with the loader. I can't take side angles anywhere close to what I used to - even with a rear blade for ballast. I don't know what your personal preferences/habits are, but make sure you wear your seatbelt!