Hi I owned a
BX24 (no cab) for two winters, then traded to a B3030HSDC last fall primarily to get a factory cab for snow blowing (in New Hampshire), but also to get more loader lift capacity and a stronger backhoe.
Much has been said on the B vs BX comparison, so I wont be adding too much. Having owned both let me make a few comments.
The BX is a fine machine and much more than a glorified lawnmower. It is surprising how much you can do with it. Its smaller and lighter than the B and that can be a benefit or a drawback depending on your use.
People have commented on vibration issues with the
B3030 and
B3200, but I have not experienced that. The
B3030 is just as smooth to me as the BX.
Overall, I am really glad i traded up. For my needs, the B is a better fit. I have about 15 acres of mixed fields and woods with about 2 acres of that being "lawn". The B is more capable machine for most chores. It has higher ground clearance, and although it is a bit bigger than the BX, it is surprising to me how maneuverable it is and how tightly it turns. With the turning brake, it feels like to turns tighter than the BX. Even without using them, it feels very nimble.
I like the position control on the B's 3 pt hitch a lot. I bush hog and use a landscape rake often and I have found it much easier to work with with the B than the BX. I also really like the tilt steering wheel on the
B3030. It sounds like a gimmick, but I found tilting the wheel closer to me makes long hours in the seat much easier on my back. One thing to consider also is the B3030HSDC is just over 7 ft tall, so it wont fit under a standard garage door without modifying it.
Since your main chore is snow blowing, let me comment on the
B3030 with factory cab. It is a GREAT snow removal tool. The factory cab has plenty of heat, and stays fog free. I cant comment on the Curtis cab as I have never seen or used one. I was happy with the blower on the BX, but the blower on the B is heavier duty (and more expensive) and seems to work better for me than the one on the BX. I have a gravel driveway and the skids on the B's blower seem to keep it out of the gravel better and allowed me to use float more. Once there is a packed base on the driveway its not an issue and I can adjust the skids so the blower rides closer to the surface of the driveway. The BX is shorter and the blower is narrower, so its easier to maneuver into tight spots around the garage, bit overall it takes me less time to clear snow with the B. I also think its easier to put on and take off the blower on the B. Its a lot heavier on the B, but i use a dolly to move it around once its off so its not really an issue. However, the B has more room to connect shaft couplings and overall is easier to work with for me than the BX.
Hope this helps.
