Bx1860 vx B2320 - Contrast/Compare

[bp fick]

I recently sold my BX1860 and purchased a new B2320. Encouraged by some of the guys, I am going to "log", over some time, my sense of the differences, similarities and how these two machines compare and contrast, doing the chores, I do. This is important. The chores will be my chores, YMMV. But since I will use the same implements, 5' back blade, middle buster, 48" RFM, field cultivator, etc. all on the same property, the comparison will be honest as I can make it.

My hope is to make it interesting reading, if you like tractors and Kubotas in particular. It might be helpful information for those considering either a 20 series B or a BX, or someone considering moving from one to the other.

 

[bp fick]

Since the B2320 just arrived today, I have only an hour of putzing around time, but some things are instantly noticeable. I'll focus on those.

- The sound of the engine is deeper, it must be the exhaust and muffler. Very pleasing. The RPMs are just lower and everything seems quieter.

- The HST doesn't have the whine of the BX. I won't miss that. Nice!

- 3 ranges. Tried them all. I think "Mid" will become a new friend.:thumbsup:

- Getting up into the B is a higher step up, and there isn't much to grab unto to assist. The fender handle is not good. The fender "tin cans". It was a rock on the BX. Getting down is not as easy either, without a decent handle.

- The dash. There's no comparison. The big, beautiful, white faced analog dials are a joy to the eyes. Won't miss the dark, digital read-outs of the BX.

- Lever controls are bigger, nicer and easier to use. The BX controls always required just a bit of zen to operate.

- HST pedal is not as smooth as the BX was. Perhaps I'll check it for grease or tension. The stop is much more abrupt, especially in reverse, but I am learning to ease it to a stop.

- FEL operation seems lightening fast. Whoa! I'll have to adjust. That larger pump is immediately noticeable. The joystick at my hip is new and I like it, like, like it. A much more intuitive and relaxed operating position.

- The height. From the seat, yup, much higher. Gonna have to duck under some things I probably passed under in the past. But, I didn't have any sense of being uncomfortable. It actually feels just fine.

- Familiarity. While the differences are noticeable, the familiarity is all there. This is an intangible, but it is pure Kubota and it all seems as it should. The steering seemed virtually identical. Nothing seemed odd or awkward. It's like my BX just morphed.

Tomorrow I shall plow my garden and perhaps mow with RFM. I'll post my reflections.

 

[JOHNTHOMAS]

Looking forward to reading your reviews/evaluations/comparisons.

 

[harpoonalt]

Congrats on the new tractor. I'm considering the same upgrade and you're helping my decision making process along. Curious how the mowing compares? Keep your thoughts coming so I can hopefully spend my money too

 

[OrangeRidge]

The stop is much more abrupt, especially in reverse, but I am learning to ease it to a stop..

BP , Didn't you test drive this model ?

 

[bp fick]

OrangeRidge, I have driven my neighbor's B7510, so I pretty much knew what to expect. This particular 2320 model wasn't available to test drive, only the B2920, at the dealer. I did sit in that for quite awhile and studied it for any updated features. Nonetheless, it seems to me until you actually get something busy do your own chores, the nuances cannot really be determined.

 

[JOHNTHOMAS]

I think....to overcome the problems of the 50 series BX's abrupt stop that the 60 series BX's sort of over ran. I had a BX2350 which I traded for a BX2660 because of the abrupt stop in reverse. I noticed this difference but much preferred the over run to the abrupt. I also bought a B3200 around the same time. I never noticed it being to abrupt but it was a quicker stop than the BX2660. Therefore I theorize that coming from the BX1860 that the B may seem a bit abrupt when in reality it is stopping closer to right.:thumbsup: I didn't do test drives on tractors until after I bought the BX2350 and even when I do it's to test for the abrupt stop. Maybe I need someone to go with me to do tests in the future if I ever buy another one. I'll probably not expect one to be perfect and will probably still buy it even if it isn't so I guess I can skip the tester going with me.

 

[bp fick]

First Impressions In The Dirt

I don't go into my gardens, or mow my grass for that matter, with the FEL on. Taking the loader off the B2320 was uneventful, no different than the BX1860, although the Bxx20 series does use two legs for the FEL stand instead of the one piece unit on the BX. Frankly, the one piece BX unit is a better design.

Put on the middle buster plow. All the 3 pt hardware is familiar, if up-sized in scale considerably over the BX. I pondered using the second set of lower arm holes, allowing the plow to go deeper, but decided to leave it alone and as it turned out, going deep was not an issue. Yes, my plow is an XB size from the BX, but it worked well and after having used it, see no reason to change whatsoever.

I plowed as deep as I ever did before.

Now, things I learned. The 1/4 valving has been a source of much talk here on TBN lately and I can say is my B2320 came adjusted perfectly. Outstanding!!! Works within a whisker of being position control. Thrilled.

The B simply never broke a sweat. It has ridiculous amounts of torque that is delivered with a deep engine sound and, to ears grown accustomed to BX HST whine, it seemed virtually as pleasant as a gear tractor. Honestly. Spooky. More later on all that low RPM torque.

The turning radius was fine, but not the agility of the BX. That was to be expected. One sacrifices that for the larger, taller frame. Speaking of taller, the ground clearance is absurd. Even with the wheels deep in the previous furrow, it stands above it all. This was the primary reason for the change from BX to B and it was positively worthwhile. I pounded the bottom of my BX too many times to count.

Now, the torque. It is simply insane in proportion to the weight of the tractor. What it wants to do is far beyond its traction ability. This thing is likely to be fitted with some suitcase weights for the front end. The front "feels" so much lighter. In some ways, the entire tractor "feels" lighter. If this were a field work only tractor, it would benefit greatly from Ag tires as well, but it is not, so there won't be any forthcoming.

I'll need more time for thought about adding weight. Since I mow grass, I am concerned about filled rear tires, but this machine would absolutely benefit from having them done. I would have to use a certified, enviro-safe product, since our place is organic. More pondering.

​

 

[OrangeRidge]

I see that the temp gauge is at zero when the ignition is off .
The BX is quirky there :laughing:

 

[bp fick]

My BX1860 was fitted with wheel weights, when I plowed snow. I also used them when I plowed dirt. I didn't use them for digging the potatoes, but I struggled through without putting them on. It was early August, and too soon to mount them.

Without loaded rear tires or wheel weights, the B2320 does not have all the traction it needs. The basic "curb" weight of the B2320 is listed at 1477 lbs. That is only 200 lbs heavier than my little BX and only 100 lbs heavier than the largest BX, the 2660. For it's overall size, this B is light.

I'm about done plowing for the year, but snow is coming. With those wheel weights, the BX did fine in the snow. I have my doubts about this new B2320, as it sits right now. I have a month or two to sort this out.