BX2200 compared to the BX2660

[jetblue4400]

I have a BX2200 with the loader ,60 inch deck and snow blade BX 2763 since new in 2001 with 418 hrs and it has been a wonderful little tractor and never been in the shop for repair.I'am considering looking at a new BX 2660 with the front loader ,and deck but I'am not sure if it would be much of a upgrade from the 2200. I mow 2 acres and some of that is mowing a long hill and use the loader lightly.The 2200 does hold the hill very nice and never seems unstable and I would need the same feeling from a new one. Any thoughts?

 

[TripleR]

In 2008, I sold my BX2200 thinking I "needed" a B2920 (long story). I decided the BX was the right tractor and began looking at them. I chose the BX2660 over the BX2360 primarily for the seat and have not regretted it a minute.

I can lift a little more with my FEL and the 2660 has noticeably more power than the 2200. The 2660 is every bit as stable as the 2200 which is great and one of the reasons I did not get the B2920.

A real big advantage for me is the ease with which I can swap out the FEL. On the BX2200, you have to loop the hose back into the tractor and you have to be all the way into the FEL arms before hooking up. I would usually put my FEL on/off twice a year. On the BX2660, it is a three minute job and I have taken the FEL off and on twice in a day's time.

YouTube - Removing a loader from the Kubota BX24

The BX2200 is a great little tractor and my old one is still going strong, I visit it every two weeks, but the BX2660 is definitely worth the money, to me at least.

 

[Will_C]

I had a 2000 BX 2200, and used it for 9 years. I can't imagine the 2660 as being much of an upgrade. I wanted/needed a B, or else would still have my BX.

Will

 

[Sam Mac]

I did what your thinking about doing and if I had it to do over I'd keep the BX2200 and the cash. I thnk my 2200 had almost as much power at least when plowing snow. Maybe the 2660 is a little better running stuff off the PTO.

 

[Tom_H]

I would not consider it an upgrade. What appears to be an edge in horsepower is not a real edge in power. The engine in the BX2660 has been tweaked such that it will run at a higher RPM and thus on paper, produce a higher peak hp. Once you put a load on it, it will lug down to a lower RPM and pretty much have a similar torque output to the BX2200.

There are a lot of discussions in the archives, by people who understand it a lot better than I, regarding hp vs torque, and how all the factors of bore size, stroke length, bore/stroke ratios, total displacement, compression, etc. play into all the equations. You could do some searches and find a lot of information if you are so inclined.

 

[BuffaloBill2]

Per the Kubota specs page the 2660 has a larger displacement engine (1001cc vs 898 for the 2360). Does the 2200 have the same displacement as the 2360?

If the specific output is nearly equal between the two, then the displacement ratio would suggest that the 2660 would make the 25.5hp that Kubota say's relative to the 2360's 23hp (1001/898) X 23 = 25.6 With no need for additional rpm. Does that make sense?

 

[JOHNTHOMAS]

Had them both plus a BX1500 and BX2350. Very little difference ibetween the BX2200, BX2350 and BX2660. Except for abrupt stop in reverse in the BX2350 and better seat in the BX2660. Now have a BX25 which seems to run smoother, quieter and rev quicker than the BX2660.
If you just want to trade, then trade but I don't think you'll be able to convince yourself that you've made much of a change.
I went from the BX2200 to a B7800 which was a noticeable difference.

 

[TheFlatlander]

The BX2660 does have more power and is larger displacement. Realistically, I think the only way to benefit from the extra power is on the PTO.

With that said...I had a BX2230 and sold that to a friend with low hours and looked like new and purchased a new BX2350- Sight unseen as it was the next generation kubota and had delivered to the house. I was mortified in the quality of the plastic parts and fit-up, and the extremely loud hydrostat noise. Immediately called dealer and rep allowed for dealer to take back. Now I was stuck. Had to wait a couple of months for the next model BX that had Metal parts and a redesigned hydrostat-Quieter. That ended up being a BX2660. Cost extra from the BX2360 but that came our almost a year later.

Summary: I wished that I had kept my original tractor! I new the use and maintenance history.It did everything that I needed and still do now. I was just chasing after something that looked newer, possibly smoother with a couple of newer features that ending up not really making much of a difference. Should of saved allot of money and just went to the dealer and bought a couple of hats with my next round of maintenance supplies instead.

Don't get me wrong, I love me BX2660. But they are designed to last a good many years and I will be getting my value out of this one. I seriously doubt that I will be getting rid of this one any time soon. I don't even care if Kubota, down the line comes out with the NEW Super Improved Subcompact Model BX3090 30HP deluxe version with heated seats, floorboard & steering wheel, tires that cannot go flat, underbody lighting, liquor dispenser, Ice cooler and a snack tray.......

 

[TripleR]

The BX2660 does have more power and is larger displacement. Realistically, I think the only way to benefit from the extra power is on the PTO.

Summary: I wished that I had kept my original tractor! I new the use and maintenance history.It did everything that I needed and still do now. I was just chasing after something that looked newer, possibly smoother with a couple of newer features that ending up not really making much of a difference. Should of saved allot of money and just went to the dealer and bought a couple of hats with my next round of maintenance supplies instead.

Don't get me wrong, I love me BX2660. But they are designed to last a good many years and I will be getting my value out of this one. I seriously doubt that I will be getting rid of this one any time soon. I don't even care if Kubota, down the line comes out with the NEW Super Improved Subcompact Model BX3090 30HP deluxe version with heated seats, floorboard & steering wheel, tires that cannot go flat, underbody lighting, liquor dispenser, Ice cooler and a snack tray.......

It's funny how different perceptions are. We immediately noticed the power difference between the 2200 and 2660 in pushing brush and trees and while digging with the FEL.

I don't have the time to use the BX much any more and my wife refers to it as "her" tractor, but we have both said overall that we would do it all over again even though the 2200 is a really good tractor. Like I said in my previous post, it is not just about the power, but the improved loader controls, 1.4 inching valve, easier engaging PTO, seat, low profile front tires, much improved instrumentation etc.

 

[TheFlatlander]

It's funny how different perceptions are. We immediately noticed the power difference between the 2200 and 2660 in pushing brush and trees and while digging with the FEL.

I don't have the time to use the BX much any more and my wife refers to it as "her" tractor, but we have both said overall that we would do it all over again even though the 2200 is a really good tractor. Like I said in my previous post, it is not just about the power, but the improved loader controls, 1.4 inching valve, easier engaging PTO, seat, low profile front tires, much improved instrumentation etc.

Yes there were some good inprovements. and even more over the BX2200 compared to my BX2230. and your post is refreshing my memory. Yes I can also tell some differences on power on other applications as you suggest. I love my BX2660. But with all said, given the oppertunity to do it over I would still have my older tractor. Than again the BX2200 is quite a few years old by now and maybe the OP feels that he has gotten his value out of it as you did and it will be his turn to support Kubota and stimulate our economy.

 

[TripleR]

Yes there were some good improvements. and even more over the BX2200 compared to my BX2230. and your post is refreshing my memory. Yes I can also tell some differences on power on other applications as you suggest. I love my BX2660. But with all said, given the opportunity to do it over I would still have my older tractor. Than again the BX2200 is quite a few years old by now and maybe the OP feels that he has gotten his value out of it as you did and it will be his turn to support Kubota and stimulate our economy.

My journey to the BX2660 was a somewhat circuitous one and involved the need of my daughter and son in law for something to maintain a newly acquired house on five acres and a perceived need for a B Series tractor on my part.

After looking at and drooling over the B's, I realized they were not for me and bought the BX2660. My wife and I are in our 60's with bad backs and the seat plus larger operator platform was worth the price of admission.

Our old BX2200 is still running like a top and I see it every two weeks and still use it occasionally.

We think we pretty much have the ideal combination now with a BX2660, L5030 HSTC and M8540 HSDC. I have to admit, I still look at the B's when we go to the dealer though I will never own one.

 

[SeymourBota]

I have owned a BX2200 since 2000, KEPT it for another location and bought a BX2660.

Each has a loader, 2750 snowblower and mower- although I have a 54" on the 2200 and a 60" on the 2660.

My 2660 does have more power, but not enough to make it the sole reason to consider a change.

I can tell you that with the 2660, if I blow snow too fast, I shear a pin. That was nearly impossible to do with the 2200 based only on speed of the tractor.

Of course the 2660 has many improvements- the most convenient of which is not having to shift the transmission to neutral to start the tractor!!

I also agree that loader connection is ALOT easier!!

 

[TheFlatlander]

After looking at and drooling over the B's, I realized they were not for me and bought the BX2660. ............... I have to admit, I still look at the B's when we go to the dealer though I will never own one.

Now this I can also relate to. I would love to have a B, but overall my needs are satisfied with a BX. I keep looking at them also. But the B as cool as it would be for many applications would be too large to fit between the trees. I have to keep telling myself this.

 

[TripleR]

I don't want to go overboard on the 2660, but at my age, my mind slips a gear occasionally. Another feature we really like on the BX2660 is the split hydro pedal and cruise control. I have arthritis in my knees and a day on the BX2200 was getting a little uncomfortable. The angle on the 2200 made me twist my knee inward and of course, I had to keep my foot on the treadle all the time.

I had to replace my light switches on the 2200 as they seemed a little susceptible to water though I think they made improved switches later and overall the dash and controls just seemed much better.

Also, the brakes, especially the emergency brakes actually work on the 2660. I often drove off on my 2200 with the E brake engaged; won't happen with the 2660; also much safer parking on inclines.

 

[TripleR]

Now this I can also relate to. I would love to have a B, but overall my needs are satisfied with a BX. I keep looking at them also. But the B as cool as it would be for many applications would be too large to fit between the trees. I have to keep telling myself this.

How well I know the feeling. The B and BX are so close that even if I bought one, I would still need a BX for the tight places where it really excels.

 

[ChuckinNH]

Now this I can also relate to. I would love to have a B, but overall my needs are satisfied with a BX. I keep looking at them also. But the B as cool as it would be for many applications would be too large to fit between the trees. I have to keep telling myself this.

I can tell you that you won't fit between the trees at the entrance to one of my trails with your BX if the mmm is installed! It is every bit as tight as it looks. I think that smaller Cherry is coming down, but I'll have to check with my neighbor since it might be considered a boundry tree.

 

[TheFlatlander]

I can tell you that you won't fit between the trees at the entrance to one of my trails with your BX if the mmm is installed! It is every bit as tight as it looks. I think that smaller Cherry is coming down, but I'll have to check with my neighbor since it might be considered a boundry tree.

ChuckinNH, That is one tight trail. I have simular but just wide enough for the 48" deck that I fir under my BX2660. Probably have the only combo like that (Except my for my buddy that bought my BX2230 with same). Would of liked bigger but again, it was a comprimise.

 

[RTII]

As for stability on hills and slopes, I'm very satisfied with my BX2660 on hills. That and manueverability amongst trees were the deciding factors for the purchase of that model. My guess is that it is every bit as stable as your BX2200. Good luck with your decision. Good opinions given by the others.

 

[ChuckinNH]

ChuckinNH, That is one tight trail. I have simular but just wide enough for the 48" deck that I fir under my BX2660. Probably have the only combo like that (Except my for my buddy that bought my BX2230 with same). Would of liked bigger but again, it was a comprimise.

Yes, the trails are tight so far, and wll probably get wider as I have the energy. Often with my medical issues I'm limited to what I can do from the seat of the tractor pretty much. Hopefully that will improve a bit too. The pictures were to point out that the B2XXX series is not much larger, and almost as nimble as a BX......... but not quite. I still think that the BX is probably a better mower though I haven't mowed with either.

 

[TripleR]

I can tell you that you won't fit between the trees at the entrance to one of my trails with your BX if the mmm is installed! It is every bit as tight as it looks. I think that smaller Cherry is coming down, but I'll have to check with my neighbor since it might be considered a boundry tree.

Love those pictures.

I have to take my deck of when doing anything serious in my woods, but there is simply no way I can do the things in the woods with my BX you can with your B, not enough loader strength or ground clearance.