Buying Advice BX1860 or BX2360

[GolfAddict]

I have the 54" deck and really wish I had the 60" for two main reasons. I have no idea if these would make any difference to you, but thought I'd throw them in there.

1) With the 60" deck I could add the 2" Bro-Tek rear wheel spacers to my BX. I'd really like to be able to do that to widen it's stance a bit and add stability.

2) I saw this slick DIY lawn striper that you can really easy put on the 60" deck.

I think the other reasons folks have already listed are good too, like cutting down mowing time and the deck sticking out better.

 

[vrmnthntr]

John Thomas brought up a good point. I am the type that will regret not getting the larger one over the smaller one.

I noticed that when I drove the 1860 yesterday and ran the engine at deck cutting speed, I noticed as radioman said the engine seemed like it was screaming. That doesn't bother me because I know thats its operating range. But it made me think and would like to know from others what I would expect from the BX. For example I have read the engine temperature is warmer than other tractors while mowing, no undercarraige protection from sticks, and keep the radiator screen clean. Those are just a few I can think of off the top of my head. Is there anything else I should expect from the BX and what is the reccommended rpm for grass cutting?

 

[Gander]

I just went through the same decision you did. After riding both, considering price and what you get, I went with the 2360. Just got it delivered today. The 2360 just has more power and the old adage, cry once, buy once, seemed to be a recurring thought in a purchase this big.

Best of luck in the decision.

 

[94BULLITT]

John Thomas brought up a good point. I am the type that will regret not getting the larger one over the smaller one.

I noticed that when I drove the 1860 yesterday and ran the engine at deck cutting speed, I noticed as radioman said the engine seemed like it was screaming. That doesn't bother me because I know thats its operating range. But it made me think and would like to know from others what I would expect from the BX. For example I have read the engine temperature is warmer than other tractors while mowing, no undercarraige protection from sticks, and keep the radiator screen clean. Those are just a few I can think of off the top of my head. Is there anything else I should expect from the BX and what is the reccommended rpm for grass cutting?

I have not heard about a BX running warm while mowing unless it is related to a dirty radiator screen.

Also the hydro fan does have a protector. When you are at the dealer look up underneath one and see how high the fan is. It would take a pretty good stick to get up in there and break the fan. It is possible and could accidentally happen. I think as long as you are not over logs you should be fine. I have a scrap piece of expanded metal I may add to underside of mine just in case.

The the engine needs to be at 3043 RPM for the mid PTO and 3142 RPM for the rear PTO.

 

[TripleR]

We have two BX's and have never experienced any overheating issues. The radiator location seems to keep grass and debris from clogging as badly as a machine with the intake and radiator in the front. We have a John Deere 2305 that we often have to blow off and it often overheats.

These machines do run a lot of RPM's for the proper PTO cutting speed, but that is the way they are designed and they have a really good reputation for reliability.

The newer models have better undercarriage, HST fan and oil filter protection than the older models, but if you are going to operate in the brush, I would get a plate from Bro Tek or Bxpanded.

 

[JOHNTHOMAS]

I am the type that will regret not getting the larger one over the smaller one.
Decision made. Get the BX2360 and DO NOT (STOP LOOKING AND LISTENING TO ANYONE) look at any bigger models. You will go crazy since there is always another one with just a few more HP.
I still have trouble running the throttle up to best operating level on my Kubotas but I do. That's the way they are made. They are not gas car engines that need to run quiet and super smooth. I do determine my RPMs by sound and how well they are cutting, digging or what ever but up nearer the tyop of RPMs instead of near the lower RPMs. If they bog down any with the job I'm doing then I do full or almost full throttle.
Never had any experience with any BXs over heating. They are almost unbreakable and I've done most things that many people on here say to never do and they kep on going.

 

[vrmnthntr]

We decided on a BX2360 today. Should take delivery sometime next week.

The deciding factors were the 60 inch deck and the extra 5 hp. My wife also felt the BX2360 was just a little bit smoother riding over the grass compared to the 1860 (and the zero turn which will beat you to death).

I appreciate all the responses. Next I have to decide on a pto generator but I have been searching this site and have found some good information as always.