New Hobby Farm - Is BX25 Enough?

[savaytse66]

Hello all,

It's been a few years since I've browsed these forums, but when I did, I read some great advice that led to my purchase of a BX25. For the last three years, it has been a godsend around my 1-acre house. I couldn't live without the FEL, the 54" belly mower has worked well, and the BH has been a lot of fun in addition to being quite useful.

Well, my wife and I just purchased an 8+ acre "farm". It's mostly pasture, and there are 4 or 5 horses boarding there now. I have no farm experience whatsoever, so we'll be learning as we go. One thing I've learned is that even though the horses munch on the grass all day, the fields still need to be cut and maintained, so my first purchase will be either a rotary mower, which I've never used, or a flail mower, which I've also never used. Before deciding on which is best, however, I need to know whether my BX is going to be enough for this property. Or can I get away with a tire upgrade (ag vs industrial?) and a used mower? We're not exactly operating with an unlimited budget, so that would clearly be a consideration. I'm sure I could get a pretty nice return by selling the BX25, but if I don't have to upgrade right away, I'd rather not have to, especially since I will still need something around our 1-acre property, and anything larger than the BX seems like overkill.

The pasture is probably around 7 acres total. It was cut down once this past summer, so it should be manageable from the get-go. The land is somewhat hilly in places. At some point, we will probably convert some of the pasture to a small orchard and maybe a large garden area.

I'm looking forward to hearing your thoughts! And thanks!

 

[bellweather]

I have 10 acres and a BX22 with 54" MMM, FEL, and BH (also rear blade and chipper). My property is largely wooded and has a 600' gravel driveway. I'm fine with my tractor and implements. I would suggest sticking with the BX25, at least until you get better acquainted with your property and get a clearer idea of your equipment needs.

 

[JOHNTHOMAS]

Keep the BX25 until you find jobs it won't do. I've bought/owned 17 Kubotas and the BX25 is my favorite.

 

[murphy1244]

I wouldn't change until you know to what and why. Give it some time, and JT knows Kubota's.

 

[maddog69]

I have a BX 2200, 22 acres, and a half mile driveway.....been taking care of me and my land for 12 years now....

 

[jeff9366]

Keep the BX25 until you find jobs it won't do. I've bought/owned 17 Kubotas and the BX25 is my favorite.

W O W !

 

[Tollster]

I have 10 acres and a BX22 with 54" MMM, FEL, and BH (also rear blade and chipper). My property is largely wooded and has a 600' gravel driveway. I'm fine with my tractor and implements. I would suggest sticking with the BX25, at least until you get better acquainted with your property and get a clearer idea of your equipment needs.

I second that thought. Take your time and learn the strong points and the weak points of your BX. The strong points tends to out weigh the weak ones, but they are present.. get a shop manual as soon as you can.
I have 13 acres, and moved over 400K of stone this summer, its all wooded on a ridge, so anything bigger would likely be more of a hindrance, particularly with a high center.
I did have a lengthy bevel gear case repair I performed, but none the less, it held up without additional cost, and from past experience, if you use it, your gonna have to repair it,... just maintain it the best you can so its there when you need it most.

 

[radioman]

Well -- not enough info here. Are you maintaining the horses yourself? Do you need to care for them? If that is the case, I'd start thinking of adding on a second tractor. probably used but much bigger. I think you will find that the BX can do things a bigger tractor can't, but if you need to start cutting/baling hay,I'd look into a bigger tractor. Like I said - I am not entirely sure of your intentions in the future on your hobby farm.

 

[superpickle]

The BX should fit your needs for both of your properties. I would find a decent used bush hog for the pastures as you will only use it a few times a year. And with budget concerns I would just buy a few more attachments than a new tractor. My little BX has surprised me and I mow my neighbor's pastures when the grass has been as tall as the hood with my 60" mmm.

 

[check]

I have 25 acres and my BX25 is more than adequate. I kust can't see myself needing to upgrade. You have your FEL which you can expand with the BXpanded bucket expander to double the heaped capacity (like I did), you have both a rear and middle PTO, you have a backhoe that comes off real fast and can dig a 6' ditch, you have 3-pt hitch capacity, your mower, your foldable ROPS, compact size.... I could go on.

I love mine, and can't wait to get up to the cottage this weekend to blow snow with it!

Best of all, you don't have to spend a dime, 'cause you already own one!