Upgrading to BX2680... Looking for input...

[Dunlapjc]

Group,
I've enjoyed our BX2660 for the past 8 years or so and I'm just about to pull the trigger on upgrading to a new 80 series unit.

I've been working with the dealer on a trade in and and am ready to pull the trigger but would like this group's feedback on a couple of options:

1) Mid-Mount Mower Deck: The dealer is telling me that a 54" provides a better cut than a 60" deck. I currently have the 60" and have been mostly satisfied. My priority list is as follows: Ability to mow close to walls and trees, quality of cut, efficiency.

2) Snowblower: My front mount BX2750D was really the weak link in the system. Since bending the unit 5-6 years ago it's never been quite right. The dealer says the BX2816 is better built with thicker gauge steel. Any feedback from this group? Kubota also offers the BX2822-55 Commercial grade version. I prefer the 50" width, but want the feedback from this group. I'm going to configure it the same way as I have today: Hydraulic rotation and electric chute deflector.


So what does this group think? Any other feedback? Does anyone know if any of my BXpanded accessories will work with the QA bucket? (rolling cart, QA hooks, pallet forks), my guess is not, but it's worth asking...

Thanks all,
Jon

 

[Tractor Dell]

Messick's just did a video on the new snow blower for the 80 series. He mentions it is built a lot stronger than the previous ones. Kubota BX 8 Series with BX2816 Front Snowblower - YouTube Even though Neil sells Kubota's, he gives honest opinions on the equipment he sells. I know. I bought mine from him, and he was honest when he said that I probably want X and don't need Y.

When I looked at the BXpanded things, most of the bucket options were not set up for QA bucket. To roll the bucket around, I bought a $18 furniture dolly from Lowes and it works great. If you are talking about rolling the whole FEL around, then I have no idea. I did get their under armor kit, and the fat pads for the backhoe, and they are nice. Got some 2" rear wheel spacers from Broteck. The size you get will depend on what MMM you install, as some will not work with certain size mowers.

As for the mower, I don't have one on my BX. I have a lawn tractor that I use for that.

 

[Dunlapjc]

Thanks, much appreciated. I hadn't seen the video. Yeah, the dolly I have now for the whole loader assembly with arms is indispensable in moving things around the shop...

 

[AStanton]

I'm curious: why are you sticking with the BX? Why not upgrade to a B?

 

[lpigott]

I'm curious: why are you sticking with the BX? Why not upgrade to a B?

Or just staying with what you have. My old BX 2200 is still doing great and no way I would trade it for a new version yet. No way I would go less than a 60" deck either. You dealer is full of crap and must only have units with 54" MMM in stock.

 

[diesel85]

Or just staying with what you have. My old BX 2200 is still doing great and no way I would trade it for a new version yet. No way I would go less than a 60" deck either. You dealer is full of crap and must only have units with 54" MMM in stock.

I love my BX2200. Very reliable and there when I need it. However, there are times when I wish it was bigger and times glad that it's smaller.

In another year or so, I plan on upgrading to either a B-series or L-series. I still keep looking at both, deciding which one I will eventually pick.

To go laterally from a BX2660 to a BX2680 isn't really worth it. If my plans were that I liked the BX series and it totally suited me, but my current BX was giving me problems, then I might do a lateral move. Since it sounds like your BX2660 is working well, why change what ain't broke?

 

[Dunlapjc]

Really, my main purpose was to get a new snowblower because I've beat mine up pretty badly... When I engaged with the dealer I was offered a trade in that's pretty hard to refuse.

Call it the John Thomas syndrome...

The BX size serves me well. I'd love to upgrade to a B, but size and storage and budget leaves me replacing what I currently have with a zero hour younger version with better ergonomics... I had contemplated getting the 23S with the backhoe, but I don't want to give up that extra HP.

-Jon

 

[dalola]

Can't comment on the snow blower, but you'll love the tractor! The new 80's are so nice to operate.

As to the mower, if efficiency/cut quality is really high on your list, and your budget allows, look into a commercial ZTR, and leave mid-mount hassles and long hours behind!

 

[dodge man]

I like the 60" deck also. I like the way the left side sticks out a little bit further and allows you to get a little closer to bushes and stuff that might hang over and hit you otherwise.

 

[rich bx]

Group,
I've enjoyed our BX2660 for the past 8 years or so and I'm just about to pull the trigger on upgrading to a new 80 series unit.

I've been working with the dealer on a trade in and and am ready to pull the trigger but would like this group's feedback on a couple of options:

1) Mid-Mount Mower Deck: The dealer is telling me that a 54" provides a better cut than a 60" deck. I currently have the 60" and have been mostly satisfied. My priority list is as follows: Ability to mow close to walls and trees, quality of cut, efficiency.

2) Snowblower: My front mount BX2750D was really the weak link in the system. Since bending the unit 5-6 years ago it's never been quite right. The dealer says the BX2816 is better built with thicker gauge steel. Any feedback from this group? Kubota also offers the BX2822-55 Commercial grade version. I prefer the 50" width, but want the feedback from this group. I'm going to configure it the same way as I have today: Hydraulic rotation and electric chute deflector.


So what does this group think? Any other feedback? Does anyone know if any of my BXpanded accessories will work with the QA bucket? (rolling cart, QA hooks, pallet forks), my guess is not, but it's worth asking...

Thanks all,
Jon

on #1:
All things being equal (blade sharpness, spindle rotational speed, ground travel speed) the narrower the deck width, the better it follows the imperfect contours of the lawn, so it makes for a "better" quality cut.
If what you are mowing is really flat, there will be no noticeable difference in the cut. FWIW.

 

[JOHNTHOMAS]

I started with a BX2200 FEL MMM 14 years ago. If I'd stayed with that fantastic little machine I'd be crying, thinking about all the other BXs, Bs, Ls, Fs, Z and ZD Kubota made for me that I had missed using!!!! Course the BX2200 probably wouldn't lift my 6' Landpride Rotary mower or my front grapple and know it wouldn't pull out saplings with the JDUNN Grapple and not sure it would handle the hydraulic post hole digger but it was a great little BX! The BX2660 I owned also wouldn't handle the attachments. Some of the Bs I've owned maybe would handle them. That B7800, B2650 and B2620 were pretty strong and the B2320 was cute with those Ag tires but it was my first and last gear drive tractor. TRADE I SAY, TRADE!!!!!:laughing::laughing: Don't worry about the JT syndrome, it's just a rumor!:cool2: PS I recently bought a BX2370-1 with hydraulic valve instead of the BX2380 without hyd valve both priced the same with a 60" side discharge deck. I hate side discharge decks but a rear discharge wasn't available so I had the mulching kit added which eliminates the side discharge chute for mowing on both sides of the deck and stops the grass from blowing all over me, my wife and my grandson with the side exit cover plate that comes with the mulching kit. It mows great.

 

[Dunlapjc]

Thanks all for the input and feedback. I really think that JT syndrome is contagious...
New rig should be delivered in the next couple of weeks...
-Jonathan

 

[SDT]

I'm curious: why are you sticking with the BX? Why not upgrade to a B?

I agree. I've been dealing with this dilemma for about 15 years.

I have a B1750HST with bi speed turn and 60" terrain following MMM that I bought new in 1994. It currently has a bit over 500 hours on it.

For the past 15 years or so, I've casually shopped all manufacturers for anything that I might want to replace it with if I was surprised with a catastrophic failure. So far I have found nothing from any manufacturer that I like even remotely as well.

Bi speed turn, no longer available anywhere. Position control, not available on BX. Terrain following deck (much more versatile than suspended deck) not available on BX, though still available on some B series. Etc.

It looks like they may burry me with my B1750HST.

SDT

 

[JOHNTHOMAS]

Thanks all for the input and feedback. I really think that JT syndrome is contagious...
New rig should be delivered in the next couple of weeks...
-Jonathan

CONGRATULATIONS!!!!! :thumbsup::thumbsup::thumbsup:
People rarely regret what they bought but spend lots of time thinking about the I should ofs, especially when their machine stops working or needs a major repair.
NOW FOR THE WAIT!!!!

 

[rottiman]

Incoming: New BX2680 on turf tires with 344 FEL, 54" D/O deck and the 55" Commercial F/M Blower.

Replacing: A 11 yo Case Farmall DX 25E with 893 hours. It has L110 FEL, 60"mmm and a 64" Kubota B/U Blower.

Tractor due in any time now. Loader and Mower already @ dealer. Front Blower due in 11/15.............and yes, the wait has been a killer.

 

[check 6]

For what it’s worth, I downgraded from a grand L cab tractor, which was great I just thought at my age. It’s probably better to go smaller and I went down to a BX 2680 great tractor have a rear camera function valve for grapple and a canopy over to keep me out of the sun drawback is anemic hydraulics that would pallet forks will only lift 300 pounds so after long thought I’m gonna upgrade to an LX 2620 biggest reason is more lifting capacity however it also gives you a three position hydrostatic transmission so the low is lower than what’s on the BX the highest higher than what’s on the BX and you have the mid level for work. My dealer who I like very much offered a decent trade on the BX, but after much thought, I think I’m gonna keep the BX and go ahead and get the LX and that way at my age, I can keep the grapple and the aerator on the BX and the bucket and or pallet forks on the LX with the box blade is a ballast, bottom line from that long diatribe is sit down. Decide what you wanna do with the tractor and what you may want to do later and make your purchase something that will fill the current needs and give room for expansion to perhaps future needs nothing wrong with the BX though and why I chose the LX is all the BX implements will fit From an old guy 83 doesn’t want to slow down but needs a little help in doing the chores that used to be easy

 

[tjstractors]

For what it’s worth, I downgraded from a grand L cab tractor, which was great I just thought at my age. It’s probably better to go smaller and I went down to a BX 2680 great tractor have a rear camera function valve for grapple and a canopy over to keep me out of the sun drawback is anemic hydraulics that would pallet forks will only lift 300 pounds so after long thought I’m gonna upgrade to an LX 2620 biggest reason is more lifting capacity however it also gives you a three position hydrostatic transmission so the low is lower than what’s on the BX the highest higher than what’s on the BX and you have the mid level for work. My dealer who I like very much offered a decent trade on the BX, but after much thought, I think I’m gonna keep the BX and go ahead and get the LX and that way at my age, I can keep the grapple and the aerator on the BX and the bucket and or pallet forks on the LX with the box blade is a ballast, bottom line from that long diatribe is sit down. Decide what you wanna do with the tractor and what you may want to do later and make your purchase something that will fill the current needs and give room for expansion to perhaps future needs nothing wrong with the BX though and why I chose the LX is all the BX implements will fit From an old guy 83 doesn’t want to slow down but needs a little help in doing the chores that used to be easy

Those LX are great machines. I really wanted one but really don't need it nor have the space for it so I talked myself in to the BX2680.