Bx1500 or hold out for a bigger unit?

jeff9366 · Feb 12, 2018

Pretty funny, JOHNTHOMAS, for those that follow your tractor paths.

RalphVa · Feb 12, 2018

I like little tractors. Also like small cars and pickups. The one bad thing about little things though is the manufacturers think you want them because you want less expensive, and they simply won't put many goodies on the smaller models because people think "bigger is better". One smaller (and it wasn't as small in hp as my slightly bigger 4010) tractor that had a good goodie was the 1025R. It had a nice, smooth startup of the PTO built in that my larger 2025R does not have.

The other thing about the BX and smaller, squatier JD tractors is that they put the hydraulic coolers and cooling fan underneath. You cannot live with this if you drive your tractor into any kind of brush at all. For instance, I've had brush simply rip the oil dipstick out of my Gravely. I'd probably have the hydraulic cooling fan blades ripped off really quickly.

To avoid this on a Kubota, you need to go up to the B level. I really liked the B2301 but had no opportunity to try out its loader or anything. They were new about 2 years ago, and the Kubota dealer had gotten one in but had not put anything onto it for trial.

At that time, I decided to simply trade in my quirky 1025R and buy the 2025R, which is very much like the 4010 that I had for 9 years with very few problems. The 2025R has a bunch more goodies on it missing from the 4010 but does not have the smooth take off on the PTO that was about the only good thing on the 1025R.

Ralph

Sparkynutz · Feb 12, 2018

I just got home from test driving my friends bx2670. Darn nice machine. Very smooth operation, but I do think it'd just too big for my needs and wouldn't gain much in nimbleness over using the skid loader I can already use any time now for big stuff. I'll have to look into the oil cooler thing, maybe relocate it or something if it's an issue because I plan on using whatever I get to clear some new trails too and there are always hidden sticks, stumps, etc in the marsh grass. I've stopped my little Murry dead in its tracks many times and it just starts right back up. It is a little sketchy tho on some of the hills trying to go slow and not pop wheelies letting the clutch out. I can't wait to get a bucket in there to smooth out some of the ruts and hills. The longer wheelbase should help too I bet. Depending where it's located it might be somewhat protected by the mower deck. I could fab up a steel guard for it too of need be. I'd rather get hung up on a guard than wreck something critical to operation.

Rock Crawler · Feb 12, 2018

It is not a part that can be relocated. You can buy or build a skidplate to protect it. The cooler is actually cast into the front of the rear axle housing, it is integral to the axle/transmission. The fan is a part of the rear driveshaft yoke, it is a plastic fan sandwiched between the CV shaft yoke and the input shaft to the rear axle/transmission.

When I had the subcompact I just made my own skid by extending the factory skid up and forward to close off the gaping hole. See photos attached.

JOHNTHOMAS · Feb 13, 2018

I plan on using whatever I get to clear some new trails too and there are always hidden sticks, stumps, etc in the marsh grass. I've stopped my little Murry dead in its tracks many times and it just starts right back up. It is a little sketchy tho on some of the hills trying to go slow and not pop wheelies letting the clutch out. I can't wait to get a bucket in there to smooth out some of the ruts and hills.
Your probably going to be disappointed in your cutting down hills and leveling ruts with the BX1500. Traction is the major problem with the BXs and many sub and compact tractors due to light weight. To much added weight and theBX1500 will be underpowered but it is the best BX for mowing that Kubota makes. Keep the MMM on and you will mostly be safe with fan protection, noting is 100% safe since little sticks seem to be able to get thru any opening and there has to be some opening to provide air for cooling.
If it doesn't meet your needs you'll get most of your money back if you keep the hours down and keep it looking new. Not risking a lot to see if it works for you as you seem determined to do anyway no matter what opinions you've rec'd. Only accept opinions that back up what you want to hear and you'll be OK.

Rock Crawler · Feb 13, 2018

JOHNTHOMAS said:
Only accept opinions that back up what you want to hear and you'll be OK.

That is the general rule of the internet forums. If you do not like the resounding truth that you hear.... keep asking until at least one person says what you wish to hear. If that does not work, go to a different forum and ask again. Make multiple posts if you need to... And then move on in the direction you originally planned because now you found that desperately needed validation. It's wrong. Your screwing up. But dang it, you got validation! If a person does not plan to follow the sage advice, why do they bother asking in the first place?

Sparkynutz · Feb 13, 2018

I understand what you're saying but I've also taken opinions like a grain of salt. Most people that dont even own one or have any experience even trying one are the only ones saying it doesn't have enough power and go bigger. I then I come across other posts by actual owners that maintain up to 10 acres doing anything and everything with it saying they were never let down power wise doing everything they've asked of it. It's not so much looking for only opinions that agree with my goals as opinions of actual owners with real seat time. I honestly don't understand how people can recommend against something they have never even sat on. I am happy for those with bigger machines with money to blow but thankful for posts of cash strapped people like me that don't put wants before needs.
Enough about that.

I talked to owner of the bx1500 last night and got about 15 or so high res pictures of it. It's definitely more beat up and faded than the original low resolution pictures let on. I need to look closer at display and make sure it wasn't replaced by owner prior to current. I still intend looking at it and will do my best to look it over well with a finetoothed comb. If it's not up to snuff I'll pass and look at that other bx at a dealer on way home.
There's an overpriced bx1870 at a dealer 15 miles from me I'm thinking of checking out just for the heck of it to get a better idea on size comparison prior to my trip too.
I'd post pics if I knew how.
One thing I'm curios about tho.
The rear 3 point hitch has what looks like an adjustable shackle but only on one side and I seen only one on another bx tractor in dealer pics as well.
Why only 1 shackle?
I tried searching with no luck. Probably wrong search terms.