Should I buy a BX or a B?

[dragoneggs]

Do you mean the skid steer option for the FEL, or something else?

I have the BX25D. The newer BX23S has a QA standard if I remember right. I'm not sure what you fork options are. I bought an after market QA and forks... not skid steer mount. My point was you will likely enjoy and use forks more than you realized you would. My back thanks me regularly.

 

[Diggin It]

I have never owned a tractor. I have rented a few times, ...

Don't be fussy about orange paint. Red and Blue do fine. Better, stronger machines for less money. Got my whole outfit for a bunch of bucks less that just the orange machine and FEL.

 

[dragoneggs]

Don't be fussy about orange paint. Red and Blue do fine. Better, stronger machines for less money. Got my whole outfit for a bunch of bucks less that just the orange machine and FEL.

No... do be fussy and get what you want. Hopefully you will have a long long time with no regrets. I'm not advocating for a particular color, I just am done settling for something other than I wanted when it comes to tools and other hopefully 'lifetime' purchases.

 

[SDT]

I have never owned a tractor. I have rented a few times, so at least I have a few hours of seat time, though not enough to know what I'm talking about. I have about 3 acres total, about 1 is grass/landscaping, the rest is wooded. I have plans to refresh my landscaping as well as to peel out some of the trees and put in a garden. I also want to make some paths through the wooded parts for some small bike trails for me and the kids. I have some hills, so tippiness is something I have to keep in mind. I plan to fill the tires and add spacers with either rig.

I was thinking of getting a bx23s as I know I want a loader and hoe. But I keep wondering if I will miss the extra lifting capacity of the B series.

Eventually I will also get a snowblower an I'll build a ballast box and possibly other attachments, though none planned at the moment.

I'm already going to put out a lot of money that I have been saving a long time for, so the extra $5k (ish) for the B over the BX is hard to swallow. Will I be fine sticking with the BX?

The BX has neither position control nor turning brakes.

Both are show stoppers for me.

SDT

 

[Tractor Seabee]

Another voice on now the BX23S. I have a BX 25. Like Dragoneggs (we live in the same aa and visit once in awhile) I love my BX. Everything you want to do I have done and probably more with my BX same stuff as Dragon. A tooth-bar on the FEL is a must. I could not justify the cost of a grapple so I have 4 clamp on forks for handling logs, sticks and brush. When I bought it I lived on 21 Ac of timberland. Some pretty good slopes to negotiate. I learned the techniques pretty fast. You must maintain situational awareness. No alcohol when working on slopes or uneven ground, cardinal rule. A B with a BH added will be several $K more. I could not see any value added and still feel that way. Guys like us are not doing this for production, more for enjoyment and self satisfaction. If you have the money and want to throw it be my guest, to each his own. To do over I would do the same. I have 1500 hrs on mine and have no out of pocket major repair, Like others said the HST cooling fan is a drawback. I have only replaced it twice even working in woods and brush. Crazy waht a $12 fan costs in the end with Dealer shop prices. I do all my own work even at 80+years. Any tractor will cost much for maintenance, minor repairs if you are not mechanically inclined. Shops up here are $150/hr plus transportation if you do not have a truck and trailer of your own. Don't bother with fluid in the tires, not enough weight added to bother. Think counterweight. I have suitcase weights I can add in 50# increments front or back, p,us like dragon I have the BH on a lot, over 50%. It is a movable ballast on slopes keeping the weight uphill. Let us know what your skills are and we can make more recommendations.

Ron

 

[Tompet]

As others said shop other colors too if you want, but once you are questioning the size choice in your mind you will be second guessing yourself with the BX. Also, once on your property the tractor will shrink to you sizewise. IMO, get the 2601 or 2650. I did the trade up dance mostly for larger BH and would not be without one but in the end go with size and brand you want. In any event, you will enjoy it!

 

[check 6]

I have had several BX tractors over the years and several “B” and I have settled on the “b”. My lot is an acre but I do some work on our subdivision common property. Why the “B”? Better ground clearance. Three speed transmission vs two in the BX. More lifting capability and a true tractor frame etc. the “B” comes in two sizes, the 2650 and the 2601. If you are considering the BX go with the “B” 2601 you will be happy

 

[chim]

Do lots of comparisons. Buy big enough the first time. Then it will take a little longer to realize that one really was't big enough

 

[RalphVa]

I have had several BX tractors over the years and several “B” and I have settled on the “b”. My lot is an acre but I do some work on our subdivision common property. Why the “B”? Better ground clearance. Three speed transmission vs two in the BX. More lifting capability and a true tractor frame etc. the “B” comes in two sizes, the 2650 and the 2601. If you are considering the BX go with the “B” 2601 you will be happy

No. The B also comes as B2301. It and the 2601 are covered by the same operators manual. Have turning brakes and position control on the 3 ph, both things are needed for my work.

Ralph

 

[dalola]

OP, confused yet?

Too many choices some times....

Unless you have something on your property that would restrict the size of the machine, get the biggest *reasonable* machine you can comfortably afford.

Also, make sure you sit on, & operate, your short list tractors. That can help influence the final decision.

I went through a similar process a couple years ago, and went with a BX, as I needed the compact size for tight quarter work. It's done everything I've asked of it so far, some jobs just taking a bit longer, than say, vs. a B tractor.

Good luck!