2 Acres, landscaping, and a tractor

Yankee · Dec 22, 2003

I'm buying a new place with two acres - former pasture, all hill (not TOO steep), ditch in front. I'll be putting in some retaining walls, renovating at least 3/4 acre into lawn, and putting up a couple of outbuildings. No planting of any kind on the property right now, so I'll be doing that over a year or two (or three or ...). I'm debating between a BX23 TLB, a Massey GC2310 TLB (saw it today, nice machine), or going bigger, the new B7610, with a loader. I'm inclined to go with a 3ph mower no matter which way I go. I like the quarter inching valve and better ground clearance.

Problem is, I can't afford a hoe if I go with the 7610. Personally, I think I'd rather go without it. The way I figure it, while a hoe would find its uses, and I do have some for it for a while, it's not like a loader. How would you all go ditching without one? Angled blade? Ripper? Scoop? I don't mind some shovel work if the dirt's loose. Planting's easier - guess I could go with a PHD.

Opinions? Any thoughts appreciated.

Bill

Henro · Dec 22, 2003

My gut is telling me that 2 acres is not that much and a backhoe is really nice to have!

Many here have given very positive reports about the bx23 size TLBs.

I may be reading more [or less] than one should into what you said in your post, but I would vote that you go with the small TLB. That is what I would do...probably!

That is unless I could swing the B7610 with a loader and backhoe... /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif

jpr62902 · Dec 23, 2003

As a BX22 owner, I can highly recommend it for your needs. I was in the same boat as you and went BX instead of B7500 mainly due to cost (extra 5k for the TLB w\60 " MMM). Another consideration was storage and space. I barely have enough room for the BX let alone a bigger tractor.

I have no idea what the specs are on the 7610, but my guess is you'd get stronger hydraulics and more pulling power from extra weight and HP. The 3PH would probably be more versatile too. The GC2310, I believe, is comparable to the BX22 with slightly better specs.

That said, the BX22 is so incredibly versatile and I've never wanted for power with it. The BH is a pretty powerful digger (almost 2k lbs of breakout force when curling the bucket) and I can switch from TLB to mowing machine in about 20 minutes. Don't know if you can do that with the other units. The thing is also pretty darn manueverable. In any event, you won't go wrong with any of these tractors. Its just that there's a trade off with any of them.

jpr62902 · Dec 23, 2003

Almost forgot ...

I LOVE MY BACKHOE. Not in a weird way -- its just so darn useful.

GregJ · Dec 23, 2003

I have 2.5 acres and a B7500 with a 4672BH. I also looked at the BX22 very closely before I bought. The primary reason I stepped up was the groud clearance and lift capacities of the 3pt. and FEL. I picked up on a couple of things you said about your property. It is sloped and currently nothing is planted. It sounds like a BX23TLB would be ideal for that. It has a lower center of gravity and if nothing is planted, you won't be doing anything like stump removal. I went with the B7500 because I had some stumps to remove and I also need the clearance to get into the woods and down to the beach on my property. I also move pallets of firewood, so I need every bit of lift the B7500 has. Other than that, a BX22 probably would have been fine for me. As far as a BH..... they do a lot more than just ditches. I use it all the time for everything from digging holes to "weeding". They are very useful for landscaping and maintenance. Hope this helps. Just happy to spend somebody elses money..... /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

Greg

danboy · Dec 23, 2003

I would like to know which tires you use on the 7500 and if you are satisfied.

songhunter · Dec 23, 2003

Congratulations on the project! It sounds great.
/forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif
My only concern would be the low ground clearance of the smaller machines. Even though you are developing pasture land, I'd go with a little more clearance.

I have been developing an area somewhat similar to what you describe. My tractor has about 10" ground clearance, and I'm always falling into old fence post or stump holes.

On the other hand, the lower ground clearance would probably make the machine more stable on slightly hilly terrain.

Hope all goes well, and Happy Holidays!

Rimmer · Dec 23, 2003

"The way I figure it, while a hoe would find its uses, and I do have some for it for a while, it's not like a loader."

Ha!

I bought the BX-23 because I really wanted a backhoe, and it fit my budget a lot better than, say, a B7800 + hoe. What a tool! Not just for trencing -- ripping up sod, turning soil for a flower bed, planting trees, close work right next to the house, etc., etc. You can do incredibly precise work with it. You can pick up dirt by the bucketful, or skim an inch at a time. You may never pick up a shovel again. /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif

Based on your description, the BX-23 or GC-2310 would probably be ideal. If you search back through the Kubota Operating forum, you'll find reports from people who have moved literally *tons* of material with the BX-22/23, BX-2200, etc.

/forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif

zapper · Dec 23, 2003

Wow bh's are really becoming popular. I loved reading the posts of what can be done with a bh. I've never owned one before and cant wait for my b7610 and bh to be delivered. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif