7500 or bx2200 w/FEL?

[PondKeeper]

"and lots of mowing. O.K. you got me on that one....probably won't need the loader for that."

I can add to that one....I intend to use my loader for mowing, kinda! I will be empting the grass catcher bags on my garden tractor into the FEL and then dumping them clear across the yard to the mulch pile that my graden unit can't get too. I've always had to lug them one bag (about 60#'s each) at a time by hand.

I'm going to park the the B7500 right in the yard and play tractor shuffle, all the time with a big smile.
Been lugging that grass way too long!

 

[perrycounty]

If you decide to get the FEL... Seriously consider getting a toothbar for it. It will enhance the use of the FEL greatly.

Jeff

B2410
FEL w/Toothbar
60"MMM
72" Woods Blade

 

[chrisjbell]

<font color="blue"> thought I was leaning towards 2200, MMM, but using a RFM may look at the 7500 </font>

From what you describe, you're on (basically) flat land and will be using it to mow and move stuff around. I definately agree on the FEL - get one, you won't be sorry. But you probably don't need to go up to the B7500. I was actually going to suggest that you look at the BX1800 - it is a nice, small, but powerful and useful machine. I just checked one out a couple of weeks ago - pretty nice.

I'm usually telling people to go bigger ('cause I want to but can't justify it - my tractor handles everything I need). However, there isn't much sense buying a big tractor that won't ever break a sweat when a smaller one (that can probably handle the job just fine) will do the trick.

I suppose it comes down to budget, and how tractor crazy you are /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif.

 

[Rick Jay]

PondKeeper,

Your solution to use the loader to help you with your grass cutting is a perfect example of how most of us found uses for our tractor (especially the loader) that we never had thought about before having the tractor. It didn't occur to me when I was making the post, but is certainly worth mentioning for a situation like yours.

A loader typically adds 20-30% to the cost of a tractor while increasing it's usefullness, at least in my case, well over 100%, perhaps 200-300%! To me, that's a real good return on investment. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif (If only my stocks did as well. /forums/images/graemlins/crazy.gif)

~Rick

 

[PhilNH5]

Like everybody else I heartily endorse a FEL. I spent a long time researching and then "justifying" the purchase of a tractor and FEL.
I went with the BX2200. I used the FEL to plow the drive 6 times in the first month. We burn 2 wood stoves for heat. In the past we used a garden cart until snow fall and then a sled to haul wood from the woodpile to the house. Lots of bending over and tough on the back. Now we use the FEL. Set the bucket at a convient height and throw the wood in. Same to unload it. No more bending over.
Last fall an early snow hit before I did leaf removal. Now the snow is almost all gone and I have slick mats of soaking wet leaves all along my retaining walls and pullouts. Used the FEL to scoop up about 50%. No bending at all. The other 50% were so matted the FEL couldn't get them. So park the bucket on the ground and rake right into it. Still no bending. I love this thing.
My plow service (prior to getting the BX) knocked over an ornamental garden wall and scattered it pretty well. I am re-building it by hand (lots of bending over) but no hauling - just throw the rocks into the bucket.

So the FEL has proven its worth and my tractor is just 6 weeks old. Guess you can tell I recommend one.

Phil

 

[Anonymous Poster]

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( Used the FEL to scoop up about 50%. No bending at all. The other 50% were so matted the FEL couldn't get them. So park the bucket on the ground and rake right into it. Still no bending. I love this thing.
)</font>

I found a way that works even better... my Wife raked the leaves into the bucket while I operated the tractor! /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

 

[Jeff396]

<font color="blue"> ...and lots of mowing. O.K. you got me on that one </font>

Not so useful for mowing, but good for mower maintenance. I just used my fel to lift one side of the mower deck to replace my blades. I sure wouldn't have wanted to lift that monster by hand! /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

Jeff

 

[Boone]

I use the FEL to lift the brush hog up on blocks to an easy hieght for mounting. I use it for filling ruts in lawn from the inevitable times a vehicle has to move across the lawn, like last fall when the semi tractor trailer rig came in with 14 full cords of firewood.

 

[r0GuE]

I dread those tire marks, I may be getting a huge shed delivered in a few weeks.

 

[TresCrows]

Sounds like a BX2200 with FEL to me. The BX 60 in MMM is far better than the 7500's and can easily handle 3 acres of "smooth" or even not so smooth lawn. Actually the BX MMM is better on rough ground than that of the 7500 because the BX uses a fully suspended deck. All you need is a BX, if you want a bigger tractor for looks go and get one.
How do you like Florida? J