Buying Advice Advice sought on new BX1500

[SteveM]

Just to throw in a note about the 2cyl issue; vibration is a concern, although I think it is mitigated by the counter-rotating 'slug' weight. But certainly longevity is NOT an issue to be concerned with a 2cyl vs a 3 cyl. I have now owned 3 nearly 30yr old kubota/ other jap 2cyl tractors and they just go and go. The good thing about one less cylinder is a reduction in fuel usage, and somewhat lower repair cost over the long haul. As for the power concern, I had an old B6000E with a 12.5 hp 2cyl and it really had a lot of lugging power for the tiller and MMM. I never had a PHD on it, but I would have expected fine results. They were the strongest 12.5 horses I have ever seen /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

Given the narrow price difference between the 1500 and 1800, I think you need to give it real consideration - but dont let anyone tell you that the 1500 wont be a good tractor. /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif

 

[Anonymous Poster]

I keep reading the negatives about the 1500 and the "weak" 2 cylinder. I have about 30 hours on mine and it is so superior to any 2 cylinder gas air cooled engine that most of us have used. It is not a B7500 (which I have many hours on) but for the intended purpose of the 1500 it is a very smooth and powerful machine. I did not buy it for loader work. I think it would work fine for light duty application though. I use mine for mowing, rear blade and snowblower as well as towing yard trailers and the like. The vibration you all worry about is only at idle, these engines need to be half of more throttle for the hydraulics to work right and the engine is smooth from quarter throttle to full throttle (working range) so shut it off when not using it and put the throttle where it should be for work and it is almost as smooth as the B7500 I run.

 

[smartguyz]

Hey Kevin,

Since you are one of the rare guys who actually has seat time on a BX1500, perhaps you could write up a review here and give us all some benefit of instruction. Perhaps a few pictures as well? I for one would love to hear more and know your detailed analysis.

Sincerely,

Rob

 

[r0GuE]

I SERIOUSLY doubt you could call the 1500 weak with a straight face. I think it would do as much work as you could throw at it for its size. As for the 2 cyl, issue. I think it would be a fine engine too. If not for the small cost difference, I'd buy one (if looking for a new tractor today). Them Kubota guys really have the prices structured well. Like movie theatre soda pop. For a nickle more.... The next thing you know, you have a gallon of Coke. Anyway, I still think the extra cylinder will soak up alot of load thus making all your jobs less stressfull to the machine. This is just a gut feel though. For the tasks that you would be doing with a small machine like a BX, it probably would never matter anyway.
As for the vibration, I agree, once throttled up the purr like a Kubota... (thought I was gonna say kitty huh? /forums/images/graemlins/smirk.gif)

 

[TresCrows]

I doubt the BX1500 will be able to handle a boxblade. My 2200 will run out of power before traction with a 48 inch Kubota boxblade. I cannot see the 1500 using much more than a very light 36 inch--which I have never seen and would not cover the tire tracks. You say you want a "realy useful machine that will last"---that is the BX2200 and if I was you that is what I would get and I would get the 60 inch deck. The 1500 is going to be shy on power to work the boxblade, rear blade and FEL. I could be wrong but in this case I doubt it. As much as a FEL cost I would want to be able to use it at it's maximum effort and a BX 2200 is a real work horse when coupled with the FEL and Boxblade and a great mower with the 60 inch MMM. If you are going to spend 10,000, spend a few more and get what you really want or you will regret it latter. J

 

[Anonymous Poster]

I am a lousy writer so I will not do much of a review. I use a 60" rear blade and have a 54" mower, and have a 50" snow blower coming. I pushed snow with the blade a few times last winter and never run out of power or traction. I have cut some heavy grass and have plenty of power. I do not have a FEL as I have a B7500 and a Case 430 with FEL available. I used to run a B7100 16hp 3 cylinder and the traction of the BX is not as good but it seems to have good power and is quite smooth for a twin.

 

[Anonymous Poster]

You are correct about the BX2200 being a lot more tractor. My post was written to the fact that the poster seems to want a BX1500. I have 2.5 acres and if I need heavy dirt work done I will rent the right machine for a weekend rather than have to use a 2200 size machine as a lawn mower. Mowing is probably 75% of my needs, some back blade work, and snow blowing. I find it perfect for the small yard. We each have to decide which unit is best for our needs. Dealers in my area also rent so you try out a machine to see how you like it.