B7500 vs BX2200 or BX22

[bellweather]

I’m considering buying a new BX2200. I’ve got about 10 acres of property some lawn, mostly wooded, with a 400’ gravel driveway. Looking to do general landscaping, moving stones/logs, some contouring, swales, driveway maintenance, trenches, and mowing. Dealer thinks I’d be happier with the B7500, but after I add the cost of a loader and backhoe it’s thousands more. Then I heard about the BX22 which will include a loader and backhoe, and I can add a 54” belly mower – sounds like a winner, though I got to admit the B7500 looks like a lot more capable machine. Any comments regarding my choices would be greatly appreciated.

 

[Charliebrn]

Well, don't forget to get prices on all packages. It's hard to tell what to recommend until you have those.

Keep in mind that the 7500 has more ground clearance for the woods, and will also give you more flexibility on the 3pt, something that may be important for some of the fancy log winchs I've heard about on TBN. Other than that, the BX22 does sound very promising....

 

[bellweather]

Good point about ground clearance in the woods. Thanks
Bellweather

 

[TresCrows]

The BX ground clearence is not as limited as you think however clearly the tractor you need is the Kubota B2410. More ground clearence than the 7500, position control, bigger tires, more engine, more lift capacity on the 3-point and the FEL, wider stance and some other deluxe features like a bigger seat and all still in a very manuverable package size. Something to think about.
J

 

[bellweather]

The B2410 looks very nice, but I do have a somewhat limited budget. Maybe I'm dreaming but I was hoping to jump into this tractor thing for under $20K, including loader, mower, and backhoe. Thanks for the suggestion.

 

[Muhammad]

There's always the used option. /w3tcompact/icons/smile.gif If done right, you can get a really nice machine at a good price... keep in mind the B2400, B2100, B21, B2710, etc. You might be better off waiting maybe a month or 6 weeks for the used market to start to fill up again. Plus, the TBN classifieds are coming soon and there are usually several nice small TLBs listed. Mowers can always be added.

 

[Anonymous Poster]

Several things to consider when selecting a tractor, any tractor. Applications current/future use, cost vs. limitations, and resale value (determines true cost of owning and operating)
Your description of requiring versatility is common to both tractors the B7500HSD or the BX22. However the BX22 was designed specifically for Residential use, including removal and installation of loader/Backhoe/mower having no requirement for tools, easy-on, easy-off.It is sold as the "One tractor solution" for the homeowner. It is also capable of front mounted implements such as front blade, sweeper broom and snowblower based on your climate. For yor gravel driveway you can use a front blade or simply remove the backhoe and use a CATI rear blade or a box blade, you said ligh grading. It is a perfect choice for mowing with an optional 60" deck available.
Now the differences
The BX22 is a sub-compact, the B7500 is a compact tractor. The B7500 has a larger frame, larger tires and weighs more. This improves traction/pulling power.
BX22 has operational loader lift capacity of 460lbs.
The B7500 has operational lift capacity of 595lbs. or 660 lbs two loaders are offered.
The BX22 backhoe has breakout force of 2,000lbs.
The B7500 Backhoe has breakout force of 2,950lbs.
Both are rated 6' backhoes (SAE 2' flat bottom)
The B7500 is offered in hydrostatic and gear drive and is designed for Residential and some commerical operations such as nurseries, landscapers etc.
Overall if your are going to be a "weekend warrior" and the described specifications of the BX22 fit the bill for current and future applications and you ground conditions are not rock or hardpan then the BX22 is priced to be the Best Value on the Market, where else can you purchase a 22 Horsepower diesel, with a loader, and a integrated backhoe,that can mow your lawn (mower deck is optional)as well for the price your Dealer can offer.
I hope this information helps in you in your search for the right tractor to help you develop your 10 acres. Good Luck!and Thank-you for considering KUBOTA.
tom





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[bellweather]

screenduster- thanks for the detailed info. Based on what I'm reading, it sounds like the B7500 would be the "safer" choice because of the extra grunt. However, if my needs can be covered by the BX22, I can't complain about saving some coins. Being new to the tractor scene, it's a little hard for me to know whether my future (and current) needs may exceed the BX22. My ground conditions are typical of western New England...clay soil, roots, and yes, stones in places. The BX22s aren't availble yet, so I'll use the time to continue my research. Thanks again.

 

[LNL]

I was in a similar situation 3 years ago, deciding on a nice riding mower, or a small tractor, or a multipurpose machine such as the "bx". I bought a B7300 with a Kubota 54" deck and a loader. My first tractor. Total cost was 12,400. What I found was that I really enjoyed the tractor but the B7300 was not enough tractor, lacked weight and power to perform the "tractoring" I was looking for. It is tough to mow around the house, trees, etc., with the mower deck, it does not turn tight enough(you would have the same problem with the 7500). I have to go back and finish with a push mower. To do tractor work the deck needs to be removed or you have no ground clearance. Even with the deck off, the ground clearance is slightly hampered by the attaching components remaining on the tractor. The tires(bar/turf) also will leave marks on your lawn, this may not be of concern to you but you should be aware.

Recently I decided to sell the B7300, I traded it in on a B2910 with the Kubota loader, my cost was around 13,500 for the tractor and 2,800 for the loader. I then purchased a new riding mower to do the mowing. Since I only mow lawn around the house and 0.5 acre, this suits MY needs better.

You may also want to consider this option. A nice riding mower can be purchased for the price of the Kubota deck. I would reccomend buying the most powerful "b" series that would fit your budget. The loader on the 2710/2910 is substantially stronger than the B74/7500 unit. If you want to do a lot of dirt moving, etc, then I would definitely reccomend the larger tractors. Good luck, Larry---------

 

[bellweather]

LNL - thanks for the input. I see where the decision is not so straightforward. Your observations about the limitations of the mid-mower concern me, plus if you thought the B7300 was underpowered, what does that say for a BX22?