BX 15 is it enough

[valleydweller1]

Harley, join the Yahoo Group "KubotaBXSeries", there are quite a few snowblower users there. It seems that they mostly have thier BX's set up with a snowblower on the front for most of the snow and a rear blade for the finish work. They have also invested in cabs to keep warm. They will be able to help you out too.

 

[zumrutter]

Red harley,
I live in Minnesota. I bought a bx1800 two yrs ago. I use this thing ALL the time and love it! /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif I was looking at the larger series, (2910-3010) but am glad i stuck with the bx. I use the loader all the time, i feel it does about 70% of what a skid loader would do. I can mow anything i need ( i live on 5ac. with 3 mowed grass) I have cut deep grass around 1' deep with no problem with a MMM. I have a 60" BB that keeps my 500' driveway looking good. I also have a 50" rear snowblower. Last winter, i had no problems throwing the snow where i needed to. i was concerned at first that the turf tires wouldn't give enough traction but with the loader on all winter, there was no problem. I was also concerned that the pto wouldn' have enough grunt to throw the snow. Once again, with the hst, you just have to move a little slower to keep the r's up. I throw snow easily 50 to 75 ' away. All around, this is one tank of a tractor. Starts everytime, easy maintainance. Buy now, don't look back, and you won't regret it. /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif

 

[JimMorrissey]

Red,

I had a BX2200 and I can tell you that 800' of drive in 10" with a BB is a no-go. You'll be there all day. I'd get a rear blower for it....no question. BB is great for clean up, but not for primary removal unless you stay with each big storm and keep after it all night /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif -Start looking for a set of chains for the rear. Turfs are OK. You will enjoy.

 

[TrailHermit]

Red Harley -
I have a bx2230 and use a 60" BB for snow. I think the big question is whether or not you're going to get the FEL. If you have the loader on you can raise it a few inches to help push the bulk of the snow and use the BB to scrape whats left. If you're not planning on getting a loader then I would definitely put the money towards the blower. With the FEL and BB it will still be more work than using the blower but its worth trying it for a winter to see.

 

[jrdinct]

I have a BX2200 with FEL and 60" rear blade and the combination works well for removing snow from my 150' drive. I just make passes with the blade angled and then use the FEL to pile the snow out of the way. I've also used the FEL to break up ice that's sheeted up on the asphalt. I suspect the BX1500 would work just as well as traction has always been the biggest limitation.

 

[JimMorrissey]

The bigger question is how much snow do you get. PA gets a bit more snow than VA. Using a BB and the loader would be fine in VA and maybe in PA too. Doesn't cut in it VT unless you have an entire day to burn on snow removal. Rear blower will take care of it in very little time with no huge snow banks...nice even distribution of snow.

 

[TrailHermit]

Good point Jim. I was basing the answer on Red's criteria of 10" snows. Certainly there is a big difference in handling one or a few such snows during the winter vs getting them on a frequent basis. Also, clearing a 100-200' drive is going to be different than 800'. There's no question that the rear blower will handle the job the best regardless of the amount or frequency.

It sounded to me like he was piecing together options and unless he's dealing with a blank check its a good question to ask for helping determine how he's going to equip his kubota.

For example, if his main use is for mowing and snow removal and has no real intentions of buying the FEL then I would recommend getting the rear blower. However, if he's going to be getting the FEL, then he may want to get the BB and test the combination this winter to see how well it works for him. A BB will cost a lot less than the rear blower and if it works out ok then he's saved some $$$. If its a snowy winter he can always add the blower at any time but why spend the extra 2k or so if he can get away without it. There's many things to consider. It might also be fun to go out and push the snow around a bit (I like doing it but I'm also not living in VT /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif).

I'm near the Appalachians and get more snow than most do in VA but I'm betting its still less than PA. I guess it would help to know what else he plans to use the tractor for to know what the best setup for the $$$ might be (I think there was some talk about bush hogging too).

 

[redharley]

Thanks out there for the help.You are right that I'am in the process of puting together my perfect set up.As for how much snow, we get some snow,2 to 10" sometimes 12" t0 20" with wind and some driffing.You only seem to recomend the rear blowers,why not the Front one?it would seem that you would have it covered with a front blower and a BB. Right now I have no plans for a FEL.My other concern would be a rotary cutter,for keeping brush in check around 5 acres of woods and some 4 wheeler paths,I don't want to cut the woods down.Does the BX 1500 have a enough power at the pto to handle small patches of brush?I also have 6 acres of field with 2' high grass that I keep 4 wheeler paths trimed but probably the MMM would handle that,if not the rotary cutter and last I mow about 1 1/2 acres of lawn. lawn mowing will be the main use.It sure would be nice to park the shoulder shaker of a brush cutter and I probably have a enough land to find other use's.Thanks Red harley

 

[Dooze]

I have a BX 1800 with a front mount blower and a 42" King Kutter that does all of what you have described with very little effort. My nephew recently purchased a BX 1500 with all of the bells and whistles after using my tractor and there is no real difference in what the two tractors can do. I mow some pretty rough terrain and have to cross a shallow creek to get to part of it and haven't had a problem with clearance as long as I'm careful. I have no doubt that the BX 1500 with a front mount blower will be a great combination for you.

 

[JimMorrissey]

Not sure about a BX15 and a front blower....prob would work OK. You'll have to see if it can handle it.

The main reason for the rear blower is that they're relatively inexpensive and they work. Yeah, you get snow in your face, but the cost is less than half if I remember correctly. If you've got some coin burning a hole in your pocket get the front one. It will definitely be easier on the operator.

I have a rear blower and I curse it when I'm using it (5 degrees and howling wind), however I'm smiling when the drive is perfectly clear. I'll likely get a front blade for my L39 this year for the smaller snows. Actually, that might be a good option for you....get a front blade for 80% of your snowfalls and have a rear blower for the big ones. You'll use the front blade to touch-up large and small snows. Lots of options for you.....

Definitely consider a loader. They are invaluable and I can't imagine a tractor without one.

BTW: I'd look at the 18 or greater if you can afford it.