Could any BX 1500 owners tell me how well does a front mounted snow blower work on the BX 1500? Regarding: How does it handle wet snow, any limitations on the depth of the snow and do you need chains and wheel weights when using turf tires? Would a BX 1830/2230 be more practical? We received 28" of lake effect snow over a two day period last tuesday and wednesday in northeastern Ohio. This happens quite often between November-January until Lake Erie freezes over. It took me four passes with my 14hp wheelhorse garden tractor using a 42" single stage snow blower to clear my driveway. I would wait every 3-4 hours, then go out and clear my driveway,(20'x80'). I'm looking to purchase a BX series tractor this spring. The BX 1500 fits my budget to a tee, but I don't want to be underpowdered. Thank you for all and any suggestions.
BX 1500
- Thread starter arthurb
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Junkman
Super Member
I don't know what the price differential is, but I would go with the 1830. I think that it is a better engine from what I have read here on peoples "satisfaction" rating. Besides, the extra horsepower will add to the resale value in the end. If you are planning on keeping it for many years, then the additional cost divided by the number of years will show you how little extra it actually is going to be. I don't believe in buying entry level products because of the poor resale values that they generally have as a result of being entry level products.
kevinj
Veteran Member
- Joined
- Jul 5, 2003
- Messages
- 1,419
- Location
- West MI
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- BX-1860, L3940HSTC, B7500, Farmall M, Farmall 560D
Hey Junkman,
Can you define "better" engine ???? Kubota has been building the two cylinder for a long time. It is a bit rough at idle but you do not use the tractor in an idle condition. Maybe something else that I have missed after a year of ownership ???
Can you define "better" engine ???? Kubota has been building the two cylinder for a long time. It is a bit rough at idle but you do not use the tractor in an idle condition. Maybe something else that I have missed after a year of ownership ???
Junkman
Super Member
</font><font color="blue" class="small">( Hey Junkman,
Can you define "better" engine ???? )</font>
More horsepower.... sorry if I offended your 2 cylinder, but it wasn't intended to be that way. It seems that you just took it that way. I thought that the reasoning that I posted was sufficient enough for people to follow. Apparently not.... /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif You might not agree, but that is why it is an opinion, only an opinion, and nothing more than an opinion.... /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif
Can you define "better" engine ???? )</font>
More horsepower.... sorry if I offended your 2 cylinder, but it wasn't intended to be that way. It seems that you just took it that way. I thought that the reasoning that I posted was sufficient enough for people to follow. Apparently not.... /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif You might not agree, but that is why it is an opinion, only an opinion, and nothing more than an opinion.... /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif
kevinj
Veteran Member
- Joined
- Jul 5, 2003
- Messages
- 1,419
- Location
- West MI
- Tractor
- BX-1860, L3940HSTC, B7500, Farmall M, Farmall 560D
</font><font color="blue" class="small">( More horsepower.... sorry if I offended your 2 cylinder, but it wasn't intended to be that way. )</font>
I agree that more horsepower is always nice. For me 80% of the use will be lawn mowing or trailer towing. Here in this part of Michigan snow blowing is not a big deal like out East. One nice thing about the two banger is the tractor is a few inches shorter which is nice for mowing. I had reservations about the power when I bought it but can say that I am happy with it.
I agree that more horsepower is always nice. For me 80% of the use will be lawn mowing or trailer towing. Here in this part of Michigan snow blowing is not a big deal like out East. One nice thing about the two banger is the tractor is a few inches shorter which is nice for mowing. I had reservations about the power when I bought it but can say that I am happy with it.
Junkman
Super Member
When you consider the larger tires on the BX2200 and the 3 extra horsepower, the price differential of (BX-1500 with 54" deck = $9685.00)(BX-1800 with 54" deck = $11011.00) $11011 - 9685 = $1326, and divide that by an average useful service life of 8 years (don't want to start another debate, but have to figure something and 8 seems like a reasonable figure) it comes to 165.75 additional per year. In my opinion, you will recoup at least $1000 of that additional $1326 when you sell it because it is the next sized up tractor. The only advantage that I can see with the BX-1500 is that it is 16.7 inches lower than the rest of the series. My figures are based on list prices and the actual difference in reality might be as much as 15% less than the $1326 which would be $1127.10 or $140.88 per year which breaks down to $11.74 per month. Less than the price of two packs of cigarettes per month... However we all know that tractor people chew their tobacco rather than smoke it... /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/smirk.gif /forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif /forums/images/graemlins/ooo.gif /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif /forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif JOKE!!!!!!!!!!!
chocolatehauler
Silver Member
I don't have the 1500 but from my experience so far with the 2200 I would not be concerend with the hp of the 1500. I had and old 14 hp case before single stage and a 12hp walk behind two stage. and this Kubota is far and away better then both of them togather. You might have to slow down a little, but the snow will blow farther than you thought possiable. With no belts to slip and burn, melt, jump ect, you will be very happy. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif I know I am.
Joe1
Platinum Member
Arthur:
I don't know how long you've been a TBN reader, but if you haven't already read it, someone's going to tell you to sit on both of them and see which one feels better. The dealer should at least give you a test run in the lot. That won't tell yu a lot, but while the 1500 will turn tighter, it may not feel as stable in a tight turn. Try tem.
As someone else already said, spread over a number of years, the additional cost of the 1830 of 2230 isn't a whole lot. However, budget is always important, and the 1500 may be perfect. Kubota sells them, so someone thinks they are just fine.
Your money, your ride, drive them as much as you can.
Good luck.
I don't know how long you've been a TBN reader, but if you haven't already read it, someone's going to tell you to sit on both of them and see which one feels better. The dealer should at least give you a test run in the lot. That won't tell yu a lot, but while the 1500 will turn tighter, it may not feel as stable in a tight turn. Try tem.
As someone else already said, spread over a number of years, the additional cost of the 1830 of 2230 isn't a whole lot. However, budget is always important, and the 1500 may be perfect. Kubota sells them, so someone thinks they are just fine.
Your money, your ride, drive them as much as you can.
Good luck.
art
Super Member
With what you have been using you would be greatly suprised! We haven't had anyone come in to trade up yet or complained. You didn't say what size your mowing area is.