BX 2230 - Long

bcp301 · Dec 31, 2005

Gentlemen
I've been lurking for about a year now and am getting ready to pull the trigger! Today, I checked out the above tractor and wanted to get some feedback from the list. I am in Topsfield, Ma, 2+ acres of mostly woods, scrub pine and a small lawn around the house. Driveway is 200 feet paved; my interest is to clear the woods and create a larger to mow and move gardening materials around, mulch, some stone, etc. I have walk behind Ariens 8 HP snowthrower already. I'm not in a hurry to do finish the project as I like to be outside....
Visited a dealer today in Southern NH and was quoted 14,700 for the following:
BX 2230 with 48" FEL
60" MM Mower
Woods 60" Grading rear blade
Woods 60" Rake
Thoughts?
PS: I had a ball at the dealers!

AB4D · Dec 31, 2005

Sounds like the BX series may be sufficient for your needs and the quoted price sounds fair. However, how do you plan to deal with the stumps from clearing the wooded areas of your property? The FEL should be able to knock down/dig out most of the smaller growth, but you may have problems with anything bigger than 4" in diameter. You might want to consider a BX23/24 to get the capablilty of a backhoe, or consider a B series tractor and add a backhoe later. I had two acres and a BX23. I was satisfied with its performance, but my needs changed which now require the use of a 72" rotary cutter, otherwise I would have kept the BX23. Just try to give considerable thought to your future needs, and if the BX2230 has the capability that you require, then I would go with your initial choice. Good luck with your purchase decision.

Jim

Skidmark25 · Jan 1, 2006

BCP - I live up the street from you about 3 miles north on Rt. 1.

If you went to MB like I did they offered to let me rent a machine for a weekend and if I bought within 90 days or maybe it was 30 days they would credit back the price of the rental. I don't know if they still have this deal.

I have 3 acres and ended up with a B7610.

I'm not sure that you will get the most bang for the buck with a 60" deck - if you have a small lawn you may just want to use a push mower or grab a used ride on mower in the spring with a smaller deck for $500 or so.

Take the extra $$ you were going to spend on the MMM - sell the 8HP Ariens in the want-ads and buy a front mount snow-blower for the BX.

I'm still trying to justify getting a front mounted blower but Ms. Buttercup won't be convinced untill it snows like it did here last year.

Good luck

bcp301 · Jan 1, 2006

Thanks Skid. I'm looking to increase lawn but you're right - until I do so, I can use my JD handmower. I did inquire about renting a machine for the weekend and they touched on getting my rental fee back if I bought.....The snowblower is that good huh?

jim_wilson · Jan 1, 2006

I bought a BX23 a little over a year and a half ago for my 1/2 acre property and have to say that if you are thinking of doing a lot of work - digging, moving material, pulling up rocks, etc. you might want to seriously consider going with something just a little bigger - like the B7610. I think you might find that a backhoe comes in might useful also but with the B7610 that can be added later. If you have your heart set on a BX sized tractor you might also want to hold off for a little while longer - the new BX is in the pipeline - a few people here on TBN have reported their dealers getting new BX24's in stock. I stopped by my dealer - Chappell's in Milford NH - but they did not have any on the lot yet. The new BX has a little more ground clearance, a little more FEL capacity, a little more power, etc.

bcp301 · Jan 2, 2006

Jim
Thank you for the input; now I've a couple more things to consider!

redharley · Jan 4, 2006

Sounds like the 2230 will do what you want with room to grow.I got mine back in Nov. and love it.Cleared some more of my woods out for lawn, boy that loader is sure handy.As far as snow removal goes I got the blade works well so far this winter,figured I could always use the FEL if drifts get to large.I just could not justify the price of the front blower for my 800' of drive way.Maybe a rear blower later.That rear mounted rake will come in handy leveling ground,pulling light brush out,Ect.As for the rear blade if money no object have at it,if it is sounds like loader bucket will be your work horse clearing that brush.I paid 11,900. tractor,FEL,60"mower,tires filled& delivered.The price,s have never been better and I think the special finace rates are still on.Good luck.

Minicup28 · Jan 5, 2006

I live just down the road from you in Lynnfield. I bought a B7610 last year to clear a row of small trees from my land. I cut them 4 ft. up and tried rocking them out with the FEL & chain to the drawbar. I did not have a lot of luck. Wished I had a backhoe to get the stumps out. I got a better deal at MB than Chappell's. I also got a tiller.