Comparison BX models vs. the small B choices.

[AxleHub]

Greetings,

What can you tell me? I know the BX line very well. But recently I saw a B23xx and a B26xx product at the state fair in MN.

I recognize the B models have a little larger wheels/tires. But what are the differences between bx2370-1 and a B23xx model . . . and also the differences between a BX2670-1 vs a B26xx unit.

 

[JOHNTHOMAS]

The Bs are a bit heavier, taller, bigger and have a 3 speed transmission vs 2 speed on BX. Ground clearance is also higher on Bs which is one of the major reasons people pick Bs over BXs. I have had several of the two different sizes, both Bs and BXs. Several of us have went back and forth between a B and then a BX and then a B and then a BX. Ground clearance and 2 vs 3 speed transmission is the major difference with even pricing not that much different.

 

[bp fick]

John covered it pretty well. Not unlike Ford selling Fusion and Focus cars, or Chevrolet selling Malibu and Cruze side by side, sometimes with the same engines.

The B is taller, can have larger front end loaders with more lift capacity, higher center of gravity, more ground clearance and more PTO horsepower in many cases. The BX is more compact and designed with a lower center of gravity and the ability to operate in tighter spaces.

They are "close" models, but different. Each serves their intended purpose well and are targeted to slightly different end users and their needs. For some reason, perhaps because they both use the alphabetic letter "b" in their designation folks can be a bit confused, but both Fords mentioned above start with the letter "F" and both Chevy's referenced above wear a bow-tie. No big deal.

Of course they're very similar, even sharing some common Kubota parts and engines, but they're simply different.

 

[Fiziksgeek]

There are currently 2 frame sizes in the B series, the B01 and the B50, then two horse power models for each frame size: 2301/2601 and 2650/3350. The B2301 has the same engine as the BX2670. The B2601, 2650 and 3350 all have different engines.

I've seen a BX2660 , B2601, and B3350 all lined up. The small B appeared closer is size to the BX, just a tad longer and taller, but looked to be the same width, while the larger B "looked" much larger, longer, wider, and taller by a few inches. As mentioned you get larger tires, 3 range hydro, and increased capacity.

For comparison, the lift capacity of the loaders (at the pins) is stated as 745 lbs for the BX, 948 for B01, and 1146 for B50 series. In the B series they also offer a factory SSQA for the loader, and an option for a factory 3rd function valve. You get some additional bells and whistles on the B50, but the big option is the availability of a cab model.

 

[JOHNTHOMAS]

A side by side I did with a couple I owned at the same time. http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/...0-side-side-not-9.html?highlight=#post3960198
bp fick did a couple of great comparisons between the B and BXs he owned. Search his posts.

 

[abeal]

I have a BX and a B. And a L and M as well. I find that the BX is a really great mower - I don't have a loader on the BX but it would be useful if I didn't have loaders on the other tractors but it does not have a whole lot of capacity. Would be great for moving mulch and so forth. The B, in between the BX and L is good at mowing and good for the loader. Not great at either but works well. For me it seems that as you grow in size your loader and other tractor capabilities improve but you lose "lawn and yard" type activities so in my situation the BX doesn't leave the yard.

 

[Fiziksgeek]

A side by side I did with a couple I owned at the same time. http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/...0-side-side-not-9.html?highlight=#post3960198
bp fick did a couple of great comparisons between the B and BXs he owned. Search his posts.

Great set of pics in that thread. The B3200 is pretty close in size to B2650/3350. The B2301/2601 sits somewhere in the middle.

 

[bp fick]

The OP, AXLEHUB, isn't likely to be confused about the larger, premium B series machines. Those are obviously larger machines and there's no confusion, thus, he didn't really ask about those. The prices on those alone will clear up any foggy headedness about how they relate to a BX

It's sometimes the smaller, basic B series, the economy line of the B's that folks wonder about. Still. just because the prices are so similar to the BX tractors and they share many parts in common, they are absolutely targeted to a different user. Is the difference as enormous as the difference between a B3030 and monstrous MX tractor? No. Of course not.

But Kubota "slots" a machine, step by step, increment by incremental difference, all the way from the smallest BX, the 18 horse model, right on up through the economy/standard B's thru the deluxe B's through the basic L's through the Grand L's and on upward toward the M's. They make subtle, small, incremental steps along the way so everyone can find the "perfect fit" for themselves. When you're as big as Kubota is, that's what you do.

Is it confusing to the new shopper? Perhaps. But with a little time and understanding these 40+ different models of Kubota, if lined up side by side, from one end of a Walmart parking lot to the other, would demonstrate how Kubota builds something for everyone. It becomes clearer as you go along. Just remember that each incremental step raises the cost. You can go from $12K to $40K in relatively quick order.

 

[Fiziksgeek]

The OP, AXLEHUB, isn't likely to be confused about the larger, premium B series machines. Those are obviously larger machines and there's no confusion, thus, he didn't really ask about those. The prices on those alone will clear up any foggy headedness about how they relate to a BX

I'll disagree a little here. The difference in price between a BX2670 and B2601 is greater than the difference between the price of a B2601 and B2650. That's why you'll see thread comparing the two B models. You get more size and a few more features for not much more money. Assuming the size doesn't cause a problem, I think the B2650 is the best value.

But you are right in that Axlehub specifically asked about the difference between the BX2670 and B2601. Approximately same horse power, but different engines, with the B2601 having more displacement and making is rated power at a lower rpm, dual hydro pumps putting out more total flow, 3 range hydro, position control, telescoping link arms on the 3pt hitch, options factory rear remotes and 3rd function, optional SSQA bucket...that and more for ~$3000 (MSRP) over the BX2670.

 

[JOHNTHOMAS]

I've owned a BX1500 and recently bought one for SIL for his steep yard. I've owned a BX2200, B7800, B3200, L3240, B2320, B2620 Bx2350, BX2660 and a couple BX25s, Z1xx and a ZD326 and maybe some others along with three Fs and a RTV1140. All Kubota man. Anyway, from my observation and experience. The BX1500 is the best BX mower made in the BX series but not in the league with the Zs and for sure not near the level of theFs. The BX23xx series is a great all around BX and of course the BX25 for the sub compact all in one tool. Notice the lack of mention of the BX2660...It was the MORE POWER BX that did nothing more than the other BXs except it had MORE POWER in Tim the Toolman fashion and it was great. Course the 23 Hp BXs have more power than traction and for sure the BX2660 did. The extras/differences
Approximately same horse power, but different engines, with the B2601 having more displacement and making is rated power at a lower rpm, dual hydro pumps putting out more total flow, 3 range hydro, position control, telescoping link arms on the 3pt hitch, options factory rear remotes and 3rd function, optional SSQA bucket...that and more for ~$3000 (MSRP) over the BX2670. ( Fiziksgeek)
that come on the lowest B to me would move me to the B for sure between those two.

 

[Labrauer]

I have a BX22 with the front end loader, backhoe, 60" belly mower, tiller, box blade and was looking to upgrade to a B2601 until I found out that if you get a backhoe on the B2601 they have a sub frame that attaches to the tractor according to the dealer. In order to take the backhoe off the 2601 you have to unbolt the sub frame from the tractor so say if I wanted to use a box blade I would have to go to the trouble of unbolting the sub frame off the tractor. It is also my understanding that in order to have a 60" belly mower on the 2601 you can't have the backhoe attached to the tractor. So I think I am going with the BX25D which took the place of the BX22 but the 25D has better hydraulics that have been improved as far as more power lifting, mowing, and PTO speed. I really wanted to get a tractor with more horse power and still have the same implements that I have on the BX22.

 

[bp fick]

.

…. Axlehub specifically asked about the difference between the BX2670 and B2601. Approximately same horse power, but different engines, with the B2601 having more displacement and making is rated power at a lower rpm, dual hydro pumps putting out more total flow, 3 range hydro, position control, telescoping link arms on the 3pt hitch, options factory rear remotes and 3rd function, optional SSQA bucket...that and more for ~$3000 (MSRP) over the BX2670.

This is something a lot of folks have missed over the years here in this discussion. The whole larger BX versus the smallest B conversation is a very very common discussion. There'll never be a "one size answer fits all" end to it. Just the way it is. For some? If the sticker says the engine cranks out XX horse power? Then that's what it is and no discussion of displacement changes their mind.

Personally, my own experience with three different Kubotas over the years is that displacement CAN matter, as it often means RPM ratings are involved. Give me a quieter, lower RPM engine generating that horsepower any day over a smaller engine rated by winding it up.

 

[bp fick]

The BX, for me, can do things my larger B2320 could never do, in tight places. What one gains in lower center of gravity, nimble handling and close quarter work one must also sacrifice something. Returning to a BX meant losing substantial lifting power and cycling speed in the Front End Loader. No question about it. Yup. Cannot have it all.

So, line up those 40-45 different Kubotas, from BX to MX in that Walmart parking lot, shoulder to shoulder. There's a choice for everyone. Isn't it great? Figuring out precisely which unit is right for you, and what price you're willing to pay? Yup that part of the discussion that makes TBN the place that it is and helps makes the world go round. Now, if we could just convince Kubota to only make the 12 or 14 models there'd be much clearer choices and with larger gaps between the models, making everyone's life easier.
But then, what would we have to chat about?

 

[GPintheMitten]

Are you sure about taking the subframe off? Different model but my sub frame stays on for 3pt attachments and belly mower. B2620.

 

[AxleHub]

Are you sure about taking the subframe off? Different model but my sub frame stays on for 3pt attachments and belly mower. B2620.

Good question. it doesn't sound logical or at all convenient. And in areas where you would have corrosion and salt issues like the midwest or upper east coast on fastening systems it would seem far more suspect or believable.

 

[JOHNTHOMAS]

I have a BX22 with the front end loader, backhoe, 60" belly mower, tiller, box blade and was looking to upgrade to a B2601 until I found out that if you get a backhoe on the B2601 they have a sub frame that attaches to the tractor according to the dealer. In order to take the backhoe off the 2601 you have to unbolt the sub frame from the tractor so say if I wanted to use a box blade I would have to go to the trouble of unbolting the sub frame off the tractor. It is also my understanding that in order to have a 60" belly mower on the 2601 you can't have the backhoe attached to the tractor. So I think I am going with the BX25D which took the place of the BX22 but the 25D has better hydraulics that have been improved as far as more power lifting, mowing, and PTO speed. I really wanted to get a tractor with more horse power and still have the same implements that I have on the BX22.

I had a BX25 and traded for a B2620 FEL BH and then traded to a new BX25D-1 and regret my trade 80% because I hate the way the BX25D-1 doesn't stop rolling when the foot pedal is released. I also miss the extra power and 3 speed. I never took the BH off of any that I've owned but not sure the BH frame has to be removed to allow use of 3ph on the Bs. I doubt it does. The 3ph arms are removed to install the BH and then put back on for 3ph usage which you probably do on your current BX. I believe there was a failure to communicate or confusion.
I believe the roll on problem/mistake/screw up will eventually be fixed when people refuse to buy until it is. Doubt Kubota will ever admit a problem and fix ours, not their way (BXxx50 series) they will just fix new off the line ones.

 

[Fiziksgeek]

This is something a lot of folks have missed over the years here in this discussion. The whole larger BX versus the smallest B conversation is a very very common discussion. There'll never be a "one size answer fits all" end to it. Just the way it is. For some? If the sticker says the engine cranks out XX horse power? Then that's what it is and no discussion of displacement changes their mind.

Personally, my own experience with three different Kubotas over the years is that displacement CAN matter, as it often means RPM ratings are involved. Give me a quieter, lower RPM engine generating that horsepower any day over a smaller engine rated by winding it up.

This is one reason why I ended up with my Massey Ferguson GC2400. It's a slightly larger displacement than the competitors, so rated power comes at 2600 rpm vs 3200 for either the JD 1 series or Kubota BX. I think that means the GC2400 produces more torque at full throttle than the competitors, which has got to use useful for PTO applications.

For the most part, any of these machines will run out of traction before they run out of power, but when using PTO powered implements, I think there are more differences to an engine than just rated horse power.

 

[Poopdeck Pappy]

Are you sure about taking the subframe off? Different model but my sub frame stays on for 3pt attachments and belly mower. B2620.

I think whoever told him that didn't know what they were talking about or they were selling a different color tractor and spreading misinformation. Here's what Kubota's website says:

4-Point Quick-Attach System

With its pin-and-hook type quick-attach system you can switch easily, between the backhoe and other rear implements, all without tools. This means even complex tasks can be handled with unparalleled efficiency.

Kubota Tractors - B Series - B2301/B2601 - Kubota Tractor Corporation

 

[Grandad4]

... and was looking to upgrade to a B2601 until I found out that if you get a backhoe on the B2601 they have a sub frame that attaches to the tractor according to the dealer. In order to take the backhoe off the 2601 you have to unbolt the sub frame from the tractor so say if I wanted to use a box blade I would have to go to the trouble of unbolting the sub frame off the tractor. It is also my understanding that in order to have a 60" belly mower on the 2601 you can't have the backhoe attached to the tractor...

You might want to ask around a bit more about that. Don't think any of the factory Kubota backhoes are like that. From what I've seen, Kubota has always put a fair amount of engineering into making their backhoes fit well with the tractor and minimizing clearance and compatibility issues. Even the one I have, which was designed almost 30 years ago, is like that. You might get to go tractor shopping after all!

 

[Labrauer]

I have looked at all the difference in the BX and the B2601 tractors and I have just stated what the dealer told me. Now I don't know if he just needed to sell more Bx's over the B2601 tractors but I would think they would know what was what. I am going by another dealer tomorrow and I am going to ask the question again to see. I looked at Poopdeck Pappy's tractors corporations and it doesn't say anything about the extra frame for the backhoe nor does it say anything about the backhoe it just talks about belly mowers, tillers, and such things that would hook up to the three point hitch which by the way you can't use if the backhoe is attached to the tractor. Removal is a must to use the three point hitch. I am just saying if this is true about the frame for the backhoe it would be no use for me as I detach my backhoe off the BX22 quite often and if I have to unbolt a frame the B2601 would be of no use to me. As I said I am going to a different dealer tomorrow and ask the question again to see if I get the same answer and maybe they will have one there to look at. I'll let you guys know what I find out.