Comparison Bx or B? That is the question...

[skspurling]

The B and BX 3PH's are both Cat 1 just to clear that up. Good luck with your decision.

Yes, but this is where ground clearance makes the difference. Just because they are both cat 1 doesn't mean you can use all the same implements. The problem comes in how high you can lift the attachment to disengage from the ground. Post hole digger is one example. My Dad's 4010 John Deere has a cat 1 hitch on it, and I am not even going to pretend my little B2620 is in the same class as that. I believe a cat1 is spec for anything up to 100HP? or is it something lke 85hp? I forget, but it is up there.

 

[ChuckinNH]

The difference is obvious, isn't it? The consternation escapes me, personally. They share much, much more than they differ. Having had both, it is right there in front of one's eyes.

The B has virtually TWICE the real world ground clearance. It has stronger hydraulics, a 3 speed trans, and a much better dash board and no HST fan to worry about. That's it.

The BX has a low center of gravity (thus half the ground clearance). That is either a negative or a positive. It's different. Not better, not worse, in and of itself, just IS.

It is all about your needs, flat out simple. The B2320 (rated at a lower RPM has the same D1005 engine as the BX2660 (rated at a higher RPM). Same - same. And, the price difference is tiny, around $500, that's it. So money shouldn't be the HUGE deciding factor.

Would I personally ever go back to a BX, after having a B2320? Sure. Absolutely, if my needs changed. But..... Kubota would have to follow Deere's new 1000 series and make some improvements and updates. If so? Sure, I'd go "back" to a BX. But not right now....

I have to say that you are one of the most straight forward guys around BP, and I enjoy your posts very much. I agree wholly with your assessment of the B/BX. They are both good tractors for different reasons. I've had both, and enjoyed both a great deal. Right now I am strongly considering going back to the BX size because my situation has changed, and I am unable to complete some of the tasks I had lined up for the B. If I do, I will miss some of the good things about the B for sure, just like I missed my small backhoe when I sold my BX, but I think the B is just a bit too large for mowing on a regular basis. Yesterday I was tilling some gardens, and had the loader off to give me more clearance in some tight spots......... and I may change my mind about that since it handled more like a go cart than I remembered from the last time I had it off.

I see that JD has done away with that foolish transmission cooling fan on their new 1 series, and perhaps Kubota will too on their next version.

 

[Adryan]

Hi,

does the cruise control work in the same way on the BX and the B series?

 

[OrangeRidge]

...a much better dash board and no HST fan to worry about....

I want that rpm dial and tran oil cooler ! :cool2:

 

[OrangeRidge]

The B and BX 3PH's are both Cat 1 just to clear that up. Good luck with your decision.

I think you'll find our BX's are "limited Cat1" . The dimensions
are noticeably less than a Cat1 . Annoyingly , it doesn't lower
as much because there's less overall movement possible and
previous model owners complained that the lift wasn't enough.....
so now the drop is compromised. Scaled down rear pto imps
are not readily available outside the US , and this renders
the BX's disadvantaged over B##20 .

 

[bp fick]

I think you'll find our BX's are "limited Cat1" . The dimensions
are noticeably less than a Cat1 . Annoyingly , it doesn't lower
as much because there's less overall movement possible and
previous model owners complained that the lift wasn't enough.....
so now the drop is compromised. Scaled down rear pto imps
are not readily available outside the US , and this renders
the BX's disadvantaged over B##20 .

Even if one agrees to disagree over whether the BX has a Cat 1, because it seems the definitions for what is/isn't Cat 1 is foggy with fuzzy edges anyhow, the truth remains that the diminutive size of the BX makes for some limitations. BX owners aren't limited to Limited Cat 1 officially, but each and every implement is a bit tricky.

The XB styled implements? One doesn't usually have to worry about those, but other Cat 1? Gotta take them one at a time and see if they'll work OK. Sometimes yes, sometimes not so well.

 

[bp fick]

I had a BX22 TLB with MMM and rear bagger, it was a fantastic machine for maintaining a 3 acre property. Mowing was a pleasure and almost fun. My sister and meat head X husband bought a B7500 with a front loader MMM and a bagger at the same time. The B did have a bit more ground clearance and maybe a bit stronger loader but for mowing it was no where near as good. The wider tires will lay the grass down as you mow. Now if I was going to stomp through the woods all day than the B would be a better choice. But for a yard machine it is tough to beat the BX

Just for accuracy sake, and I don't know about the turfs, but the R4 on my BX and the R4 on my B are the same 12" rear and 8" front width. Don't think your concern comes into play. B just has a much larger diameter providing the increased ground clearance. Folks who mow sure do like the BX, though.

 

[donn12]

If you cant decide get the B. When I bought my BX24 the B was just coming out and I had it way back in my mind. About a year and a half later I upgraded and I did okay but I still threw some money away. I would use a ZTR to mow and get the B if at all possible. To me that is the ultimate combination.

 

[JOHNTHOMAS]

If you cant decide get the B. When I bought my BX24 the B was just coming out and I had it way back in my mind. About a year and a half later I upgraded and I did okay but I still threw some money away. I would use a ZTR to mow and get the B if at all possible. To me that is the ultimate combination.

To me, the ultimate combination is a F for mowing and a BX25 and a B2320 for all the other stuff. Maybe add an L3540HST to top it off if one has flat land, which I don't.

 

[dodge man]

I have a BX 2350 and it is my primary mower, plus I use the FEL and a rear blade for snow removal, and I use it to haul wood, move dirt and gravel etc. My opinion would be the BX would be the best machine for you. If you plan on doing a lot of loader work and need the ground clearance, the B would be better. I've sat on B's since I've got my BX, and they look like very nice. I'm sure I would be happy with one. Don't worry about the 3 point hitch on the BX unless your are planning a lot of heavy work, they make a lot of implements for that sized tractor. This is really a win-win decision, you can't go wrong either way.