BX vs B series Belly mower???

[TMR]

Curious how ease of use (i.e. taking deck on and off), mowing quality and maneuverability when mowing compare between a BX Series and a B series tractor. After determining that I would likely spend quite a bit to get the "garden" tractor I might buy for mowing...I am back looking at a combo machine. I like the extra weight, ground clearance and loader lifting capacity of the B series but am concerned wether the B series can mow "nearly" as well as the BX series...which I understand is a very quality and pretty nimble mower??? Much of my current work load is mowing a couple acre rough field, my cabin lot and about a mile of well developed trails. I want "tractor" loader and ground engaging ability to begin to work in my 40 acre retirement obsession...trees and trails to take care of...and maybe other tasks.

Thanks...Tom R

 

[oldballs]

Having owned a BX2660 for three seasons and now a B2620 for three seasons, Id say that the BX with turf tires did a little nicer job with less tire marking or turf damage. However, that is something I can live with because the B2620 (R4 tires) has features that I mean more to me.....such as ground clearance which is not only important with ground engaging attachments but also I find the greater clearance helpful when doing maintenance or hooking/unhooking the MMM. The mowing quality and maneuverability seemed about the same to me, and...the Mid-range HST On the "B" model makes all the jobs go faster. It sounds like your place has some rough to deal with, so I'd recommend getting a "B" model.
Cheers,
Mike

 

[TMR]

Having owned a BX2660 for three seasons and now a B2620 for three seasons, Id say that the BX with turf tires did a little nicer job with less tire marking or turf damage. However, that is something I can live with because the B2620 (R4 tires) has features that I mean more to me.....such as ground clearance which is not only important with ground engaging attachments but also I find the greater clearance helpful when doing maintenance or hooking/unhooking the MMM. The mowing quality and maneuverability seemed about the same to me, and...the Mid-range HST On the "B" model makes all the jobs go faster. It sounds like your place has some rough to deal with, so I'd recommend getting a "B" model.
Cheers,
Mike

Thanks Mike...Is it pretty "easy" to take the deck on/off the B?...what about the BX? easier or harder?

I always seem to think "more is better"...am I correct in assuming the extra 3HP of the 26 helps in deep grass?? Thanks...Tom R

 

[JOHNTHOMAS]

Copy of PM answered.
I have written a couple of "articles" comparing the B vs BX and BPFick also has done one. Search these and read but bottom line is ground clearance. If your mowing fields and going to go in the woods then the B is preferred over the BX plus B currently has 3 speeds while BX has 2. The BX has the fragile fan and the B doesn't. Woods work of almost any kind, for me, would leave the BX out of the picture.Mowing quality: The BX might mow a bit better for the person with a LAWN vs someone like me with a YARD (some of it a farm field that I just started mowing). I now and for the past 5 years have used the Kubota Fs for mowing and nothing else compares to them especially on hillsides with the 4wd.
I The MMM deck will be easier to remove from a B than a BX since the B sits higher off the ground. Changed oil, oil filter and small HST filter and greased my B2620 FEL BH yesterday at first 50 hours and at 66, almost 67 was able to get under it without any jacks or raising off ground with FEL.
Every size bigger will have stronger FEL lift and maybe 3ph lift but any B will lift about anything it will pull or be able to use. I bought an L one time and it is a great farm tractor, heavy and stable on FLAT land. Scared me on my hillside and wouldn't be much for mowing except for Rotary or rear finish mower and would be great for those but heavy to use around a yard or confined space and to trailer to different location.
You need a B2320 or B2620 or B2920. Get the 50 series if you "need: the heated or ac cab.
Also posting this reply on your open post. John
PS Every day you wait is a day older your getting and a day less that YOU will have the machine assistance for your benefit. Maybe your replacement will be glad you waited. It's time to get off the pot and go get or call Barlows and order a NEW B equipped with what you want on it and start reaping the rewards for the years you've scrimped and worked!!!! :cool2:

 

[bp fick]

The two series are different and targeted to different users primary needs. Love them both, so no prejudice here.

When we were clearing a wood lot and trail working, plus some heavy, rough ground work? The B series fit the bill for over 3 years. When that work was done, went back to a BX as it the superior machine now for my everyday chores and wouldn't have anything else.

No, the B won't likely be the mower the BX is, but it doesn't sound like the ground is golf course quality anyhow. Plus, the deck will be easier to take on/off as you have more room to maneuver under there. Your projects include the woods and trails and the B's superior ground clearance is the likely the right machine for those jobs.

I second John's urge to hurry. Find a 20 series B will they're still available at a reduced price.

 

[TMR]

Thank You John for the great input...I will search for your and BPFrick's articles about the B v BX. When I sent you the PM I tried to explain to my wife your kubota history/purchasing habits...but I also told her that from reading your posts for quite a few years that I feel I "know" you somewhat. Little did I know that we are just about the same age...I turn 67 in October. Also, I told her I felt you were a "good" person and would likely be quite helpful to me as you have actually experienced the products I am looking at...some more than once

Well, turns out you and the others at TBN have passed along quite a bit of your wisdom. Yesterday I was speaking with an old friend that had purchased a BX TLB 6-8 years ago and lives in my a couple of miles for me on 15 acres. He was very helpful and positive about the BX. He did mention he broke a fan underneath. I told him that there are two aftermarket companies that make "guards for the fan and also told him he should be on TBN to learn what he doesn't know about his BX BTW...I did not tell him he might like the B series as he does use it for some pretty rough stuff in the woods.

Now I need to shift to details like 2320/2360 or 2390...all same frame with 1/4 ing valve. Is the 3 and then 6 HP increase valuable and worth paying for...assuming I don't buy and trade like you do and keep mine for many years???

OR...what about the new B2650/3350 with a little larger frame and position control....and likely some new and untested pollution control "irritants"?...and probably a pretty good increase in price vs the xx20 series. IF you were buying today (I guess that is not rhetorical with you Mr Thomas!)...which vxxxx would you buy???

Then I need to configure, add a list of options and attachments and begin to decide where to buy and for how much. BTW...if you haven't guessed...I am a CPA accountant by training...not a troubled business "turnaround guy"...although my wife would tell you that I am not doing much "consulting" at all these days. I guess pretty soon I will need to say...Semi-retired to be generous to myself. I guess it is time for an Excel spreadsheet

Again...John...Thanks you very much for your posts over the years and for your advice. You have been very helpful. Tom R in rural Two Harbors between Duluth and Two Harbors and 5 miles inland from glorious Lake Superior! TMR

 

[radioman]

40 acres? you need at least a B. The BX will do the job, but it take a bit longer. The B has higher ground speed and better midrange. If you plan on getting more then one tractor then you can plan on it that way. A bx for mowing and nimble things and B or L for larger operation land management. this would be your ideal setup.

 

[TMR]

Hi BP...I see you are Beaver Creek in Northern Michigan...we call our 80 acre home property Bear Creek...between Duluth and Two Harbors 5 miles inland from Lake Superior.

You and John are very helpful to an analytical accountant trying to spend some money but having a hard time committing I truly appreciate the time you guys and other TBN members spend "educating" a novice tractor guy like me. Now time to define what I need...maybe you can read my JT response and weigh in on choices...BTW...if more HP truly is better and will hop me "throw the grass/weeds farther...so to speak...then I may do that if it makes sense. If the extra HP just makes your wheels spin sooner...maybe I should skip it?? Also, any early word on the new 2650/3350 series...a bit larger farm than the xx20 series. Not sure when I move past practical on frame size? Pretty sure my use in the woods leads me to the B vs BX for both ground clearance and extra weight benefits...not sure I need to move to xx50 series with new pollution stuff. BTW...are the 2620 and 2920 being phased out due to 25HP pollution rules?? Thanks BP...btw...might you have a link to your (and John's) past "articles on B vs BX? Thanks...Tom R

P.S. I also likely may have obsoleted by HD 6'x10' single axle trailer...I only tow about 20 miles between my home and cabin property. Trailer has maybe 15" steel side walls and a 2"x6" wooden deck so it is quite sturdy/heavy duty. It does have a single axle...I think total Gross weight rating is something like 3200# and I was hoping that I could use current trailer w/o anything on the 3pt...and rest the loader over the front trailer wall??? It has a ramp gate so no extra room in the back. I think the BX would have fit on better?? Your thoughts on the 10'x6'?? Kind of eventually want a larger trailer w/ aluminum to make it lighter to move around. TMR

 

[oldballs]

TMR, I'd like to add that the BX was an amazing machine to me. I couldn't believe the size and amount of rock, gravel and dirt that it moved in my hands. And also, did I mention snow! That first year we had so much snow, whence the FEL and back blade were being used up and down my rural road to help the neighbors. And, BTW, I never broke a fan in the rough when cutting and removing many 40 year old pine trees. The pallet forks made my day there too. I did decide to move up to the B model and got a good trade in to do it as well. The BX had about 300 hours on it when traded, and now the B has 250 hrs, both without any factory problems. I do the maintenance.
Your trailer should be fine for now. I tow mine on a 12 foot commercial, tandem equipment trailer that fits in width and length (with the MMM or FEL). But a backhoe with FEL would be a problem dimension wise.
Cheers,
Mike

 

[aczlan]

40 acres? you need at least a B. The BX will do the job, but it take a bit longer. The B has higher ground speed and better midrange. If you plan on getting more then one tractor then you can plan on it that way. A bx for mowing and nimble things and B or L for larger operation land management. this would be your ideal setup.

Agreed. We have a B7500 and a BX2660. The B has a slightly longer wheelbase, a much better ride and a faster ground speed.

Aron Z