BX1500 or BX1850

[fih25]

I have had my BX1500 for 2 years now(192 hours) and it is the one of the best investments I ever made. I had bought 3 Craftsman lawn tractors, with Briggs and Stratton engines from 1987 to 2000, the first, (11 hp) was good, in fact I gave it to my wife's grandfather and it still is running today with original motor, tranny. The last 2 Craftsman tractors(15 hp and 16 hp B&S motors) both needed the Briggs motors rebuilt/replaced(blowing oil) within the first 4 years.(Briggs and Stratton just doesn't build them like they used to) I decided to pay the extra money and get a tractor with a motor that doesn't die in 3-4 years.
I have a 200 foot driveway to plow and mow approx. 2 acres.(I own 60 acres, but I just mow the area around the house, it sits in the middle of the property) I have also used the FEL for moving dirt and even digging around the house(installed paving stones around my deck)
Anyway, my BX 1500 with 54" MMM & FEL has been more than adequate for me,the only cost to me so far has been normal PM
Last but not least, whatever you do buy, check tractorbynet for all of your helpful hints, I have been using this site ever since I bought my Kubota.

 

[fih25]

I have had my BX1500 for 2 years now(192 hours) and it is the one of the best investments I ever made. I had bought 3 Craftsman lawn tractors, with Briggs and Stratton engines from 1987 to 2000, the first, (11 hp) was good, in fact I gave it to my wife's grandfather and it still is running today with original motor, tranny. The last 2 Craftsman tractors(15 hp and 16 hp B&S motors) both needed the Briggs motors rebuilt/replaced(blowing oil) within the first 4 years.(Briggs and Stratton just doesn't build them like they used to) I decided to pay the extra money and get a tractor with a motor that doesn't die in 3-4 years.
I have a 200 foot driveway to plow and mow approx. 2 acres.(I own 60 acres, but I just mow the area around the house, it sits in the middle of the property) I have also used the FEL for moving dirt and even digging around the house(installed paving stones around my deck)
Anyway, my BX 1500 with 54" MMM & FEL has been more than adequate for me,the only cost to me so far has been normal PM
Last but not least, whatever you do buy, check tractorbynet for all of your helpful hints, I have been using this site ever since I bought my Kubota.

 

[fih25]

P.S. I have to agree with the earlier post, I like the look of the older model also.

 

[fih25]

P.S. I have to agree with the earlier post, I like the look of the older model also.

 

[DVR]

the biggest difference is the 1500 is a 2 cyl engine and the 1850 is a 3 cyl.
nothing wrong with either but the 1500 sounds funny when you are used to a 3 cyl. my best friend has a bx1500 with no regrets. i was planning to get a 1850 or 2230 but decided on a b7510.

 

[esulcove]

First off, I would like to thank everyone for their input (and for putting up with a beginner! ).

The difference in price right now is about $1000. I am interested in the smaller footprint and wheelbase, because I have a lot of obstacles. (My wife and I have planted about 25 trees and shrubs in the past three years and plan to plant more.) Plus, I need to fit it into the garage. Speaking with various dealers, we seem to have a lot of tractor theft around here.

I guess another question that I have which was not fully addressed at the dealership was whether the BX1500 can handle a hoe attachment. I am not interested in this immediately, or even in the foreseeable future, but it could be something that I become interested in eventually. I have access to a full sized, 4x4 Case extenda-hoe, so I do not need massive power, just enough to help with planting.

I have read alot about the 2 cylinder/3 cylinder issue. Does the vibration at idle damage or shorten the life of the engine? Are there other drawbacks to a 2 cylinder?

Thanks again,
Elliott

 

[rbarker]

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( I guess another question that I have which was not fully addressed at the dealership was whether the BX1500 can handle a hoe attachment. )</font>

There is at least one regular poster here who has a Woods BH6000 aftermarket back hoe for his BX1500 and reports good sucess. Kubota does not supply a hoe for that tractor, though.

 

[Mike_Lipke]

It shakes a little more, but it doesn't shorten the life.
There are lots of 2 and even one cyl diesels running sail boats, generators and such.
Back to the shaking, I idle mine just a little above idle to eliminate 99% of the shaking.
Diesels idle rough anyway. Part of of the whole appeal. Arghh!

 

[frank_f15]

WELCOME to the forum. buy the tractor that you like best, either will work for you and buy the one that will do what you want 90% of the time, <font color="red">don't buy for what you MIGHT want to do </font>

 

[automech]

I've been generally happy with my BX1500. It cuts beautifully. I wouldn't mind a couple more horses but I got a good price on it used. I have noticed the engine struggles when cutting heavy grass uphill in High range at full speed (for test purposes only /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif). I can't cut my yard too fast anyway because of the bumps so it's no big deal, I use Low range mostly.The loader and rear blade worked great clearing heavy snow last year. I have had no problems pushing heavy snow or doing my digging/gardening/composting chores. Does great on fuel too. I think it's pretty smooth once it's brought off idle. If you have a smooth,heavy, hilly lawn that you need to cut fast, you might want the 1830. Or if you have a horspower hungry attachment like a generator or tiller you might want the 18 or 22. If not the 15 is a nice unit, heavily made, a quality piece in my opinion.