BX1500 or BX2230

Scrounger · Jan 20, 2005

I need some BX advice guys and gals. I'm making the jump for a Kubota finally, and I'm stuck between the 15 and 2230. I only plan to mow about 2 acres but I want to be able to landscape, plow, grade, and etc around the property. I hope to get 20 yrs out of this puppy, so I was thinking of buyinga big bigger than needed, aka the BX2230, since it will last longer than I'm in the current home. I also plan to buy some land around a lake in the next ten years and what it for their also.

I think the bigger engine and being a three cylinder is the biggest plus personally.

RonR · Jan 20, 2005

Its always nice to spend other people's money..........

I looked briefly at the 1500 and went straight to a BX2200. No regrets. At times I'd like to have more power, so I know I'd not have been happy with fewer to start with........

I use mine for landscaping and use the FEL a lot. The 2200 is nice!

Enjoy.
ron

SCB · Jan 20, 2005

I would say that if you are going to keep it for 20 years, then the small price difference between the two would make me go for the larger. I have a bx23 and at times wish for a bit more power. The 2230 is a very capable machine as is the 15. But my vote for your money is the 2230 /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

Nik · Jan 20, 2005

I only have 2 acres and have a BX23. Go for the BX2230. You can get a 60 mower deck for it and the extra HP may be useful in running implements. I used to have a B2410 but sold it for the BX23. The backhoe is a great implement and you may want to consider the BX23 as well. If it were not my want of a backhoe then I would have kept the B2410. I would not hesitate in picking the BX2230 over the BX1500. If you are unable to find a local dealer with a large selection of Kubotas for comparison then email me for suggestions of dealers in upper bucks county who are not too far from you.

Henro · Jan 20, 2005

I had a larger tractor (B2910) and wanted a smaller tractor to do things like cut the grass and such.

The BX2200, BX1800, and BX1500 were my choices at the time. For the price difference and slight size difference, I could not go smaller than the BX2200. It just seemed to give the best value for the dollar spent, and was still not too big.

But the truth of the matter is that you really want a BX23, with MMM. You just may not know it yet. Think about it carefully, and compare the cost of the BX with loader to the BX23 with loader and backhoe...Over 20 years you will not regret having a backhoe... /forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

My advice: If there is any way you can afford it, do it right the first time and buy the bX23. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

Knowing what I do now, that is what I would do...

AB4D · Jan 20, 2005

I would go for the BX2230. I also have two acres and after considering the BX1500, BX2230, and BX23, I purchased the BX23 over the BX2230, only because I know I will need a small backhoe in the near future. Otherwise, I would have purchased the BX2230. The BX2230 has higher horsepower, 15.0 versus 22.0, the standard high back seat on the 2230 is certainly more comfortable, and if your cutting a lot of grass in a straight line the standard cruise control may come in handy. Good luck with your decision /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

ByronBob · Jan 21, 2005

Jeez I guess I'll go against the grain and say the 1530. I have the 2230 for my place but for only 2 acres I'd say the 1530 is plenty of tractor for your uses. You could do more than you imagine with the 1530 as the HP is deceiving.
If money is no issue you couldn't go wrong with a 2230.

Scrounger · Jan 21, 2005

That's what I was thinking but the life span of these is so long I didn't want to underbuy and the price difference is not tremendous to scare me away from the BX2230. Besides, I think I can add an 3 pt hitch mounted back hoe from the aftermarket.

Volfandt · Jan 21, 2005

Yeah,what Henro said /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

I was in a similar quandry except'n I was deciding between the BX2230 & B7510. Funny thing, I bet I made 10 or so trips to two different Kubota dealers testing each one out and everytime I'd leave I'd always take a last glance at the BX23 and say, "nahhh, I don't need no BH and besides, I can get an aftermarket one (Woods makes one btw) for either.
Well, to make a long and oft repeated story short, come the 12th hr I somehow justified going with the BX23.
And I'm still very happy for the change of last second heart too!

Woods does make a 3pt BH attachment that'll fit the BX2230 and it has a separate PTO driven enclosed hydro system also. So it doesn't utilize thetractors hydro pumps or fluid which ain't a bad thang.
Thing is, it'll set you back nearly $6k (2004 pricing) whilest going w/the integrated BX23 now would be cheaper.

Anyways, you really can't go wrong with either of the 3 but the general consensus is when in doubt, go bigger.

Good luck
Volfandt

scott_in_ny · Jan 21, 2005

if you are planning to get more property in the future as you said.......i would go bigger.
if you can afford the extra cash now go for the bx23.
you will be amazed at how much you can do with that little backhoe. you will wonder how you got along without it.
i have never regretted my purchase.
it will save you time and money over the years especially if you are going to buy another piece of property.
good luck
scott