BX1500 Questions

[Bob_Young]

Is anyone using thier BX1500 with a snowblower or rototiller? If so, what equipment are you using and how well does it perform? For that matter, what MM Mower sizes work with this little beast...seems like 48" would be about the limit.

I'm thinking primarily about a rear-mounted 3-pt. snowblower due to cost factors and ease of removal, but would like to know how well the front mounted blower does as well and how much it costs as an option.

Looking at the BX1500 specs., I'm wondering if it has enough power to drive a blower or rototiller large enough to cover its tracks so, before jumping on one, would like to hear from those that know.

Also, does the BX1500 have any type of 'cruise control'? I'm new to foot-pedal controlled HSTs and wonder if the old leg would cramp up trying to keep that pedal where I want it all the time?

I noticed one sitting on the dealer's lot yesterday as they were closing. My old JD210's acting kinda wonky this spring and I'm thinking about an upgrade....that and power steering would help ease the tendonitis I'm developing.

I'd prefer something bigger but, with a limited budget and lotsa trees to mow around, the BX1500 might be the answer. I'm just hoping it can be used for something besides mowing.
Thanks.
Bob

 

[proudestmonkey]

I originally looked at the 1500, but with the same questions you have, I settled on a 2230. Although, if all you are going to do is mow and snow, you may have all you need in the 1500. I have big hills, and a fairly steep driveway to maintain, so I wasn't convinced the 1500 would be able to handle it.

How much more would it cost you to move up to the 1850 or 2350? I doubt its that much. In my case, the difference was less than was roughly $1,000 to go from the 1500 to the 1830 and another $600 to go from the 1830 to the 2230. I know the 2350 has cruise, and probably (am not sure) so does the 1850.

 

[kevinj]

The BX 1500 is a great machine, I ran the 50" front snowblower just fine here in MI. The machine just plays with the 54" mower and would easily run a 60" if it were available. That said I just traded up to a BX1850 as I liked the new features.

 

[AceDeuce]

The BX1500 would handle your tasks just fine. The extra HP in the 1830/1850 and 2230/2350 is "over and above" what is really needed in that chassis size IMO. I have a 54" MMM and have never had any power issues even through long, heavy, wet grass. A snowblower doesn't require as much PTO HP as you might think. As long as you find one that accomodates the limited lift height of the BX 3PH you should be fine there too. The tiller would pose the biggest challege to a BX1500, but a 48" unit should work in most soil types. Worst case; you might have to go a little slower (that's the beauty of an HST) and/or take a smaller bite. My property is very hilly and has a lot of wet areas. The BX1500 handles it while towing a heavy trailer with ease. It would crawl straight up the side of a building if it had enough traction. Get a higher HP unit if you really NEED more power (i.e. heavy/frequent bush hogging, tilling or landscaping) or if you just want extra insurance, or maybe you just like the newer design. You can save a few bucks on the lower HP units and outgoing models though. And you probably won't miss it.

 

[Bob_Young]

Thanks for the responses, guys. I'm afraid the BX1500 idea has died. Dealer quoted $8275 with 54" MM Mower. Heck, that's more than LBrown paid for his BX23! I was hoping for something around 7K or less...guess I was dreaming.

They've got a bunch of BX24s sitting around at the dealer. Was quoted $17,100 for a BX24 with a 60" MMM. Doesn't seem too far out of line....and I've got a BUNCH of stumps to dig out. Still, $17K is way more than I intended to spend.
Bob

 

[newcountry]

You can look at used, it might get you to the price you can afford, but the price reduction on the used Kubotas is small.

I'm sure you and me aren't the only one that was initially shocked at the price, but then you think about paying someone else to do those jobs you need done, or not getting them done at all. I've found the money I've put into my BX2230 and implements have been money well-spent.

 

[automech]

I have the 1500 with the 54 inch deck. I have about 5 acres of hilly ground about half wooded half grass. The 54 inch deck works good. When cutting up steep grades of heavy grass, I have to use low range. I assume the bigger BX would power through in high range but I don't know for sure. Low range is fine for me as far as cutting speed in general though. My yard has some good bumps so I can't cut too fast anyway. I don't have a blower so I can't help you there. I paid 8 for it with 100 hours on it, FEL and MMM included. It hasn't struggled for power yet, but I only use it for cutting grass, snow removal, and light FEL work. It pushes heavy snow like it's not there.