BX1870 or a B2320

[dcahalane]

I've got about 5 acres; two is lawn and the rest woods/alders. My plan is to use the tractor to convert an acre of existing rough to gardens/lawn and then use it for mowing everything and doing general gardening work. I cant make my mind up between a B2320, which would probably be better at the clearing and converting or the BX1870, which would probably handle the lawn/garden duty better. Also, the lower cost BX would allow me to purchase some accessories up front (Back Blade + RotoTiller) Here's the question: Would the BX handle the rough clearing/grading of the acre or do I need the extra power and ground clearance of the B series?

 

[Tompet]

Welcome. I've had both a SCUT and CUT, and yes either one could do the work you outlined. If you are going to be in the woods often and tilling I would suggest the 2320. With the floating deck on the 2320 mowing should be a wash. IMO, in the long run since you are questioning this you would be happier with the 2320. Are you going to get a FEL? Have you driven both at the dealer? In either case, you will enjoy your tractor!

 

[Panik]

Out of curiosity why are you looking at bx1870 and a B2320? You would get more bang per tractor in the bx series if you looked at the bx2360/2370 or bx2660/2370. Put another way the bx2360 series tractors have the same hp as the b2320 series but are configured with less ground clearance.

I have a bx2360 w/fel that I use to mow and maintain 3 acres of yard and eventually plan on using it to put in trails on the the other 7 acres of woods we have. That being said I really cant advise you on how effective either a BX or small B series would be a clearing land. I would imagine that would depend very heavily on your timelines, the terrain, the vegetation, etc. A lot of my wooded 7 acres is pretty steep and has a bunch of stuff I would be weary of tackling with either my BX2360 or a B2320. On the other hand I know of people on this forum who have done amazing things with converting land using the same machines.

In any case I would highly suggest a FEL if you can swing it. They come in handy in ways that are hard to imagine.

 

[dcahalane]

Definitely planning on a FEL. I guess I'm looking at the BX1870 and not the BX2360 or greater because once you get to the price of the 2360 your at par with the B2320. With the 1870 I can get the machine plus some accessories.

The land is old pasture that has overgrown with mostly Alder and small trees. I was hoping to be able to take out the small trees with a chain saw, and then clear whats left by pushing over with the FEL and/or bush-hogging, then come back with a back blade to clean up. I figure with the clearance, the B would be better in the clearing department, but if the 1870 could handle it, I could purchase the bush-hog and back-blade with the tractor.

 

[Mounted Madness]

I too have been looking at the BX2360 and B2320.
My decision - the BX2360.
My reason - the FEL has a quick detach bucket option which isn't available with the B2320.
I found with my B3030HSDC, that the quick detach bucket and a set of forks to swap over to, made my machine a very useful tool.
Having owned a BX24 previously, and having missed it after buying the B3030HSDC, even though the bigger machine met my needs (and kept me warm), I still preferred the BX24.
Quick Detach Bucket and Forks - a must have in my book. :thumbsup:

 

[bp fick]

I had a BX1860 for 2 years. Loved it.

Bought some nearby property, lots of woods and rough work. Sold the BX. The B2320 fit the bill better. It's ground clearance is substantial; greater than a mere fact sheet can communicate, and there isn't that pesky transmission fan to worry about either. The B 2320 had more power in the loader as well as cycling much faster.

When the work up on the property was finished, sold the B2320 to a fella who literally stopped, drove in the driveway and insisted on buying it. Can't make this stuff up. I was plowing snow out front at the time. I thought for a minute, and said, "Sure, why not". Got my money back. 3 1/2 good years with the B.

Couldn't wait to get my hands on a BX again. Found a BX2360 with 24 hours on it at my dealer. Love it, love it, love it.

In other words, you simply cannot go wrong and you'll not lose any money on it if you take care of it. When jobs change, you can make a change as needed. These tractors are nothing like cars or other soberly depreciating items.

If your land clearing is rough? I'd recommend you get a B and then when you're done, make the change. Buy implements that will fit either one.