BX22, Considering Buying

[SirMaxwell]

Hey all,

I am considering a BX22 for appx 10K, has loader and Backhoe and 800hrs.

I already have the Bobcat CT450 for the heavy work, but I need a quality mower for about 5 acres of rolling, to steepish inclines, and a little rough terrain. I also am in need of a trencher/ditch digger.

The Bobcat is too large for general mowing duties and is used for larger fields/pastures/woodlands etc.

My questions to all you expert Kubota guys are:

What model(s) of Mid Mower are used on the BX22?
What are thoughts on BX22 and prices?
Anything you wish to educate me on?

Thank you all,

 

[drewkeen]

Mower deck will likely be a RCK54-22BX or RCK60-22BX.

 

[PaulL2]

5 acres is a lot of property to mow. The BX is a good mower, but not an awesome mower - are you sure you wouldn't want a bigger 3ph type mower on the Bobcat? I think you'd spend a lot of time each week mowing with a BX, and it seems that 5 acres can't all need high quality finish mowing. Do you really mean mowing, or do you mean bush hogging for the rest - i.e. are you planning to mow weekly like a lawn, or mow 3 times a summer like a paddock?

 

[SirMaxwell]

drewkeen, thanks for info. Seems like a hard bugger to find. I wonder if any of the others are compatible, like the BX2200 uses a RCK54B/60B-2200/2300 or such?

 

[SirMaxwell]

PaulL2,

Yea a lot of mowing. 3-5 acres will be mowed appx every 2 weeks, give or take. Of that about a third is sloped and the balance is around a lot of obstacles.Bobcat is busy with bush hogging 25+ acres of field, clearing some woodlot areas, box-blade messed up regions, lots of raking, smoothing out areas, grappling brush, trees. firewood etc.

What do you guys (and gals of course) think of general pricing?

 

[PaulL2]

BX22 is a great machine for a lot of stuff. I like driving mine so I'd potentially enjoy mowing 5 acres with it, but that is a lot of lawn and a lot of seat time even every second week. Go the 60 inch deck for sure, I'd take off the backhoe definitely and the FEL probably when mowing that much.

Price wise, the new equivalent is a bit over $20K, the BX22 is a 2002-2003 machine, so 15 years old. 800 hours isn't a lot, my BX2350 has about that with no mechanical issues (all the plastics are broken though, previous owner appears to have let the apprentice drive it). Mower will cost you a bit, does it have 3PH installed - if not that will cost you a bit too. I see them going around $10-12K, but honestly I wouldn't pay that much for it probably - for someone who wants that setup it'd be a good buy, but if you have to source a mower deck and a 3PH on top, I'd probably be aiming to be around $12K all in with deck and 3ph. If you can get a brand new one for about $23-24K with everything you need, how much would you pay for a used one? Problem is that they do hold their value really well.

 

[Tractorable]

A BX with a back hoe and loader would not make a good mower, esp on steep inclines and rough ground. They're narrow and tippy especially with a heavy back hoe installed. Also, their tiny wheels fall into every hole or rut in the ground. With a backhoe and loader mounted, they're too cumbersome to mow around obstacles.

I'd recommend looking into a dedicated mowing machine like a riding mower or zero turn, or get a 7ft finish mower for the CT450. Either rent a mini excavator or buy a backhoe for the CT450.

BX's are handy machines but their narrow track and small wheels limit their effectiveness on hills.

 

[SirMaxwell]

Sorry for lateness. I did not end up with the aforementioned BX, however I ended up with one a bit nicer for a similar price. Say hello to the newest stable addition - BX25 (says D) on namplate, but guess the "25D" is a 25D-1 and mine is a regular D:



I have the 2" Rear and 1.5" front wheel spacers, and rear belly shield from Bro-Tek, as well as the Extended and Over sized stabilizers and Trench Bucket from BxTended for the Excavator, as well as a couple misc things. So, will do a service and clean up and come back with photos.

One thing I do NOT like is the dash, where is my Tach. Got a GIANT inaccurate fuel gauge, but no tach (well hidden in the little lcd). Anyone know if other dashes can be swapped in ? Or a good looking, durable aftermarket?

Thanks for everyones comments.

Max

 

[civilian]

Dear Sir: so how are you liking the BX25? I have a BX2230 with over 1250 hours on it. I have the 54" mower deck and dad's has the 60" ower deck. I think I see a mid mount mower on yours. Have you had a chance to mow with it yet? Enjoy the hours spent on it. I know my wife and I sure have. Jon

 

[diesel85]

I have a BX2200 (same as the BX22), and I've got over 1500 hours on it and climbing.

Barely any issues. Just typical tractor maintenance.

I am keeping it for minimum of 2 more years, because I need something bigger.

Overall it's a great little tractor.