BX22 Questions

Tdog · Apr 15, 2003

I've been snooping around TBN for a couple of years now, & I'm finally making my first steps towards the big purchase.

From what I read, the BX22 looks like a solid little machine, & versitile. I've checked the three closest dealers & get about $1k spread in what I want: 54" mower + box blade. The best I've done is 16,750.

Here's the rub. Of course these things are hot & no one has one in stock. Does anyone have recent experience in placing an order? What kind of wait is likely? The dealer says he's placed his call to an area rep, but has not heard back yet. OK, I only started this morning - - guess I can wait a day for information on the order.

Also, since I have several trees in the area I'll be mowing, & it's only ~~2 acres in the back & another acre or so in the front, I'm opting for the 54" mower. One dealer, in fact, didn't want to sell the 60 inch mower with the BX22. He said it had enough power, but he thought the 54" did a better job of cutting. Anyone else heard this.

I'm opting for bar tires. Should I look for anything else?

Anonymous Poster · Apr 15, 2003

(

Also, since I have several trees in the area I'll be mowing, & it's only ~~2 acres in the back & another acre or so in the front, I'm opting for the 54" mower. One dealer, in fact, didn't want to sell the 60 inch mower with the BX22. He said it had enough power, but he thought the 54" did a better job of cutting. Anyone else heard this.)

This has been discussed at length and I believe the consensus was that the 60" deck actually was a better choice because it provides a self balance suspension system that gives a more even cut over rough terain. Also, because it protrudes more from the edge of the tractor you can actually trim closer with the 60" deck. My tractor is a BX2200 and it's out having a 60" deck put on it right now. My dealer kind of contradicted your dealer by steering me away from the 54" deck that I was originally considering.

Anonymous Poster · Apr 16, 2003

I disagree with your dealer about discouraging you from the 60" MMM...it's actually much easier to manuver around trees as you have a little bit of the deck to get in close with. I do a lot of mowing around trees and have virtually NO trimming afterward with the 60" deck.

Bar tires are defininately what you want with this machine. Your lawn will be fine as long as it isn't a swamp. Just stay in 2wd when mowing and you should have little or no marking. The turfs will give you considerably better results when using the FEL and other implements.

If you plan on using the FEL a lot, a removable toothbar is a nice addition. (It's on my aquisition list...). Also have your dealer weld some chain hooks on the FEL for further versatility. If you plan on adding auxiliary lights, the heavy duty alternator is also a good option to consider.

BX-22s are in demand, but "in stock" status varries by dealer. My dealer usually has one in stock ready to go and the other dealer in my area that I am familiar with has had two or three on display almost constantly since last fall. My dealer sells the machine for $15,500 plus whatever else is on the table. I've seen posts here at TBN indicating some dealers are offering them for $14500.

Tdog · Apr 16, 2003

Thanks for the replies. The dealer that advised against the 60 mower is not the one that I'm inclined to go with. I do wonder what/why he felt that way?

Are the chain hooks you recommend just to have something to hook to so you can lift/drag it? Will he likely know where to weld the chain hooks?

Still no word on his finding a bx22 for me. Frustrating.

Worksmart · Apr 17, 2003

Tdog - I'm guessing he had a 54" deck he couldn't sell. It appears to me the 60" is much more popular. The only reason I see people buying the smaller deck is because of clearance problems(trees, gates, etc.). Chuck

FamilyFarm · Apr 17, 2003

I would think any dealer would know where to weld the chain hooks. I have one on each side of the bucket. Some have ony had one welded to the center since the BX has only a center hydraulic/support arm. I just always wrap the chain around both hooks when lifting anything so that the force is equal on both sides. The hooks and a good chain will be well worth the few dollars spent!

Terry

Tdog · Apr 17, 2003

Thanks. I've got a couple of hefty chains. Maybe I can retire my come-along?

FamilyFarm · Apr 17, 2003

( Thanks. I've got a couple of hefty chains. Maybe I can retire my come-along? )
I got my come-along out recently, but then decided to use the tractor! /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

Terry

Anonymous Poster · Apr 17, 2003

Tdog,
I have a 2200 w/ the 54"mmm. The 60" would have been a tight fit around here. Jbecker and the others are probably on point though; I don't have the extra "reach" that the 60" has and it would come in right handy sometimes under trees. The 54" has surprised me with the quality of cut. Better than my Dixson ZTR. I have to assume that the 60" mmm cut is comparable.
IMHO, go with the bars and get a tooth bar. The price doesn't change for the bars. The tooth bar will set you back about $300 but greatly improves the digging power of the machine.
Just my $.02.
Happy tractoring,
DaveL

Tdog · Apr 18, 2003

Thanks for all your suggestions. How does the toothbar attach? Is that something that you leave on for all uses? Guess you can see I'm pretty ignorant about these things.

My best price was from a dealer an hour+ away. Just on a lark I stopped by the local dealer yesterday & asked him if he would match the price - - well he didn't exactly, but got within a couple hundred dollars. Of course he doesn't have one in stock either, but says he can deliver one by the middle of next week. Looks like I'll go sign with him today.