BX22 Questions

Anonymous Poster · May 18, 2003

Hello,
I have just registered as a member of this site, but I have been frequenting the site for some time. I am considering purchasing the BX 22, but I have a number of questions I would like to ask in order to help me make up my mind.

1) As far as mid mount mowers go I'm leaning toward the 60" deck, but I'm grew up using the Gravely tractors which utilized a heavy duty deck that rode on the ground with heavy duty ball bearing wheels. The kubota deck is a self leveling free floating suspended design as I understand it. Is there any other manufacture that makes a heavier duty mid-mounted deck with ball bearing wheels that will fit on the BX 22? I realize that the Kubota deck wheels are not supposed to come into play except to prevent the deck from scalping the lawn and the lack of bearings should not cause a problem. The deck design is the only thing I'm not sold on about the BX 22, the deck seems to be cheaply built to installed on such a high quality machine like the BX series tractor. Does anyone else share my concerns? Is there any other options for a mid mounted deck other than the Kubota offerings? If I'm misinformed about the quality of the Kubota deck please let me know your opinion.

2) I see a post here and there about 4 way hydraulic valves on the BX 22 loader, I get the impression that this is a optional item. I looked at a BX 22 today and asked the sales guy about the valve and he wasn't sure, but he worked the valve on the loader and said it was a 4 way design and that the valve was a standard feature of the BX 22. Is he correct, or is there another valve option available?

3) I have also noticed that some people have mentioned that there are some problems getting various rear mounted implements to connect to the BX 22's 3 point hitch even though they are of the correct class for the BX hitch. I realize the recommended HP for the implement probably has a lot to do with the problems that I have read about. My question is would I be better off getting my implements from Kubota so they will be designed specifically for the BX tractor? I would like a Box blade, a post hole auger and a rear tiller. I will probably get the Box blade when I but the tractor with the other implements coming later in the year as the need arises.

4) I know there has been a lot of discussion concerning tire selection. What is the latest consensus on the AG tire versus the turf design? To help you answer my question it would help if you knew a little about my situation, as shocking as it may seem, I live in a residential subdivision with considerably less than one acre of lawn, but I grew up on a farm and I love tractors and have a 16 Month old son that's shares my enthusiasm for tractors as well and we intend to spend a lot of quality time with the BX.. I know I don't need a machine as capable as the BX 22 at this time(I hope to return to the farm in the next couple of years), but you have to admit that it's one neat little toy, but I digress, given my situation of using the machine the majority of the time to mow the lawn, all 15 minutes of it, would the turf tire be better for me than the AG's? I plan on using the machine initially to landscape the yard followed by tilling in a small garden area next summer.The Kubota dealer said that the turf tire would serve my needs, but also said the some people buy a set of both designs and swap them out as the need arises. He told me I could get a set of AG's complete with rims for somewhere near $300.00. Any thoughts on this?

5) Do I need anything else? such as the larger alternator, block heater? FEL toothbar? in order to get the most enjoyable user experience from the BX 22.

6) My final question is concerning price. I have been quoted a price by two dealers in the area. The quote was the for the BX 22 with the 60" mmm with turf tires. For reference I'm located In central Alabama, near
Quote # 1 was $ 16,100, this was from a dealer where my brother works as a mechanic at. I had hoped he would be able to get a really good deal for me, and he may have. I just don't know what kind of price to expect.
Quote # 2 was $15,750, but the dealer if further away and I don't have any kind of connection to them to help me get the machine serviced in the event that I had a problem.
Quote # 3 $17,100 from a dealer about 100 miles away.
I'm inclined to go with my brother because it would be helpful if I needed service.My brother tells me its hard to get a machine serviced both in warranty and out at a dealer that didn't sell it to you, any truth to that in your experience?
Do these prices seem reasonable to you?

I know this is longer than the typical post, but I like to be sure before I make a purchase that I have made a wise and informed choice.
Thanks in advance
Greg Williams

crawdad · May 18, 2003

hey greg,
ive had my bx a little over a year ...no problems yet.,
question#1- my 60"mmm works fine.....i mow about 3 acres...beats the 38" craftsman
question#2- i had my dealer install a 4-way so i can use a snowblower in the future
question#3- i cant help...have not bought any attachments
question #4-i went with turf tires,,,then bought the ags cause of mud and snow,i just switch them when i have to...
question#5- the block heater for $25.00???? go for it.....i plug mine in when i have to start it below 40 deg.
do you have to??? no.......but do diesels like to be warm before played with?...yes.
as far as price........i would buy from who you feel most comfortable with.....maybe not the lowest price..
the bx22 is a nice machine for what it is.
good luck
scott

NY_Yankees_Fan · May 18, 2003

1. The MMM works fine just make sure your brother levels the deck and you will be very happy with the design. The 60 MMM is a heavier gauge metal then the 54.
2. If you plan on adding a front mounted snow blower or a broom you will need the 4 way valve, if not, do not worry about it. I have a 2200 and it did not come with it, not sure with the 22 if it does or not.
3. The only problem you may have is with a 3 pt post hole digger, I think the max dept is about 3 feet with the BX. Kubota attachments are expensive and they are manufactured by others and then just marked up. I have a First Choice tiller, Mid West aerator, Provost puma snowblower, and have had no problems getting them on and off.
4. I have turfs and they work fine for me even in the 2 feet of snow we had this winter. If your plan to do a lot of soil work, then you may want to consider buying both, so far I have not had any problems with the turfs, I do have them loaded with windshield fluid.
5. If you plan on adding more then 2-55 watt lights, I would go with the larger alternator. For $165 it is worth it given your long term use of the tractor. Block heater is good if you live in an area were it gets below 10 –15. I had no problem starting until it reached 15 and then it started but it did not like the cold weather. I bought a block heater and will install before next winter. I paid $35 for mine. With a brother who works on tractors all day I would think he can help you install it. A tooth bar is a must have if you plan on doing any digging with the tractor. You also may want to change the turn buckle arrangement on the 3 pt as the b2910 has, see this link for details. web page
6. Price well see this web site web page to get an idea with price. You can also check out Carver and see what price you can get. Given your have a brother that works on tractors, servicing should not be a problem, you will not need your brother’s help too much, you are after all buying a Kubota.

Good luck in your shopping and you will love the tractor.

Anonymous Poster · May 18, 2003

1. The 54" deck works well, and I have had no problems with it. The 60" cuts a wider path, and extends further from the trractor, making trimming easier. The decks look good to me from a quality standpoint, and shouldn't be a problem.
2. The 4 way valve is used for front mount attachments that require a dual cylinder power angle from what I understand (front blade, etc.). Not required if you don't mount these attachments. The 4 way is an option, and normally doesn't come on a stock unit.
3. I have a 4' woods gbc box blade, a woods 4' lbc landscape rake, and a 40" woods gto tiller. All work fine on the bx, and the box & rake are designed to fit the bx.
4. Bars are great if you're using the fel alot but if you are mostly mowing the turfs have a gentler footprint and won't mark the lawn as much. I went with the bars which was the better decision for me, but I will probably pick up a set of turfs once I get the lawn finished. You are right, a set runs about $300.
5. Definitely get a tooth bar. It really gives the bx more digging power. The rest of the items mentioned are needed for specific circumstances (you are in AL so the block heater shouldn't be required, etc.).
6. I never priced the bx22, but some of the prices you mention are consistent with some of the better deals I have seen on this site.
Hope this helps.
DaveL

Anonymous Poster · May 18, 2003

( Does anyone else share my concerns? Is there any other options for a mid mounted deck other than the Kubota offerings? If I'm misinformed about the quality of the Kubota deck please let me know your opinion.)

I don't know of any after market mid mounted decks for the BX but you could always get a RFM for the rear PTO from another manufacturer. Personally, I don't share your concern. The 60" mmm weighs 250 lbs. and cuts like a dream.

( 2) I see a post here and there about 4 way hydraulic valves on the BX 22 loader, I get the impression that this is a optional item. )

It is optional, although my dealer told me he won't order a tractor without it. It doesn't really effect the operation of the loader except that the 4 way offers a "rapid dump" option. The 4 way is mostly used for power angle front plow blades and front mounted snow blowers. It is cheaper to add it at the time of purchase / order than to have to buy it later.

( if you knew a little about my situation, as shocking as it may seem, I live in a residential subdivision with considerably less than one acre of lawn, )

Sounds like the turfs would be fine for you. I have dug, scraped, removed snow, cleared brush, moved 20 yards of loam, mowed, and various other tasks on my 1 acre lot with turfs and had no issues.

( 5) Do I need anything else? such as the larger alternator, block heater? FEL toothbar? in order to get the most enjoyable user experience from the BX 22.)

You say you're in Alabama so forget the block heater. The glow plugs will handle any cold you get down there. The bigger alternator can be added at any time for $165. Lots of people here swear by their tooth bar. I haven't needed one yet.

Good luck, and I doubt you will regret this purchase!

Anonymous Poster · May 18, 2003

Thanks to everyone who has replied to my questions.
1) As far as the mower desk is concerned I'm going to take everyone's advice and quit worrying about it, If it cuts as good as everyone says I know I will be pleased with it.

2) 4 way valve - If the 4 way does indeed enable a rapid dump on the front bucket it could be useful to have provided it doesn't make the loader more complicated to operate or add significantly to the cost of the tractor. I will look into it further. If any one knows for sure about how this 4 way valve would operate the loader as compared to the standard valve please let me know.

3) I'm also going to take everyone's advice on the attachments and go with the after market one's. If anyone can supply the make and model of their attachments that fit the BX correctly and work well I will use their equipment as the basis of what I shop for. A nice heavy built box blade would be high on my purchase priority list followed by the tiller and the post hole digger. Does anyone have experience with tillers for the BX with regard to shear pin versus a clutch based design? If I recall the Kubota tiller has a clutch, which would seem in my opinion to be a little better than a shear pin. I'm pretty sure that if I bought a tiller that was rated above the PTO Hp of the BX that the shear pin would be unlikely to ever break. Any first hand experience with this?

4) Tires - I think I will start with the turf tires and if I find that I need the bar tires I will order a set of tires/rims. My brother said to ask about a set of R4's. but upon checking I was told that they weren't available.

5) Tooth bar - I will go ahead and get the bar, I think dragging the bucket backwards with the teeth on the bucket would really help to loosen hard compacted soil when the box blade was not on the tractor. I will hold off on the block heater and larger alternator for now.

I applied for the Kubota credit about 4:30 PM on Friday May the 16th. Hopefully I will hear back on the approval on Monday the 19th. I have got to get busy building a storage building with attached shed to store the tractor in when it arrives. I have considered going ahead and accepting delivery of the machine and using it to get the concrete slab installed for the building. I'm planning to build a 16 x 16 building with a 10 foot shed on one side to store the backhoe and loader in when they aren't being used. I'm considering building the building with a storage loft to increase the storage area.

Again thanks for everyone's replies, it good to hear from someone with experience with the BX.

Greg Williams

Anonymous Poster · May 19, 2003

( 2) 4 way valve - If the 4 way does indeed enable a rapid dump on the front bucket it could be useful to have provided it doesn't make the loader more complicated to operate or add significantly to the cost of the tractor. I will look into it further. If any one knows for sure about how this 4 way valve would operate the loader as compared to the standard valve please let me know.)

Here is the page from the manual about this.

Anonymous Poster · May 19, 2003

Thanks for the valve information

lazyaranch · Jun 2, 2003

Regarding the tooth bar for the frontend loader, is this a Kubota part or aftermarket? After much consideration and reading of these boards (thank you everyone for some very good posts!) I will be getting my BX22 delivered later this week. Can't wait! I talked to the dealer about a tooth bar for the FEL, and he was not aware of a Kubota-brand tooth bar being available. I agree it sounds like a great option to get, and would like to get one but aren't sure where to start. Can anyone supply the Kubota part number or recommend a good aftermarket brand to get? Any particular features (good/bad) to look for in a front-end loader tooth bar? Price paid? Thanks. Joe

Anonymous Poster · Jun 2, 2003

( Regarding the tooth bar for the frontend loader, is this a Kubota part or aftermarket?)

A tooth bars is an aftermarket accessory. Your dealer can provide it or you can shop any of the outfits that advertise here at TBN. Presumably, your local dealer will also drill the holes for you so installation and removal is easy. You'll have to do that yourself if you buy remotely.