BX2200 - Is this what I need?

[gusg]

I have been racking my brain trying to decide what to buy. I have 3 acres that is pretty much all lawn (actually weeds acting as a lawn for now). I am going in Monday to get a tractor and have decided on a Kubota. My first inclination was to get a 7500 and then liked the 2710 so much better. The dealer now thinks that I will be coming in to order a 2710 on Monday.

I was talking to my neighbor this morning about tractors, what else. He has a JD 4200 and loves it but he just went and bought a JD LX277 lawn tractor because he wants to use it to mow (he says his 4200 is overkill). He told me that once I am done with my landscaping this summer that a garden tractor is all that I should need. He has offered to help with any big loader jobs that I need.

I am now back to a BX2200 with a FEL and a 60" MMM. This is all that I should need to maintain a gravel 200' driveway, mow the 3 acres, clear the driveway in winter and do some light loader work such as moving landscape rock and top soil and spreading it. I already have a Land Pride 5' blade that I think will be perfect for the BX.

The only things that I don't like about the BX but I am sure I will get used to are no tach, the cupped hydro pedal arrangement, and it seems nosier than most of the other tractors I have looked at. It will be very maneuverable and I think will be better with its low center of gravity. My land is hilly and is steep in a few places.

I would appreciate any inputs. I don't think for what I need I need to go up in $3K increments (2200 to 7500 to 2710). I am fairly new to this forum but have learned a lot and at the same time become confused. You have all been very patient with my changing mindset and great with your replies. Thanks.

 

[TresCrows]

I hated the boomerang pedal at first but I grew to like it a lot. You may as well or at least get used to it.
The BX noisy?, you must be running it wide open, with the loader the manual specifies approx 1800-2200 RPM. Most mowing only needs about 3/4 throttle. I have a 2410 and a BX, the BX is much quieter, especially the hydro. My little BX is very quiet compared to a neighbors Craftsman 25 horse lawnmower.
I have nothing against the 7500 but I think from what YOU say that the BX is what you need.
You really do not need to run these machine generally much more than 1/2 throttle except for mowing, everyone here has their special operating technique but I bet most let their tractors loaf. These engines have lot's of torque at low RPM compared to your old riding mower and simply do not have to be run wide open. Of course, I am not saying to lug the engine, you will know when it is lugging, you can hear it and feel it and see the black smoke when it really lugs down. Just some more rhetoric from the 3crows /w3tcompact/icons/wink.gif . J

 

[Bird]

Gus, I usually tell people to get the biggest thing they can afford and have room to maneuver . . ., but if mowing is going to be a primary usage, then lighter weight is better in my opinion. So from what you say about the size of the property and lawn, as much as I like the 2710, I think I'd go with the BX.

 

[Huskerfan]

Check out the thread on tach. I've installed the tiny tach on my BX just below the dash on the rubber molding above the panel on the left side. It took only two small holes and screws that are all but invisible to mount a 1 1/2 inch aluminum angle that was painted flat black to which the tiny tach is mounted. It works perfectly and is easy to install. If you do get the BX you'll be amazed at the power and maneverability, you won't regret the decision.
Huskerfan

 

[MReeter]

Your property and your post have BX2200 written all over it.I have owned a B2710,and they are a GREAT compact,but if your main usage one day will be mowing,2710 would be a little big.

We now have a BX,and I can tell you for sure that it will mow circles around a 2710,much lighter and easier on your turf.

I can't speak for the 7500,but I think the MMM is the style that rolls on the ground (not suspended).The suspended MMM on the BX does a superior job of mowing and is simple to remove and install.

Get the FEL,even after all the landscaping and loader work is done,you will ALWAYS have a reason to use that loader.

Best of luck,tough choices to make...

 

[kcook]

I would have to agree with the others, the BX will be a superior lawn mower! Its lighter weight, with plenty of power will do the job nicely! Also with the other jobs to described the the BX will be able to do the job, and give you some pocket money to boot!

KCook

 

[gusg]

Thanks for all of your great comments. My wife is concerned because she doesn't want me to come back later if we buy say 5-10 acres and say that this tractor can't do what I want it to do and I will have to trade up and lose a bunch of money in the process. I told her that the tractor should hold its value.

My only concern is that our ground gets like concrete and you have to use a pick ax to get into it. It may take awhile but can the FEL break this ground? In other words if I have a 6" high area and want to take it out will the 2200 FEL do the job? Would a tooth bar help and how expensive are they and can they be taken on and off easily?

Thanks again for all of your help.

 

[Huskerfan]

I have a toothbar on my FEL but you may want consider a box blade for the compacted soil to loosen it up before using the loader if you have to remove any ground. The toothbar is easy to remove, just 2 bolts.

 

[TresCrows]

A common misconception but the FEL is not very good at digging, especially into hard ground. The FEL is designed for scooping, backhoes are for digging. Neither the BX or the 2710 or my 2410 are adequate for busting hard clay with the FEL, yes a toothbar would help but in any case digging is hard on the tractor and FEL. The FEL can peel a thin layor and if forced can dig. Maybe you need the BX22TLB. You will be dissapointed in the "digging" capability of all compact tractors, not just the little BX. J

 

[frank_f15]

just to add my agreement with the other, go with the bx, it is just fine for mowing and can do most anything else u will run into on your property. do beleive a 2710 might be alittle largefor your needs. GET A LOADER. will always find a use for it.