BX2200 upgrade or replace?

[rbarker]

I have a 2001 BX2200 with loader, Woods ground breaker backhoe, 60" mower and Curtis cab which I bought new. It's served me well with no breakdowns or issues for 300 hours or so. But this winter has been extra snowy and my job has become more demanding so clearing the driveway with the loader is starting to create an issue for me. I have decided that front blower is the way to go so now the choice is add the blower to what I have or trade in (as suggested by dealer:laughing on a new one. One main reason for trading is that although it has the 4 way valve it is the old style which is connected directly to the loader arm and not the tractor. This means that you need to pull the pin between the loader arm and the upright plus the pin for the hydraulic cylender in order to leave the upright on the tractor in order to use the blower, making the installation much less convenient.

The blower is about $3450 and the dealer says an complete upgrade might be in the $10K range with trade in (these are just pricing guidelines over the phone).

I'm interested in the pros and cons of both options before I actually go in and talk to the sales manager. I followed these forums for several years but haven't been on for the last 2 or so so I don't know how the new tractors stack up the the 2001 or what new features they may have that could sway my decision. I would be looking at the same hp range or bigger, definately not smaller. I mow about 1/2 acre and plow a moderate sized paved drive as my major uses but I've been known to dig a patio or two and other type landscape jobs as well.

Thanks in advance

 

[JOHNTHOMAS]

Seven years ago I bought my first Kubota and tractor. A BX2200 FEL MMM. I've traded/bought eleven more Kubotas from Barlows since then.
Appears you have an interest in trading or maybe you want to hear how you should keep what you have that has served you well with no problems and still barely broke in. I'm the guy that usually says get new but I can't really see a reason for you to get new unless you just want to get new or get new and finance your new tractor and snow blower for 60 Mo at 0% rather than pay cash for the snowblower. Not seeing trading because of hydraulic valve.
I've had several BX's and the biggest difference is the BX2660 (only) has a better seat. The corners are a bit more rounded. Motors probably the same. Maybe digital rpm and hour meters. You know the difference between a 23 and 26 HP which is next to none.
This could go down in TBN history that JOHNTHOMAS didn't say TRADE. I'm not saying to or not to. I'm saying be true to yourself and do what you want for best mental health because I'm not seeing a glaring reason to trade.
But, I will say, if it was me, I'd trade in a heart beat because you've got it paid for. I'd finance the entire purchase and if I had any cash left I'd pay it on one of my car loans that are carrying interest. And I like trading and I don't like equipment having to be repaired.

 

[oldnslo]

If the valve goes with loader I presume there are quick disconnects in the pressure and tank lines. Based on that thought getting a second valve for the snowblower shouldn't be that expensive nor that hard to mount and plumb.

My two bits, inflation you know....

Roy

 

[Grandad4]

If you have some mechanical ability and some available time, your absolute cheapest approach might be to fabricate a new bracket assembly for the 4 way loader valve so it mounts to the FEL mount on the tractor. You would also have to add quick connects for the FEL lines. If you search "BX2200 snowblower" in this section, you'll find about two pages of discussion threads, many of which have information and even pictures about this topic. I saw at least two threads involving owners who made their own brackets. That solution seemed a whole lot more sensible to me than the advice of some factory rep to take apart the FEL itself. These discussions were mostly from several years ago, of course.

It would be unfortunate to have to take a beating on trading a perfectly good, 300 hour BX with backhoe, no less, just so you could deal with the loader valve issue.

 

[David_Kb7uns]

I want to say I thought that there was some type of bracket that you could get at one time to keep the valve with the tractor, I will have start looking to find it.

David Kb7uns

Found the kit Number!!!

HYDRAULIC VALVE KIT
BX2015A�� Hydraulic Valve Kit (4-Position Dump Spool) 56 $ 657.00
Includes Stand for use with tractors without
LA181 or LA211 Loader

 

[redharley]

Is a 3point hitch blower out of the question? I do not know how long your driveway is,if just for own use might be worth a look.That way you could keep the loader on and the blower, best of both worlds. Bigest drawback is looking back while blowing to some this is no problem others it's a deal breaker.

 

[OrangeRidge]

..... It would be unfortunate to have to take a beating on trading a perfectly good BX with backhoe, no less, just so you could deal with the loader valve issue......

x2

...... We don't have snow or Fall leaves here , but wouldn't the snow
blower be left on for the snow season ? You'll have little use for the
loader in winter , since the blower directs to where you want the snow .

 

[Tom_H]

x2

...... We don't have snow or Fall leaves here , but wouldn't the snow
blower be left on for the snow season ? You'll have little use for the
loader in winter , since the blower directs to where you want the snow .

This was my thought exactly. You will only need to make this change out twice per year. Is saving a little labor worth $7000? How many other ways could your family use the $7000? The economy caused my wife and me to take salary cuts so large that we cannot take vacations, eat out, buy anything that we don't absolutely need. If the car or tractor break down, we can only fix it by dipping into savings. Perhaps you are financially secure and $7000 is not that much of your available discretionary funds. I am not trying to whine, but simply urging a little caution. How secure is your job and the amount of your income? Only you know and only you can decide, but these are unpredictable times for many people. Are you married? Have you talked it over with your wife? Is she in agreement that this is the best expenditure of family finances? Not at all trying to be critical, just food for thought.

 

[NY_Yankees_Fan]

Bob,

I have what you want, a front snowblower on a BX2200. I have had it since 2004. Yea it is a pain in the butt to pull the 2 pins on the FEL to take the valve off the FEL. Takes about 5 mins to take off and 5 mins to put back on. The hydraulic hoses have quick disconnects and take another 30 seconds. So for 11 mins of extra work a YEAR you are going to spend $7K?? :confused2:

Now if you are tired of the BX2200 and want a new tractor go for it.:thumbsup:

Have you considered the plow connected to the FEL that BXpanded sells? That would be a lot faster then putting on the blower on and off 2 times a year, maybe another option.

A rear 3pt blower I also had on the BX2200, depending on how long your driveway is, and how old and well your body works that maybe another option.

 

[TripleR]

Can't beat the advice given so far; seems to make more sense to keep the BX2200, good luck.