I think the original question was twofold:
1. How strong is the BX?
There are some minor differences in capacity for the front-end-loader and lift rating for the 3 point hitch - but in general I would say that the BX and the 7500 are of comparable strength. Both are well designed, robust tractors. I certainly wouldn't make a decision based on comparing the 'strength' of the two.
Now if you were to compare the BX with, say, the
B2910 then I'd know that what you probably needed was a tractor with more beef to it.
2. Is the
B7500 worth the extra $2-3k?
Good question. The only way to look at this from a purely rational perspective is to do a cost-benefit comparison.
I looked at the major tasks I would be using my tractor for and came up with mowing (majority), plowing snow, post-hole digging (planned fencing projects), landscaping (levelling, moving some dirt around), pulling various 'stuff' around, preparing the garden for tilling and some minor trenching. I also considered the fact that I have a bank along one part of my property that has a high pucker factor.
I then figured out how much each of these projects would cost to 'hire-out' or hire equipment in to do it. Based on the rates in my area I easily justified the BX purchase to my battle-hardened CFO.
All of the above are easily doable with the BX. The
B7500 offered me no advantage - in fact there was a slight disadvantage when I thought of mowing the bank. In fact, the only reason I would have considered the
B7500 is if my property was heavily wooded (for the extra clearance). Even then I could easily argue that with a bit of pushing and shoving and a little chainsaw work I could save myself a couple thousand. Even when mud is an issue you could cart in some stone and deal with the problem for a lot less than 2-3 thousand.
If I needed more tractor to do heavier tasks I would have skipped the
B7500 and gone straight up to a 2410.
I'm not anti-7500 -- I just think that the BX stomped on a lot of its reason for existence -- especially considering the latest posts regarding the backhoe that seems to be coming soon. I guess I'm not one that worries about whether I'm sitting a few inches higher off the ground or not - because of my size I make the
B7500 and the
BX2200 both look like garden tractors anyway.
By the way - I noticed that the old chestnut of the BX not working with a post hole digger came up again ... here's my rebuttal.
BX and Post Hole Digger
BX 2200 w/Post Hole Digger
Digging post holes with my BX2200
Hope you find this useful!
Patrick
