BX2230 Bull in a china shop?

[BANDAMAN]

After years of shopping and research I bought my BX2230 in 2004 and have thoroughly enjoyed it. Not only does it make my work easier, its just plain fun! When I bought the unit I had a little over an acre of yard, all flat, a few trees widely spaced and basically a wide open mowing area. I also had over 150 feet of driveway to clear in the MI winters. Definitely overkill, but the 60" mower deck was an easy choice due to the wide open area and quick mowing time. The power of the little 22 hp 3 cylinder has also been impressive in almost every application.

I have just under 250 hrs on the machine, so it hasn't hardly been broken in, but I have since moved back home to Iowa.

I now have just over an acre, but heavily landscaped. It has a good sized pond, a creek running trhough it, side hills, lots of vegetation, a million trees, and lots of trails around the back with rock edging around much of it. There is maybe a 1/2 to 3/4 acre of open lawn in addition to all the small areas with grass.

I mowed with the BX and 60" mower for awhile and then had lots of trimming to do with the push mower......well, since I am lazy and busy, I found a very nice low hr JD LX279 with the 42" freedom mulcher under it for my mowing needs. I figured if this did most of my chores, I would part with the BX.

I've had the JD for two seasons, but just can't bear to let go of my BX!! I find something to use it for constantly, including putting my 21" Baja in and out of the very tightly spaced garage. (I can't do it without it!)

So my dilemma is maintaining and storing 2 tractors and possibly wishing I would have gotten the BX1500 and 48" deck 4.5 years ago.

I have not looked at new tractors for a couple years, but looks like the BX1850 or the new BX1860 might be what I need to replace both my machines.

What do you think? Is the smaller tires and slightly shorter front enough of a difference to consider the 18 hp machine to be smaller and more manueverable than my 2230?

I would definitely get a loader again, it is the most useful tool I have ever had!!

So what are my machines worth vs. a new BX1850 (or BX1860 this fall) with loader, 48" fine cut mower, and two sets of tires, both rear sets loaded?

I currently have a set of turfs and bars for my BX2230. Although the bars are on most of the time, I do like to have both.

Opinions and advice are appreciated!!!

 

[TheFlatlander]

Best bang for the buck...

Keep your current tractor and buy a smaller 48" deck for it. The 48" deck from the BX1500 can be made to fit. LBrown59 on this site has one that he is wanting to part with.

I liked my BX2230 better than the BX2350. for the most part, the BX18xx is a higher HP version of the BX1500 with the shorter wheel base and shorter tires. If you do go new, hold out for a BXxx60 series. you'll be happier. They addressed all of the previous series concerns while keeping all of its improved features.

 

[BANDAMAN]

good idea, I had thought of a 48" deck on the BX, but I wondered if the slightly smaller size, lower height and smaller tires of the 1500 or the 18XX would also help. I may look into a 48: deck if the price was right, and would even consider trading my 60" for a 54" if it was as nice as mine.

Yes, I would probably wait for the newest model, as I think the improvements would be worth it and I beleive they are going back to a metal hood, etc.

I like the looks of my BX2230 better then the current 2350.....

 

[TheFlatlander]

I don't think the tire size would make that much difference in handling. The shorter wheel base would make turns a little sharper. But not much- I checked the spec. sheets.

Turning Radius:
BX**30 series
BX1500 7.15' (short wheel base)
BX1830 7.5'
BX2230 7.5'
BX23 7.5'

BX**50 series
BX1850 7.2' (short wheel base)
BX2350 7.5'
BX24 7.5'

BX**60 Series
BX2660 7.5'
I think This series when released will have same frames and turning radius of the BX**50 series.

 

[TheFlatlander]

BANDAMAN,

Check out this recient thread for information on deck installation that would apply to your tractor: http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/kubota-buying-pricing/124451-bx24-possible-fit-48-mowing.htmlBX24

 

[CHDinCT]

I just bought a BX1850 and will use it to mow instead of my Wheel Horse. I have 2 acres with just under one acre of grass, but it's a bit spread out (not a nice square plot) with lots of trees. My biggest issue so far has been the ROPS - had to cut quite a few limbs to get it to fit under them. I went with the 54" deck only due to being able to trim closer to things vs the 48", which is what I have on the WH. On any BX, 48" will barely clear the path of your tires. If you move down to a 48" deck from 60", you might actually have more trimming to do, unless your issue is more getting between things.

 

[sandman2234]

Is it possible to take the FEL and remove some of that "landscaping" so that the mowing will go back to being fun?
David from jax

 

[LBrown59]

=BANDAMAN]good idea, I had thought of a 48" deck on the BX, but I wondered if the slightly smaller size, lower height and smaller tires of the 1500 or the 18XX would also help.
***I may look into a 48: deck if the price was right .

How does $800.oo sound?

 

[BANDAMAN]

BANDAMAN,

Check out this recient thread for information on deck installation that would apply to your tractor: http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/kubota-buying-pricing/124451-bx24-possible-fit-48-mowing.htmlBX24

Thanks....interesting.....

 

[BANDAMAN]

Is it possible to take the FEL and remove some of that "landscaping" so that the mowing will go back to being fun?
David from jax

good advice and I have been working on that. I have actually "cleared a path" back to rear of my property so I can drive back to my garden shed and can mow some of the trails I made wider. I only have to cross one bridge now to get back there. (I have 6 small bridges on the property)

It quite exciting to cross one of those old bridges with an 1800 lb or so tractor with a loaded bucket. yikes!