BX23 vs B7610+BH

[seapea]

I had pretty much made up my mind on a BX23, but now I'm considering a B7610+BH. One question I'd like to ask is: If money were no object (it is, let's just pretend it's not), is there any reason you would choose a BX23 over a B7610+BH?

Here are some advantages of the B7610+BH
<ul type="square">[*]~50% greater FEL, BH, and 3PH power: Not a requirement for me, but will help get most work done faster.
[*]Higher ground clearance (6" vs 12"): Not a big issue for me, since my property is mostly flat and clear, with a slight slope into a creek, but all the threads discussing skid plates (and damage to those without one) has me a bit concerned.
[*]Full Cat I 3PH: For the most part this won't matter to me since I'll mostly be buying implements specifically for the BX23. However, I'm a bit worried that I might not be able to rent some special needs equipment, like a PHD or power rake, because of the 3PH requirements. Also, the limited 3PH might prevent me from picking up some cheap used implement in the future.
[*]Quarter Inching Valve.[/list]
Here are some advantages of the BX23
<ul type="square">[*]Lower ground clearance: Ok so, this was listed as a disadvantage above. My reasoning here is that lower means better stability. Is there a big different between 6" and 12" in this regard?
[*]Size: Smaller and lighter is better for me given storage space and trailer capacity. However, I think the B7610+BH is about 2887 lbs, only about 370 lbs more than the BX23. The wheel base of the B7610 is only about 4" longer, but actually has a smaller turning radius. Overall length of the B7610 for just the tractor is about 9" longer, so I'm guessing when you include the BH and FEL, it is probably close to 12" longer.[/list]
Unknowns
<ul type="square">[*]Will the B7610 be appreciably better with a box blade? I'm guessing not, since it only has 8% more HP, but maybe I'm underestimating the difference this or other factors can make. Can a B7610 pull a 5' box blade as easily as a BX23 pulls a 4'?
[*]Will the B7610 PTO be able to do anything the BX23 can't? Once again the HP difference is about 8%. Is this enough to power to a 60" brush hog or a larger tiller?. (No need to bring up ground clearance and 3PH issues here).[/list]
Anything else I should be considering?

Thanks.

 

[Henro]

For me, the only reason I would choose the BX over the B series is if size were a concern. If I had circumstances that dictated that smaller was better, I would buy smaller.

Otherwise, I would get the larger tractor with its increased capabilities...

If mowing were REALLY important to me, since money is no concern, I would buy a ZTR too. But for me, the B7610 would cut the grass well enough. I've seen what a B2410 with MMM can do on an acre of grass and was impressed...so the B series would satisfy my needs as a "not too picky" mowin' man... /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

If hills were a real worry, I would buy something made to work on side slopes...probably not a Kubota...although it is my experience that the BX does FEEL more stable on side slopes, BXs have been put on their sides too, as have the B series tractors...

 

[edski]

I made my choice between the BX and B.
I consider both to be small tractors, but I have an older MF that's twice the wt and hp of the B7610.

From what you've posted, you've a good grip on the issues.
The #1 factor for me was ground clearance. I'm not mowing and have some rough areas. Plus, I have the ability to get in too deep and tear things up. #2 was cat 1 and implements. I already have a number of implements and can't afford two of the same.

Stability and ground clearance...not exactly a direct relationship. My MF is higher than my B7610, yet feels more stable. Lots of wt low, filled tires (~800#), wide stance.

Now for the good and bad news, bad first. Almost everyone's situation is different. What sways me may be a non-issue for you. The good news, both are fine machines... you can't go too far wrong. Good luck and let us know what you do.

 

[v8dave]

My dealer let me test dig, at his dealership, with a BX23, B7610, B7800. I went in to buy a BX23, I bought the B7610 based on the backhoe performance--in both reach and power. I'd have preferred the B7800 but it was too large to fit between a retaining wall and my shop.

 

[Volfandt]

I bought a BX23 back in Dec and am continually impressed with it's performance as a large finish mower. I have bar tires and they do NO damage even on semi wet grass.

The primary purpose of my BX23 is for finish mowing and I'll guess I'm averaging around 1/2 gal an hr. The ride is smooth and speed/direction changes are effortless as both the power steering & HST are instantly responsive.
I haven't used the 3PH as of yet but already know that my old potatoe plow & single disk won't work on it. Should I have a need for implements on down the road then I'll have to purchase new "limited" 3PH sized implements but thats fine as I've found additional uses for the BH & FEL that replaced some of my older implements I sold.

As for BH & FEL performance on the BX23, frankly you'll wish for more power! You compensate for it's small size and limited power by takeing smaller bites, much smaller than you'd initialy expect! That said, it will work it's little heart out for you! It'll dig and haul material all day long and if you enjoy seat time, it'll not bother you at all. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

For me, the BX23 was the correct choice as I don't think the terrain rolling finish mower of the B series has as good a cut as the fully floating mower of the BX's, especially over uneven terrain. And since I do have many small hills and inclines as well as having already worked the property into a more civilized state w/an old TE20 Ferguson, the BX was just a better fit .

If finish mowing is primary, BX23.
If std tractor operation is primary, B7610.

Oh and generally the feel of the BX is more akin to a very large garden tractor until you start working on slopes or in mud. That is when it's sub compact "tractor" side comes out. Not to mention your appreciation of it's lower & wider footprint /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif
Good luck
Volfandt