BX2350 or B2410

[Steve02]

Hello all,

I've been faced with a decision to make in regards to tractor selection. First the question and then the details. Would you opt for a new BX2350 w/ FEL and 60" MMM or a 2003 B2410 w/ 60" MMM and a NEW 352 FEL?

The primary job of this tractor will be mowing, then minor ground work (mostly leveling dips and valleys in a finished yard), snow removal and just some general playing around with the FEL. This tractor will be a toy.

Now for the numbers. I'll talk about the BX2350 first. A local dealer would sell me the 2350 as described above for 12,800 + tax (so let's say it's 13,700). I would finance through kubota for 4 years (@ 4.99%). That would make the total paid for this unit (principle + interest) equal to $15,141.

Now for the B2410 (which already has the MMM, and has 175 hours, one owner). I would buy this unit from the individual (dealership is actaully selling on consignment, but would treat sale as an owner -> buyer type deal). That would mean no tax paid on the tractor and mower, however tax would be paid on the new FEL purchased from dealer. Cost of tractor is $8,800. Cost of FEL installed is $2,700 + tax (let's say $2,900). I would get a personal loan from the bank for $12,000 @ 9.00% interest. Over 4 years that would make the total paid for this tractor equal to $14,334.

The B2410 is $807 cheaper than the BX2350. One cost I am not taking into consideration (because I don't know) is the cost of insurance that Kubota would make you buy when you financed through them.

Please help me identify the pro's and con's relating to this decision. I know the limitations and specifications (as published) on both units. What I may be curious about is peoples thoughts on general use and depreciation, the BX (or any new unit) loses a significant percent of it's value as soon as it's purchased. The 2410, being 3 years old, will have most likely already seen the big initial drop in depreciation value. Thoughts?

As far as specificaions go, can anyone comment on real world differences in capacity of the FEL between the two units?

Thank you for your time and information,

Steve

 

[DmansPadge]

No question about it... I'd buy the 2410. The only negatives you can say about going that route is that it is probably out of warranty and is used. But 175 hrs. is absolutely nothing for that tractor... and I don't plan on one breaking anything significant during the warranty period anyway. The 2410 is a lot more tractor and this one is nearly new... and for less money than the new BX... it is nearly a no-brainer to me.

 

[8561]

As the owner of a 2003 B2410, I can tell you first hand what a great machine it is. I've never owned a BX, but I know a couple of people who do, and my brother-in law has a Sub Cut (Massey GC2300) and the 2410 is a far more capable machine. The fact that you can own one for less with a new FEL and the mower would make it a no brainer for me. Having said that, most would consider a BX a better mowing machine, and it's smaller size might be an advantage for you, depending on the size of your property.

 

[rbarker]

The primary job of this tractor will be mowing, then minor ground work (mostly leveling dips and valleys in a finished yard), snow removal and just some general playing around with the FEL. This tractor will be a toy.

As the owner of a BX2200 I think it meets your goals quite nicely. No question, the B2410 is far more capable of doing heavy projects but you didn't really list anything that can't be handled quite easily by a BX series machine. And the lighter tractor would probably be better for your lawn as far as mowing is concerned.

Just to give you an opinion from another perspective!

 

[SeymourBota]

I own a BX2200 and a B2410. It's hard to beat the BX for mowing but the 2410 will blow away the BX for loader work.

I don't think either one is subject to substantial depreciation. The 2410 was a premium version of its' cousin, the 7610, which is still part of the lineup.

You don't mention how many acres you are maintaining. If it's 2 or less, I would seriously consider the BX. If it's more than 2, the 2410 may have an easier time of it.
If you needed to pull something like a box blade, the 2410 is clearly more suited to that.

 

[Steve02]

I do, at present, only have 1 acre. My wifes family, who lives next to us on two sides, has a total of about 10 acres - but it wouldn't be my responsability to take care of their property, just when I wanted to play.

I was considering the BX until I ran across this 2410. While it isn't "as good of a mower" as the BX is, it does have a full Cat 1 3PH.

I just received some pictures of the 2410. I'll post shortly.

 

[EquipmentUser]

If it was me i'd go with the 2410.

 

[8561]

Pretty clean looking unit.

 

[crk133]

if it has a mmm and no loader i would think those hours that are on it were easy on the machine

 

[DmansPadge]

if it has a mmm and no loader i would think those hours that are on it were easy on the machine

I agree. Nice looking unit. I also noticed that they marked the date on the oil filter. Seems like what very little amount of maintenance that was needed in it's young life was done. It'd be hard to pass on that one.

 

[ovrszd]

Since money seems to be an important part of this decision, I too would go with the B2410 because of the depreciation issue you mentioned above. You could use the B2410 for a year and if you didn't like it, sell it for what you gave. Can't usually do that with a new tractor. You would come a lot closer to getting your money back in a trade for a BX2350 a year from now than you will trying to trade a year old BX2350 for a new B2630.

Another selling point to me is you are seeing the 2410 in it's work clothes. No one is trying to hide anything by detail cleaning this tractor. I'd say it is exactly what it looks like, a maintained, lightly worked, slightly used tractor.

 

[Steve02]

Well, it's mine. I'm proud to join the B2410 Owners Club of America. Went today to look at it in person and test drive it and all went well. I ended up getting the tractor and 60" MMM for 8,700 (tax free, cause of the way the sale happened) and a new 352 FEL w/ 4 position valve for 2,700 + tax.

Everyone can now begin ragging on me for buying such a large tractor for 1 acre. I was talking with my FIL tonight and he was excited. He has ~5 acres and was pointing out areas that I could clear out if I wanted to "play" (his word). Also my Uncle-in-law, who lives next to us also, has ~7 acres (~3 of which I should be allowed to play on) with some old forest areas that he doesn't care to much about.

I am already thinking about customization. I didn't have them do anything with bucket hooks. I want to order a tooth-bar (probably Markhams') and then for the hooks I want to get a rectangular steel channel to tuck up an under the top lip of the loader and then weld it in place. I'll have the hooks welded onto that then - then painted of course. I don't have a welder so I'll have to hire someone to do that for me. Does anyone know how much traveling welders charge for smaller jobs?

Anyway, they are installing the loader either Monday or Tuesday. So I should have it waiting for me Wednesday when I get home from work. Just in time to chop-up leaves. Does hit hurt the blades of a finish mower to mow leaves / grass that is wet?

And finally, I would like to thank all of the individuals who have helped me and have answered my questions during my long search.

 

[8561]

Great price on a great tractor. On the bucket, you need bar channel, not a piece of rectangular steel. Here is my LA352 with bar channel welded in and hooks installed. It fits perfectly. Sorry the photo quality isn't a little better.

 

[Steve02]

I realized my mistake when I started researching what is available steel-wise after my post. I meant to say channel.

Do you by chance remember what size channel you used? Also, what did you do over by the bucket level indicator?

Lastly, why is your middle hook set back further and not on the channel?

I've just begun to start asking questions!!

 

[8561]

It's been 3 years, I can't remember the size off the top of my head. It slides right under the bucket indicator, a tight fit, but no issues there. I slid the middle hook back to keep it out of the way when using the two outside hooks. I use those most often and string the chain between them, then hook to the object. It helps spread the load to both lift cylinders on the loader. When I do use the single, the middle one is there. Also, I'd like to install a grapple at some point, and pushing the middle hook back makes that more feasable.