Bx24 or Equivalent: Strategy

[IslandTractor]

Just get the BX24. You'll be happy. Sweet tractor and when time is not the issue it should be able to do all the things you listed.

 

[DavesTractor]

I run into this sort of indecision regularly with customers. If you just can't decide, I normally suggest to go ahead and get the bigger one. It saves on regrets later, even though the smaller might do the job fine. Plus it keeps me from being the bad guy if the tractor actually is too small for the customers needs. No matter what size tractor you get, even a 75 HP, you will occasionally wish you had more power, so that won't go away even with a 30HP. If you buy the subcut (brand doesn't matter for this discussion) when you really want the larger unit, you will regret it. Now on the flip side, had you never started this research and someone plopped a subcut on your land, you would have used it and been happy. Sure it won't do somethings, or more accurately will take a little longer, but it is about 10000 times better than a weed wacker, shovel and a wheelbarrow.

If you have neighbors doing similar projects on similar terrain, see what they are using and get their input. That can have real value. From them, look for HP, wieght, capacity, comfort, stability, ease of use, etc. Focus on those things, not the brand, for that research.

Go to a couple of dealers and take the time to use a few tractors to scoop up some dirt, use the backhoe, try the smoothness of the three-point, etc. One will be just right for you.

 

[Hotwheels]

Just get the BX24. You'll be happy. Sweet tractor and when time is not the issue it should be able to do all the things you listed.

Good advice .... but let's split some hairs. For my the backhoe is non-negotiabe so it is in the mix not matter what.

However, if you had to choose between two tractors, for example a BX 24 and a Ck20TLK HST in a TLB configuration , and the requirements are in order of importance: stability on slopes; manuverability around obstacles, ability to accept different implements such as a box scrapper and brush hog type mower, the easy of attaching implements, ergonomics (subjective, but some are better than others), reliability, and color , then would any one or several of these requrements suggest choosing one tractor or another.

Dealers such as Dave are Saints and deserve awards for patience. For those of us new to tractors and getting ready to fork out 20k+, there is a lot of learning to learn before we know what difference makes a difference. Those with experience making these decisions and then using their tractors and evaluating what the decision points are make contributions that are helpful to those of us wringing our hands about what is the right purchase for our situations. I am moving toward understanding enough to kinow what to look at and I am almost there.

Thanks for your contibutions.

 

[Volfandt]

>However, if you had to choose between two tractors, for example a BX 24 and a Ck20TLK HST in a TLB configuration <

Apples to oranges here. You would do better to compare a B7510 with the CK20 as Kioti doesn't have a scut to compare w/the BX24.

The TLB pkg is what swung me to the BX23, that and finish mowing being the primary function of the machine. But, I still liked the "feel" of the B7510 better and would have gone w/it config'ed as a Turf Special w/BH had the $$$'s been closer. So I compromised somewhat.....

But as it is, I'm always smileing everytime I finish mow approx 2.5 acres and I'm also smileing when I can easily reconfigure for TLB usage and go spend some time digging and moving material and my back doesn't ache Seems I'm always looking for projects to involve the BX23...

The really good thing is that with the resale value being what it is, should the need arrise for a larger machine, I'm sure I'd make out fine if I traded or sold it out-right.

Good luck, test drive 'em several times if thats what it takes...
Volfandt

 

[sammi]

I struggled with the same decision..looking for small frame TLB for homeowner type activities. My thought was to look at the BX24...drove it, tried it...etc..nice little tractor @ 17K(NJ Prices)...than looked at the Ck20 HST TLB...no comparison in terms of physical size, weight, etc..different machines for sure but the CK felt like a "real" tractor as opposed to an upgraded garden tractor..(not knocking BX..just how I saw it)..was able to purchase my Ck for just over 15k and have been happy with it since I got it..Use an old JD322 for lawn maint..use the Ck for bigger tasks...to echo what others have said...if you question whether what you are looking at will be big enough...jump up one step to make sure your covered...for me the BX22 was nice but the CFO wouldn't go for it...and really to big for my needs....

 

[Hotwheels]

If finish mowing were one of the primary tasks, a BX24 would already be in the drivway!!! I envy those of you with those long stretches of lawn to mow. My property is rough and will never have much more grass to cut than a small lawn, but I do have lots of weeds to keep down.

I am narrowing down what are the tasks the tractor needs to accomplish and part of the decision is builiding in some future capacity -- a B7610, a Mahindra 2610, or the Kioti ck20 are in that extra capcity category, but at this point we need to drive tractors and that may help to sort out some of the differences that I only know about from specifications and discussions.

Thanks.

 

[IslandTractor]

I think you are correct to consider issues like type of mowing, stability on slopes and turn radius if you are primarily mowing with the tractor. If those are the main issues I'd still vote for the BX24 (despite being a very happy CK20 TLB owner). On the other hand, if ground engaging implements or more digging, or brush clearing or rough terrain work are in the picture then the CK20 would be preferable. As I recall the prices are fairly similar when the CK20 is equipped as a TLB.

I don't think any CUT is going to out mow the BX series with regard to turn radius, stability or quality of cut etc. But just as the BX "wins" in the lawn mowing dept, the larger CUTs will "win" when you move beyond the lawn.

One issue you should prepare yourself for if you have not already sat on these tractors is that the BX will seem like a toy in comparison to the CK20. The BX is closer in size to a garden tractor while the CK is a much bigger and heavier machine. The BX is highly capable but as a SCUT it will seem small in comparison to any CUT.

 

[Hotwheels]

Thanks for the additional comments. I drove some tractors: Mahindra 2015, Kubota BX24, B7510, Massey Ferguson GC2310, and th Kioti CK20. I like the Massey and the two Kubotas the best. The B7510 /B7610 is the largest in size I would want to go and it did not seem to have that much more torque and power than the BX24. I revisited the Massey and found it to be almost as refined in ergonomics as the Kubotas, which I liked very much. It handeled well and the engine seemed fine. The dealer stressed the two hydraulics on the FEL of the Massey in comparison to the single one on BX24, but I am not sure that makes any difference for me.

Rough ground mowing will be my primary use after some of the initial tasks of using a box scraper and similar tools to even out some of the rough areas and get the rocks I can move out of the way. There will also be some initial use for a backhoe and moving dirt and such with the loader, but nothing too heavy duty. So, the choices are getting more narrow, but I did add the B7610 and 7510 to the mix and have probably eliminated the Kioti and Mahindra on ergonomics type issues. At least it is only three choices and then it is really the issue of sub or compact utility tractor.

I think the BX24/Massey GC2310 can pull a 48" brush hog just fine on a slope to cut my weeds. That is mowing to me. No lawns involved, just rough land I need to make to I can mow as much as possible before breaking out the weed whacker.

If I bought the B7510/7610 I would get a backhoe too, so then the price creeps up in comprison to the BX24. So, some things to think on still, thanks for your comments.

 

[weesa20]

I love my GC2300 and think that the MF might work best for you given the ease of changing the BH to 3-pt hitch attachments as mentioned prevoiously. I wish I had gone with the GC2310.

W

 

[HomeBrew2]

OK, if you and your gal are fine with spending more money, DEFINATELY get the bigger Kubota's (or whatever bigger machine). You started out sounding like I did when I got my BX23 ... "I need to do it all (need hoe) and am not interested in going higher in price than ~16K for the BX or equivelent". If you'[ve got the money, cool. I had the money but but spent what I would have spent on a bigger tractor on other stuff, ie, dump trailer, more attachments (new and used), used commercial (self contained) chipper.
Each day brings new criteria ... I've oftened thought of a larger tractor, but the more work I do, the more I think about another (old, used, cheap, not-an-everyday-driver) tractor. The BX is great for me but to have another one for those times you need 2 buckets or whatever ... that's where I'm leaning now.
Cheers!

 

[Hotwheels]

OK, if you and your gal are fine with spending more money, DEFINATELY get the bigger Kubota's (or whatever bigger machine). You started out sounding like I did when I got my BX23 ... "I need to do it all (need hoe) and am not interested in going higher in price than ~16K for the BX or equivelent". If you'[ve got the money, cool. I had the money but but spent what I would have spent on a bigger tractor on other stuff, ie, dump trailer, more attachments (new and used), used commercial (self contained) chipper.
Each day brings new criteria ... I've oftened thought of a larger tractor, but the more work I do, the more I think about another (old, used, cheap, not-an-everyday-driver) tractor. The BX is great for me but to have another one for those times you need 2 buckets or whatever ... that's where I'm leaning now.
Cheers!

I read a number of your posts about your buying and operating and you are definitely a role model for those of us shopping and on the fence. You decided about what should work and then it seems you have made it work without all the "should I do this or that" most of us go through. That is an admirable strategy.

I do have the money to spend if I need to buy a larger tractor, but I don't want to spend any more than I need to spend. The easy decision is to buy a B7610 with a backhoe. The more challenging issue is getting a BX24/GC2310 and making it work and not just buying the bigger one for insurance. If the BX24 is not enough tractor for my application, then it is another issue and I should get the larger one. I also like to two tractor strategy

Mhy Pics of the Rocky Ridgehomestead, random shots and an aerial view of about 2/3 of the property. http://photos.yahoo.com/ph//my_photos

 

[IslandTractor]

Hotwheels,

Based on your further description of work you intend to do, I would also vote for the CUT rather than the SCUT. Again, it is not a power issue at all but rather tractor size/weight. The BX24 has more power than a 7510 or CK20 but both those tractors would be better for the "rough" work you are describing. My earlier thoughts were based on the misconception that you were "mowing" rather than bush hogging.

I too looked at the 7510 before buying the CK20 TLB. It was a tough choice. I got a particularly good deal on the CK20 which made up my mind. However, there are a few points in favor of the CK20 that I'll mention: 1) greater loader lift capacity, 2) position control rather than quarter inching valve, 3) cruise control (I might be mistaken but don't remember that on the 7510), 4) suspension seat, 5) heavier tractor. 6) four year warranty now. Not sure what the current price comparison is between those two. The other point, not exactly a critical one, is that the 7510 is getting pretty long in the tooth. Kubota must be getting ready to replace them with a new model which will drive down resale if that is a concern.

Good luck with your decision.

 

[HomeBrew2]

Hotwheels, I can't get to your pix. YOUR link takes me to MY pix. I think it's because you were logged into Yahoo and copied the url when you were at your photos. Then while I'm logged in, Yahoo thinks the link is to my pix. Your url contains "//" instead of your user name surrounded by the slashes. Hover your mouse over my link and look at the info at the bottom of the browser window. It will show how the link should read ... just insert your user name between the slashes. How much elevation change do you have?

 

[Hotwheels]

Sorry Honmebrew2 about the Yahoo link -- I changed it in my signature but the user name is placerville99 so if that does not work, I will try again. The elevation change is probably a couple of hundred feet, maybe more from top to bottom. The portion I can work has less change, maybe 75 feet or so. It is the rougness of the ground that is as much a concern as the elevation change.

My guess is that we have similar soil conditions, although I have a lot of serpentine type rock that comes through the hillside. So, that is the ground I will mow. Island Tractor is the lucky one with REAL grass to mow!

The Kioti I drove was a gear and not a HST model. I should go back and drive the HST model when they have another. I do like the BX24 size and it seems like I can make it work if the machine will pull the brush hog on the hills.

link should be: http://photos.yahoo.com//ph//placerville99/my_photos

 

[HomeBrew2]

WOW! Nice place!

You still have a few too many slashes in the links. Use http://photos.yahoo.com/ph/placerville99/my_photos

Good job on showing the roughness and slope you are dealing with. As you can probably tell from my photo with contour overlay, I have an exceptionally easy property to work ... you have a LOT more slope than I imagined. I do however have very steep slopes going down to my creek. The BX pulls the (running) hog fine on them, forward or reverse, but my longest pull may only be 50' so, I don't have any experience with long hard steep pulls. Do you think you'll be able to mow up-and-down the slopes or are you thinking you'll have to do some side-hilling?

 

[Volfandt]

Very nice place.
My 1st thought when looking at your pics is to go with a CUT with as much hp as I could afford.
Somethng like the B7610 or 7800 or even a B3030 and/or the CK25 or CK30.

That said, the BX24 will also work but I would think the ride would be more comfortable with the bigger tires of a CUT plus the additional ground clearance you'd get wouldn't hurt.
My BX23 handles my 4 acres with ease and would handle more if needed to but I have no where near the inclines or acreage you do.

I do recommend you test out a B7510/B7610 after you test out the CK20. You'll have more similar tractors to compare and you should be able to determine if the additional weight of the Kioti's are needed for your useage as well as to better determine the performance.

Clear as mud

Volfandt

 

[Hotwheels]

Thanks for the responses! It is a nice piece of property despite thr rocks and weeds. I realized the other day we have not improved it as much as we could because of just the time and effort to do some things I belive a tractor will make easier. I will try driving the 7610/Ck20-25 tractors again to see how that feels in comparison to the BX.

I plan to mow up and down and not across, although there is some area where I think it would not be too difficult. Until I get an understanding of the center of gravity issues with any of the tractors, I will stick to working the ground up and down. There are a few areas, especially the slope directly in front of our house we would like to terrace so that maintenance would be easier. But, that is probably a job for a bigger machine.

I am excited about the possibilities ... off to Wisconsin today to visit relatives and see if we can find a tractor dealer!

Thanks again

 

[LC Brewing]

I popped into the local dealer here to ask about rentals to help decide how different rigs will work on my land - and to help my CFO see how much work we really could get done with one of these in the garage (some day). They had a BX24 sitting right next to a B7510 in their yard - and the size of the two was nearly exactly the same. Kind of blew some of my perceptions regarding the SCUT versus the CUT.

I've also had a chance to look close at the CK20 and CK25 that a local dealer has parked to "show off" - next to an LK3054XS TLB. I can't believe how much more rugged that LK3054 looks! Seems most of the CUT machines I've looked at have a fairly basic FEL attachment that bolts to the tractor somewhere forward of the operators deck. That 3054 has the bracket for the FEL bolted in the normal location, but has an extension running all the way back to the rear axel! The hoe on it has the added advantage of actually being under the ROPS, and is on/off in about the same time as the BX24 hoe can be removed - but much more capacity. Anyway, for about $4000 more, I'm leaning/looking real hard at that Kioti.

 

[IslandTractor]

They had a BX24 sitting right next to a B7510 in their yard - and the size of the two was nearly exactly the same. Kind of blew some of my perceptions regarding the SCUT versus the CUT.

Not sure I can agree with you here. I must admit that I am more familiar with the BX23 (which is what I am basing my comments on) but I don't believe the BX24 is that much bigger. Sit at the controls of the BX24 and you will be looking up, not across, at someone sitting on the 7510 or CK20. Even more dramatically, sit on a 7510 or CK20 with a BH and compare that to the BX24 BH. Also, check out the lift capacity of the BX vs either the 7510 or the Kioti CK20. Finally, although I recall that the BX24 has greater ground clearance than the BX23, it will still be less than the CUT size machines which might be a factor given your description of mowing in rougher terrain rather than lawn work.

 

[Renob]

The BX24 (tractor only...no loader, no hoe) actually weighs approx. 200 pounds more than a B7510. The loader specs, apples to apples, pins to pins are also very close.

The CK20 is a whole other animal and is a great machine at what it does. The loader is stout and it handles ground engaging chores much better. I would not want one if cutting grass was its major duty.