Buying Advice BX2670 vs B2350

[PrairieOak]

I've been reading the forum the last few weeks and am now about to pull the trigger on a new tractor. Lots of good advice in these threads. Time for a sanity check and experienced advice.

We have 6 acres: 1 ac lawn, 4 ac prairie, and 1 ac woods. Also have a 300 foot driveway to plow. Because of the prairie and trails running through it, I decided on a flail mower (going with Vrisimo). The flail requires minimum PTO of 18-20 hp. It weighs 600#. I plan to get a rear blade for grading and snow, and the FEL for moving dirt, brush, and snow piles. Will keep our walk behind snow blower for the really deep stuff.

Moving from a JD X534 garden tractor, I initially started looking at subcompacts (BX2670 and JD 1025r). Based on demands of the flail and and what I perceive are benefits from more hydraulic speed and control, I've migrated to the B2650 as first choice (JD 2025r a consideration). PTO differences are minor across all these (ranging 18-19.5), but there appear to be differences in the 3-pt set ups (wt lift limits & control). For example, BX will lift 670# while B will do 1676#.

If we didn't have the prairie and it was all lawn, I'd go the BX route. With the prairie and the flail I am leaning to the B.

Does this make sense or is it more than I need?

 

[PrairieOak]

Title should have been BX2670 vs B2650

Cheers

 

[JOHNTHOMAS]

BX23xx or BX26xx vs B23xx or B26xx or B29xx. Any of them will do the jobs you've said you want/need done.
The biggest difference between them is ground clearance and the BXs are 2 speed where the Bs are 3 speeds. Some difference in lifting power of FEL/3ph.
All of these models have more power than their size can manage mostly due to traction. Any of them should handle your jobs, the bigger ones are not better, mostly just bigger unless the demands are to great for the machine size you choose then bigger is better. Almost all of us have occasionally came up against that job where what we have isn't big enough because usually we get to stretching our limits on the jobs we'll tackle since our SCUT/CUT has performed past our original expectations. This is also how a person moves from a SCUT to a dozer/track loader, maybe, eventually.

 

[bp fick]

I've had both those "platforms" and they both are outstanding tractors. The B series is taller, but as JT said above, the tractor isn't magically improved. Engine output isn't an issue but getting traction to maximize that power can be tough in both series. The hydraulics on the B series lifts quicker, in my experience. The front bucket is larger in volume. The step up into the seat is a stretch for short legged, old guys like me.

The 2 speed versus 3 speed transmission never was an issue with me, but YMMV. I actually found the joystick at my hip on B series to be a PITA as I was forever leaning into it, inadvertently, when turning around to look behind me. Annoying thing I couldn't overcome.

The high center of gravity and no cooling fan is a huge plus when working in the woods or fields with sticks and other danger points.
There's so much to be said for the B series at the price point. More PTO horsepower if needed to run implements off the PTO.

The strong points of the BX should not be just a few dollars saved in price point, as the difference is relatively minor, in grand scheme of things. The BX is different and is nimble in tight spots and works snow very well. It simply is more compact. With the improved dash gauges of the new machines, that differential equalizes things.

BOTH machines have nasty 3 pt stabilizer chains and BOTH need Mark Hodges upgrade applied immediately upon arrival!!!!

Anyway, there have dozens and dozens of threads where these two series, and closely matched, closely priced machines have been compared and contrasted to death. I did a comparative thread in depth a few years back, and 90% of information still applies. It comes dow to ground clearance. If you need it? Go with the B series.

If uber ground clearance isn't an issue, but nimble, closer quarter operation is a BIG deal for you? The the BX is simply the handiest machine I've ever had the pleasure to operate. Hope that helps.

 

[PrairieOak]

BP fick and JOHNTHOMAS - thanks. I've read a good number of your posts and that is what helped get me to this point. One question - the flail mower will weigh 600# and the 3pt lift limit on the BX is 670#. Is this too close to the limit or, as you suggested, is the BX is conservatively rated and fully capable?

 

[bp fick]

That mower is likely pushing the limits of a BX but not so much the B in the 50's series (or my old 20 series). In my experience, that's too much weight for so much of your working hours. I'd downsize that a bit, for my tastes. These machines have far less weight than tractors from by gone days. Major front counter weight would likely be in order if I put 600 lbs on the back of either machine, FWIW.

I dislike using implements that are simply too big, too bulky and too heavy for the machine. It puts me on edge and tractoring is often at it's best when it is more relaxing activity.

 

[bp fick]

The lift capacity is given in two different ways. Watch out for that statistic. The weight 24" behind the lift point is important to note. The 24" behind lift on the BX is 670, and on the B, if I read it correctly, is not the 1676# you stated in your opening post, but more like 1060#. Just thought I'd mention that as well.

 

[TMR]

BP...The B2650 appears to have a "lift capacity of 1676# 24" behind LP"...just drove one at dealership yesterday and got current brochure. Pretty big jump in lift weight. B2650 appears to be a bit of a sweet spot...no tier 4 and yet has same hydraulic numbers as the B3350...still looking...Tom R

P.S. Didn't really like the 2 series JD...

The lift capacity is given in two different ways. Watch out for that statistic. The weight 24" behind the lift point is important to note. The 24" behind lift on the BX is 670, and on the B, if I read it correctly, is not the 1676# you stated in your opening post, but more like 1060#. Just thought I'd mention that as well.

 

[bp fick]

BP...The B2650 appears to have a "lift capacity of 1676# 24" behind LP"...just drove one at dealership yesterday and got current brochure. Pretty big jump in lift weight. B2650 appears to be a bit of a sweet spot...no tier 4 and yet has same hydraulic numbers as the B3350...still looking...Tom R

P.S. Didn't really like the 2 series JD...

Wow. Indeed, I did not read it correctly. That kind of lifting power would seem to indicate that new B2650 is closer in genre' to the old 30 series, not the 20 series. Impressive.

 

[PrairieOak]

Great input. Thanks everyone for the feedback.