BX7500 vs BX22 - for educational purposes & fun!

FamilyFarm · Oct 18, 2002

I am interested in comparisons between the BX22 and B7500. I have no desire for a war of which is best. As we all know, what works for each of us and what we are satisfied with is what counts. I own the BX22, but I am not partial in the sense that I have not used a B7500. Even if I had, it would only be fair to compare the two units on the same property doing essentially the same tasks.
What has made me so curious is the fact I have seen many folks post about how glad they are they “moved up” to the B7500 rather than getting the BX22 or BX2200. First of all, if we are talking ground clearance or ballast weight, the B7500 wins no contest. Other than that I am curious if there is really so much advantage with the B7500 or if it is mostly perceived advantage because of the larger physical size of the tractor.
Again, this is all curiosity for me as I am not trying to trade, nor do I have a friend with a B7500 that I want to brag to!
What makes me curious is to compare the weights and capacities of the two units and their respective FELs. Obviously the HP and PTO power are essentially the same. The BX22 certainly compares better than the BX2200 as it starts out weighing 220lbs more than the BX2200 (1520 vs 1300). The BX22 weighs about 150 lbs more than the B7500, each with ROPS. The FEL for the B7500 weighs around 200 lbs more than the one for the BX22, so overall, with FEL, the B7500 has only a few pounds more weight. The FEL for the B7500 has about 135 lbs more capacity than the BX loader. In my mind, these weights are all so similar, it makes me wonder how there could be very much difference in real usefulness. It would seem to me if my tasks were close to max capacity for the BX, I would need to consider moving on up to the 2710/2910 series or larger to gain any appreciable benefit. Even the B2410 tractor alone doesn’t weigh as much as the BX22 (1477 vs 1520). DISCLAIMER: I don’t have lots of experience with tractors. Just an old Ford 810, a 63 hp IH of old, and a 1951 JD 30hp gas burner and now the BX22. There may lots of things I am not considering here, so please educate me as necessary!!

Happy tractoring!

Terry

Jeff396 · Oct 18, 2002

When I got my B7500 there was no BX22. The reasons that I went with the B7500 over the BX2200, which may or may not be valid but they are mine, are ground clearance, no back hoe possible, didn't really know what the difference in hydro flow would cost as far as implements goes and I found the sitting position uncomfortable. Now if the BX22 was available at the time I think I would have ignored all of my small complaints and gotten that instead. I'm pretty sure from what I've heard that the price would have been about the same. I would just hated to trade in a perfectly good BX2200 just so I could get a hoe./w3tcompact/icons/smile.gif

Jeff

GregJ · Oct 18, 2002

I looked very closely at the BX22 before I bought my B7500 because I was in need of both the FEL and BH. Both are great machines, but for my needs, the B7500 seemed to fit it better. I am using my tractor for some clearing and stump removal so I felt the importance of ground clearance and the additional hydraulic power would be important. I also have waterfront property with a relatively steep, sandy access to the beach, so once again ground clearance is an issue. I have been very pleased with the performance of this tractor and am glad that I spent a little extra for the additional power. I have the 302 FEL and the 4672 BH. However, if I didn't need the ground clearance and was looking at a little lighter duty needs, I am sure the BX22 would be a fine tractor.

Greg

TresCrows · Oct 19, 2002

There are probably about 1,000 /w3tcompact/icons/shocked.gif similar threads here on TBN alone. I cannot imagine that new ground could be turned on this subject. The BX2200, BX22, B7500, B2410 (you mentioned it also) are all nice little tractors. To me, the BX series are intended for homeowners ( not bigger is better TBN tractor enthusiasts) with small acerage and thus they favor stability, mowing capability etc. The 7500 and the similar slightly more muscular 2410 are excellent utility units, lousy lawnmowers but all in all very capable all around units and about as large as I would consider a belly mower on as being practical. The BX22 with the backhoe is a very versatile package. J

chim · Oct 19, 2002

I went with the 7500 because of slightly larger capacities, more clearance, HP at a lower RPM, seemed to fit me better, preferred the HST pedals, wanted RFM in lieu of MMM. The "only 135#" difference in FEL capacity is around a 20% increase if I recall correctly.

My other tractor is a Ford 1210 that has served me well, and is marginally enough tractor for what I NEED to do - 2.5 acres of mowing with a 60" RFM and clearing snow on 300' of driveway. In addition to what I need to do, I mow another 5 acres, picked up a rotary mower to play in the thick stuff and have found the FEL a most useful attachment.

Plans were to sell the 1210, but I think I'll hang onto it till at least Spring. It would be handy to park it at Mom's over the Winter with the scraper blade attached just in case we get some snow....................chim