First Impressions of new BX25

[megaboz]

This hydraulic pressure discussion has got me convinced. I'm goinb to be buying some stuff from BXpanded.com (e.g., clamp-on bucket hooks), and I just saw that they have a Hydraulic System pressure Test and Adjust Kit, for only $69! And it comes with shims (and no doubt some good instructions), so I think I'll buy it and get myself some more power for my new BX25 FEL and BH like you guys have.

BTW, I must say that these forums are just great, and thanks to all you contributors - I have learned so much about my new tractor.

I'm also a first-time tractor owner, and by way of newbie feedback (vis a vis this thread) I just LOVE my new BX25. It starts every time (even though it has sat at 30 below without being plugged in), it runs great, has lots of power, has surprising traction with the industrial tires on ice and snow (guess where my tractor lives!), it trailers easily on my 5' X 10' trailer, it looks just great, has a foldable ROPS (very important for garaging), and moves snow easily.

On the downside, it is a real pain to turn around and get into the seat after you have reversed it for BH operation, and a big pain to get back as well. It's also awkward to get down to the ground from the BH position, and I have to be very careful not to bump the levers when doing so. I could also use a little more ground clearance, but that is mainly because I have been spoiled from driving around my ATV. One other thing I would realy like is a second BH bucket (say, 16") because the stock 12" capacity is just too small when digging out a large area, and the beast has more than enough power to handle something bigger with the soft (cottage country) soil and sand that I have. (In fact, I even tried digging in frozen soil recently, and even that didn't seem to be a problem.)

I'd also like a bigger FEL bucket for moving snow, which Kubota does not make. Fortunately, however, BXpanded.com does make a bucket expander which they claim DOUBLES the heaped capacity of the FEL. So, I may get that as well. Any of you fellow Canadians want to become the Canadian distributor for BXpanded.com? It will save a lot in shipping costs and border hassles for the rest of us!

At times with light stuff I wanted a bigger bucket, but when it is wet/heavy dirt, I am glad it wasn't any bigger. With the stock bucket on my BX24, I have actually put too much weight in it and pulled the rear wheels off the ground when I didn't have the BH on. Especially rolling down hill, a little bounce would drop me on my bucket (FEL). You would definitely want some counter weight, but all that excess weight on it is not good for everything if you severly overload it.

Someone else wrote that these companies build these tractor slightly stronger than specs, while they are made somewhat stronger than specs, they are sub-stantially stronger than spec. Adding another 300 or 400 lbs to the tractor max is not going to be good for the tractor. Bumping up the hydraulics may not break the hydraulic system, but other components may bend or shear off. Even at stock I am still watching what I do because I have already bent some things because of carelessness on my part.