Price Check Good price? BX2230 vs. Bx2200

[kgstnfld]

First time buyer. I've struggled through the green & orange war in my mind and the orange has won out. The hard part is over. I've found a dealer with a good reputation & seems very honest & easy to work with. I was feeling real good about a new BX2230 when he hits me with a price on a BX2200 for $500 less. Now I'm back racking my brain. He's quoted me $13900 for a 2230 w/60"mmm,fel & tiller & $13400 for the BX2200 w/ same implements. Are the improvements to the 2230 worth the extra $500? What's your thoughts on the cruise control & higher backed seat? Do you think the prices he quoted are fair? (Tiller is a Landpride not Kubota) Any input for this newbie is appreciated... /forums/images/graemlins/smirk.gif

 

[art]

They are both the same price. The dealer is giving you a better price on the 2200 to move it. Your call but you are also one model older which would make a difference for resale. The comfort of the seat is an advantage to enjoy while owning and operating.

 

[Junkman]

There has been some discussion about the 2230 having a new engine compared to the 2200 having a tried and true engine. I think that given the fact that he has a 2200 in stock and the difference is only $500, that I would still take the newer product. If he were to offer you the 2200 for $1500, I think that would be a good deal. The 2200 could have a 3 way or 4 way loader valve on it. If it has the 3 way valve, and you decide at a later date that you want to add a snow blade or snowblower, you will have to buy a replacement 4 way valve. This minor detail can cost you about $500 if you wind up needing the 4 way valve. The 2230 loader comes standard with the 4 way valve and the 3 way valve is no longer an downgrade option. While the cruise is not a big deal to me, it might be to you once you try it. The high back seat is a comfort option. These two items if they were available on the 2200 would probably cost $500! In essence, you would be getting a lesser tractor for the lesser amount of $500. If $500 is all the dealer is willing to discount a discontinued model, then I wouldn't even consider it. Check the points that I have mentioned and then determine if the savings are worth it for yourself. One other though.... The 2200 has the capability to have a block heater installed, and the new 2230 doesn't. Ask the dealer about how a heater can be installed in the 2230 and no matter what tractor you buy, get the heater. You will not regret the additional $30 investment on that cold snowy winter morning when the tractor will start vs. just crank and not start. The other item worth adding to the tractor before purchase is the optional high output alternator for additional lighting. This is an investment in your future..... make it wisely, because you are not about to buy a second tractor soon. There have been a lot of people here that have traded 2200's for BX-22's because they realize the need for the backhoe. Consider this as a distinct possibility and get a price on that model. You might be surprised in how small the difference is when you consider the added benefits.

 

[kgstnfld]

Thanks for the feedback. So far this forum has stopped me from making 2 mistakes. The 4 way valve & the block heater.
Any more suggestions out there for the newbie?
Did price the BX22 - just can't swing the $$....
/forums/images/graemlins/smirk.gif

 

[NY_Yankees_Fan]

Take a look at this post for some other things to consider.

link

 

[Dewave]

<font color="blue"> Any more suggestions out there for the newbie? </font>

Hmmm let me see.....

 

[Rimmer]

I went into my local Kubota dealer last fall to order a BX22. He said he thought he could have it by the end of the week, then called me back two days later and said if I wanted to wait another week I could have a BX23 for the same price -- Kubota had just decided to release them to the dealers. I went with the '23 and am glad I did. It's nice to have all of the latest refinements.

I would say that Junkman's analysis is right on target. The upgrades from the XX00's to the XX30's are not extensive, but going from the 3-way to the 4-way valve would clinch the deal for me, right there. Also, the (new) 4-way valve stays on the tractor rather than the FEL, which makes it instantly available for another front attachment, should you ever add one. Once you get the tractor home, the 2200 would instantly be "a year old," and the $500 discount doesn't seem like enough to make up for that, IMHO.

The 2230 is less than 4% more -- if it were me, that's the way I'd go!

By the way -- which tiller are you getting??? /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif

 

[kgstnfld]

I am so glad I join this forum. You guys have opened my eyes to alot of the little details that would make the day to day use so much more enjoyable. Heading off to the dealer this morning to re-price it w/ your suggestions....
Bx2230 w/ 60mmm, fel & 4-way (mounted on tractor), grill guard, extra set of tires, tach, weight box (unless tiller will counter balance), some sort of block heater, possibly the 2900 lift arm adjusters. Also to ask some more questions on the tiller.
Keep you posted

 

[kgstnfld]

I'm back from dealer..here's the deal
Bx2230
LA211 Fl-1 (4 way valve - mounted on tractor)
60" MMM
grill guard
extra set of tires
Landpride RTA 1542 (42' tiller, can be offset)
$14590 + tax , delivered to my door.
Any final words of caution or advise? I'll probably finalize the deal Monday and be in possession by next weekend..

FYI - dealer did not know about motor change as far as block heater is concerned. We looked and your were right, you cannot put one in the 2230 like the 2200. He didn't have an answer for this, but is checking into it.

Thanks to everyone that gave input..it was a big help...

 

[Rimmer]

"...Landpride RTA 1542 (42' tiller, can be offset)..."

Sounds good to me. I think the 15 series is the way to go, and is a better choice than the 10 series, since the 15 has much greater offset capability.

I have an RTA 1550, which is eight inches wider, but since I haven't put it in the ground yet (it's still sitting on the dealer's lot, waiting for a couple more things to come in), I can't comment on performance. This is the model he recommended to me for my BX23, based on our local soil conditions. I guess it wouldn't hurt to ask your dealer about the 50" model, but I'm sure he knows what is best for your area, and soil, and machine -- that's one of the services you're paying him for, after all! /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif

Have fun!