How big is big enough?

Mavrik02 · Sep 14, 2005

Dave,

From what you describe you need something primairly to mow the lawn and be able to clear snow when necessary. Given this I think you are looking in the right direction. I wouldn't bother looking at anything over 23HP (or so) for these jobs because you will probably not need it for that work and the tractor will get too big for the yard (even some of the 25HP machines might be too cumbersome in the yard).

You mentioned your concern about the BX23 and "other rear implements". What you described above may lead you to a sub ~23HP machine but what type of future uses are you considering? If you want to push over and drag trees, dig long ditches and foundations, brush hog a field, drag a big box blade, etc. then you could probably do all of that quicker with a larger machine +25HP.

I looked at the BX23 and was very impressed. I really liked the 60" belly mower and the size of the tractor for keeping the yard cut and the standard attachments (FEL/BH) for the extra work. But depending on what future uses you may have it might not be a good fit for you.

I guess you just have to try to list all of your current and future uses and try to size the tractor appropriately.

Good luck!

Phoenix1 · Sep 14, 2005

( I went over and looked at the power trac site. It looks like they are only sold out of one location? That is far to go to get a tractor. Otherwise they look like good machines. Some folks have mentioned the BX23 over the B7510. It looks like the BX does not have a true 3pt on the rear and can't accept some of the implements that the 7510 can. Is this correct? I really would like to be able to use other rear implements if the need arises in the future.

But back to the original question. Given the responses, I am guessing that the B7510 would be able to do what I listed power wise, but there may be a better match for my needs?

Again thanks for all the input
Dave )

Just curious, but what kind of $ are you talking for the 7510 and attachments. May help to better answer you questions if value is important.

dbs179 · Sep 14, 2005

Mavrik,

I also like the BX23 after looking at it on the site. But the lack of some of the other implements, makes me think I may want to upgrad from it in the future. This is an item that I want to only purchase once if possible, so I want to have options in the future. Not that I see a need for it now, but eventually a post hole digger, and trencher may be nice to have. But more importantly, I am getting the idea that these "small" tractors can do alot of work. And I should be fine with a 20-25 HP machine no matter which one I choose.

dbs179 · Sep 14, 2005

Pheonix,

The Kubota dealer quoted me around $21,000 for the B7510 Turf Special with a FEL, Back Hoe, 60" MMM, and 60" Rear Blade. That was delivered with taxes and the tires filled. The Mahindra dealer quoted me $23,000 for their 2615 with a FEL, Back Hoe, 60" RFM and a 60" rear blade, only the 2615 did not include delivery. As far as money goes if the machine is going to do all I want it to in the immediate future and can possibly do a bit more farther down the line (i.e. other implements) then I can justify spending that kind of mony. So to me value is important, but only in the sense that I don't want to pay for more tractor than I would ever use or need.

I hope that made sense.

rockyridgefarm · Sep 14, 2005

It is hard not to like the 'B' series for what you are doing... You could do a lot worse,.

dbs179 · Sep 14, 2005

I'm not really sold on the Kubota yet though. I did like it, and the Mahindra was so so. I still need to check out what the JD equivalent is and stop by the Farm Trac dealer. Although from looking around it seems that the Farm Trac is not such a popular choice.

I just wondered why the Mahindra dealer would recommend such a larger tractor than the Kubota dealer. It got me thinking that maybe the Kubota was to small.

MossRoad · Sep 14, 2005

Don't skip checking out the New Holland brand, either. They are fine machines and I found them more ergonomic than any other brand that I sat on. Test drive as many makes and models as you can and take as much time as you need to get the right machine for your needs. Many times we read about folks not getting the correct machine for their tasks and then they are disappointed. /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif

We want you looking like this -> /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

BillG_in_TX · Sep 14, 2005

dbs179,

I'm not sure exactly what you are referring to when you say "lack of .. other implements" on the BX, but the backhoe comes off very quickly and the lift arms go on, and "walla!" - you have a Category 1 three-point on the back.

Kubota sells a Kubota brand rear blade, box blade and tiller for the BX23, according to the website link (click on Attachments) provided above. I know that all sorts of other attachments are available for the BX series from third party vendors, including post hole diggers.

There may be some Cat 1 implements that won't work on the BX23, but I'm not sure about that.
edit: I found a discussion from last year about attachments that will/won't work on the BX line.

bearhawk · Sep 14, 2005

( I went to the Kubota dealer in my area and they recommended the B7510 Turf Special with a 60 inch mid mount mower, a 12 inch back hoe, a 48" FEL and a 60" rear blade. )

I looked at a 7510 and a Kioti CK20HST, The Kioti felt more comfortable to me. I have 22 hours on it now and it has performed flawlessly (as I would have expected)
The Kubota felt cramped, and the loader control felt high and out of place.

Jim

Varmintmist · Sep 14, 2005

A 21 hp machine in a tractor, not lawn mower, will do everything you want. NH has the bitty boomers that a lot of people like.

One question, why the hoe? You state that you are going to do some small landscape projects, do you have any use for a hoe after that?

I have a friend that clears snow in New Hampshire with a 24HP Boomer and a back blade. One of my neighbors uses the 18 hp boomer for everything you suggested. A back blade will be plenty in West By God Va for moving snow. You include the loader and you are set.