keep BX24 or upgrade to B2620?

[donn12]

I am really considering this. Both TLB with unloaded turfs. I love the looks of the B and the increased ground clearance. Here is what I use a tractor for on my 6 acres:

1. on grass for aeration, fert and lime. leaf removal after I get a vac. it seems like the 2 tractors weigh virtually the same (except for whatever the backhoe subframe adds to the B). I am concerned about a Bs front tires tearing up the grass on these tasks even with turfs. I have a ZTR so no mowing.

2. prep for new yard box blade and landscape rake etc

3. clearing downed tree sections in woods

4 clearing 1/4 driveway of snow

5 install gravel trails for shed in woods etc

6 move wood piles and brush

7 prep for and install flagstone patios

In all actuality the specs on the two machines are much closer than I would have thought. How stupid is it to upgrade because you really like the look of a bigger, more tractor like tractor? What are the pros and cons? Most of all will a B mess up my grass?Thanks in advance!

 

[Evil the Weasel]

The only time I might tear up the grass is when turning sharply, which I try to minimize. I doubt there would be much difference in the potential for lawn damage between the models you are looking at.

 

[TripleR]

The reason I choose a BX over a B2xxx was because of the amount of mowing I do and lower COG on my hills, if not for that, I would prefer the B. I would not be concerned about lawn damage, just don't turn too sharply which goes for just about any tractor above a BX.

 

[Botabill]

I have a B2620 now but owned a BX1800 for 4 years and 1200 hours before I bought the B a year and a 1/2 ago. The B is a bigger tractor and is less manouverable than the BX. I don't find tires tearing the lawn to be a problem with the B. I'm glad I have the B for everything I do accept mowing around tight areas. I'd say for what you do a B is a good choice but not a whole lot better than a BX.

 

[JOHNTHOMAS]

http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/...660-side-side-not.html?highlight=BX2660+B3200
This thread has some info considering the difference between the B and BX. I mow on a hillside and because of the hillside I prefer the BX for mowing. I use the B for dirt and bigger rock moving and going over stuff and thru gullies. I do some FEL work with the BX but mostly mowing. If I had to only have one, now that I have most of my major projects done it would be, bite my tongue since I really like the B3200, again if I had to choose between just one it would be the BX2660, again, that's because I have most of my major projects done and live on a hillside. Back up 6 years when I had most of my major work ahead of me then I would choose the B3200. I actually started with a BX2200 and after one year traded it to a B7800 which I kept for 3 years along with a BX1500 that I bought when I bought the B7800. At home now I have the BX2660 and have moved the B3200 to my business location. Ground clearance is the key word between the B and BX in my opinion. A little bigger tires on the B also may give a bit more traction if that is a factor for some one with traction problems. I don't have a BH and if I were to buy a BH now to add to one of my tractors it would be for the B3200 because it is more my work machine and my BX is my mowing machine since I have both.

 

[radioman]

Its a really tough call. only difference from what I see is 3 things. ground clearance, 2 vs 3 speeds, and money in bank. A B is great in woods, feilds, larger implement sizes. You already spent the money on a BX, its a matter of calling it a investment and grow with it or go bigger.

Are you content in getting things done for timeframe with BX? or rather have larger capacity of a B and get things done quicker? Or do you know if there is ANYTHING you can't rent for weekend for things BX can't handle?

From the list you gave us, IMHO the BX can do it all. It will just take longer, its not measured in minutes or weekends but maybe in hours. Had you gone with B in beginning, then it would made sense. Also getting a BX is also a wise investment too, it just takes common sense to do things you want.

 

[bp fick]

Your situation is somewhat similar to my own. Yours is almost entirely a "want" whereas, mine has an element of "need".

But in either case, unless you are willing to trade in your present tractor, at wholesale value, you should try to sell it yourself. You might find that given what someone might pay would make the decision a whole lot easier. Only two things can happen. You can get a fair price making your new purchase a no brainer, or you won't get nearly enough for it, making the new purchase impossible.

The time that passes in trying to sell your own machine will clear your thoughts, most likely.

 

[DELInstallations]

I debated this prior to buying my 2620. Either buy a BX for about $4-5K (I think from memory) less than a 2620 TLB. I was on the fence for either the 2320 or 2620 until I saw the price difference compared to capabilities.

I compared the two and ended up with the 2620. I like the clearance better, and I also think I wouldn't have been happy with the BX's loader and BH now that I have over 50 Hrs on it.

There's times I've felt a little tippy and also could've used a smaller unit, but I really like having the high clearance and the overall size isn't too much different.

 

[PUSHINDIRT]

I had a very similar situation. I had a BX24 and ended up trading up for a 2920. Like radioman said the B series has greater ground clearance and 3 vs. 2 speeds. They are both excellent machines. I love my B series. IMHO it is easier to work on, hook up/ remove attachments.
The two things I miss about having the bx24? Back-hoe and the machine felt like it was glued to the ground!

 

[LBrown59]

I have a B2620 now but owned a BX1800 for 4 years and 1200 hours before I bought the B a year and a 1/2 ago. The B is a bigger tractor and is less manouverable than the BX. I don't find tires tearing the lawn to be a problem with the B. I'm glad I have the B for everything I do accept mowing around tight areas. I'd say for what you do a B is a good choice but not a whole lot better than a BX.

Another reason i took a bx over a b.

I had a very similar situation. I had a BX24 and ended up trading up for a 2920. Like radioman said the B series has greater ground clearance and 3 vs. 2 speeds. They are both excellent machines. I love my B series. IMHO it is easier to work on, hook up/ remove attachments.
The two things I miss about having the bx24? Back-hoe and the machine felt like it was glued to the ground!

No way would i give up my bx23 and BH just to move onto a B.