Kubota BX2200 or B7500

perrycounty · Feb 19, 2003

Hi,
I'm new to this forum, found it this past weekend during the snow storm. I thought I would ask opinions of experienced tractor owners to help me in my decision. The decision comes down to which of the above 2 Kubota models to purchase.
I have less than 1 acre to mow and have pretty much decided on a rear mount mower. The rest is woods and it is hilly. I have a lane that is about 1000 ft. long and intend to look into a blade to do work on that and I will also include a FEL in the mix...
I have read several of the reviews and opinions and my only concern on the BX2200 is the lower ground clearance and lighter frame... Or is this irrelevant?
Thanks for your time. Jeff /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif

Will_C · Feb 19, 2003

I have a BX and I love it, but I think you may be better off with the 7500. One of the biggest reasons to own a BX is the MMM, it does a wonderful job. You sound sold on a RFM, so that negates the BX advantage. Ground clearance can be an issue, it sounds like you may need it for working the lane.

jbrewer · Feb 19, 2003

I WOULD GET THE B 7500 MYSELF. I HAVE A B 2410 AND A 1200 FOOT DRIVE WAY. MY FRIEND DOWN THE ROAD HAS BX2200 AND THE SAME SIZE DRIVE. HE GOT HUNG UP DUE TO GROUND CLEARANCE. I WOULD GO WITH THE BIGGER TRACTOR( IN SIZE, NOT H.P.). I ALSO USE A RFM AND LOVE IT.................. JERRY <font color="orange"> </font> /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

Steelfan · Feb 19, 2003

Hi Jeff,

Boy, that Perrycounty name stuck out. I live just north & east of you. I've got a New Holland TC21D which is about the same size as the 7500. This last storm made me glad, that I bought that big. I've got about 3 acres to mow, and maybe 50' of driveway, plus my neighbors. I'm not sure if a BX would have done so well with the last storm. Lighter tractor, and ground clearance are very much a concern. If you can afford the 7500 definitely go for it. Just my $.02. Welcome to the forum.

Kent

pcmem · Feb 19, 2003

Jeff,

I agree with Will_C on this. I tried both and the BX is more stable on hills and is a mowing machine (MMM) but at a cost of ground clearance. I started out looking at the 7500N for the nursery but it and the standard 7500 couldn't compare to the BX on hills. The BX was also lower in the ROPS which helped and the mower was better IMHO. If you're set on the 3pt mower I would also suggest the 7500 (or the new 7800 /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif ). The stronger 3pt, larger tires and option of R4's are nice to have.

Enjoy,
Michael

B7500 · Feb 19, 2003

Was going to get the BX ended up with the B7500. I never regretted that choice.
Good luck.

TresCrows · Feb 19, 2003

The MMM on the BX is far superior to the MMM on the 7500. Since you are not getting the MMM I think the 7500 is a better choice. Do a search for this and you will finds tons of stuff on this very question. J

theboman · Feb 20, 2003

The B7800 is a bigger tractor in physical size than the B7500.

Anonymous Poster · Feb 20, 2003

Jeff,

You found the place to get a lot of answers...

You did not mention the total amount of property you have...it is often helpful if you fill out your profile...get better feedback when people who want to answer have a good idea about your specifics...

Anyway, you mention a RFM. My guess is that the grass cut you get with the RFM will be about the same whatever tractor is pulling it, if the HP is there to turn the cutters.

I have just under 4 acres, and probably if the area of the grass is measured it may be only an acre or so.

While I started looking at the bx22 I ended up with a B2910. I am VERY happy that I went that big...it is really not THAT big anyway, but looked pretty big when I was deciding.

My advice would be to look at the different B-series tractors...think about price difference and what you get for the extra $, look at your pocket book, and choose the tractor that will be the one that will satisfy your needs both now and in the furture.

And remember that after purchase, few decide to trade their first tractor back to the dealer for something smaller...and many do seem to trade up to something bigger.

kyoders · Feb 20, 2003

Michael,

I have a BX2200 and am considering trading across to a BX22. Others have suggested that I look at moving up in size if I'm looking for a backhoe. The reason I'm hesitant is most of my property is on at least a slight slope. As someone who tried both, do you think there is a significant advantage on hills with the BX over a B7500? I have no MMM, nor any need for mowing with it at all. Loader and (hopefully) backhoe work are my main needs. Stability on hills is my biggest worry. I need as much stability as I can get, without going overly large (a B7800 would probably be too large for my situation). Any insight would be most appreciated.

Kevin

Anonymous Poster · Feb 20, 2003

One thing to keep in mind is as the tractor gets bigger, it also gets wider...a higher, wider tractor can have the same tipping angle as a smaller lower one.

It all depends on how high the trator's center of gravity is, with respect to the width of the tires. This may be simplistic, but in reality it is true...

Now I have NO IDEA how to compare the bx models with the larger ones like I have [b2910]. However, my guess is that if I were on a slope that I regretted being on with my B2910, I would probably feel the same if I had a bx22 or whatever.

So I would buy something with enough guts to get done what I wanted relatively fast and easy IF I could afford to do so.

The BX22 is the tractor that caught my attention and had it not been there I may have never bought anything. But now that I got the B2910 I can't imagine my being happy with a BX22.

Then again, I probably would have been...if I did not have the B2910 experience to compare to.

Gee...After all that...I guess I am saying...buy what you think you want, you will not be disappointed! /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

Anonymous Poster · Feb 20, 2003

The thing you need to remember about the BX-22 BH is that it's not designed for "heavy duty" work...just "estate" duties. I'm very happy with mine, but could see it being inadequate for anyone doing a lot of digging work or needed more professional use. The larger B-series machines would definately be more appropriate for that.

kyoders · Feb 21, 2003

I'm definitely not looking at heavy duty/commercial level stuff. It will still be weekend warrior projects. Specifically, I have 600+ feet of drainage trenches to dig, bury about 200' of PVC 18"+ inches down. There's also some areas of small trees I would like to rip out.

I know a trencher might be the "best" option for some of this, but I'm not so sure about getting one up some of the slopes. And renting one around here isn't easy or cheap (pick it up at 8:00, return by 4:30, about 1:30 travel time round trip, almost $200, then I have to beg/borrow/rent something to haul it with), and I would be looking at having to rent multiple times. I'm also looking into installing a small cistern for collecting some of the rain water, but that might be too big for the BX (I'm still looking into tank options, how deep, etc).

My backyard has only about 10' of clearance between structure and woods, and it's on a 1:5 slope. I know I can maneuver my BX around in this, but there's not a lot of room to play with. In fact, just the BH on a BX22 might be too much to maneuver around. So getting much bigger than a BX or maybe a B7500/B2410 might be too much.

Kevin

GregJ · Feb 21, 2003

Kevin,
I have a B7500 with a BH. I also am a "weekend warrior" with a lot of tight places to get around. I have needed to do trench work, stump removal and a lot of landscaping in tight places. One thing to remember with a backhoe is that you can swing it from side to side to get through tight places. I have even used mine to pick up and move the back end of my tractor in order to get around some tight corners. Working on inclines is always a big safety issue. I loaded my tires and have added a tilt meter because of my respect of sloping ground. From what you have described, I think you would be very happy with the B7500/BH combination.

Greg

frank_f15 · Feb 21, 2003

if u are sold on the rfm, go with b7500, the clearence is a little beter, that would be MY choice. but u now your needs best. but they are pretty close.

Jeff396 · Feb 21, 2003

I think I'd be looking for the dealer to let me try one out as far as the slopes are concerned. One persons comfort zone is anothers no way in you know where area. I have a B7500 and after over a year I am taking it on slopes that I wouldn't go near when I first got it. As my familiarity went up my confidence in its stability grew. Then there's the variable of swinging a back hoe around while you're sitting on the slope. I don't have one, wish I did, so I don't know what thet does to the equation.

Jeff

FamilyFarm · Feb 21, 2003

If ground clearance is an issue, go with the B7500. I'm pretty sure the FEL load rating is higher for the 7500 also.
For me the only time ground clearance has been a problem is when the MMM is on. Otherwise, I use mine flat land, hills and woods with no problem.
I have found myself the odd one here in thought before, but if I had decided the BX was too small (and if I hadn't wanted the backhoe), I would have moved on up to at least the 2410, and probably the 2710/2910/7800. Otherwise, the lift/load capacity differences seem pretty small between the BX and 7500 (but definitely more ground clearance!). See if you can get a dealer to bring both out to let you try them on your property, or at least let you drive them at the dealer's lot to get a better feel for each one.
Enjoy whichever best meets your needs!
Terry

pcmem · Feb 24, 2003

Kevin,

If you can have your dealer bring them both out for you to try on your property. I noticed a significant difference in comfort level on slopes but never desired to push either to the point of tipping /forums/images/graemlins/ooo.gif The BX was very comfortable in the seat-o-pants testing on slopes which were unnerving on the 7500. Since neither tipped they both would have worked. This was with the wheels on the 7500 out all the way, both unfilled, MMM.

I haven't checked out the BX & 7500 backhoes to know which is the better built unit, if there is a difference. Check them out as well. I really, really liked the 7500 but since my primary use was mowing the BX won out. Funny, but at the time being able to put a backhoe on the 7500 was one of its benefits over the BX.

Another thing to consider is if the center of gravity changes with the backhoe attached. The low center of gravity makes the BX feel very sure footed.

I probably didn't help much /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif,
Michael

kyoders · Feb 24, 2003

Michael,

Thanks for the info. A subjective "seat-of-the-pants" evaluation is about as good as I'm going to get. My dealer isn't too keen on bringing them out to let me try. In fact, he's apparently not too keen on my trading in my BX2200 since it's been 3 weeks and he still hasn't come to look at it.

In case anybody else is interested, I've put together the specs to compare a BX22, B7500, and B2410.

BX22 B7500 B2410
Gross HP 22 21 24
PTO HP 16.7 16 18
Length (no BH) 92.1 (w 3pt) 90.6 (no 3pt) 91.7 (no 3pt)
Width 45.1 (fixed) 42.4 (min) 46.3 (min)
Wheelbase 55.1 59.0 59.0
Clearance 6.7 12.0 12.8
3pt lift cap 662 1200? 1200?
Weight

Loader LA210 LA302 LA352
Max Lift 71.3 69.5 69.7
Lift Cap Full Ht 460 660 770
Breakout Force 950 1120 1336
Bucket Width 48 48 50

Retail Price 17,400 14,751 17,578
BX22 includes BH, others do not. For comparison, a BX2200
with FEL retails for 12481, which should be comparable to the prices on the others.

B4672
Backhoe BX22 (B7500 & B2410)
Digging Depth 72.0 73.9
Swing Arc 140 180
Loading Ht 64.4 65.0
Reach 97.8 98.1
Digging Force Bucket 1936 2950
Digging Force Crowd 1137 1740

Other: B2410 has position control on 3pt, others don't. BX22 has a smaller 3pt hitch, making it more particular about implements. BX22 has sub-frame mount BH using tractor hydraulics. Not sure on B4672, it might be 3pt mount and have a separate PTO pump.

All three seem very close overall. The BX suffers on 3pt lift capacity, loader lift capacity, and BH digging force. It looks to me like unless the ground clearance is critical (and ignoring the BH specs), trading "up" to a B7500 isn't that much of a step up. Going with the B2410 buys a decent jump in performance of FEL, but at a significant jump in price. So, I no nearer a decision, but at least I have some numbers to look at.

Kevin

Rick Jay · Feb 24, 2003

In regards to the backhoe, I think most users will take full advantage of every inch of reach available.

Another concern I have of the BX22 hoe is the swing arc of only 140 degrees. It seems that would be an additional limitation. Although its "only 20 degrees" per side, I've had set-ups where I've required every bit of the 180 degree swing.

Again, I might not miss it if I didn't have it, but I think that would be limiting as well.

Plus, I have to vote for the machine with the most ground clearance. Big help in the deep snows and when traversing over rough ground.

Of course, it's always easy to spend someone else's money. If money isn't a major factor, go for the largest tractor that can be maneuvered on your property.

Good Luck,

~Rick