Kubota FEL - B series vs BX series

kevinj · Jul 2, 2009

rexcramer said:
Yes but you are using the BX1860 as a comparison to the B series. The 2360 and 2660 have bigger tires, more hp, and more ground clearance than the 1860. The difference between those two and the smaller B series tractors is much less significant, though there are still differences for sure

The ground clearance is about 1" more on the bigger BX and other than PTO work I run out of traction before power.

peterc38 · Jul 2, 2009

BXpanded said:
Most of this depends on which B you're comparing to a BX. The Kubota website offers all the specs and makes a comparison easy. The B2320 has very similar specs to the BX2360. Same hp, essentially same FEL capacities.

They might have the same HP (23) but I think the BX2360 has a smaller displacement and needs to run at a higher RPM (3200) vs. 2600 RPM for the B2320 to acheive that.

ChuckinNH · Jul 2, 2009

I had a BX22, and currently have a B2620. I've used the loader on both quite a bit. I enjoy using the loader on the B more than the BX. Though my bucket is nearly the same widthl, it does hold more, and is much better balanced with a load. I do think that it feels quite a bit stronger too, especially in breakout force. The thing I enjoy most about using the B is that I can do loader work at a much lower engine RPM, and that makes it more pleasant. I do think the dump function is slower on the B than it was on my old BX. I installed the B3200 loader QA on mine, and also have the Kubbota forks. I find them a wonderful addition for brush, logs, and other awkward / long loads along with making it much nicer to move things around on pallets. Though the pivot point is further forward, I have been able to move stumps that I couldn't lift with the bucket because I can actually get the weight back closer to the pivot points without the bucket sides. I may get a larger bucket also for bark mulch, compost, and snow. That option isn't available on the BX. The new small B's are very agile, but I don't think they would be quite as good with a mmm as the BX. I haven't tried that, so I can't be sure about it. I have an older Simplicity Legacy that I mow with now. When I am mowing my thought it that I would like something more agile than the Simplicity, not less since my yard is an obstacle course. Actually, I'm not sure I would buy a BX just for mowing though I might. I used the BX I had right beside the BX, dethatching with one, and collecting the debris with the other, etc. The steering on the BX was certainly better, and it was fun to drive, but noiser, and perhaps not quite as nimble.......... though I had R-1 bar tires on that, and that might have influenced that feeling. For all "tractor" stuff, and perhaps even for mowing more open areas I would choose the B with no question. ( I have to mow around at least one tree, or rock every pass around the yard, and often two, or three, or more)

Will_C · Jul 2, 2009

I have the same experiences as Chuck. I had one of the first BX 2200 with the MMM and FEL. It was a wonderful tool, and I put 1250 hours on it, 3/4 of the time was using the MMM. The FEL was used enough however, so that when I bought a B2620 this past spring, I realized the B had much more power.

The MMM on the BX was wonderful, but I bought a zero turn last spring. The B does not have a MMM-I am using it with a bush hog on a new piece of property I bought.

As we've said many times on TBN-if you want a lawn mower with the capacity to do other work, buy a BX. If you want a FEL tractor and anticipate rough terrain use, but still want to be able to mow your lawn, buy a B. If your tractor will never see a lawn, buy an L.

Will

newbury · Jul 2, 2009

I live where there is a dearth of tractor dealers. the dealer I ended up working with for my BH is about 45 miles away, and in terms of traffic it might take 90 minutes to get there on a Saturday morning. Realizing that I did most of my decision process based on the internet. Renting was not an option.

Although power wise they are about the same the BX's seemed tiny. I was originally focused on a BX24/Kioti CK20 (no Kioti dealers around though). When I finally saw the BX24 I was amazed at it's size. It would of fit in my MaxiVan, which would have solved the problem of getting a trailer. I did note though that the ground clearance was way to low.

As other's have wrote - the BX's seem designed as lawn mowers with extras.

Since I never fired the BX's up I don't know what an engine at 3200 rpm sounds like (rated rpm for max HP) and I still don't know what my 7610 sounds like at 2600 RPM (rated rpm for 24HP) but I do know that at about 2000 rpm my 7610 has plenty of power to pull a stump and carry a truck load of sand.

If you've got to worry abour FEL work get a B. If you are also concerned about stumps get either a TLB or a B w/ a BH

tommyz270 · Jul 2, 2009

Chuck, Will, Newbury - very good information - thank you.

Will, I like the analogy - I think you hit it right on, haven't heard that on tbn yet.

Funny.... originally, I was looking for something a little larger than a "lawn tractor" with 4wd and attachments that you can use like a tractor (sounds like a BX). Of course, when I got to the dealer and sat down with what I was going to do with it, I think I've decided to lean to the B for current use and maybe even more importantly, future use....

Good to hear everyone's opinion on the fel's between the two. You are making it sound kind of what I thought was going on....

dillo99 · Jul 3, 2009

Ground clearance was what pushed me to go with B vs. Bx. I am in the woods a lot.

Steve sauve · Dec 9, 2019

JOHNTHOMAS said:
The B will have a bit bigger bucket and a bit stronger lift capacity. I've had and have both. The BX will do most of what the B will do other than ground clearance and the BX can not change that. The B will do FEL jobs a bit quicker than the BX but the BX is a work horse and can do most of what the B can do but take longer time. The B will also have a bit better traction with all things the same due to a bit more weight and a bit more tire contact with the ground..

Can a B or BX handle a disk and if so what size. I want to use it for small food plots. 1 acre plot is my largest