Kubota newbie...w/Questions.

[Dirk]

Well gang, here's my story:

I own a small lot out in the suburbs...about 1/3 of an acre, but mow even less than that, due to a pool taking up some room, the garden, and a shed. But, I need a mower. I used to have a Yard Man (I think that was the brand...got it at Menards), and it lasted 3 years. I have to admit, I didn't treat the rider with much respect...leaving it sit outside all winter and summer, with no cover.

So, I've learned how not to abuse machinery, if you want it to last. Now, I'm out shopping again.

I don't plan on living in my current home for more than 3 to 5 more years, at which time I'm planning on moving to some place from 5 to 20 acres. How much of that will me mowable..I don't know. My wife is really into landscaping, having built us a beautiful double pond with stream, in our back yard, and she's always moving rocks, dirt, and chipped grey slate (prefers that over mulch).

So, I've determined, that the next tractor I buy, I want to be my last...and I know that starts with regular maintenance, and keeping it in a shed. But it doesn't end there. It also has to be of sound quality....and tho that may cost $ up front, it's usually worth it in the long run.

Desires:

I want something that allows expandability. I don't mind dropping some bucks on something, as long as I can get the use out of it. "Getting the use out of it" equates to attatching implements.

So, in my search, I've come accross the BX1800 and BX2200.

My biggest use would be mowing grass. Right now , my lot size isn't very big, and I'm worried that the this series of tractor may not be manuverable enough to get around walk ways, and flower beds. Feedback on that?

I don't think I mind paying the extra cost for a machine like the BX series, becase of the versatility. I can see getting a lot of use out of attaching a snow blower, or blade. Down the road, I could see my wife wanting the FEL and de-thatching unit. She'd really like a back-hoe attachment, but I don't think there is such a beast, is there?

Oh yes...she'll want the tiller attachment soon too, I'm sure, since she loves to garden, but hates the work involved in working up the ground.

I'm in the far west 'burbs of Chicago, so my biggest uses would be moving snow, and mowing grass. From what I read, if I take care of this baby, it should last a life time.

Question: I see it's deisel. Is it loud? Diesel trucks always seem to be loud. Are these?

Is the BX1800 overkill for a suburb lot?

I've got a dealer, in nearby St. Charles, so I'll check out what he has next week.

I have a friend of a friend that has a friend that owns a Kubota, and he rents his out all the time for $35/hr, to help off set his cost, and I guess he's renting it out all the time to small landscape contractors, and it's really helping him pay for it.

Thanks for any input, gang, and hopefully I'll be a new owner, soon!

 

[Dirk]

Oh, yes, I also wanted to ask:

The BX1800 and 2200 have hydralics, right? Can I attach a wood splitter, and split some wood?

Also, is the only difference between these two models, the horsepower?

 

[Dirk]

How come I never read any posts from owners of the BX1800? Seems like everyone that goes BX, goes BX2200.

 

[M. Sullivan]

Would recommend waiting until you get your new property then assess vs. actual needs. 5 to 20 acres is a big range, and best equipment could range from a BX to a 3000 Series. For your current 1/3 acre I would guess all are too big, and you might be disappointed. Might look at a Sears rider (low end) with warranty and then sell it or use it for trimming on your new property. Just a thought.

Re BX1800. Think the reason you see few owners is pricing. A couple years ago whne I was looking there was only a $500 difference between the 1800 and 2200....20% more horsepower for 5% more $$.

Good luck.

 

[art]

Dirk other than going back and buying another Dept. store mower in three to five years you will have a better idea as to what you are going to need. For three acres to five the BX is fine when you go over that then you may have a need for a bigger tractor. The price difference is small between the two tractors and Kubota says the 60" deck for the 2200 and the 54" deck for the 1800. Noise should not be a problem unless you feel compelled to mow your lawn at 5:30 in the morning.

 

[Dirk]

But if I go Sears, or something like that, can I still do tilling with it, and snow blading?

 

[TresCrows]

Get the BX now and if you somehow wind up with 20 acres down the road trade it for a larger tractor if you must. Let the future take cae of itself. Resale will be better with the BX than a Crapman. Come on---be the envy of the block with your very own mini-brute--the mighty BX. Diesel, everyone comments upon how quiet it is! Hydraulic logspliiter--beats me. As to manuverability I think you will be very surprised but the best way to answer that is go give one a drive--preferably at your place but not all dealers do that and yes I recommend the 60 inch deck for either the 1800 or the 2200. J

 

[Charliebrn]

Is the BX overkill? Probably. So what? I'd be willing to bet that over half the members on this board have more machine than they really "need". I sure as heck didn't "need" more than my Cub 2206 that I sold for my BX2200, but it sure has been a great decision on my part. The added versatility of standard 3 pt implement availability makes for a much better buy than approx the same money for a JD 400series or equivalent all with proprietary addons.

As far as implements, consider the FEL up front on the deal...though you may not see a great benefit, it's amazing how many jobs I have used it for...in fact I wonder how I got along without it at all!

As far as maneuverability, you'll find that the BX is just a bit shy of a decent GT, I do no more trimming with the BX as I did with my Cub. I'd consider the 60" deck, even with the 1800...I've seen many posts that it works just fine on it.

Noise...my BX is much quieter than my new Cub was. It's a strange thing between gas engines and diesel..you don't need the RPMs up to get the torque out of a diesel that you have to do with a gas for such things as mowing, etc.

One other factor that youshouldn't forget is the pride of ownership....there's something about these babies that I can't put my finger on. You'll understand when you park one in your driveway... /w3tcompact/icons/smile.gif

 

[frank_f15]

Dirk: charliebn gives good advice. get the bx now. when u buy more property then u can trade up to what is better suited. BUT you must learn to not leave your machines out all the time.beleive me , the better u take care of this one the less it will cost u to move up when needed.diesels are quiet, just a different sound.

 

[Anonymous Poster]

If you get a BX2200 with a loader you are going to have a lot of buddies in the neighborhood come spring mulch spreading time!