Need a tractor - Is BX24 (type) too small?

fishpick · May 21, 2006

I think I confused the issue with the JD. It's a long ways away and family owned - but not something I can always count on for my chores - I'm looking for something that can get my list of things done without having to transport the JD and coordinate availability.

Let's start over - re-read my initial post in this string - minus the JD statement...

I have 1 acre at home - where this proposed tractor will be living most of it's life... Here are the jobs it has on it's slate after it comes home with me:
* Remove many stumps
* Dig over 50 post-holes
* Move lots of topsoil with FEL for landscaping
* Scrape and re-grade 1/2 acre (KEY)
* Till gardens
* Remove Snow

Plus the fact I'm not going to use the the SCUT to do the pool tear out... So - no:
* Break up and move over 300 cubic feet of concrete
* Fill in 40 x 20 gunite in-ground pool (includes using HB to "bend the rebar and wire mesh in the gunite)
 A rental can do this - as you guys suggested.

/forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif Man - I should just delete the post - delete my user name - and start fresh (talk about first impressions!) - Sorry for the rampant confusion... /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif

fishpick · May 21, 2006

I think I confused the issue with the JD. It's a long ways away and family owned - but not something I can always count on for my chores - I'm looking for something that can get my list of things done without having to transport the JD and coordinate availability.

Let's start over - re-read my initial post in this string - minus the JD statement...

I have 1 acre at home - where this proposed tractor will be living most of it's life... Here are the jobs it has on it's slate after it comes home with me:
* Remove many stumps
* Dig over 50 post-holes
* Move lots of topsoil with FEL for landscaping
* Scrape and re-grade 1/2 acre (KEY)
* Till gardens
* Remove Snow

Plus the fact I'm not going to use the the SCUT to do the pool tear out... So - no:
* Break up and move over 300 cubic feet of concrete
* Fill in 40 x 20 gunite in-ground pool (includes using HB to "bend the rebar and wire mesh in the gunite)
 A rental can do this - as you guys suggested.

/forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif Man - I should just delete the post - delete my user name - and start fresh (talk about first impressions!) - Sorry for the rampant confusion... /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif

Volfandt · May 21, 2006

Rule of thumb:

When primary use is finish mowing, ground engagement use is 2nd'ary, go with the BX24 w/60" MMM or a great deal on the discontinued BX23 w/60". OR any other SCUT.

When primary use is ground engagement use w/finish mowing as 2nd'ary = B7510 / B7610 or CK20, either with a 60" MMM.

Now the quandry /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

Given you have the time, the BX24 will do most all the grunt work you have (other than what you'll do with a rental) then give you outstanding performance as a finish mower and maintainer.

On the flip side, a CUT sized machine will do most all the grunt work you have ( and some of what the rental will do) in much less time than the SCUT then give pretty good performance as a finish mower and maintainer.

So it looks like having a BH may be the clincher. Do you really need a BH?
In my case, mine is dismounted at least 80% of the time but that 20% of the time that I use it it's invaluable /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

Another clincher may be the type of mower you need.
The BX23/BX24 utilizes a full floating MMM. If the area(s) you plan on finish mowing has many pot holes, ridges and/or very uneven terrain then I'd recommend the full floating MMM as it should last longer by not getting beat to death.

If the area's are going to be pretty level and even then the ground contact MMM's found on most all CUTs (B7510 / B7610, CK20) will work out great for you.

Course nothing compares to putting your seat in the seat of each contender and trying them out. The experience is actually enojoyable and gives one a reason to visit all those tractor dealers you pass by and always wanted to stop in and check out.....

Good luck
Volfandt

Volfandt · May 21, 2006

Rule of thumb:

When primary use is finish mowing, ground engagement use is 2nd'ary, go with the BX24 w/60" MMM or a great deal on the discontinued BX23 w/60". OR any other SCUT.

When primary use is ground engagement use w/finish mowing as 2nd'ary = B7510 / B7610 or CK20, either with a 60" MMM.

Now the quandry /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

Given you have the time, the BX24 will do most all the grunt work you have (other than what you'll do with a rental) then give you outstanding performance as a finish mower and maintainer.

On the flip side, a CUT sized machine will do most all the grunt work you have ( and some of what the rental will do) in much less time than the SCUT then give pretty good performance as a finish mower and maintainer.

So it looks like having a BH may be the clincher. Do you really need a BH?
In my case, mine is dismounted at least 80% of the time but that 20% of the time that I use it it's invaluable /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

Another clincher may be the type of mower you need.
The BX23/BX24 utilizes a full floating MMM. If the area(s) you plan on finish mowing has many pot holes, ridges and/or very uneven terrain then I'd recommend the full floating MMM as it should last longer by not getting beat to death.

If the area's are going to be pretty level and even then the ground contact MMM's found on most all CUTs (B7510 / B7610, CK20) will work out great for you.

Course nothing compares to putting your seat in the seat of each contender and trying them out. The experience is actually enojoyable and gives one a reason to visit all those tractor dealers you pass by and always wanted to stop in and check out.....

Good luck
Volfandt

KiotiJohn · May 21, 2006

( As for the grading - I'm looking to pull off about 8" of soil that crowns the yard around the pool and pull it down to flatten the yard - is this something that's too much for tractors in the SCUT class?

I like the looks of the Kioti - but what's the "history - and reliability" of the CK20? )
SCUTs can do grading, however, their lighter weights will limit, at times, the control you have as ground engaging tools can pull the tractor off line as happens sometimes with my larger CK20 when I'm pulling my disk bedder (just one row at a time).

As far as the CK20 for mowing, if you have the BH, then you can't have the MMM using Kioti implements. A CK20 with Woods loader and backhoe would allow the MMM, and it cuts very well.

You would better be able to handle the pool breakup and fill in with the larger machine's greater lift capacity and larger bucket.

Keep in mind, even with the higher lift, it's going to take some time to accomplish.

I've had 400 hours of problem-free use from my CK20. They've only been on the market since '03.

It's becoming increasingly concerning as regards the loaders they have built by another company. There are some reports of stress cracking at the compartment than incloses the hydrohoses on the crossbeam. This is something that will need modification, and will eventually be done, but right now, it's apparently a poor design. The Woods loader/BH combination would be better.

John

KiotiJohn · May 21, 2006

( As for the grading - I'm looking to pull off about 8" of soil that crowns the yard around the pool and pull it down to flatten the yard - is this something that's too much for tractors in the SCUT class?

I like the looks of the Kioti - but what's the "history - and reliability" of the CK20? )
SCUTs can do grading, however, their lighter weights will limit, at times, the control you have as ground engaging tools can pull the tractor off line as happens sometimes with my larger CK20 when I'm pulling my disk bedder (just one row at a time).

As far as the CK20 for mowing, if you have the BH, then you can't have the MMM using Kioti implements. A CK20 with Woods loader and backhoe would allow the MMM, and it cuts very well.

You would better be able to handle the pool breakup and fill in with the larger machine's greater lift capacity and larger bucket.

Keep in mind, even with the higher lift, it's going to take some time to accomplish.

I've had 400 hours of problem-free use from my CK20. They've only been on the market since '03.

It's becoming increasingly concerning as regards the loaders they have built by another company. There are some reports of stress cracking at the compartment than incloses the hydrohoses on the crossbeam. This is something that will need modification, and will eventually be done, but right now, it's apparently a poor design. The Woods loader/BH combination would be better.

John

graybeard451 · May 21, 2006

<<I have 1 acre at home - where this proposed tractor will be living most of it's life... Here are the jobs it has on it's slate after it comes home with me:
* Remove many stumps
* Dig over 50 post-holes
* Move lots of topsoil with FEL for landscaping
* Scrape and re-grade 1/2 acre (KEY)
* Till gardens
* Remove Snow>> <snip>

Yes, a BX 23 / 24 will do all those jobs. I fact, the friend I mentioned in my last post with the Case, I'm doing the finish grading with my BX 23.

graybeard451 · May 21, 2006

<<I have 1 acre at home - where this proposed tractor will be living most of it's life... Here are the jobs it has on it's slate after it comes home with me:
* Remove many stumps
* Dig over 50 post-holes
* Move lots of topsoil with FEL for landscaping
* Scrape and re-grade 1/2 acre (KEY)
* Till gardens
* Remove Snow>> <snip>

Yes, a BX 23 / 24 will do all those jobs. I fact, the friend I mentioned in my last post with the Case, I'm doing the finish grading with my BX 23.

aesanders · May 21, 2006

(
/forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif Man - I should just delete the post - delete my user name - and start fresh (talk about first impressions!) - Sorry for the rampant confusion... /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif )

Don't do that.

People that reply's never know the entire story. Just offer suggestions that may or may not have been thought of. Sounds like you want a bx 24. I would get it as it sounds it would do everything you want it to plus some..

Good luck.

aesanders · May 21, 2006

(
/forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif Man - I should just delete the post - delete my user name - and start fresh (talk about first impressions!) - Sorry for the rampant confusion... /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif )

Don't do that.

People that reply's never know the entire story. Just offer suggestions that may or may not have been thought of. Sounds like you want a bx 24. I would get it as it sounds it would do everything you want it to plus some..

Good luck.