New BX2230 owner q's?

GntlmnFarmer · Aug 16, 2004

New BX2230 owner q\'s?

Hello everyone. I feel like I know most of you already. I have been reading your posts for about three days straight! In three weeks the Boss and I are moving to our new home in the country, 7 acres, a 600' (400' gravel, 200' paved)driveway, a new garden to be made and 3-4 acres to mow. In about one week I'll be going to my Bota dealer to order my new 2230 (he has already set aside for me). I'm getting the FEL, 60" MMM, Tiller, and Blower.

After reading many (not all) of the posts on this forum I am left with a few questions. First off I have about 350-400 feet of drive that are in pretty good shape. Will I need a box scraper or will the FEL do ok at taking care of the drive? Secondly...leaves? The bagger sure is expensive, any suggestions? I read one thread that sugggested a tow behind, but that was $1000, and the bagger is $1500 and will also take care of the grass easily. Thirdly, speaking of grass. If I have the bagger should I bother with the mulching kit? Is it that much better for your lawn? That makes about a $300 swing. Lastly tires. I have read some people that say get the bars, and then add the turfs later if needed. I have also read people that say the tires are cheap so get them up front. I'll mostly be mowing when warm, and blowing when cold. Perhpas turfs with chains in the winter? All of this of course can be added later, but anything I get up front is getting put on the financing...

Thanks for all your help!

Jeff

Henro · Aug 16, 2004

Re: New BX2230 owner q\'s?

I think a box scraper would be much better for taking care of the gravel drive than the loader would. I find my landscape rake also does a good job at dressing the gravel...my drive/parking area is not that big, but I expect that if it were larger the box blade and rake would be even more appreciated.

Don't know anything about baggers, but if you cut the grass frequently enough you may not need one. I don't miss not having one. Except when I get behind then it would be nice...then I end up cutting twice, once to cut the grass and once to cut the clippings and disperse them.

I just bought a second set of tires for my BX2200. $296 for the four tires/whels. If you buy them you need to store them somewhere when you are not using them. As far as traction in the snow, turf tires with chains might be the way to go. I only say that because I know that with the lugs on the R4 tires on my larger tractor, the ladder chains I have fall between the lugs, and so only about half of each cross chain is actually up where it can do anything. With the bx bar tires, I am not sure if this is a concern or not. I have seen pictures of chains on BX turf tires and they look really effective.

Finally, don't forget about a toothbar for the loader! /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif

At the risk of sounding like I want to spend all your money, you might consider the price difference between a BX23 and the BX2230. Is there a remote chance you might want a small backhoe in the future? If so, the added cost now could save you money in the long run...and while it seems like a lot, it is really fairly reasonable (if you consider the cost of kit backhoes that you build yourself). Just a thought as it is better to consider something and not act on it, than not to consider and then think later "if I had only thought about that..." Beenthere, done that speaking now... /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif

Junkman · Aug 16, 2004

Re: New BX2230 owner q\'s?

I would upgrade to the BX23 for starters. With that amount of land, you will never regret having a backhoe attachment. This isn't a optional add on you can purchase later, except from aftermarket companies. Well worth the investment price up front. I would fore go the bagger for now. I have a tow behind from my old tractor and don't use it any longer. At $1500, I would rather put that money toward the hoe even if I had to rake leaves for a year or two. You haven't given us an indication where you live, so this may not apply to you. A hoe is the only thing that will dig out a tree stump that is surrounded with rocks like in New England!! You also have a tiller on the list, and a hoe will handle rocks that the tiller encounters better than the front bucket. You haven't listed a tooth bar, but I would strongly recommend one to you. As for the extra set of tires, it is only $300 and as long as I am spending your money, go for them if you are up to changing tires on a regular basis. Turfs don't dig well under certain conditions. I have both, and the turfs have never been on the tractor. Have the rear tires loaded with "beet juice" for additional traction. If you don't go for the hoe, then consider a weight box for the rear. I know that you can use the tiller, but why have an expensive item on the rear if you back into something and damage it. A weight box serves more than one purpose. You can also carry shovels in it. You mention "blowing in the cold", but you didn't put the snow blower on your shopping list. Better order that now, because by the time there is snow on the ground, there won't be a snow blower to be found. Last year they ran out by December, and they are now just catching up on deliveries for blowers ordered in January. If you are anywhere near my neck of the woods, you are welcome to come over and try mine on for size. /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif

GntlmnFarmer · Aug 16, 2004

Re: New BX2230 owner q\'s?

Thanks for the advice Henro and Junkman! Yeah I looked at the upgrade to get the backhoe, my dealer says I can get one for the 2230. It will cost me about $900 extra dollars at some future date to add the backhoe to the 2230, as oppsed to getting it upfront with the 23. I also won't get the cool swivel seat, nor will I get the cool folding ROPS (I sure hope the non folding one fits in the new garage). But, the simple fact is at the moment I have no foreseeable use for the BH. I mean, with a backhoe, I am SURE I could *find* something to do..but $5000 is $5000!
I am also sure that a year or two from now I'll be buying it and regretting that I didn't finance it and get all the cool extras and save the $900, but man I can dig a lot of holes with a shovel for $5000!

Jeff

BANDAMAN · Aug 16, 2004

Re: New BX2230 owner q\'s?

I can't answer all your questions, but I will try and help. I have a paved drive, so no expert on the driveway, but if it were me, I think I would get a york rake with guage wheels to keep the drive level. I use the FEL to back drag, but don't think I would want to do 400 feet.

I don't bag or mulch. I mow once a week at 3.5 inches and haven't had a problem leaving piles of grass. I mow when it is dry and the 60 MMM chops it fine and blows it out nice. No trees, so can't comment on the leaves.

I have both sets of tires. My dealer gave me a set of bar tires and wheels with the rears loaded with rim guard for $265. I couldn't pass it up. If only getting one set, I would get the Bars. if the yard is dry, they leave no marks. The turfs are great until you get in a little greasy mud. they become slicks in seconds. if your trying to dig, you can spin all four even in dry dirt. I like having both, but don't change them much because both sets of rears are loaded (about 150 lbs each) The ballast is nice when mowing side banks, and I can use the loader safely on flat ground without adding a ballast box. If I am doig any serious loader work, I put my grader blade on the back for another couple hundred pounds and a nice wheelie bar.

I love my 2230, I am sure you will too.

at_obuk · Aug 16, 2004

Re: New BX2230 owner q\'s?

Get the box scraper and forget the turf tires. I got bars on my BX23 and mow everything in sight. I don't have to worry about changing them to do other jobs and if you take it easy on the turns you shouldn't mar the lawn. You'll be glad you have the bars on when you get into mud and other slimy stuff. I looked at the BX2230 also. But with the 0% fin. I couldn't justify not getting the BX23. Boy am I glad I went for the BH. I too thought I wouldn't use it, not so. My wife has me digging all over the place for plants, I've been digging out stumps and big bushes etc. The best part is no blisters on my hands. What ever you get have the rear tires filled(windshield washer in mine). Also so my 2 cents is let the grass lay where it may, mow higher and dryer if need be, save the money spent on bagers and such, plus the time it takes to empty and change them.
What ever you get best of times, have fun and may the god of orange be with you and your tractor.

Eric P.

GntlmnFarmer · Aug 16, 2004

Re: New BX2230 owner q\'s?

Yeah leaving the grass lay where it falls is probably ok with the wife, but the leaves laying will be an issue. And I have no desire to hand rake 3+ acres of land. Also, I'm wondering if I get the bagger can I use that on the back for weight instead of a ballast Box? Maybe I'll even be able to put shovels in it.

So, so far everyone thinks the box scraper is a must, so that's going on the list. Also going to get the bar tires and have them filled by the dealer (and of course I have to remember to get a hat, anyone know if they have them in Orange?)

Jeff

bam · Aug 16, 2004

Re: New BX2230 owner q\'s?

I've was having the same question; to get the bagger or not. I did not purchase it. I mow towards the center of the yard and end up pushing all of the cut grass towards the center. After running the MMM over it numerous times, it nearly disappears by the time I get to the center. I end up with about 2 loader size piles to rake in the center of the lawn. Takes about 10 minutes longer to do this. Bagging would take considerably longer.

SeymourBota · Aug 16, 2004

Re: New BX2230 owner q\'s?

Box scrapers are great- I have one for my B2410. I wouldn't even think of using it on my BX2200, though. It weighs 400+ lbs and as it does it's job, it drags alot of gravel with it. It will take alot to pull it with a BX2230.
I have turfs on my BX2200 and use chains during the winter for snowblowing. I can attest that the traction with turfs and chains is excellent.

Henro · Aug 16, 2004

Re: New BX2230 owner q\'s?

<font color="blue"> Box scrapers are great- I have one for my B2410. I wouldn't even think of using it on my BX2200, though. </font>

How wide is that box? I know my 5' Box blade is too much for my BX2200. But a smaller one like a 4' or even 42" would probably work pretty well.

Without question though...a 5' box and an a BX2200 (with turf tires) certainly would not be a match made in heaven... /forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif