New hood on the BX series?

[aesanders]

I might be the only one, but I think the new bx's are far and away improved. The looks might turn some people off, but the machines ergonomics are much improved. The backhoe and front end loader designs are superior to the older model.

Yes their are some things like plastic belts covers that replaced metal belt covers, but they are just belt covers. For lawn mowing you should never ever have to worry about damaging the belt covers.

I prefer metal hoods over plastic ones as well, but I like the way the new hood opens now.

There is also quite a bit more room on the operator platform for both the loader and backhoe.

All in all I am quite happy with the new design even if it has a face only a mother could love.

 

[Volfandt]

While I definitely like my BX23, the BX24 has improved on some features over the old BX's.

The airfilter bracket on the new style BX's has been moved and strengthened. This is an improvement over the original bracket and shouldn;t break like the older style.

The operators station has been enlarged to largest in the class.

Theres more ground clearance.

The FEL & BH both have more lifting and digging capacity which is due in part to a larger displacement hydraulic pump.

While I've grown very used to my treadle pedal, I can see where the newer style has a less cluttered footboard which may do away with the accidental treadle pedal getting depressed when mounting back on the BX (I've seen this a few times)

I don't know if I care one way or the other about the plastic hood and fenders.

I guess I'm in the minority in that I don't think the little beast looks too bad. Course I like those old Godzilla monster flicks too /forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif but I'll just go on ahead and keep my good ole BX23, I've just about got it broke in just like I like it /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

Volfandt

 

[proudestmonkey]

Hey, don't get me wrong: if the 2350 had been available for the same price as the 2280, I would have gotten the 2350, all considerations of aesthetics and first batch issues aside. I would like the bigger operator platform (I'm 6'4"). I also like the seatbelt on the 2350 better. Besides, its a newer model and will retain its value a little longer.

 

[r0GuE]

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( There is more visibility with the new design, not a huge amount mind you, but there is definately an improvement. )</font>

Visability? When sitting on top of a sub-compact?? Please sir... /forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif

Visability isn't an issue at all, not even a little bit, on my old 2200. Zero issue. Plastic = cheaper to manufacture. And I am darn sure that the look of the new one is more aimed to make it a Piccasso than the old square steel hood. It's marketing. That's all. It's cool though, I'm sure then new ones are fine. I don't care for the fancy new look. At 10 MPH tops, aerodynamics are not that important. Next year they'll add a spoiler on the back to add downforce. And someone will add that it helps the weight and balance when using the loader and moving forward! /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

Retro-Grouches Unite! /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif

 

[Charliebrn]

Hmm....that brings up a good point... You know that ironing board that kids duct tape to their mom's Honda Civic? Now make it out of lead, add a 3pt hitch....raise it up a bit...functional ballast!!!! /forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif

 

[djwill]

I guess to each his own....
Being a newb, I cant argue the fact of better visibility from old to new design...or whether metal or plastic hood is better. What I can say is when I purchased in Feb. I test drove both the BX23 and 24. I just felt the 24 had much more room on the platform, better specs...and yes, I liked the look much better. Felt it looked up to date...not like something from the 70's /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif and if I had a metal hood, it might be all scratched up right now /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif
Luvin it...and havin fun!

dj