Not Again! BX2200 vs B7500

[Roy]

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From the preview, I see that it works. Thanks, Muhammad! I tried that one once, a while back, and gave up (wasn't understanding the procedure correctly). Forgot all about it, until now. Guess I have to revisit the FAQ every now and then to refresh my volatile memory! It is possible to teach an old dog, like me, new tricks /w3tcompact/icons/smile.gif.



Roy

 

[Muhammad]

Sounds like you've got a good handle on your needs and how much tractor you need to satisfy them. The BX2200 will handle your needs, provided you don't try to get too far ahead of the tractor's realistic abilities when you are doing things outside of your regular activities. /w3tcompact/icons/wink.gif

Yes, of course the B7500 is worth the extra money. But whether you will make frequent use of the extra power/performance the B7500 has over the BX2200 is what you need to decide... and if you can justify the extra cost to have that larger, more capable tractor. I don't think the difference will be very noticeable when doing the regular the tasks you describe, but in the long run you're going to put less stress (and possibly fewer hours) on the B7500 to accomplish those, and have more ability to do larger tasks outside of you usual lawn mowing and driveway maintenance. Most of those larger tasks that come up within the B7500's reach will also be within the BX2200's reach, except the BX2200 is probably going to have to take smaller bites, work harder, or take longer to accomplish the task. What those tasks might be... who knows. Things will come up though. They always do.

There is nothing wrong with either tractor, and I think either would fit your needs. Also as long as you can "swing it" financially, there is nothing wrong with buying the slightly larger tractor, as long as it doesn't negatively affect your regular duties because of size (probably not the case).

I would also consider the attachment availability and capability of the BX2200. While manufacturers are offering lines of implements specifically designed for use with the BX-series (more as time goes on), the selection you're going to find for the B7500 will in fact be larger. That's not to say that any implement you might want isn't already available for the BX2200, but it is something to consider.

The first jump from small mower to compact (or subcompact) tractor is a big one, and the difference between what you have now, and what you will have, is going to be huge. But my bottom line feeling is that with 12 acres, you're going to find plenty to do, and having the extra capability the B7500 has certainly isn't going to hurt! So the B7500 would be my choice, finances permitting.

 

[skent]

In addition to what Muhammad said - about trading up from a small mower to compact, you must also realize that if need be, you can trade up from smaller compact to a B2710 or larger at a later time with less pain since the compact you buy now, will hold it's value MUCH longer than a grass cutter will. So on a trade later on, it will be a less costly jump (if you even need to). And. . . .if you were to get the B7500 now, some if not all the accessories will fit the larger tractor! (box blade, scraper, rear mount mower)

 

[GlueGuy]

<font color=blue>they say the B7500 is twice the tractor as the BX2200</font color=blue>

That statement has been poo-poo'ed elsewhere on TBN. It's not that simple, even though we might all want it to be that way./w3tcompact/icons/smile.gif Truth of the matter is that those two tractors (in this case), are equal to each other in some ways, and each will do better than the other in other ways.

For example, if your main priority is finish mowing on a relatively steep hillside, you might lean toward the BX. If you needed to do more heavy lifting, FEL, or boxblading, you might lean toward the B7500. I'm in the latter category, so that's the way that I went. You mileage may vary, so examine your priorities, and buy accordingly.

The GlueGuy

 

[TresCrows]

Mr. Eagle, the excellent C----r site I understand will be changing it's web site in a few days or so and some of the info on the BX will be updated. I am not going to speak for someone else so you will just have to see the new info but someone, a little bird perhaps, told me that the info you may be speaking of was based on assumptions for the most part with very little actual use and now that experience has been gained with the BX that info is out of date. It was me that, without mercy, "pooh'poohed" the notion that the 7500 was twice the tractor that a BX is--using my latest equations /w3tcompact/icons/smile.gif I calculate the BX is 0.91245 times the 7500. Most of these guys are steering you to a bigger tractor for a bigger sale, lack of experience and prejudice and/or plain misinformation and in some cases because an honest dealer may in fact, in his opinion/experience/knowledge, thinks you need need a bigger tractor. Good luck to you both. J

 

[JudeK]

Thanks to everyone for the input! I think I've finally made up my mind, although it won't be "final" until my wife takes a look at both tractors. I'm leaning toward the BX - other than hieght and size of the bucket on the FEL, I can't see much of a difference to justify the extra $$$.

I plan on taking the plunge this weekend, so i'll keep you posted!

 

[TresCrows]

JudeK, I suspect your wife will like the BX best, mine did. Anyway, kewl, your getting a new tractor, I bet you cannot wait! Oh, just to clarify something--when I said in my previous post "these guys" regarding steering you to a larger tractor I was referring to the dealers you have talked to not the Tractorbynet folks (guys). Just wanted to set that straight before some one misunderstood /w3tcompact/icons/smile.gif . Let us know which one you get, either way it will be an excellent investment. J

 

[JATO_RaT]

Hey Jude, I'm far from a BX or 7500 authority, but am I missing something here? I have yet to see it mentioned about the ability of these smaller tractors ability to move the rock. I have a L4850, the loader can lift about 2000lbs and put that rock 9' over my head. On many, many occasions I move rocks that are probably well in excess of 10,000lbs. I can't pick them up, but with very little effort on my part I slide them to where I would like them. The added weight they put on the front end gives me more traction and generally they move quite easily. For the uses you describe I should think that either of these tractors would be exactly what you need, unless of course you want those rocks picked up and loaded into a truck. As for tree pulling, there really aren't many things that pull out trees as effectively as a blade, be it a hoe, loader or dozer. With a little patience, working around a small tree or tree stump with the loader, you can usually work them out of the ground. The size that you can remove with practical limitations depends on the size of tractor you have, but unless you are removing many big trees, the saplings you have, you can work out. At any rate, either tractor should provide lots of work without the back pains associated with them. Rat...

 

[JudeK]

Rat -About the rocks - from what I've read, it would seem that even though a compact (or subcompact) might not be able to lift a large stone, you'd certainly be able to push it!
How about pushing a larger stone onto a wooden pallet and dragging it with the tractor? I know I'm not going to be able to move boulders with the BX, but rocks the size of the kitchen sink should not be a problem.

 

[JATO_RaT]

My motto with the tractor is if theres a will theres a way. Great idea moving the rock on a pallet. You will be amazed how well you can get manipulating the rocks out of the ground with bucket curl. Worst case scenario you can't move it and call for help or live with it. Rat...