Yea, same ID. Just different log in names for some reason. I just went to the local dealer today and spent some time on both the BX3250 and the
B7510, both HST with 60" MMM and FEL.
Keeping in mind the difference in price is $2000 even.
My impressions;
First...MOWING:
The BX is going to be the most civilized machine, but the B is just as easy to move around. They really are about the same size except for tire size. The BX is quieter when running the mower. While the B did leave some marks from the rear deck wheels on the turf it still seems to do a good job. Obviously if you change deck height often the BX is a better system. The deck wheels on the B were not hard to change but I suppose most of us would just find a happy medium and leave them alone. After checking with the dealers they felt like getting the decks off is about a push. Same process, heavier deck on the B, maybe a slight advantage to the BX.
The B deck is heavier made all the way around. It certainly seems like it would last longer on rougher ground.
All in all, if your MOST important task is mowing a fine lawn, while wanting to do some occassional light loader work, the BX makes more sense to me. Even though the B is a bigger unit I don't think the B will speed up mowing at all so mow time is going to be about the same.
Loader;
No doubt the loader capacity goes to the B, much quicker and more powerful. However, the BX loader will lift the BX front end without any hesitation. I like the design on the BX better but when it comes to loaders, power seems to be the key. The B loader will do more, easier, and with less stress on the tractor imo. THe hydrolic lines are better protected on the BX.
The quick disconnect looks like an even deal to me. The B connections are heavier looking and are located up by the control arm, maybe easier to access. The BX connections are down under the control arm and looke like they are a bit more protected.
Powerplant;
Don't let the HP ratings on these two units fool you. Although the BX is rated higher in gross HP (rated at 3200 rpm vs. 2600 on the B). Its easy to tell the B is a noticeably stouter unit. The BX engine is somewhat smoother and quieter, again...more civilized in a way. Given the fact that they weigh approximately the same, the power to weight ratio goes to the B for certain. I felt like running the BX to 3200 rpms was pushing the limits a bit. At 2600 rpm, the B certainly felt like it had more to give.
Controls;
I think they both are very intuitive. The BX is more user friendly in that the PTO can be engaged without clutching. The starter on the BX seemed more 'modern' if that makes sense. The deck is more open on the BX which helps getting on and off, which is aided by the lower profile. THe B is more 'tractor like' in that respect, which I kinda liked....you know, that feeling of getting on the old tractor for some 'work'. The B deck is still very easy and sitting up higher makes the visibility issue a non factor imo. The curved hood and loader arms on the BX are nice looking but the B had about the same visibility imo.
The rear fuel location on the BX is preferable over the hood location on the B and I suspect Kubota will move all their tractors to the 'style' of the BX over time...like the 2630 and 3030. The BX just comes off more modern.
Overall impression;
If you want a mower that the wife and kids will steal from you every time you want to use it...get the BX. I think it will do 'most' of what small property-landscaping-cleanup duties you come across. Heavy ground work, I don't know. You might come up short on some projects. You might run out of HP or traction or both at times. (Same is probably true on the B also) May be time to rent something.
If you want a capable tractor that can also mow. THe B makes more sense. It will certainly do everything the BX can do, although, maybe not as civilized with the mower, but it also should be able to handle tasks above the average saturday landscaping stuff. The BX loader will probably do more than I can imagine, but if your unsure and concerned about coming up with a job bigger than the BX can handle, you will definately feel more comfortable with the B.
Mower/tractor =
BX2350 + $2000 for extras.
Tractor/mower =
B7510 + the assurance you probably got 'enough' tractor to go with your mower.
I still haven't made up my mind but I can get the 7510/FEL/60" MMM for 14200. I can move to the 7610 for $15000 even. The
BX2350 is $12350. Is the extra HP on the 7610 worth $800.
Enough...Kung Pow is on. Gotta go. /forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif