Okay TBN Friends... To B or Not to B (Therefore BX).

robertm · Mar 23, 2014

Yes, its the age old question... To B or BX. Ive had two B's (a 7500 and a 7510) and now a BX2660 for about 5 years. I am making some changes, so a new B2620 or a BX2670 are in my plans. Frankly, the BX has been really good, but there are a few reasons I'd switch to a B. The BX2660 is loud and shakes and rattles. Maybe its thr 26hp mil, but she's a powerhouse and lets you know it. My B's weresmooth and much quieter. The standard hydro whine on the BX is not to my liking, but bearable. I'd prefer a tractor that doesnt need to be tached up for all loader work like the BX. I'd appreciate some more ground clearance for snow removal, and the three speed hydro on the B would be sweet.

Some little things about the BX I do like are the maneuverability, tight turning radius, and the Quick Attach for forks and the front blade. In fact, that is really swaying me one way. I know the B3200's QA fits the LA364 on the B2620, and thus the forks, but I'm not sure alot of options exist for a loader-mounted front blade. My primary use is mowing and snow removal, and loader work that I an adjust to not tax the strengths of the BX.

Im a tall man. I like a bigger tractor. I believe now that the B uses a suspended MMM, the longer wheelbase and larger diameter tires will excel in mowing over the BX on my bumpy lawn. Plus, I will be able to rent implements locally the the BX requires me to buy, or have sized for a SCUT...posthole digger, tiller, possibly a snowblower (I'd buy).

Is there anything Im not seeing in the differences between thr B and BX? I agree the BX is extremely capable, but I do like the slight edge the B offers for versatility and upgrade in the future, while I think the BX may just lock me in.

beckmurph · Mar 23, 2014

I am only 6'. I found the bxx20 to have a smaller operator platform than the BX25. I was never comfortable and after being on the b2620 for an extended time, my right knee would hurt.
I now have a B3200 and I find the operator platform almost as comfortable as the BX.
The BX was more maneuverable and easier to mount and dismount.:2cents:

DB Pilot · Mar 24, 2014

Well, I have had my BX2200 for almost 13 years with 1670 hours now. I do give it rave reviews but in reality it has been a make do machine. I had a rear mount 52" snowblower on it one year and it worked well but used every bit of engine to operate efficiently. I had a post hole digger but if I dug to fast it didn't have enough power to pull the auger out. My knee occasionally bumps the key and shuts the machine off when I turn around to back up. :yell:
If and when I need to replace the machine it might well be a B series. :2cents:

sandyc · Mar 24, 2014

Love my 2620.......thought about trading but each time I do I compare and contrast with the new and decide to stay with what I got. Plenty of power and does what I ask!

AStanton · Mar 24, 2014

You might find yourself tearing up your lawn with that big B3200. It might be smart to use it only for snow removal and keep a smaller dedicated unit for mower work.

robertm · Mar 24, 2014

AStanton said:
You might find yourself tearing up your lawn with that big B3200. It might be smart to use it only for snow removal and keep a smaller dedicated unit for mower work.

Not a B3200... a B2620.

ovrszd · Mar 24, 2014

Several years ago I had a JD455 that I mowed and pushed snow with. I bought a used Kubota B2910 with MMM. Had both for a few years. Preferred mowing with the B. Actually preferred doing everything with the B, even though it was a bit more awkward in tight situations. Just rode so much better. Had R4s and was gentle on the lawn. Lost them both in a fire. Bought a JD2210, which is the equivalent to the BX2660. Would trade it in an instant for a B size tractor again. So much more comfortable to use. I mow 2.5 acres including some fairly steep road banks.

oldballs · Mar 24, 2014

I'm a little guy....5' 4".... unbolted the seat and moved it ( the B) up to suit me...along with the adjust handle. Have you tall guys tried to get the seat adjusted/bolted as far back as possible?

My experience with lawn tearing on the BX vs the B had more to do with the turf tires on the BX vs R4 tires on the B....as well as forgetting to disengage the 4 wheel drive on either machine.

The larger ground clearance is really noticeable when doing maintenance, mounting the MMM and doing inspections of the underside etc. But these size limitations are why th ey call them SCUT or CUT...I guess.:confused2:
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robertm · Mar 24, 2014

Weird, but my mechanical brain had me do a spreadsheet of pros and cons on all aspects of the BX2670 and B2320. I find that the B is a step above in almost every criteria I reviewed... except for being a bit smaller to provide better maneuverability and turning radius, having a better seat, having a factory setup quick hitch with forks, and a lower center of gravity. Otherwise, the B2620 has a leg up in all. It's just if it's worth the extra $2,000.

I really like the QA on the BX with the bucket, forks, and the blade. The blade is something I really want for the B. It just adds up so much more when the BX2660 has been fair. This is a good chance to upsize AND upgrade. I can rent 3pt attachments, but will PTO shaft lengths be the issue for me on rentals?

JOHNTHOMAS · Mar 24, 2014

Get the B. You've done to much thnking and pondering and researching to go with a BX like what you have. Get the B. You'll wonder ever day with a BX if you should have gotten the B. Bs aren't quieter than BXs. The Bs aren't as smooth running as the BXs but get the B. I used the same post hole digger on the Bs and BXs. Get the B. HGigher ground clearance.