Upgrade from a BX22 to a......anyone...

[jambx]

Hey guys,

I have had a BX22 TLB for 6 years now (450 hours) and it is a perfect fit for my property of 2 acres (mowing 1.5 acres, 600 feet drive not to mention tons of loader projects) however, I recently inherited 24 acres - 16 of those are rented to the farmer next-door for hay production and I dont see myself working this partial anytime soon the other 6 is pretty much wetlands (with a river) and the rest needs to be cleaned up and maintained. I will use it only on the weekends for cutting 2 acres of grass - tilling / plowing over a 200x300 garden etc, a lot of tree / overgrown brush removal etc.

Last year I tailored my BX to do some work but found the low ground clearance not acceptable let alone the PIA it was to trailer the BX every weekend (20 miles) so I began a quest to look for a used B series to leave at the farm for these duties on the weekend.

I have been all over New England looking for that nice example of a used B series and it just amazes me at what various sellers are asking for on these used B's. I was hoping to get something reasonable (good shape, medium hours etc) but the more and more I look into this the more convinced I am to start looking at brand new.

So here lies my problem since I really was not looking to spend a lot on a second tractor (~$10K) and not convinced that I truly need two tractors - I am at a point where I am now considering selling my papered BX (yes I wax it when no one is looking) and then find the right model for both properties (I'll push myself to get over the trailering thing).

As much as I would love the large B's (7800 or a low hour 2910) they really appear to be just too big for the 2 acre property so I began to look at the next size down ?ence the B7610.

I hear the B7610 is a real workhorse but I am concern that it maybe be just a small improvement over a BX...I really want a tractor with more *runt for the farm but not a real full size compact that will be too unwieldy for my primary residence.

Does anyone have a good feel if I should have concern here?

Also, what does a BX22 TLB (430 hours) is worth as it sits it really is in showroom condition.

Thanks for all your help!

~jim

 

[ChuckinNH]

This is a tougher question than it appears. The best all round tractor is two tractors. Having said that, if you want more than your BX, but less than the B7800 /B30 series you have no options except the smaller B's. The new models coming out now (B2320,B2620,B2920) have nice features for your uses, and would be worth a look. The other option is a JD 2320, or 2520. If you want to keep your current BX, and don't want to blow your original budget, I would take a look at the Mahindra 2015, and Kioti CK20. With the incentives right now you will find some variations of those very close to your budget new. The B7510 gear tractor is also close new, and can be had with low hours within your budget. Hope this helps somehow.

 

[Shantycoke]

I had a BX 2230 that I bought brand new in 2004. After using it for a very short time, I wished I had gone ahead and bought a bigger tractor. I used that 2230 for 3 years, and finally last year sold it and got a B7800. The 2230 was perfect around the house with mowing and small chores, but I also needed it to haul a log splitter, run a 5' hog, and get down into my hollow. The B7800 with its clearance, extra h.p., more powerful hydraulics, and larger loader was the ticket, but I found myself missing the smaller tractor for other things. My point is, if you can afford a 7610, which I think is a fine tractor, and still keep the smaller one for around the house, I would do it. I ended up going out and buying a T1570 to go along with the B7800, but I sure miss the 2230.
Hope this helps, and best wishes.
Pat