Upgrading to BX2680... Looking for input...

[Dunlapjc]

Group,
I've enjoyed our BX2660 for the past 8 years or so and I'm just about to pull the trigger on upgrading to a new 80 series unit.

I've been working with the dealer on a trade in and and am ready to pull the trigger but would like this group's feedback on a couple of options:

1) Mid-Mount Mower Deck: The dealer is telling me that a 54" provides a better cut than a 60" deck. I currently have the 60" and have been mostly satisfied. My priority list is as follows: Ability to mow close to walls and trees, quality of cut, efficiency.

2) Snowblower: My front mount BX2750D was really the weak link in the system. Since bending the unit 5-6 years ago it's never been quite right. The dealer says the BX2816 is better built with thicker gauge steel. Any feedback from this group? Kubota also offers the BX2822-55 Commercial grade version. I prefer the 50" width, but want the feedback from this group. I'm going to configure it the same way as I have today: Hydraulic rotation and electric chute deflector.


So what does this group think? Any other feedback? Does anyone know if any of my BXpanded accessories will work with the QA bucket? (rolling cart, QA hooks, pallet forks), my guess is not, but it's worth asking...

Thanks all,
Jon

 

[Tractor Dell]

Messick's just did a video on the new snow blower for the 80 series. He mentions it is built a lot stronger than the previous ones. Kubota BX 8 Series with BX2816 Front Snowblower - YouTube Even though Neil sells Kubota's, he gives honest opinions on the equipment he sells. I know. I bought mine from him, and he was honest when he said that I probably want X and don't need Y.

When I looked at the BXpanded things, most of the bucket options were not set up for QA bucket. To roll the bucket around, I bought a $18 furniture dolly from Lowes and it works great. If you are talking about rolling the whole FEL around, then I have no idea. I did get their under armor kit, and the fat pads for the backhoe, and they are nice. Got some 2" rear wheel spacers from Broteck. The size you get will depend on what MMM you install, as some will not work with certain size mowers.

As for the mower, I don't have one on my BX. I have a lawn tractor that I use for that.

 

[Dunlapjc]

Thanks, much appreciated. I hadn't seen the video. Yeah, the dolly I have now for the whole loader assembly with arms is indispensable in moving things around the shop...

 

[AStanton]

I'm curious: why are you sticking with the BX? Why not upgrade to a B?

 

[lpigott]

I'm curious: why are you sticking with the BX? Why not upgrade to a B?

Or just staying with what you have. My old BX 2200 is still doing great and no way I would trade it for a new version yet. No way I would go less than a 60" deck either. You dealer is full of crap and must only have units with 54" MMM in stock.

 

[diesel85]

Or just staying with what you have. My old BX 2200 is still doing great and no way I would trade it for a new version yet. No way I would go less than a 60" deck either. You dealer is full of crap and must only have units with 54" MMM in stock.

I love my BX2200. Very reliable and there when I need it. However, there are times when I wish it was bigger and times glad that it's smaller.

In another year or so, I plan on upgrading to either a B-series or L-series. I still keep looking at both, deciding which one I will eventually pick.

To go laterally from a BX2660 to a BX2680 isn't really worth it. If my plans were that I liked the BX series and it totally suited me, but my current BX was giving me problems, then I might do a lateral move. Since it sounds like your BX2660 is working well, why change what ain't broke?

 

[Dunlapjc]

Really, my main purpose was to get a new snowblower because I've beat mine up pretty badly... When I engaged with the dealer I was offered a trade in that's pretty hard to refuse.

Call it the John Thomas syndrome...

The BX size serves me well. I'd love to upgrade to a B, but size and storage and budget leaves me replacing what I currently have with a zero hour younger version with better ergonomics... I had contemplated getting the 23S with the backhoe, but I don't want to give up that extra HP.

-Jon

 

[dalola]

Can't comment on the snow blower, but you'll love the tractor! The new 80's are so nice to operate.

As to the mower, if efficiency/cut quality is really high on your list, and your budget allows, look into a commercial ZTR, and leave mid-mount hassles and long hours behind!

 

[dodge man]

I like the 60" deck also. I like the way the left side sticks out a little bit further and allows you to get a little closer to bushes and stuff that might hang over and hit you otherwise.

 

[rich bx]

Group,
I've enjoyed our BX2660 for the past 8 years or so and I'm just about to pull the trigger on upgrading to a new 80 series unit.

I've been working with the dealer on a trade in and and am ready to pull the trigger but would like this group's feedback on a couple of options:

1) Mid-Mount Mower Deck: The dealer is telling me that a 54" provides a better cut than a 60" deck. I currently have the 60" and have been mostly satisfied. My priority list is as follows: Ability to mow close to walls and trees, quality of cut, efficiency.

2) Snowblower: My front mount BX2750D was really the weak link in the system. Since bending the unit 5-6 years ago it's never been quite right. The dealer says the BX2816 is better built with thicker gauge steel. Any feedback from this group? Kubota also offers the BX2822-55 Commercial grade version. I prefer the 50" width, but want the feedback from this group. I'm going to configure it the same way as I have today: Hydraulic rotation and electric chute deflector.


So what does this group think? Any other feedback? Does anyone know if any of my BXpanded accessories will work with the QA bucket? (rolling cart, QA hooks, pallet forks), my guess is not, but it's worth asking...

Thanks all,
Jon

on #1:
All things being equal (blade sharpness, spindle rotational speed, ground travel speed) the narrower the deck width, the better it follows the imperfect contours of the lawn, so it makes for a "better" quality cut.
If what you are mowing is really flat, there will be no noticeable difference in the cut. FWIW.