Used B-7100 for sale in my neighborhood.

GregJ · Jun 18, 2004

I also looked closely at the BX22/23 when I bought. They are great little machines. I finally opted for a B7500 for 2 reasons. Ground clearance and additional lift capacity. The B7500/7510 has about 50% more lift capacity on both the FEL and the 3pt. It also has double the ground clearance. It is only a little more than a BX23, so I felt it was the best "bang for the buck" machine for my application. I do need the ground clearance, and the additional lift capacity has allowed me to do things I couldn't with a BX22. I had to remove several fairly large stumps and I have palletized all my firewood. I have attached a photo of one of my stumps. If the lift capacities and ground clearance are not an issue for you, the BX23 would be a great machine. I would not have hesitated to buy it, if it weren't for those two issues.

I also see you are in Washington. If you are anywhere near Issaquah, I would recommend talking to Mark Hovey at Issaquah Honda Kubota. He spent a long time helping me through this decision and taught me a lot in the process.

Hope this helps,
Greg

Bird · Jun 18, 2004

( What do you think of the BX23? )

John, I've only seen the BX tractors; never operated one, so what little I know about them is what I've read on this forum. I think it would be a dandy little rig for you, and with that backhoe you could dig out any of the little trees you can't pull out, but beyond that I'd have to leave it to others on the forum to answer any questions you have about them.

6000e · Jun 18, 2004

Hi There,
Pulling stumps is a big deal, not easy, I've got a tracked dozer (6000Lbs) and I still snap chains. Backhoe is the way to go for stumping (unless you have time to hand dig and cut roots), even small ones can be problem, particularly with my NH soil. Backhoe is invaluable, BX23 seems to be great deal, particularly with current fin. deal.

Good luck,
Joel

Bird · Jun 18, 2004

( Pulling stumps is a big deal, not easy )

Agreed, Joel, and welcome to the forum.

6000e · Jun 18, 2004

Thanks Bird,
Great forum.
Joel

Henro · Jun 18, 2004

JEgan712,

On 3/4 acre a BX23 will be a dream machine. You will even with the MMM get a fine grass cutter.

Buying new will also get you zero percent financing if you need/want it (I think that is still out there) and maybe most important, a warranty for 2/3 years. Plus the comfort of knowing how the tractor was treated from day one.

You will be amazed at what you can get done with a real tractor. Even a small tractor like the bx will do so much...

Two things to be aware of though. One is that the BX 3PH is a little on the small side. THis may not be a problem at all. The other is that there are things under the tractor that can be caught/damaged so with the low ground clearance you need to be aware of what is under the tractor that could possibly be damaged if you get into the rough stuff... I just did the 50 hour service on my BX2200 and was under the tractor really looking for the first time today. Haven't worried about that myself as I have another tractor that does the heavy and rough work.

SCB · Jun 18, 2004

nice catch GregJ

JEgan712 · Jun 19, 2004

Thanks for the input Gregg. I have been to Issaquah Kubota. That's where I saw the BX23. Very nice but I was and am a little concerned that it might be too small. Having said that, I should also add that I have a rather severe size restriction from the get-go. I can't have a tractor that is much wider than about 52 to 54 inches. Cant get it around the side of my house. The other issue is that the area in the back that I need the tractor for is on a grade sloping away from the house and I have to negotiate that grade and "Blaze" a trail down (75 feet) to the greenbelt where I need to work. I am worried that I might buy the BX and go to cut trails and find that it wont do the job. That it is not stout enough to push dirt around. The dirt is not that tough. I can dig it by hand, but there are rocks, roots, small to medium stumps, gopher holes etc. If I am going to pay $15,000 or more for a tractor, I want it to be able to do what I need it to do. I guess a lot of people have said that on this site. Anyway, thanks for your advice.

John
Newcastle, Wa.

BotaGuy · Jun 19, 2004

If you can dig it easily by hand, the BX23 backhoe will slice through like a hot knife in butter. The BX is extremely stable due to the low center of gravity and wide tires. I have much more confidence traversing slopes than with my old B7500 which was taller and felt tippier.

Yes, you can cut into dirt and such with the loader of the BX23. I have been suprised at just how well the loader works. I replaced a Bobcat 450 with this unit and I have been very impressed with the loader and it's digging and cutting ability. If you mount a tooth bar, it will be even better. I do not have the tooth bar yet, but it will go on soon. The operation of the unit is very intuitive, and by the time you have 15 hours on the machine or so, you will really appreciate how well it works.

You will see a lot of people suggesting the BX does not have the specifications of this tractor or that tractor, but owning, and operationg tells a different story. I can work in tight spots that no other machine could ever hope to, sounds like you have some size issues as well. One thing people tend to do is over analyze the specs.....and then once the own a machine, they realize that they spent too much time disecting the numbers when they should have been out playing...er....working.

Kubota hit a home run with this package, the trasfer from TLB to mowing machine is nearly effortless.

If I lived closer i would let you use my machine for a few hours.

Good Luck

fractal · Jul 8, 2004

I have a b7200hst that I paid 7500 for with fel and box and about the same hours on the meter. It is the same basic machine as the b7100 from what I can tell from the manuals. I got a tiller for 500. I think I paid too much for the tractor and too little for the tiller so came out pretty much an even deal all around. I would say 8000 for that machine is about right around here. I can't say how the market is different in your neck of the woods.

I think the 7200hst is a capable machine. It won't move a lot of dirt real fast, but it will do it slow and steady. The lack of power stearing does get your attention, but I choose to think of it this way. I may be a little sore after moving 5 yards of dirt with the tractor, but I am one HECK of a lot LESS sore than if I had done so with a shovel and wheel barrow..