what do I need BX1500/1830/2230

Tom_H · Jun 28, 2005

( ... Kubota...Will need to fit between my Xmas trees.)

How far apart are the trees? Are they on flat ground or on hill. Are they in straignt lines with furrows, or just growing randomly in the forest? How far from one tree to the next in the same row? How far are rows apart?

( ...Kubota would be treated with care. No stumps or logs to hit... .)

O.K., assuming the Ford is the only tractor needing to go over logs & stumps, the clearance for the BX is not an issue. Bob is correct though; if you do take the new tractor over them, BX clearance would be a big issue.

If the trees are growing randomly, you may need to make some very tight turns. In this case, you may want to consider a New Holland compact Boomer TC with Super-Steer. The front axle pivots. Click
here to see the turn radius of a compact TC. One thing to consider with a brush hog however, is the degree to which the cutter will swing wide behind you. The biggest concern with Super-Steer is very tight turns if you have a fully loaded front end loader. The weight over a pivoted axle can cause fast tight turns to be difficult.

Back to the BX. The 1830 and 2230 have the same body size. If you go with that body size, I'd take the higher hp in the 2230. I would not recommend the 1830, but would choose between the 1500 and the 2230. The largest recommended rough cutter for a 2230 is 42". On my BX2200, I have a GearMore heavy duty 40" rough cutter. Its body width is 42" which is the exact same width as the tractor itself. For me, this makes manuvering between trees easier. This cutter on my tractor will cut 1.5" dia. sapplings with no loss of rpm. 42" rough cutters are also made by Bush Hog, Howse, Land Pride, and others. Because the BX1500 is smaller and has less hp, I would recommend a 36" rough cutter. Howse makes two 36" rough cutters: one is light duty (tough grass only) while the other is medium duty (tough grass and thin sapplings).

Cutting as many acres as you have will take some time on the BX, but you are surely aware of that from having used the things you are selling. I'd consider a larger tractor, but then you do have the need to fit between those Xmas trees. On the lawn, do you plan to use an MMM or RFM?

Av8r3400 · Jun 28, 2005

For your reference: MMM = Mid Mount Mower, RFM = Rear (3pt) Finish Mower.

I own a BX2230, so I too will attest to the "soft underbelly" of that model. That in mind though, it would do everything you are looking for. I've been more than happy with mine, so far.

But...

For very similar money a B series tractor could be had which also gives you the power steering, the ability of a MMM or RFM with more ground clearance and similar width ( B7410, 7510 and 7610 ) . These also offer a full CAT1 3pt hitch if you would want to add any rear attachments. A little more weight could add to the ability to do your hill, too.

Just food for thought. /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif

Tom_H · Jun 28, 2005

( ...a B series...could...give...more ground clearance and similar width... A little more weight could add to the ability to do your hill, too. )

These things are all true, no disagreement. One caution: the B series is taller than the BX and therefore has a higher center of gravity. If you traverse this steep hill on the tractor, I would expect a B series to roll over more easily than a BX would. I have no test data, it's just my gut feeling.

GRADE_8 · Jun 28, 2005

Koyote,

Since you already have a workhorse w/ loader, i would get the bx2230. I have issues (grass streaks) mowing with a B7610, so i would not recommend it for a grass mower. also, stay away from the bx1500, it vibrates a lot.

Tom_H · Jun 28, 2005

Those grass streaks are not confined to the B series. It has to do with many factors: tractor weight, tire type and width, species of grass, height of grass, moisture, effects of climate and culture on the grass.

If I allow my tall fescue to get too tall, my BX2200 with 60" MMM will make those streaks. The wheels mash down the turf and it doesn't fully spring back up. I have to rake it back up and cut again in the opposite direction. We have a long wet winter and the grass grows in the early wet spring. By the time the rain stops, the turf is tall. On my first cut of the season, I have to take the grass down in 2 or 3 passes and I have this windrow problem. For the rest of the season, as long as I cut weekly, this is not a problem.

I would give no consideration to this issue in choosing your tractor.

ByronBob · Jun 29, 2005

Marion is in Wayne Co and I'm not sure who's out that way. Actually what your husband is doing is good. You should compare models, implements and costs. One thing anyone on this board would tell you is that customer service is critical. So be open to listening to him.
Lord knows I love my 2230 but I have flat ground to deal with. Your talking about hills, obstacles and the like so it's something to warn you about. If I were you I'd find 3-4 models you are interested in and go see them, sit on them ect...

koyote · Jun 29, 2005

Tom, my trees are 7' apart in rows 7' apart on slight incline. Planted in straight long rows.
Will look into GearMore. That is a brand we haven't heard about. Body width same as tractor is a plus.
I should add that I will only mow with rough mower maybe once a month, so it's not as many as hours as once a week. On the lawn I would go with MMM.

koyote · Jun 29, 2005

One caution: the B series is taller than the BX and therefore has a higher center of gravity

That's exactly what I think. That's why I want a small tractor. Trying to stay as low as possible. Besides, as I keep getting older it hard getting on and off bigger machines

koyote · Jun 29, 2005

I have learned over the years that once you start getting into heavier machines with big wheels grass streaks will happen. I am a former landscaper with way too many hours of mowing. I am one of those people who at our last house with a beautiful lawn would mow and then turn around and mow in opposite direction all in same day. At this house I'm trying to change my mowing addiction. Today the deer are allowed to graze(as long as they leave my trees alone). The turkeys gobble and the lawn can get cut next week.

Volfandt · Jun 29, 2005

All good replys.
FWIW the cut of my BX23 (same as the BX2230) w/a 60" full floating MMM is outstanding!
I ruled out the B series because of the MMM being a ground contact mower as opposed to a full floating mower thats on the BX's. I have pretty rough land I finish mow and felt a floater would last longer.

If ground clearance or working w/3PH implments would have been my primary concern then I would have went with either a B7510 or B7610.

But since finish mowing was my primary need, the BX series was my choice.

Now I'll throw you a little curve. Kubota now has a B7510 Turf Special just introduced this year. It combines the best of both worlds. You get the ground clearance of the B series coupled w/a full floating 60" MMM. The ONLY drawback is that it is still more top heavy than a BX. Thats only a drawback if you mow alot of inclines. You may want to look at it also.

On the BX a few observations,
The power steering is effortless and the threadle pedal is easy to use and makes direction changes easy & instant.
I have many obstacles and hills & dales and the low center of gravity is very conducive to keeping the BX flat on the ground. I've had to do some serious leaning on a few of my inclines but never felt that the tractor was going to tip. There are posts here on this forum where folks have tipped their BX's over tho, so it can be done and will happen if one is not careful and know the machines limitations.

I have nothing against the BX1500 or BX1830. From what I've read here their owners are very satisfied w/ these machines.
It boils down to how much $$$'s do you want to spend.
If you want to mow w/the 60" MMM then go with the BX2230.
IF a 54" or 48" will do then look at the BX1500 or BX1830.

Test drive all 3 (or 4) if possible. Engage the mowers and put them through a few paces. Since you'll be in the saddle, check out which saddle fits the best.

Good luck
Volfandt