First off let me just say that I'm a new member and I have been reading your posts for some time. I can't begin to tell you all about the wealth of great info that I've read. Great site! Now for the important question. I'm in the market for a new tractor and I'm having trouble deciding. I have approx. 3 acres of lawn, half of it is border line field grass and I'm surrounded by woods. The FEL is a must and the backhoe is not ness. but would be a plus if the price is right. I also plan on moving and grading rocky soil and loom. The grass catcher that Kubota offers is also going to be part of the package. I want to stay in the $15,000 area, but may throw out a little more if it makes more sense. I seem to be leaning towards the BX2230 with a 54"MMM. From what I've read from you guys this little tractor is a solid choice. But the BX23 is not that far of in price and comes with a hoe. As I mentioned before the hoe is not a big factor but it would be nice. Going on that note, perhaps it would be better to forget the hoe and jump into a B series machine. It's a bigger machine for same price range. My only concern would be the lawn getting crushed as I mow or is that not an issue with this machine. As you can see I've got some thinking to do and I'm looking for some advice.
Which one, BX2230, BX23 or B series.
- Thread starter tchixarro
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crown
Platinum Member
It sounds to me that you are on the right track. Kubota has a new B-7510 "Turf Special" it has the same suspended deck as the B-2230, I'm guessing the bagger would be available for it but I am not sure. It would have a bit stronger FEL, and if some the Woods you mentioned are part of your property or may be one day the extra ground clearance of the B series would be nice.
Whatever choice you make, make sure you a comfortable with the dealer, that guy can make a world of difference when and if a problem occurs.
Good luck and welcome to the board. /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif
Whatever choice you make, make sure you a comfortable with the dealer, that guy can make a world of difference when and if a problem occurs.
Good luck and welcome to the board. /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif
Tom_H
Veteran Member
Just a thought to keep in mind: TBN members have reported success using the Woods BH6000 backhoe on the BX2230, BX1830, and even the BX1500. You can always get the tractor now and add the Woods backhoe later, if and when you decide you need it. If you want me to, I can retrieve these threads in the archives for you. They are very detailed. blackmajikwoman gave numerous photos of the excavation work he did with a BH6000 on his BX1500.
If you will need to go over logs and stumps, the B series turf special may be a good choice due to its height. On the other hand, if there are no clearance issues, but some slope issues, the lower center of gravity on the BX would be preferable.
How much acreage of woods do you have and exactly what kind of work do you see yourself doing there? With 0.3 acres of lawn, if the woods are small and there's minimum work, a BX1500 might suffice. If you plan to do heavier work, a BX2330 would have greater ability with pulled implements and its greater PTO hp would be necessary if you want to drive a chipper/shredder, etc. A BX1500 might be able to handle light grading if you go with the very smallest rototiller and box blades available, but its more likely you'd need the BX2230 or B series turf special for those chores.
If you will need to go over logs and stumps, the B series turf special may be a good choice due to its height. On the other hand, if there are no clearance issues, but some slope issues, the lower center of gravity on the BX would be preferable.
How much acreage of woods do you have and exactly what kind of work do you see yourself doing there? With 0.3 acres of lawn, if the woods are small and there's minimum work, a BX1500 might suffice. If you plan to do heavier work, a BX2330 would have greater ability with pulled implements and its greater PTO hp would be necessary if you want to drive a chipper/shredder, etc. A BX1500 might be able to handle light grading if you go with the very smallest rototiller and box blades available, but its more likely you'd need the BX2230 or B series turf special for those chores.
I'm a very happy BX22 owner, but I looked at the B7500 when I was shopping for my tractor 2 years ago. I wouldn't worry about the weight of the B series -- you have to get a B2710 or larger to get one heavier than the BX22\23 (the extra subframe for the BH adds 200+ lbs.). My BX is incredibly light on it's feet, and with all the fluids (diesel, oil, coolant, UDT), the MMM and me, it weighs over 2,000 lbs.
The advantages of the smaller hp B series over the BX line include ground clearance, stronger hydraulics and greater lift height on on the 3 pt. hitch. The B7510 turf special may be just the ticket, but it's hard to pass up a $16,000.00 TLB -- which is why I went with the BX22. Either way, I don't think you'll be disappointed with any of these machines.
The advantages of the smaller hp B series over the BX line include ground clearance, stronger hydraulics and greater lift height on on the 3 pt. hitch. The B7510 turf special may be just the ticket, but it's hard to pass up a $16,000.00 TLB -- which is why I went with the BX22. Either way, I don't think you'll be disappointed with any of these machines.
ByronBob
Veteran Member
The BX23 TLB will run you close to 20k when your done getting a MMM and bagger (if you can even do that).
If your getting a 2230 then go for the 60" deck as the price difference is little if any.
Also you could get away with a BX1500 if you wanted to. 3 acres would do well for your needs and save you a few thousand doing it.
The B series may be big for your long term needs so take your time deciding if you need a tractor this big. The upside is ground clearence.
If your getting a 2230 then go for the 60" deck as the price difference is little if any.
Also you could get away with a BX1500 if you wanted to. 3 acres would do well for your needs and save you a few thousand doing it.
The B series may be big for your long term needs so take your time deciding if you need a tractor this big. The upside is ground clearence.
mhagerty
New member
I have similar set-up, 2+ acres of lawn and 1.5 acres of woods. I went with the BX2230 with the FEL, 60inch mower and the bagger for just under $15,000. I also added the canopy and a pair of floodlights which I highly recommend as it keeps the sun/snow off your back (just be careful under low hanging branches). I do suggest that you go with the 60inch deck, it will cut down you mowing time and it provides a great cut as well.
I am amazed at how much I use the FEL. I use it for moving mulch, firewood, loam, and crushed stone just to name a few. I also used it to build a 75’ road into the woods so when I take delivery of any materials it does not have to be dumped on my driveway or on the grass and it’s out of sight.
It has done everything I asked it to with no complaints.
Mike
I am amazed at how much I use the FEL. I use it for moving mulch, firewood, loam, and crushed stone just to name a few. I also used it to build a 75’ road into the woods so when I take delivery of any materials it does not have to be dumped on my driveway or on the grass and it’s out of sight.
It has done everything I asked it to with no complaints.
Mike
RoyJackson
Rest in Peace
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That B7500 would be a nice machine for the work you're describing.
I ran a Deere 670 for a couple years (before going to a 790) which is a bit bigger and heavier then the B7500. You'll want turfs or bar-turfs on the rear. I had the bar-turfs. They were great! They were wide enough to add stability and reduce any damage to the lawn.
Although I love them Deere's, I must admit my first pick was a BX2200. This rapidly progressed to the B7500. I just happened to get a great deal on a used Deere 670...otherwise I'd be loving them Kubota's.
Personally, I think the B7500 would be the best choice for your acreage.
I ran a Deere 670 for a couple years (before going to a 790) which is a bit bigger and heavier then the B7500. You'll want turfs or bar-turfs on the rear. I had the bar-turfs. They were great! They were wide enough to add stability and reduce any damage to the lawn.
Although I love them Deere's, I must admit my first pick was a BX2200. This rapidly progressed to the B7500. I just happened to get a great deal on a used Deere 670...otherwise I'd be loving them Kubota's.
Personally, I think the B7500 would be the best choice for your acreage.
LBrown59
Super Star Member
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</font><font color="blue" class="small">( The BX23 TLB will run you close to 20k when your done getting a MMM and bagger (if you can even do that).
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I did it all but the bagger at way way less than 20 grand.
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I did it all but the bagger at way way less than 20 grand.
jhagerty
Bronze Member
Grass Catcher $1499 installed from Emerich in Upstate, NY
Mike
Mike