Will I regret downsizing from a B7500?

BotaGuy · May 7, 2004

The BX23 that I have, seems to have the seat positioned higher than my preference, with a longer reach to the steering whell. this would be an advantage for a taller person.

As far as a ZTR being quicker...I know that. I bought a premium 60 inch commercial ZTR last August, and it mows TOO FAST. I don't get enough seat time. The steiners and such would be out too since I did't want a quirky machine...I wanted a tractor again.

Robert....test drive the 2230. You should be able to get a minimum of 10,000 trade for your B7500.

robertm · May 7, 2004

I do agree, but the "wheelbase" between the castors on a deck that is the ground-contact style is a "short" wheelbase with small castors that drop into every hole and depression. A suspended deck uses the wheelbase of the tractor, like a 50" or greater number, which lessens the bump or jolt, or rides over the bump or depression. Plus the tires are much larger in diameter on the tractor than the castors on a deck, and softer to absorb the bumps as well as not fall into depressions. I experienced this well on the old garden tractor I had. It just seems that the six inch castors on my 60"MMM find every hole or bump and bounce the deck. The large rubber on the tractor softens this... like a long wheelbase truck over a shortbox.

robertm · May 7, 2004

Yeah, here I go again planning ahead, but I also am thinking that the BX will be easier for my wife to use now than the B7500. Due to the fact I will have this tractor at least 5-7 years, my son will be mowing then, too. I think I may feel a little safer with him on the BX over the B7500. Not that there is much difference in weight, but height. I notice the B7500 feels a little tippy on the ditch slope, and that is why I always belt in and have the ROPS up... but then I have to watch the tree limbes close - something I can't really count on the Better Half watching closely (or my Son doing some day).

SacandagaBrad · May 8, 2004

I don't know what your finances are like, or your storage space, but consider the "beating" you will take for the trade down and consider what that amount of $$ would buy for a separate mowing machine and keep the 7500. You say the BX is about the same weight, I assume smaller tires, so more pressure on the lawn and maybe more ripping up the grass. A smaller yard tractor wouldn't do that and you would still have the 7500 for your other uses. I have a TC24D and an older 12hp Gravely riding tractor with a 50" deck (great mowing machine) and 4' dozer blade. Since I got the TC in October, the Gravely hasn't been run more than an hour, mostly just to warm it up and run some gas through it. The TC has 85 hours on it already, and I haven't even tried mowing with it yet. I personally would miss the capabilities of the loader for my uses, especially the reach.

If the TC turns out to be a decent mowing machine, I am considering getting rid of the Gravely due to lack of storage space.

I know I'm rambling (had to put my 15 year old Lab down yesterday and just trying to keep occupied), but my point is it would be a shame to spend a chunk of change to end up with less and still not get the results you want. As others have said, if you can try a BX, that would certainly help you with your decision.

Good luck.

Brad

art · May 8, 2004

You might miss the room but as far as tractor performance I don't think there is to much difference unless you have more woods to play in then lawn. I normally recommend the BX for people that have what you have to mow and for your uses.

khd · May 9, 2004

I currently have a JD 755 which is a big, old heavy machine (1700 ilbs) that I have had for 2 years. Its main purpose is mowing. Before getting it I had several "lawn tractors" and was never happy with the cut of my lawn. When I got the JD I went and bought a Woods 60" rfm and I have never had such a well cut lawn.

I just traded up and awaiting delivery on a K 7610 but I wouldn't trade the rfm for nothing. The deck, at nearly 700 lbs, does a wonderful job a keeping a smooth, consistant cut and since it basically just gets pulled by the CUT doesn't add weight to the CUT.

I am the king of too much tractor for the application. I have only two acres all mowable and alot of trees to cut around. It took a little while to get used to the rfm swinging out 5 feet behind the tractor but once I got it down I can now cut the lawn with very little need for other equipment except for some trimming here and there. I never tear up the lawn with the tractor (turfs) unless I try and spin around small trees and brake stear around them which is my own laziness and the only tearing that happens is because of the rear tire with the brake skids.

When looking to trade I only glanced in the BX's direction and immediately turned away. The 7610 although lighter than my 755 is the same size machine just more power which I felt I needed but I am expecting the same fine cut with the rfm.

Just my two cents worth, but I think a try with a big heavy rfm hanging off the back is worth it before a trade.

Regards,
Kevin

r0GuE · May 13, 2004

I'll tell you what... You've been thinking about this for a long time. Are you still thinking your 7510 might be ok, or are you just conflicted because one shouldn't have to spend money to get less. In reality less is subjective and if the BX will do the job nicly and make your job easier by not having to monitor turning radiuses or watch the rear mower... I'd say just do it. Sometimes yoiu have to pull the trigger.

I just spent $35,000 (basically my entire retirement savings) on a giant wodded ditch so that I never have to look at townhouses. It hurt to do so, but it had to be done. Did I want to feel fuzzy looking at my bank statements, or looking at cherry blossums in the spring.

You live once, if it won't kill you financially, get the BX. Heck, get the BX23 and you get a loader! Now you have something fun out of the deal!

Good luck, and remember what Ed's papy said "The more you own, the more own's you".