would a bx-1500 do?

[howardx]

I have about 3acres with a house, and plan on putting in about 1/2 acre pond.So, I'm only going to need to finish mow about 2 acres. I would like to be able to do some light landscaping chore's (dig some holes for fence,deck,dock,etc., use the FEL for a wheelbarrow and light ground engagement.) I'm intriqued by the kubota bx1500.. Is it powerful enough to do what i want? I'm trying not to spend the big money for the bx-23 or bx-24 if i don't have to.
thanks for the input,
howard

 

[keltonkrew]

Also look at the Massey GC2300 and Kubota BX2350.

 

[Soundguy]

I have about 3acres with a house, and plan on putting in about 1/2 acre pond.So, I'm only going to need to finish mow about 2 acres. I would like to be able to do some light landscaping chore's (dig some holes for fence,deck,dock,etc., use the FEL for a wheelbarrow and light ground engagement.) I'm intriqued by the kubota bx1500.. Is it powerful enough to do what i want? I'm trying not to spend the big money for the bx-23 or bx-24 if i don't have to.
thanks for the input,
howard

2-3 ac is pushing it for rider-lawnmower teritory.. but fine for SCUT like you mention.

Soundguy

 

[Dman]

Being an owner of a BX1500, I can tell you that it will do what you describe just fine. I have the loader, 54" mid mower, toothbar, and 4' box blade for mine. I'll list some of the chores that I've accomplished with mine in the 9 month's and 55hrs run time that I've had it:

- Mowed our 1/2 acre yard on a hillside probably 15 times so far. Parts of it are up to 30 degrees slope and I'm able to mow going sideways no problem especially after filling the rear tires with winter formula windshield washer fluid. Takes about 45 minutes per cut with the 54" deck but that is mostly due to having to cut around the house, trees, driveway etc.

- Moved and spread probably 100 yards of topsoil at my father in laws and fathers houses

- Moved and spread 12 tons of gravel and did some miscelaneous dirt work and dressing up in the back lot of the office where I work. That was a paying gig!

- Hauled and spread about 16 yards total of pine mulch at my Mom's house and my own house

I've accomplished some other things with it, but I've hit the high points above. Overall, it is a little workhorse. It does have it's limits, but all tractors do. Hope this helps!

 

[Tom_H]

I don't have one, but one guy on here who goes by the name blackmajikwoman put a Woods BH6000 backhoe on a BX1500. He posted numerous photos of the ditches he dug, rocks moved, etc. with the unit. If you go to the search page, and search in the Kubota Owning and Operating forum for "BX1500 BH6000" or "BX1500 backhoe" you should be able to find the threads and posts he put up. It was pretty amazing. This isn't to say that you need a backhoe, just that the BX1500 did something I didn't think it would be able to.

Still, if you think you ever will need to run a chipper, generator, rough cutter, tiller, etc. off the rear PTO, I'd go with a BX2350, just because you need more hp there to run those things. That backhoe runs off the hydraulics and these others require the PTO.

 

[Sully2]

I have about 3acres with a house, and plan on putting in about 1/2 acre pond.So, I'm only going to need to finish mow about 2 acres. I would like to be able to do some light landscaping chore's (dig some holes for fence,deck,dock,etc., use the FEL for a wheelbarrow and light ground engagement.) I'm intriqued by the kubota bx1500.. Is it powerful enough to do what i want? I'm trying not to spend the big money for the bx-23 or bx-24 if i don't have to.
thanks for the input,
howard

Coming from a man of limited experience...for the grass cutting...certainly...for the other jobs..Id say a definate NO! I bought my Kubota last fall..and I looked at various BX models till I was sick of seeing Kubota orange paint..lol

I shopped JD ( boy.are they ever out of their A** when it comes to pricing!!!) NJ...Kubota..etc. I CAREFULLY explained what my intended usage would be. ( No mowing in my case at all) To a dealer they all said NO! to that size ( and I never intended on installing a BH at all..too much $$ for my limited usage)

I moved up a size...(B2630 as an example) but my farmer friends FINALLY talked me into getting the 30HP model ( the stinkers...lol)

If $$ are "tight" ( they are in my case at least) Id look at a slightly used larger model...around here...NH "TC-29's adnd TC 30's are hot used items. I came withing a breath of getting a TC29 with FEL on it that had 400 hours on it..

 

[coveredbridge]

I have about 3acres with a house, and plan on putting in about 1/2 acre pond.So, I'm only going to need to finish mow about 2 acres. I would like to be able to do some light landscaping chore's (dig some holes for fence,deck,dock,etc., use the FEL for a wheelbarrow and light ground engagement.) I'm intriqued by the kubota bx1500.. Is it powerful enough to do what i want? I'm trying not to spend the big money for the bx-23 or bx-24 if i don't have to.
thanks for the input,
howard

Howard,

I bought my bx 1500 in March of 2005. I just turned 200 hrs, about half mowing (48"mmm) and half FEL work. I think the bx1500 is perfect for your needs as you described them. I have moved tons of dirt, wood chips, rock, lime (messy) with the loader. I have never lacked for power. I have also used the loader to move snow in the winter. Manuverability is great, especially in close quarters.

The only potential problem I see is with digging holes. I assume you are planning on using a 3ph post-hole digger. You may have issues with adequate clearance (height) based upon other posts I've read from time-to-time. You may want to do a search on bx 1500 and post hole digger or phd for more info.

With due respect to the last poster, I think a b3030 is way overkill for the use you described.

 

[Tom_H]

The poster who says you need a B3030 also says that he is "a man of limited experience." I think he is being honest and though I do not wish to dis him, I agree with that assessment. In this case, a B3030 would be like buying a 17 passenger van for one person to use on a short commute to work.

coveredbridge is right about the post hole digger. This goes back to what I said earlier about the hp at the rear pto. Also, you have a 3 point hitch that is not full sized. I can barely get a full sized PHD on my BX2200. I think you would not be able to fit the U-bar on your 3ph and I doubt that you'd get enough lift for a standard auger. There are, however, a couple of PHD's now made for sub-CUTs, which would probably fit if coupled to a 30" auger. Land Pride and Gearmore both make small PHDs and Pengo has a 30" auger. That still leaves the hp question at the rear pto. If you have sandy loam without rocks and heavy roots and use a narrow diameter auger, you may be ok. If, however, you want to use a wider auger, dig in hard soil and/or soil with rocks and tough roots, I think it could be problematic.

Also, if you ever did put a Woods backhoe on the BX1500, the sub-frame does prevent the 3ph lift arms from going to their full height IF they are also spread to their absolute maximum width.

 

[Sully2]

The poster who says you need a B3030 also says that he is "a man of limited experience." I think he is being honest and though I do not wish to dis him, I agree with that assessment. In this case, a B3030 would be like buying a 17 passenger van for one person to use on a short commute to work.

coveredbridge is right about the post hole digger. This goes back to what I said earlier about the hp at the rear pto. Also, you have a 3 point hitch that is not full sized. I can barely get a full sized PHD on my BX2200. I think you would not be able to fit the U-bar on your 3ph and I doubt that you'd get enough lift for a standard auger. There are, however, a couple of PHD's now made for sub-CUTs, which would probably fit if coupled to a 30" auger. Land Pride and Gearmore both make small PHDs and Pengo has a 30" auger. That still leaves the hp question at the rear pto. If you have sandy loam without rocks and heavy roots and use a narrow diameter auger, you may be ok. If, however, you want to use a wider auger, dig in hard soil and/or soil with rocks and tough roots, I think it could be problematic.

Also, if you ever did put a Woods backhoe on the BX1500, the sub-frame does prevent the 3ph lift arms from going to their full height IF they are also spread to their absolute maximum width.

READ CAREFULLY! I "NEVER" STATED the man needed a 30 HP machine..now did I??? What the INTENT of my post was...is EXACTLY as other have indicated..in their own words. The PHYSICAL SIZE of the "smaller" tracors..WONT HACK IT. The PHD dont work "correctly" unless you spend the $$$ to buy the "special size" for SUB-CUT's ( hence..you aint going to borrow your farmer buddys to bore 6-8 holes with...your going to lay out $500 or more to bore those 6-8 holes!!)..etc..etc.

The FEL on Scuts is TINY..lifting capacity is SMALL..etc..etc.

I just thing this gentleman would be better off all around with a LARGER..PHYSICAL SIZED machine..25-26 HP would be enough..AND.if $$ is tight..??...buying a USED MACHINE..that size or a little large..SHOULDNT be out of the question.

So PLEASE dont make my post sound like ..because of my limited experience..that "I" sugest he get the MEGATRON 5000 with 250 PTO HP and weighing in 15K pounds!

Just for reference...
"Also, if you ever did put a Woods backhoe on the BX1500, the sub-frame does prevent the 3ph lift arms from going to their full height IF they are also spread to their absolute maximum width."....!!!

 

[MX5000]

I have about 3acres with a house, and plan on putting in about 1/2 acre pond.So, I'm only going to need to finish mow about 2 acres. I would like to be able to do some light landscaping chore's (dig some holes for fence,deck,dock,etc., use the FEL for a wheelbarrow and light ground engagement.) I'm intriqued by the kubota bx1500.. Is it powerful enough to do what i want? I'm trying not to spend the big money for the bx-23 or bx-24 if i don't have to.
thanks for the input,
howard

I had a BX1500 two tractors ago. It was a great little machine. I used the belly mower, bagger, snow blade, and the loader. I loved the 4wheel drive. Keep in mind, with 15hp total, after the hst loss, the pto hp is low, so you can't run large rfm's or brushhogs. I'd buy one again.

 

[Soundguy]

The PHD dont work "correctly" unless you spend the $$$ to buy the "special size" for SUB-CUT's ( hence..you aint going to borrow your farmer buddys to bore 6-8 holes with...your going to lay out $500 or more to bore those 6-8 holes!!)..etc..etc.

The FEL on Scuts is TINY..lifting capacity is SMALL..etc..etc.

..!!!

I don't see any problem with owning the dwarf size PHD.. if you own a dwarf sized tractor. And that tiny fel for light landscaping.. is fine... think of it as a powered wheelbarrow.

Remember.. aside from the pto applications.. many people get by with lawnmowers and lawnmower sized implements to do may small estate chores. A bx1500 beats the pants off a lawnmower... even if it is a dwarf tractor.. etc.

Soundguy

 

[Sully2]

I don't see any problem with owning the dwarf size PHD.. if you own a dwarf sized tractor. And that tiny fel for light landscaping.. is fine... think of it as a powered wheelbarrow.

Remember.. aside from the pto applications.. many people get by with lawnmowers and lawnmower sized implements to do may small estate chores. A bx1500 beats the pants off a lawnmower... even if it is a dwarf tractor.. etc.

Soundguy

Soundguy: I NEVER SAID there was anything "wrong" with owning a sub size PHD....BUT...if he has any "friends" that own "normal sized" "equipment" he cant use any of it/them!! If I KNEW..that "I" was needing to bore 100 holes here at my place..Id go out and buy a PHD....BUT...I needed to bore THREE in my back yard..so a friend tossed HIS into the back of his PU and broght it here..we used my little Kubota to bore them and he took it back home...hence..saved ME $500 bucks! Now ya see what Im getting at?

I never said he NEEDED a 30 HP rig to CUT GRASS WITH. ( My close "friends..lol " talked me into going up to that level over the B2630)

The FEL most DEFINATELY beats doing ANYTHING with a wheelbarrow....lol even though on the SUB CUT"S the lifting capacity is very little ( in comparison to the CUT sized tractors)

He meantioned making a ONE HALF ACRE pond!! UNless he's only going to make it a foot deep!! ( Doubtful) its gonna take him a LONG TIME to scoop out that much dirt..and thats assuming the soil is prime digging. With the hard clay Im working with HERE...my grandchildren would still be digging it after I was long gone!

He mentioned where money "may be of consideration"..and THATS where I meantioned he might buy used ( with low hours) in a midrange tractor..( about 25 or so HP) that still can be used for mowing...and yet would be handier..IMHO..for all the "other items" he is planning....thats all!

 

[Soundguy]

Soundguy: I NEVER SAID there was anything "wrong" with owning a sub size PHD....BUT...if he has any "friends" that own "normal sized" "equipment" he cant use any of it/them!! If I KNEW..that "I" was needing to bore 100 holes here at my place..Id go out and buy a PHD....BUT...I needed to bore THREE in my back yard..so a friend tossed HIS into the back of his PU and broght it here..we used my little Kubota to bore them and he took it back home...hence..saved ME $500 bucks! Now ya see what Im getting at?

!

I don't like borrowing implements. If I need something enough to have to borrow it.. I might as well buy it. If you borrow it and tear it up.. you pay for it.. and then still don't own one.

If I had 3 holes to bore.. I'd just grab the man powered post hole differs... cheaper than paying the gas to go borrow one.. etc.

As for digging ponds.. most CUT's are gonna have a hard time... not saying it can't be done.. but it will be a long project..e tc.

Soundguy

 

[Sully2]

I don't like borrowing implements. If I need something enough to have to borrow it.. I might as well buy it. If you borrow it and tear it up.. you pay for it.. and then still don't own one.

If I had 3 holes to bore.. I'd just grab the man powered post hole differs... cheaper than paying the gas to go borrow one.. etc.

As for digging ponds.. most CUT's are gonna have a hard time... not saying it can't be done.. but it will be a long project..e tc.

Soundguy

I understand about the borrowing things..sure...but its "kinda hard" to screw up and auger...open ground..hard clay...and the guy that OWNS IT is right there with ya all the time. Kinda like a set of disks in the same ground.

And your last sentence is EXACTLY what Im getting at! My setup weighs a LOT MORE than the SUB Cuts do..and even with a tooth bar on the FEL..it wouldnt be easy...but with a 15HP version?????

I think you have gotten the idea behind my first post now though. Lawn mowing..sure thing ..15 is great. FEL as a "powered wheelbarrow"...definately. Thats one of the greatest assets of having an FEL..in landscaping work. Boring holes with the PROPER sized PHD...ok..?? Digging a 1/2 acre pond...doubtful at best.

 

[howardx]

thanks for all the great replies,folks. A couple of things. I won't be trying to dig that pond with a tractor. The other thing, is that money really is a major issue for me. In fact, i would like to be able to find a good used bx1500. I understand kubota has discontinued the new ones anyway. Anyone want to recommend a reputable place to look for one?
thanks again,
howard

 

[Sully2]

thanks for all the great replies,folks. A couple of things. I won't be trying to dig that pond with a tractor. The other thing, is that money really is a major issue for me. In fact, i would like to be able to find a good used bx1500. I understand kubota has discontinued the new ones anyway. Anyone want to recommend a reputable place to look for one?
thanks again,
howard

AHHHHH..Ok Howard. Totally different viewpoint then! I never looked at the 15hp version but DID look over the 18 and the.? 21 I think it was. I came within an ace of getting the larger ( 21??) version.

Good luck on your search partner.

I will say one thing though..the FIRST DAY you use the FEL as that "motorized wheelbarrow" setup...when its HOT..and humidity is about 85-90%......your going to LOVE IT!

 

[Soundguy]

<and even with a tooth bar on the FEL..it wouldnt be easy..

IMHO.. you wouldn't be digging with the fel.. you would be digging with a scoop or backhoe..

Soundguy

 

[jcmseven]

Howard and Group,

I am a JD guy and am not trying to infiltrate this discussion, but I think the BX 15 is a fine machine for the tasks you mention. The biggest thing I see is not the lower HP but the size. A SCUT whether 15 hp or 4000 hp will have the same problem handling attachments that are of any size. That said, they are perfect for large homeowners because they ARE small and manuverable. I would not hesitate to buy one for your uses. A couple of suggestions: you may wish to look also at JD used equipment. I say this not because of wanting you to look green, but rather because the best luck finding a used model machine is when a new line has been released. JD just released the 2305, which is a similar machine to the BX series and the 2520 which is a little bigger. Most JD dealerships have an older 2210 or an older 4110 or 4115 that would be either new and waiting or used and traded that you might get for a similar cost, or perhaps with appropriate financing. If you like orange, I would call some larger dealers in your area, and have them locate a machine like you want. They often can find something more quickly than can the customer and if the smaller BX 15 is being replaced they might find a sister dealer anxious to sell, meaning a good deal for you.

John M

 

[kevinj]

Kubota West Michigan has a nice used BX1500 on the lot.

 

[Carl Bill]

I came here to look for information on my next tractor and found this thread.

I currently own a BX1500 with the LA181 FEL and 48" MMM. I am looking to sell the little beast and move up as I am also selling my 1.25 acres and moving out onto almost 50 acres.

I have loved the BX1500. Moved a lot of dirt, hauled a lot of railroad ties for landscaping. It has under 100 hours and I have only used the mower 3 or 4 times as I use a Scotts rider with a mulcher to mow the 1 acre I have to mow. It is only 2-1/2 years old and kept in a barn.

I am in Northeastern Oklahoma if anyone is interested.

I am trying to decide if a new "B" series will work for my new place or if I should look at the "L" series.