Would You Buy Another BX?

[Keuka]

I'm about to replace my old John Deere 265 garden tractor. I also own a Kubota L35TLB (Tractor/Loader-Backhoe). My property is side hill, mowing about 2 acres, 8 acres woods and maybe 700 feet of grave/crushed stone drive. I'm considering upgrading from a garden tractor to gain the versatility of a 4 wheel drive subcompact. I'm considering a Kubota BX-2380. I realize the BX loader lifting capacity is limited but I have the L35 Loader if needed. I'm very satisfied with the performance of the Kubota L35. So I'm considering a Kubota BX 2380 with detachable loader & 54 inch mm mower for hillside mowing etc. For those who have experience with a Kubota BX, would buy it
or look elsewhere?

 

[Eagle1]

I have over 4500 hours on my old bx2200 and it has served me well. It has done a lot of hard work before I got a second bigger tractor. It's been abused to no end but never died, the motor and HST never gave me lick of problems, except the stop solenoid going out. Well I did break some motor mounts and upsized them while replacing them. Hydraulic hard lines have worn through with vibration and the loader/bucket have take a beating (abuse in many case). I still have it and use as much as the bigger machine. Handy to have near the house for all those little jobs not worth starting the LS for. Still use it to mow the rougher parts of the property that does not need the brush hog.
They have their issues but are easy and cheap to fix. Really one of the best things I ever bought.

 

[TMGT]

I have a BX2680, my dad has a BX1500. My BX replaced my zero turn as I wanted something I could use year rounds, its been great, mowes well, easy on fuel. I'm using it for leaf cleanup this year and having 4wd is great on the hills pulling the leaf vac.

The loader come on and off so easy I'll throw it on for a quick job during mowing season. As you stated loft capacity isn't high, but like you I have a bigger tractor when needed.

The BX is a stout and versatile machine for sure.

Sent from my SM-S921U using TractorByNet mobile app

 

[dj1701]

I bought a BX2680 with a 60" mower for the sole purpose of mowing, cause I needed the 4x4 for the trails. I put spacers on the back which widened it a bit. It will mow field grass with no problem. The machine is a beast for a little tractor. I highly recommend getting the remote control option although it can be a bit finicky. You can see it in action in the pic.

 

[dodge man]

I owned a BX2350 for several years and put a little less than 800 hours on it. Solid tractor, I liked it. I replaced it with a bigger tractor.

The faults. Small bucket. Not a problem for you since you own a larger one.

The plastic. The rear fenders, hood and engine surround all cracked on mine. The engine surround is the only one I eventually replaced. I think they are all metal now.

The fuel filters. Tiny little ones. I replaced the rear one with a Racor setup. A lot of people use one from a B sized tractor to put a bigger one on.

Slow road speed. This bothered me mostly dealing with firewood and gravel. My driveway is 600 feet long and I spend a lot of time going back and forth at times. It has small tires and that’s just the way it is.

Overall I liked it and had good luck with it. I wouldn’t buy another one and the slightly larger size of what I have now. It’s a good mower setup. If the size fits your needs I’d definitely recommend it. My nit picks sound like they probably wouldn’t be an issue.

 

[dougtrr2]

I bought a BX24 with the loader and backhoe in 2004. I would buy a new one in a heartbeat and wouldn't even seriously look at the competition. It has been pretty much trouble free with a few minor issues. I live on an acreage with forest. I have a logging winch and burn at least 6 cords of wood a year. I also mow maybe 2 acres. It fits my needs perfectly.

Doug in SW IA

 

[D&D]

I bought a BX2680 with a 60" mower for the sole purpose of mowing, cause I needed the 4x4 for the trails. I put spacers on the back which widened it a bit. It will mow field grass with no problem. The machine is a beast for a little tractor. I highly recommend getting the remote control option although it can be a bit finicky. You can see it in action in the pic.


View attachment 4561773

That remote appears to operate child labor When you upgrade to spouseI with the same benefits, you’ll sell out

 

[Keuka]

Thanks for the replies, they're about like I expected. I sure appreciate opinions from people who own and operate them regularly. I'm thinking the 1880 model will probably do everything I need. However I'm leaning toward the larger 2380 engine. I know the loader lift ability is the same and somewhat limited. However it would be handy in tight places and I have a L35 if needed. I'd also like your opinion on tires & wheel spacers vs a 54 inch mower. Tires: I'm thinking R14's but wondering if they would tear up the lawn. I'm thinking they would be fine but in 4 wheel drive they may require wider turning than "turf" tires on the lawn. Our soil is mostly clay so it's firm unless saturated. Mower: I'm looking at the non-drive over 54 inch deck. I'm running a 48 inch deck now and a 54 Inch will be tight in some places. I'm hearing the non-drive over deck is a beast to remove & remount? I'm sure the first time is the worst time and it gets better as you gain experience. How is the quality of the mowing? Wheel Spacers: I understand adding these may cause a clearance issue between rear tire and mower scalping wheel. I've read 1.5 inch spacers are about maximum with a 54 inch deck. Might anyone know for sure? Thanks again.

 

[tacticalturnip]

I don't have a BX, but I do use R14T tires on my Kioti, and had similar VersaTurfs on my previous Deere subcompact, and I will tell you that they're probably the best all-around tires on the market for these small tractors. They're great in mud and snow, and reasonable on the yard. Not as good as straight turf tires, but so much easier than ags or industrials on the lawn.

Plus I've never needed snow chains with them. Well, certainly not in 5 years.

Also, you'll never regret extra horsepower, but there is always a chance you'll regret getting too little.

 

[oldnslo]

I had. BX1850 with 54” several years ago and the deck was not super difficult to remove but then I was also younger then. What I do not remember is if the gauge wheels on the BX had feature so could roll out the side or if I modified the gauge wheel mounts to allow rotating 90 degrees.

Was a good mower but like others my needs changed and went a size larger. Never saw a need for more power when mowing my lawn.