I'm going to try to get to my rather nearby Kubota dealer this afternoon before they close but that may be pushing it for both me and them time wise. If not, will do it tomorrow morning and explain my needs and some wants and see what they offer. The BX with a loader seems like a clear winner in this and they have an Orange Days sales event going on which is outstanding. I saw the Pirhana Bar bucket attachment which looks to be exactly what I need to clear and move a lot of brush easily. They have both a BX1880 and 2380 in stock and now determine what is best for needs, use and the terrain I have. Is a BX2380 too much? Outside of rear PTO-driven leaf collector (which I will get in the fall) and maybe renting a tiller to help level some land, I have not seen a need for the extra PTO muscle.
A GR2120 or BX1880?
- Thread starter STS_EA888
- Start date
They do a lot of the same job. It's more that the BX2380 is the "standard model", and the BX1880 is the one they shrunk, the BX2680 the "more power" version. For some tasks the BX1880 may be underpowered, and the resale is a little harder. In reality both are 100x better than doing things by hand. It's just the BX1880 might actually be 98x better and the BX2380 102x better.
I run a 48" tiller behind my 19.6 PTO HP tractor, it has no problems, the one HUGE advantage to a HST is that you can go as slow as you like, which is handy if you are HP challenged in tough soil with a rototiller ...
Those who have first hand knowledge can tell you better, (As I don't have any, but I read a lot) but it's my understanding that the 18 is a better mower than the 23/26 as it's lower and has better stability, but the way the mower interaction with the ground is, that's it's more of a "lawnmower " than the other slightly higher ones, and I'm not sure if the 18 has the quick and easy mid-mount mower (mmm) removal system as it's bigger brothers have either ...
However if you think you need that extra 1" of ground clearance for going out into the brushy rough terrain, the 23/26 might be a better choice, but nevertheless look into a skid plate guard for the transmission cooling fan which can be RUINED by a stick, on any of these models!
Go drive both! For really uneven terrain you can add rear wheel spacers, but the mmm can limit that to some degree.
Personally I always go with the biggest engine they can stuff in the same sized frame! But realistically I run out of traction, long before power!
Those who have first hand knowledge can tell you better, (As I don't have any, but I read a lot) but it's my understanding that the 18 is a better mower than the 23/26 as it's lower and has better stability, but the way the mower interaction with the ground is, that's it's more of a "lawnmower " than the other slightly higher ones, and I'm not sure if the 18 has the quick and easy mid-mount mower (mmm) removal system as it's bigger brothers have either ...
However if you think you need that extra 1" of ground clearance for going out into the brushy rough terrain, the 23/26 might be a better choice, but nevertheless look into a skid plate guard for the transmission cooling fan which can be RUINED by a stick, on any of these models!
Go drive both! For really uneven terrain you can add rear wheel spacers, but the mmm can limit that to some degree.
Personally I always go with the biggest engine they can stuff in the same sized frame! But realistically I run out of traction, long before power!
I went to a dealer this morning, who also sells New Holland, to speak to a salesman and just stated my needs and wants, what kind of property I have as I did here to see what was recommended and the first thing he said was a BX. He took me out to the one on the lot that was easiest to look over and drive which was a 23S. Obviously ignored the backhoe on it but drove it about the lot, tested its maneuverability and everything on it. Very impressed and I really liked its small size which will be great for my property. The controls all seem intuitive, easy to operate and it fits my lanky, gangly frame well. Apparently the seat height on a 23S is a little taller than the others and I'd prefer a slightly lower seat. In all, it seemed like a better machine to me than the Deere 1023E that I also tried.
I guess now I just have to determine which would be best of the two, a BX1880 or a BX2380. Is the about six more horsepower really needed for $4K more for what I would use it for? I would like to get Kubota's rear PTO-driven GCK60-23BX grass/leaf collector in the fall.
I guess now I just have to determine which would be best of the two, a BX1880 or a BX2380. Is the about six more horsepower really needed for $4K more for what I would use it for? I would like to get Kubota's rear PTO-driven GCK60-23BX grass/leaf collector in the fall.
North Idaho Wolfman
Moderator
Staff member
Lifetime Member
Equipment
L3450DT-GST, Woods FEL, B7100 HSD, FEL, 60" SB, 743 Bobcat with V2203, and more
If you want a rear bagger, my understanding is they eat quite a bit of HP. I also think the 1880 is 54 inch deck only, the 2380 can be 60 inch. Cutting grass takes HP, adding a bagger as well takes more.
I'm sure the 1880 will do it. The 2380 will do it better.
I'm sure the 1880 will do it. The 2380 will do it better.
Sawdust&Shavings
Active member
Lifetime Member
Equipment
BX1870,LA203A,BX6315,BX2767,RCK48-18BX,GCK60-23BX
Horsepower is king; however my BX1870 has no problems running its RCK48-18BX mid-mount mower and the GCK60-23BX bagger at the same time…that little diesel has plenty of torque to handle them.
Sawdust&Shavings
Active member
Lifetime Member
Equipment
BX1870,LA203A,BX6315,BX2767,RCK48-18BX,GCK60-23BX
Yes, the RCK48-18BX is a 48” deck. While a 54” or 60” deck would have cut the same amount of grass quicker and since the mmm deck edges would stick out a bit more on each side of the BX making trimming around the raised beds and other obstacles easier, I can just fit the 48” deck between our raised beds which I built for my old machine with a 46” deck. If I could have used the larger deck I would have purchased the BX2370 or possibly the BX2670.
I mow a couple acres, in-between plant beds, around the house and deck, trees, propane tank, etc. with a 54" deck and have no complaints.
Rear lift capacity 24" behind the lift points on both the BX1880 and BX2380 is the same 680 lbs.
One difference is the BX2380 has 4 more hp at the PTO (14.7 vs 17.7). Doesn't sound like a lot but even a little more is better.
Rear lift capacity 24" behind the lift points on both the BX1880 and BX2380 is the same 680 lbs.
One difference is the BX2380 has 4 more hp at the PTO (14.7 vs 17.7). Doesn't sound like a lot but even a little more is better.
Only the 3 point lift lbs, height due to larger tires and the PTO is different between the two BX's. If you have the bucks, suggest you go with the larger one but the small tires on the 1880 do come in handy.