B vs BX Series

[PA452]

I have a BX23 currently, bought it used about three years ago. I've done a lot with it, only thing is I frequently wish I had a little more ground clearance for the terrain I get into sometimes, wish I had a little more reach with the backhoe, and in general might like something just a little more beefy and with larger wheels so it would ride a little smoother.

I don't want to go too big for my uses and already have access to some larger tractors for some things. But I'm finding the B Series is starting to appeal to me.

In general though, seems like the B Series isn't nearly as common as the BX or the L. Is it my imagination or is that the case? And if so, is there a reason for that I should know?

Thanks

 

[Freeheeler]

There are 2 frame sizes in the B series. I opted for the larger frame sized B2650. It's about the same size as the L, but more deluxe features vs the standard L series. I really like the BH77 mated to it. Much beefier than the backhoe on the BX25 that I was used to using. There is a really helpful chart someone posted that compared the different sizes but I don't know how to link that here.

 

[Tractor Dell]

There is this guy on YouTube that I watch "GP Outdoors". He is this Canadian fellow who uses a B2601 for all kinds of things. Kind of makes me wonder why I didn't look at one of those.

 

[PaulL]

There is a really helpful chart someone posted that compared the different sizes but I don't know how to link that here.

That'd be this one: http://www.orangetractortalks.com/forums/showthread.php?t=37655

General wisdom around these parts seems to be that if you go bigger, you go quite a bit bigger. The difference between the BX and the B01 isn't huge, so you'd probably look at least at the B50 to get bang for your buck.

I've always had my eye on the B01 personally - you get about 30% more lift capacity on the FEL, and nearly double on the 3ph, but the tractor itself is only 10% larger. It does have 50% more ground clearance, and when I sit on one it seems to be quite a bit bigger tractor.

Stepping up again to the B50 doesn't give you as much jump, but still meaningful.

I've never personally seen an L2501 (they don't sell them in NZ), but on paper I wouldn't buy one other than for very specific needs - its specifications aren't much different than the B50, and it has a bit less ground clearance. However, it has a much larger engine (very detuned for emissions reasons, so I'd expect lots of torque and it should last forever), and there's some hinting around that it might make a bit more power than is written on the outside. It's also a beefier machine, but it has fewer comfort features than the B50, and it doesn't have a mid-PTO. So unless you're doing something that needs more weight (but not more power or more lift), then I'd go with the B50.

The prior B models sold quite well, everything from a B7100 onwards. The B50 and B01 are only a few years old. To my mind they're due for a refresh, and I'd expect to see a dash similar to the BX, and probably some quick attach loaders and flat face couplers. I don't really like the B50 dash, but realistically who spends time looking at their dash anyway.

 

[dalola]

I think generally, folks buy the biggest machine they can afford, that will serve their needs. There are some cases, such as my own, where the smaller size is actually desired, for various reasons. But mostly, I think it just comes down to cost.

 

[SDT]

I have a BX23 currently, bought it used about three years ago. I've done a lot with it, only thing is I frequently wish I had a little more ground clearance for the terrain I get into sometimes, wish I had a little more reach with the backhoe, and in general might like something just a little more beefy and with larger wheels so it would ride a little smoother.

I don't want to go too big for my uses and already have access to some larger tractors for some things. But I'm finding the B Series is starting to appeal to me.

In general though, seems like the B Series isn't nearly as common as the BX or the L. Is it my imagination or is that the case? And if so, is there a reason for that I should know?

Thanks

The B series is not as common as the BX series because it is more expensive.

I have two B series tractors. Both have position control.

The BX series does not have position control, and this is a show stopper for me.

Not certain, but I believe that all B series tractors have position control except the B3350SU.

FWIW: SU stands for special utility which translates into stripped down.

SDT

 

[PA452]

Thanks guys. Sorry, never saw a notification of reply on this thread.

I'm one of those guys who would actually want the smaller one, not just for getting into tight spaces but also to keep the weight down a little for hauling it places.

Another reason I'm interested in moving away from the BX...I find if I use my BX23 in any mud at all, the area between the wheels, transmission housing, fuel tank, etc, gets absolutely packed with mud. There's just not enough space around the rear wheels for the mud that's carried up by the treads to fall off. I've spent a lot of time cleaning clay out of those areas by hand. It's really a pain, and doesn't seem to take much mud for it to happen. I don't think I'd have the same problem with the B series.

Been watching Craigslist almost daily and in a large area. Still very rare that B series tractors come up. I'd rather not spend the money on a new one, but it's starting to seem like that's what I'd have to do to get what I want.

 

[Oliver]

In 2003 when I was deciding between a B or BX, the B's increased ground clearance is what swayed me to the B7500 and that tractor did everything I needed. There were many times the increased ground clearance came in handy.

Ended up acquiring more acreage so wanted to add a grapple, larger 60" bucket, as well as a bit more power to run a rotary cutter so I sold the 7500 and bought a B2650 after considering a B2601 and L2501 as well.

The B2601 would be the logical step up from a BX if you just want more clearance. B2650 gets you even more clearance but is also a larger tractor.

 

[greeno]

Been watching Craigslist almost daily and in a large area. Still very rare that B series tractors come up. I'd rather not spend the money on a new one, but it's starting to seem like that's what I'd have to do to get what I want.

Yeah, they’re rare because no one wants to part with theirs! Try dealers too, they sell trade ins but not a lot of them use CL.


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[DaddyFlip]

My dealer in a rural town of 5500 doesn't even stock BX or B. If you want/need one of those you can order or buy one of the many L's on the lot. They said the best for me was L2501 easily, but I'm still considering MMM.

I visited the dealer in a city of 250000 yesterday; same number of L's as my dealer, several BX, but no B's. I asked the salesman he says they sell as fast as they can get them. Has a 2301 arriving tomorrow I can see, but it's already sold.

For most people who "need" a tractor, I can see where the L makes a lot more sense because of the increased weight, tire size, and displacement. Those who "want" a tractor might be drawn to the higher level of trim and MMM capability of the B. This is a generalization, of course. Me? I'm still shopping, but if an L2501 could MMM, that's what I would want, so B2560 is the next best thing and probably more suited to my needs. Hard to find, though.

 

[NoJacketRequired]

With a pair of B7510's and a B2410, I can honestly say that I've looked at the BX and just couldn't buy one. Not enough tractor for me in every respect.

In fact when I was buying the B2410 the dealer had a BX sitting right beside it - both used, the B2410 with 2500hrs on it, the BX with less than 1/10th as many. Both machines had front mount blowers and mid-mount mowers. The BX was about 40% more money. Talking to the salesman I discovered the BX owner had traded up to a B2650. His experience in using the BX indicated he needed more tractor. As the salesman said, he hadn't broken the BX... yet. Clearly the move up to the B-series was right for him.

 

[PA452]

One dealer told me the reason they have almost none in stock is they sell as fast as they get them in.

 

[Jchonline]

For the the BX would help get much closer to the things I can't do right around the house, such as lifting firewood, moving smaller rocks, building walking trails...the small stuff. The stuff you cant get a larger machine in to do. I love how small it is and how easy it is to get on/off. There is definitely still draw for me. I can also see my wife using it a bunch. In the next few years I will probably buy a second machine. The question is do I get a B type with a cab or a BX open station. I have to figure out the snow situation first. If I can get by with the M62 in the winter for snow removal then I will probably get a BX.

My main turn off on the B series was the backhoe integration. It is nowhere near as good as the BX23S. There is a guy that has a B2650 with a BH77, and they took off his nice seat and replaced it with a cheaper one that would flip with the backhoe. Not only that, but it does stick out pretty far behind the machine and that makes it tougher to go up and down hills...or maneuver when turning. That is exactly what got me in to the TLBs. I started with a B26 and eventually came around to the M62 for my 40 or so acres. I am very glad I did. That said, there are those that don't mind the BH77 integration at all and you may be one of them. Just be sure you drive one around with the BH in it so you can see the difference. I think you also have to remove the 3pt lower arms or risk bending them up on the subframe (saw a few L60 series owners unhappy about how the BH92 interfaced in this regard).

 

[Roswell]

I really like my B2601 with turf tires, feels like a real tractor but i have a 60" mid mount mower and it makes quick work of mowing my lawn. My dealer said they sell 10 BX for every B series and that seemed surprising.. It's a really capable tractor for what seemed like a small premium in cost. I did look for used models but they were either close to price of new, or used by contractors with lots of hours and not really discounted. I hope to keep it for many years and it's nice knowing it doesn't have a history.

I didn't really consider the BX because of the smaller tires if I got into mud or sand. Plus the loader can easily lift whatever I'm trying to do. I can still get my B series into my garage with an 8' door without lowering the ROPS, but anything bigger would probably mean getting another mower or zero turn for grass. The B series is a great everyday tractor. As someone else said GP outdoors is a youtube channel and he's always up to various projects with his B2601, Kubota should be paying him for good marketing after posting about one video a week. I'm sure it's pushed dozens of people to buy one, myself included.

 

[Jchonline]

Yes I have watched his channel for some time. Very well done. He isn't afraid to show he is learning like the rest of us, and share his journey.

If I were mowing anything I would probably feel differently (as you do). If I had to only pick one tractor I would also probably pick differently

I am at 8600 ft. I drove the BX23S around at 5500ft (dealer) and with the 2 speed I never found a comfortable medium. I am pretty sure on my place I would be in L 95% of the time. There is no way that machine is pulling the weight of the backhoe around in High on my terrain. I also really liked the B2601's size. I would never get a backhoe for it personally, but the size was nice and the 3 speed was welcome.

 

[PA452]

I'm more and more liking the idea of going to a B series. For my use I think I'd probably be happy with a B2601 or a B2650, though I lean toward the B2601 right now. I'm watching for used ones daily, but not seeing a whole lot, and when I do see something that looks to be in nice shape the price isn't low enough to keep me from just buying new.

Talked to a dealer just to get a ballpark idea. A B2601 with LA434 loader, 54" quick attach bucket, BH70 backhoe with 12" bucket, and 60" MMM, with all the discounts comes in around $27k. Definitely more than I want to spend right now, even factoring in the sale of my BX23. But I don't know, maybe next year.

 

[Jchonline]

I'm more and more liking the idea of going to a B series. For my use I think I'd probably be happy with a B2601 or a B2650, though I lean toward the B2601 right now. I'm watching for used ones daily, but not seeing a whole lot, and when I do see something that looks to be in nice shape the price isn't low enough to keep me from just buying new.

Talked to a dealer just to get a ballpark idea. A B2601 with LA434 loader, 54" quick attach bucket, BH70 backhoe with 12" bucket, and 60" MMM, with all the discounts comes in around $27k. Definitely more than I want to spend right now, even factoring in the sale of my BX23. But I don't know, maybe next year.

Why do you want to move up to the B?

 

[PA452]

Why do you want to move up to the B?

Ground clearance is a big one. My BX tends to drag a lot if I get into any mud. Also some of the places I've used it are rocky with uneven terrain. It was manageable but I had to be very careful about bottoming out.

I also find the area between the rear wheels and the transmission, fuel tank, control linkages, etc, etc, is way too tight. It's a problem when getting into mud, and I mean even light mud. Every time I do, the tires bring mud up into those areas to the point that every nook in there will be absolutely packed. I did some work about a month ago where was I trying to notch out a drainage on some property I have. I drove through a lot of mud, but never anything deep. Next day I took off the FEL and backhoe to switch to the mower. I spent a good half hour pulling packed clay out from around the transmission by hand.

A little more reach from the backhoe would be a nice perk too. As would larger wheels which would make the ride on rough terrain a little smoother. A slightly more robust build for durability and wider stance for stability would also be nice.

I've been happy with the loader on the BX, but I'm realizing a little more capacity there would be a plus too. I'll likely get a set of forks for it. There are things I might be able to do that I didn't really intend on with the BX.

ETA: Don't want to move up to an L though as I want the MMM and I still need to keep the package on the lighter side as I trailer my tractor now and then.

 

[Freeheeler]

My main turn off on the B series was the backhoe integration. It is nowhere near as good as the BX23S. There is a guy that has a B2650 with a BH77, and they took off his nice seat and replaced it with a cheaper one that would flip with the backhoe. Not only that, but it does stick out pretty far behind the machine and that makes it tougher to go up and down hills...or maneuver when turning.

I had heard about the seat situation prior to buying 2650/bh77 combo. I had the dealer leave the deluxe seat as is, they put all the seat lift/rotate stuff in a box for me to maybe use later. So far, I just sit on the backrest of the forward facing seat and it works fine for now. I purchased a used older style second seat which folds and stays mounted to the backhoe itself. I am in the process of making it fit right. The dealer was unable to order the older style for me from Kubota. The lift and rotate setup is cumbersome I think and is not as near comfortable as the deluxe set up that come standard on the bigger B series. The cab version hoe sticks out farther than the rops version that I have and comes with the second seat. Mine does not stick out unproportionally and I've not encountered and issues with hills or turn radius. I have heard others do prefer the single seat lift/rotate setup. It does work well on the BX.

 

[Jchonline]

Ground clearance is a big one. My BX tends to drag a lot if I get into any mud. Also some of the places I've used it are rocky with uneven terrain. It was manageable but I had to be very careful about bottoming out.

I also find the area between the rear wheels and the transmission, fuel tank, control linkages, etc, etc, is way too tight. It's a problem when getting into mud, and I mean even light mud. Every time I do, the tires bring mud up into those areas to the point that every nook in there will be absolutely packed. I did some work about a month ago where was I trying to notch out a drainage on some property I have. I drove through a lot of mud, but never anything deep. Next day I took off the FEL and backhoe to switch to the mower. I spent a good half hour pulling packed clay out from around the transmission by hand.

A little more reach from the backhoe would be a nice perk too. As would larger wheels which would make the ride on rough terrain a little smoother. A slightly more robust build for durability and wider stance for stability would also be nice.

I've been happy with the loader on the BX, but I'm realizing a little more capacity there would be a plus too. I'll likely get a set of forks for it. There are things I might be able to do that I didn't really intend on with the BX.

ETA: Don't want to move up to an L though as I want the MMM and I still need to keep the package on the lighter side as I trailer my tractor now and then.

All great reasons. Just dont get yourself in the same boat with a B vs an L For me the only reason not to go L is maneuverability. If you can still get around everywhere you need with an L...why not?