A table I had made for BX and B01 when I was looking. I've seen a few questions on differences, so thought I'd post the full table including the B50 series (and now L2501 as well), because lots of people ask about the differences.
Really no question or point in the post beyond contributing back information I'd collected from the brochures on the Kubota website.
Also very relevant is the advice Neil Messick gives on the Messick's youtube channel - go and actually sit on the tractor rather than just doing internet research. The BX and B are much more different in real life than they appear on the spec sheet - the BX feels more lawn tractor size, the B more real tractor size (admittedly still very small tractor).
Other differences that aren't clear in the table:
In the US there's not that much difference in price between the BX and B01, and it seems to me that the B01 is a lot more tractor. There seems to be less difference between the two B models, the B50 (now LX10) is on a bigger frame and has more capacity, but many of the features are quite similar.
The L interestingly gets a lot of recommendations for being a heavier and more capable tractor. On the numbers it's definitely heavier, but in many ways it's not actually more capable than the LX. My take would be that if you're doing ground engaging work the L is more tractor, but if you're doing loader work, 3ph work or driving an implement that needs HP (but not weight) then an LX is probably a better choice. This would be particularly true if you're using it around the house/lawn and would benefit from a lighter tractor - you can always ballast the B or LX when you need it to be heavy. So L is more of a farm tractor, B and LX more of a lifestyle tractor.
EDITS: Added L2501 into table
EDITS: Added commentary on loader detach on BX 80, and coming to B01
EDITS: Updated BX series for new HP ratings (same engines though)
EDITS: Noted B50 became LX10, and L02 series moves split brakes to the left
Really no question or point in the post beyond contributing back information I'd collected from the brochures on the Kubota website.
Also very relevant is the advice Neil Messick gives on the Messick's youtube channel - go and actually sit on the tractor rather than just doing internet research. The BX and B are much more different in real life than they appear on the spec sheet - the BX feels more lawn tractor size, the B more real tractor size (admittedly still very small tractor).
Other differences that aren't clear in the table:
- Since I made this the B50 series became the LX10 series - the 26HP is pretty much the same machine, the 33 is an entirely new engine without the emissions issues of the B3350
- BX 80 series has the flat face couplers and manifold on the loader - much easier to detach. It's coming to the B01 2019.
- B has a larger displacement, and the L larger still, so they make power at lower revs, and the engine is less stressed
- B, LX and L have 3 speed, so top speed is higher, but also more pull in low gear
- B and LX have bigger wheels - more traction, more ground clearance, smoother ride, less ground pressure. L interestingly has same size as the LX
- B, LX and L have position control. This doesn't worry me, I don't do anything that requires an implement at a fixed height, my 3ph just goes up to top then back down to ground, but for anyone doing ground engaging tasks or running an implement like a box blade, plow or tiller this is really useful
- All about the same size / footprint, slight growth as you move up models. Note the BX length is approximate, it's only quoted inclusive of 3ph, so I subtracted 100mm
- The B, LX and L have split brakes, which explains the tighter turning circle on the B. You'll chew up your lawn if you actually do that. The L01 has split brakes on the right (same side as the hydrostatic / throttle) where the B, LX and the L02 have them now on the left. On the L the split brakes are hard to use for turning, as you have to take your foot off the hydrostatic, which means you stop moving. The arrangement the B has with the brakes on the opposite side to the hydrostatic is much better.
- BX a bit more stable due to lower to ground, L also more stable than B due to wider footprint
- B, LX and L 3ph I think has more range of motion as it's a taller tractor
- Some comfort/ergonomic stuff is different - the BX is a newer model so has some good stuff, the B is a luxury model so has a lot of great features, the L tends to be a budget model with more metal but less ergonomics
- B, LX and L can have backhoe added at a later date, makes it easier to make the decision to buy one without a backhoe and see later if you need one
- B, LX and L have two pumps (one power steering, one FEL/3ph) rather than one. Means if you turn the wheels whilst using FEL, it doesn't slow down the cycle time, whereas on the BX it does. But if you look closely, that means the B (if you're not turning the wheels) flows less to the FEL than the BX does. I keep meaning to get on one and see if that turns into longer cycle time on the B than the BX - I've never seen anyone complain about it so I assume not. On the BX I never turn the wheels whilst using the FEL, or at least not so much that I've noticed the FEL going slow. I rarely run FEL at full revs anyway - the FEL is fast enough at about 2600-2800 revs on the BX. Interesting the L has less flow than the B
- I've seen people say the steering geometry on the B makes it chew up the lawn more. Not sure the reality of that, but I suspect the BX is a bit better mowing. But unless you're making a bowling green, you'll probably not notice the difference - they're both good mowers (and I'll bet the B would mow faster, which I'd like - I mow at 3200rpm and flat out on some stretches in my BX, and I would happily go faster if it was geared for it - on a B you could mow in high range, which being a 3 speed is faster than the BX high range)
- LX, B and BX have a mid PTO that can run a MMM or a front mounted snow blower. L does not.
In the US there's not that much difference in price between the BX and B01, and it seems to me that the B01 is a lot more tractor. There seems to be less difference between the two B models, the B50 (now LX10) is on a bigger frame and has more capacity, but many of the features are quite similar.
The L interestingly gets a lot of recommendations for being a heavier and more capable tractor. On the numbers it's definitely heavier, but in many ways it's not actually more capable than the LX. My take would be that if you're doing ground engaging work the L is more tractor, but if you're doing loader work, 3ph work or driving an implement that needs HP (but not weight) then an LX is probably a better choice. This would be particularly true if you're using it around the house/lawn and would benefit from a lighter tractor - you can always ballast the B or LX when you need it to be heavy. So L is more of a farm tractor, B and LX more of a lifestyle tractor.
EDITS: Added L2501 into table
EDITS: Added commentary on loader detach on BX 80, and coming to B01
EDITS: Updated BX series for new HP ratings (same engines though)
EDITS: Noted B50 became LX10, and L02 series moves split brakes to the left
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