BX2370 Vs. B2301?

[toddtms]

Hello everyone,

So I am brand new to the tractor world. I guess I should start by telling you a little about what I am looking for and why. I own 3 acres and have about 1-1.5 of it covered in grass. The rest is woods. I currently mow with a JD LA135 (Lowes Special with 42" deck). I have a slight hillside on the front of my property that I have almost rolled the JD on a few times. I have also lost traction and got stuck on it when it was wet. The main purpose for a new sub compact tractor will be mowing and some small front end loader work and brush clearing.

So my neighbor has had a larger Kubota for almost 20 years and absolutely swears by it. I have borrowed it a time or two which got me thinking that maybe I need a smaller one. I was thinking that the longevity of the diesel over that gas mower will be nice, but also having the 4wd to help with the hill would be an advantage. Am I correct in the assumption that having the diesel 4wd will assist me with that hill? Also how good are the MMM's on these machines? Do they provide a good cut compared to your basic riding mower?

Finally, I think I am leaning towards the BX2370 with turf tires, front end loader and 60" MMM. Will I regret not going to the B2301? I plan on this being a long term investment so I want to do it right the first time, but I also don't want to over buy for my needs. Remember mowing is the #1 need with FEL and brush clearing 2 and 3.

Please give me some good advice and selling points to get the wife on board........I have been playing up the safety aspect of going to 4wd for the hill as my main selling point. I think she is starting to buy in...........

Thanks in advance

 

[TripleR]

I'd go with the BX, I have similar property and we used a BX2200 and BX2660 and they work great. I looked at the B Series and the mowing quality and low center of gravity/stability steered me to the BX, I like the new B Series, but I think the BX will better suit your needs.

 

[Humblebub]

Last year I was new too. Bought a 2370 with FEL, MMM and blower. Love it. We had an 18 ft record breaking total snow fall last winter and handled with ease. The mower is ok. Not as well finished as my previous Cub Cadet zero turn but quite satisfactory. Mine is 54 inch I believe. I opted for smaller mower and I have odd places to get in to. I can't compare to a 2301 but for my small 2 acres it is perfect.

 

[85Hokie]

Todd,

I would have to agree with the other two also - the BX is cheaper and lower to the ground thus a lower center of gravity. And for an all around do all tractor the BX is a beast.

If you are going to be on grass 99% of the time the turf tires will be fine - I have a older B series with turfs and it is used for grass cutting, but I love my R4's on my BX, I would NOT want turfs on my BX - but that is just my opinion.

I will tell you this - once you get on a diesel machine, there is Nooooo way in hell you will ever want a gasser again......it is a contest that gas will always loose. SO many benefits of diesel over gas. Much less fuel consumption, more torque, cheaper to maintain and many others. Never have to worry about the fuel going bad ( ethanol) ....diesel does have its bugs too, but are easier to handle.

as 4wd - you will be surprised how "good" that machine will do on a hillside, makes all the difference in the world!

tell us what you decide and by all means - shoot us some pictures too!

 

[TripleR]

I'll echo 85Hoakie on R4 for the BX, we have them on our BX2660 and John Deere 2305, the BX2200 has Bar tires, our JD425 had turfs and we prefer Industrial as a good all around tire with good traction that is still pretty easy on the yard.

 

[chucky79]

I too have a bx2370 that I bought last year for similar reasons. I am looking at upgrading to a b2301 or a bx25d because I need a loader and eventually a backhoe. I have a knarly hillside that I sidecut without difficulty. I went with the bar tires and had them loaded for that reason. In one short year I bought a rear blade, pond scoop, carryall, built a trailer mover/reece hitch, and a pig pole for it. It is truly a swiss army knife of outdoor equipment and you will find yourself doing so many things with it that you hadn't originally planned. the 4 wheel drive is awesome, and my 60 inch deck gives me a beautiful cut. the diesel sips fuel and ive always ran out of traction before I ran out of power even on hard surfaces. We had ridiculous snow this year and it was soooo nice not to have to shovel by hand anymore, even did all three of my neighbors driveways for them and cleared a grassy spot for the wife and mother n laws little yappers to go potty in. I cant think of anything bad to say really except I wish I had bought the bx25D to start. Im only considering the B because I just bought 3 more wooded acres and like a few options they added like the position control on the 3ph. Not really needed but considering it since im in the market to upgrade. the more I watch videos of BX's working those loaders and backhoes the more I think im gonna stay with a BX when I go get my Backhoe. I will say the BX does sit very low and feels very stable almost to the point that I think I could end up getting arrogant if not careful. Buy all the tractor you need now, with the 0% and $1000 off second implement make sure you go ahead and get that loader if you want or even the bx25d. I will also add that I hear good things about the 1870 and loader if your wife is like mine (stingy with the finances). I will post a picture of my hill that I cut so you can get an idea of how stable she can be but please don't judge me, I know its really too steep to side hill. I just go slow, keep the ROPS up and wear my belt at all times. Only felt my butt pucker a few times in the beginning before loading the tires.

 

[toddtms]

Thanks everyone for the responses. It sounds like everyone thinks the BX is the way to go for my needs.

CHUCKY79. That hill is steeper than mine so if you have no issues I should be fine, which is good to know. When you say side cut I assume you mean that you cut side to side (Width) not up and down. That is how I cut my hilly area as well. On my JD, I sit off the side of the seat and use my body weight to help counter balance things. It sounds like that is a non issue for you. Also what type of tires are yours? I think they are the R4's from what I could tell, but then again I don't know much yet. Do they eat up your lawn?

As for the BX1870 I would consider that as well. I spoke to a dealer last week and the price difference between the two at this dealer is only $1,300 when comparably equipped. That is not much in the end so I was leaning towards the extra HP just to be on the safe side.

Keep the advice coming. My wife hates me doing the research because she knows when I do this, a purchase is looming right around the corner.........I tell her its about safety.........

 

[dfh1977]

I use my BX2370 to do small farming and tilling. I do use mine to mow with and have the 60" MMM. It does sound weird to mow with when engaged bit it cuts well and even. My only warning on the mower I learned from our local small engine repairman is when the belt needs to be changed, we have to make sure the timing is right as the way the blades turn blow all the grass out. The middle blade supposedly turns opposite of the other 2 blades. Does not matter to me as when the time comes to change blades I will just do it. The belt when wore out I might check with dealer to change as a last resort. I love mine though it does not fit in barn now due to ROPS is taller than second floor of barn shed. Had bent down for winter and last time got tired of hitting head on it and fixed it back up in place. Make sure you have tie downs for the ROPS if you ever plan on taking it off or to just bend down for winter storage as I have too. Beams on side do not bend in to make easy on own to bend in to pull ROPS down. Pop up sheds not an option as this past winter a foot of snow would have destroyed it. Compare the size of a 23HP diesel engine to a 22 HP gas engine. My little kubota engine is about half the size of gas engine. If you need the backhoe attachment, how often would you really need to use it and would the extra cost be justified. Think of the tractor like this. What is the biggest you want to do with it. I originally thought of a BX1870 but thought the BX2370 would be better for mowing grass and gardening. The FEL works good for snow removal. But for weight. I just leave mine on mowing and plowing garden.

 

[chucky79]

Yes, side hilling is like your describing where we used to sit on the fender/edge of the seat to keep from turning over (that's what I did on my old cub cadet like you do your JD). With loaded tires I can sit in the seat normal no issue and feel very safe although I know safest is to go up and down bit that takes longer and doesn't look as pretty when cut. I have the Bar tires. they are the most aggressive available from factory on the BX. I was REALLY worried about how they would do but my dealer suggested and said 90% of the BX he sells has them without issue. He was right, not a single issue in my yard. I can post pics of it right after cutting if you want proof as I understand what its like to research and research. I will say this, the traction is awesome with these but if you do break traction or get stuck she digs a hole and does it quick unlike turfs which would proably spin. I Know I have not regretted buying them but if I did it again I might get the industrials simply because they are tough, look cool, have a flatter profile and are inbetween my bar/AG tires and the turfs. I think u will be fine with any option you choose. I basically flipped a coin and took dealer advice.

As for the bx1870 vs 2370 I agree go with the 2370. Little larger, larger tires, more power and looks less like a lawnmower and more like a tractor. I just suggest it because u stated cost was an issue. If hou want any pics of the tractor, my yard etc just message me and ill send all you want.

 

[dfh1977]

mine after doing snow removal with turf tires.

mine with FEL and mowing deck on it to cut grass.

 

[toddtms]

Thanks again for the responses.

I am seeing pics of the turf tires as well as the R4's. So what is everyone's take on tires and why. I was leaning towards the turf tires since I will be doing a lot of mowing, but then one dealer said to get the R4's and described them as a "happy medium" between the turfs and the R1.

CHUCKY79. You said you went with the bar tires and had them loaded. Are those the R1 or R4? Also please explain loaded. I assume based on what I have read they were filled with some type of liquid. What do they fill them will and how much does it cost. Have you ever used your tractor without loaded tires? Can you notice the difference.

Thanks again, I am just trying to make a well informed purchase.

 

[TripleR]

When I bought my BX2660, it had R4 (Industrial tires), I told him, I really preferred something else. He said he orders all of his BXs with R4 as they seemed to be the best all around tire especially with a FEL. He asked me to try them and if I didn't like them, he would replace them with bar or turf for no cost. I agreed though I was a bit skeptical; that was in 2008and I still have Industrials on it even though we no longer use the FEL on it as we keep one on our BX2200.

 

[85Hokie]

Thanks again for the responses.

I am seeing pics of the turf tires as well as the R4's. So what is everyone's take on tires and why. I was leaning towards the turf tires since I will be doing a lot of mowing, but then one dealer said to get the R4's and described them as a "happy medium" between the turfs and the R1.

CHUCKY79. You said you went with the bar tires and had them loaded. Are those the R1 or R4? Also please explain loaded. I assume based on what I have read they were filled with some type of liquid. What do they fill them will and how much does it cost. Have you ever used your tractor without loaded tires? Can you notice the difference.

Thanks again, I am just trying to make a well informed purchase.

Todd,

he was describing R1's - ag tires, the R4's are a industrial type that is used on many bobcat type machines, there are somewhat a cross between turfs and ags. I really like my R4's - they fit my needs perfectly. They do NOT mark up the grass, yet dig in the mud, IF I never had a muddy area, I might be happy with Turfs, I use my B7100 to cut most of my grass now, and it has turfs, back then they did not make R4's for the model. THey have spun in 4wd going up a hill in a slightly moist day, I wished I had R4's on them, but they are fine 95% of the time.

As for ballast - your dealer should fill them for FREE !!! If not - it should NOT be expensive ....unless you are placing Beetjuice or Rimguard, both are a little pricey - but well worth the $$$$

As for safety - loaded tires help in a huge way, yes on a hillside you can feel the difference- the tippy feel is gone.....

the advantage of ballast versus lets say weights, if you use weights, that is LOADED on the frame, which places pressure along the entire tractor, and the weight is typically higher than the centerline of the tractor.

Loaded tires place ZERO weight on the TRACTOR but rather the weight is carried inside the tire, non of that weight is carried by the tractor. as the tractor moves the liquid stays below the centerline of the axle.

Now in your case, you are not gonna get a hellva lot of weight in the rears, I think 75 lbs per side is about what you can get, but at a 150 lbs below the axle is a wonderful feeling !!

 

[chucky79]

CHUCKY79. You said you went with the bar tires and had them loaded. Are those the R1 or R4? Also please explain loaded. I assume based on what I have read they were filled with some type of liquid. What do they fill them will and how much does it cost. Have you ever used your tractor without loaded tires? Can you notice the difference.

Thanks again, I am just trying to make a well informed purchase.

Pretty much what 85hokie said.... Bar tires are AG / tractor tread / aggressive tread/ R1 and a bunch of other names. I will add that BX Bar tires aren't that aggressive or deep like some real farm tractor AG's with really deep tread depth. The "bars" or tread is the same depth as the industrial R4's just spaced a little farther apart. I have, surprisingly, been very happy with them mowing my yard. If the weather ever breaks ill send you a pic right after cutting.

Yes my dealer filled them with calcium chloride I think. Basically salt water of some sort as I understand it. Wont freeze and adds weight to the water. Safe for the most part but can rust your wheels over the course of a life time but my dealer told me not to worry an entire set of new wheels and tires only cost 300 bucks which shocked me so I did it. Yes I mowed my steep hill "side cutting" once or twice without loaded tires and decided she could benefit from the extra weight and stability so I took them off and hauled down to the shop for him to fill them. he did it for FREE! and I think each wheel and tire weights 185lbs now if I recall correctly but I cant be certain as it might have been 135lbs. either way it was a good bit and REALLY made the tractor more secure and stable on the hill side. It wasn't smart of my to try but I seriously was able to stand and rock the tractor back and forth while holding the ROPS and could not get her to lift the wheels off the ground and that was me sitting on that steep hill I posted. before loading the tires she actually would lift the high side off the ground just by me sitting in the seat and rocking it slightly. nothing like it used to do in my old cub cadet mower but still enough I felt that adding weight to the tires was a good idea. I also spun less when turning on the hillside and had killer traction this winter while plowing snow. absolutely a win win.

I would suggest you get industrial tires to say the least but really consider the bar (R1's) as well. I don't think you will be disappointed expecially if you have a hillside to cut. Worse case you go buy some turfs or industrial's as a spare set later on and swap them out and keep the R1's for snow or when working in the mucky stuff. if you have any other questions let me know and if you want pics of the tires mounted just message me and I can give you my cell number and text you a few. Also sned a video of my hill and the yard after cutting too ifyou want. I understand what its like to be sitting there contemplating all these decisions. help anyway I can.

 

[toddtms]

Thanks everyone, great info. It sounds like I may go with the R4's. It seems they are known as the best all around tire. I was just worried about tearing up the grass but that sounds like a non issue.

Question on the mowers. One dealer told me he recommends the 54" pro deck over the standard 60. I think he was referring to what Kubota calls the fine cut deck. What do those of you that have MMM's use?

Thanks. CHUCKY79 I'll send you a PM.

 

[chucky79]

ill chime in here....I had 2 acres and minimal time. Considered the 54 and even the fine cut but my dealer again recommended the 60 and I have to say I agree after 1 year. beautiful cut and can knock it out in no time. He actually told me he hasn't sold more than a handful of fine cuts in his life. I really trust my dealer too, its a family owned place that has gone from grandparents, parents, and now to a guy my own age that is really easy to talk to and deal with. I probably bugged that guy for 2 months before buying then called him on his personal cell everytime I did something stupid or the tractor made a weird noise the first few months. He always laughed at me and said trust me that tractor is tougher than you are stupid. don't worry about it and use it. Hes been dead on right, these things are beasts. Do your maintenance, follow the manual and it will last for ever.

Long short of it.....I suggest the 60" deck because lets face it, your buying this thing to make work easier and shorter. unless you have some tight spaces to squeeze into I say go as big as you can. its also nice that the 60" deck sticks out a bit so you can edge close to flower beds and around trees. No one will know what is best but you though. I would say avoid the fine cut, its not needed. Your gonna be surprised once I get a pic sent how pretty the lawn looks with the regular 60" deck.

 

[toddtms]

That is good info thanks. I also spoke to a dealer yesterday who said they have brand new drive over deck MMM's on their way. He said they should arrive very soon. I went to Kubotas website tonight and sure enough you can now build a BX with a drive over mower deck. I hate buying anything brand new like that, but how easy would that be. The JD one series is already using similar technology. I think the cost is an extra $500-600 bucks over the standard deck. I'll be mowing a lot, so it may be worth it.

 

[chucky79]

ill chime in here too! I do not have a drive over deck but I will say for 500 I will save that and buy me a few implements because taking the deck on and off is super easy. I can do it in a couple minutes as long as I don't mind to kneel down and crawl around for a second. if you buying a loader then it will be even easier!! the hardest part is reaching under and attaching the drive shaft and that's as easy and pulling the locking collar back (kind of like detaching an air tool from the hose). for 500 you can buy buy a new Kubota Land Pride rear blade or go to Tractor Supply and spend 500 for a rear blade, boom pole and a carry all with some change to spare. It just seems gimmicky to me and maybe marketed to old people or those who don't know how to do anything on their own.... just my two cents though!

Good call on the industrials. I think I will get htose when I upgrade to a bx25d. Hear they are super durable, pretty good in all environments puncture resistance and have really good sidewall strength.

 

[TripleR]

I agree with Chucky on both points, we replaced our 54" JD with the 60" BX2200 as well as 2660 later and the mowing time was reduced considerably. Of course as with many, we just started mowing more, so we still spend the same amount of time on it.

We have 2 BXs, long story, so we leave the deck on our 2660, but when we use to remove/install decks, it was a simple matter, there are You Tube videos by 94BULLITT from TBN you may find helpful as well as a couple on the FEL.

 

[toddtms]

So I went out today and drove a JD 1025R and the BX 2370. They are both very nice machines and to be honest there are things I like about both over the other, but........

JD prices are ridiculous compared to the Kubota. I felt like I was getting so much more in the Kubota package compared to the JD. The JD salesman tried to tell me that there is a reason for the huge price increase and the old "You get what you pay for" saying. While I think that's true in a lot of areas, I do not think there is anything that justifies the additional $$$$$$. The JD 1025R was just over $3,000 more.

So I think I have made my decision and its the BX2370, FEL and 60" MMM. I am still working on the wife, but hope to buy in the next month or so.

Any last minutes suggestions? Thanks everyone for the input, I appreciate it.