Currently have a BX-23 with backhoe and brushhog and driveway grader. I just bought 70 acres of replanted (3 years ago) clearcut. Wife wants a barn and arena for 2-3- horses. The terrain is hilly, with stumps everywhere (keep getting my RTV high-centered). I was considering getting a larger tractor for the property, and maybe keeping the BX for "in the barn/arena" maintenance (maybe with turf tires) and the backhoe use. I went and looked at the L2501 and l3301, as the dealer felt they were the models most stable on hills. Would get brush hog, grappler and driveway grader- perhaps post hole auger in future. I am open to any suggestions.
New, larger tractor
- Thread starter OrFish
- Start date
It is always nice to find a reason to buy a new tractor, but I think you have to determine if you need one.
We have a 127 acre camp with logging trails. A few years ago I hired a dozer for a day to widen the berms on the trails and get rid of stumps and obstructions. This year I hired a forestry mulcher for a day eliminate branches, saplings , trees that were starting to encroach on the trails and get rid of some stumps. Each machine cost about $1k per day. That forestry mulcher was a mean machine and could get rid of a 14 inch stump in about one minuet with out leaving a big hole.
After the heavy lifting was done, bought a BX2380 with loader, rotary mower and box blade to maintain what the big machines left.
If I were to use a tractor to do what the "big machines" did, I would still be there.
If I were you I would consider hiring some big machines to get you close to where you need to be and use the BX from there. If you find you need a bigger machine after that, go for it.
Our BX is about the perfect size for trails and the little fella is a work horse, as I am sure you know.
We have a 127 acre camp with logging trails. A few years ago I hired a dozer for a day to widen the berms on the trails and get rid of stumps and obstructions. This year I hired a forestry mulcher for a day eliminate branches, saplings , trees that were starting to encroach on the trails and get rid of some stumps. Each machine cost about $1k per day. That forestry mulcher was a mean machine and could get rid of a 14 inch stump in about one minuet with out leaving a big hole.
After the heavy lifting was done, bought a BX2380 with loader, rotary mower and box blade to maintain what the big machines left.
If I were to use a tractor to do what the "big machines" did, I would still be there.
If I were you I would consider hiring some big machines to get you close to where you need to be and use the BX from there. If you find you need a bigger machine after that, go for it.
Our BX is about the perfect size for trails and the little fella is a work horse, as I am sure you know.
Last edited:
Unless you have ongoing projects you may be just fine with your BX.
ZTMAN covered it perfectly. I too like to buy stuff. I had to make a trench for electric to my workshop and nearly convinced myself to buy a backhoe for my B2320. But the trench was about 20 ft. long.
It's often hard to look at your own decisions as it is to look at others.
Get a few prices to see what it would cost to do what you want. I guarantee you won't be anywhere near the cost of an L tractor.
(But those are very nice machines)
ZTMAN covered it perfectly. I too like to buy stuff. I had to make a trench for electric to my workshop and nearly convinced myself to buy a backhoe for my B2320. But the trench was about 20 ft. long.
It's often hard to look at your own decisions as it is to look at others.
Get a few prices to see what it would cost to do what you want. I guarantee you won't be anywhere near the cost of an L tractor.
(But those are very nice machines)
I would trade the BX in on an MX5800 with backhoe. Plenty of power and size to tackle most of what you could imagine throwing at it. Could be the last tractor you'll ever need to buy, if you take care of it.
I went to dealer and poked around. My favorite was the Grand L, but mainly because of the comfort and controls. The L2510 was being pushed as a popular model because of lack of emissions, but I worry about wanting more power in the future.
I will be using the tractors to help build the new barn, put in fences, grade gravel driveway, maintain horse paths, grading outside and inside arenas. So maybe a wood chipper attachment and maybe a post hole auger or post pounder in addition to driveway grader and brush hog. And definitely a grappler on the front. We buy hay, not growing our own.
I will be using the tractors to help build the new barn, put in fences, grade gravel driveway, maintain horse paths, grading outside and inside arenas. So maybe a wood chipper attachment and maybe a post hole auger or post pounder in addition to driveway grader and brush hog. And definitely a grappler on the front. We buy hay, not growing our own.
shootem604
Member
Lifetime Member
Equipment
L245DT with Kubota (Arps Model 22) FEL and Kubota B/L4520B (Woods 650) BH
You may want to keep the smaller tractor and keep and eye open for something bigger for some of those tasks. Don't replace the BX - it is small, nimble, and has it's purpose. Keep an eye out for an M, or maybe even a full size backhoe or a small excavator.
You already have a little tractor I wouldn't go smaller than 60+HP with a new one. I don't see any difference between your existing machine and the L2501 and L3301 unless excess cash is burning holes in your pockets.
I'd suggest at least 60 PTO HP for a 70 acre farm
NoJacketRequired
Active member
Equipment
B7510 & LA302 FEL & B2782 blower, B7510 & B2781 blower, B2410 & B2550 blower
Russell King
Well-known member
Lifetime Member
Equipment
L185F, Modern Ag Competitor 4’ shredder, Rhino tiller, rear dirt scoop
You may want to consider something like an articulated skid steer and all the implements that are now available
Avant is one brand, Kubota had skid steer but not articulated as far as I know
Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
Avant is one brand, Kubota had skid steer but not articulated as far as I know
Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
My great grandfather used a horse!Wow, and to think of the 400 acres I worked with 35hp...
Again, I appreciate all the responses. Spent about 6 hours on the BX yesterday and my main compaints were 1) getting the crap kicked out of me by bumps and ruts when mowing, 2)Getting stuck with mower by the ruts 3)unable to grade uphill (the gravel driveway grader set on float) without just spinning.
Maybe I need a heavier tractor more than just power!
I found a MX5200 and a M7040 on craigs, but both had manual transmissions. All the youtube dealers say that majority of sales are hydrostats, so I had not considered a manual. Maybe I am wrong on that.
Maybe I need a heavier tractor more than just power!
I found a MX5200 and a M7040 on craigs, but both had manual transmissions. All the youtube dealers say that majority of sales are hydrostats, so I had not considered a manual. Maybe I am wrong on that.
My M6040 has a 4 speed manual with the shuttle shift/reverser.
Once you have shifted into the gear you want to use, it is a clutchless shift forward or reverse with the shuttle. Smooth and solid
I appreciate all the advice. I did end up purchasing a used L4740 with 300 hours. I really ended up between than and a MX5200. I am having the dealer install the top and tilt kit and front grapple. Now I just need to keep my eye out on used 6' implements, and use my old 4' ones until then.
You'll really like your choice. I have it's smaller brother. I bought it used with about 650 hours and in a years time there are features I haven't used yet. Nice reliable machines with no EPA features!