Purchasing a 2005 BX2350 to replace a 1988 7200 4x4

[tomtucker18]

Howdy folks

As the title says i am looking at replacing my old trusty rusty b7200 from 1988 with a newer BX2350 from 2005.
Just wanted to get the wealth of knowledge that is this forum to see if i am mad or if its a worthwhile upgrade.
My old one has served me well and continues to everyday, i use it mainly to move boats around as i am a boat mechanic and firewood missions and general FEL work etc.
Looking upgrade to a newer tractor as my other one is tired and i feel it is going to degrade quicker than just buying a newer one. It does get pushed a little bit wh.en i move bigger heavier boats and that would be y main reason for getting a different tractor.
In the area i am there is a massive demand for 'cheaper' tractors as the prices since covid have gone nuts. i could probably get 8k CAD for it on marketplace, the new one is 11k plus tax so end of the day it would cost me 4k to upgrade.

What's everyone's thoughts? mad? Great idea?! Hows the reputation of the bx2350?

 

[85Hokie]

I have a BX1850 with the FEL and MMM.

Runs and operates perfectly.

ONLY ONE DOWN SIDE ----------- PLASTIC fenders, hood . The sun will eat that plastic up to the point if you touch it, it will crack!!!

the xx50 series tractors are fantastic - the plastic parts are expensive to replace too.

 

[chim]

Welcome aboard! If the B7200 is being manhandled by the boats, I'd look at something that's bigger and heavier than what you already have. A quick look indicated the BX2350 is about the same weight as the B7200.

 

[tomtucker18]

Yeah i have seen that the machine stats are very similar, i did think that it having more horsepower would help but i didn't consider the overall weight and the fact that is probably the most important stat!
I would love to upgrade but i'm so torn whether or not to keep what i know or so go newer and unknown. I just did the clutch this winter so it is ready to work but it does need the hyd cyl repaired as the seals have gone and the bucket drops.

 

[tomtucker18]

Would folks consider this an 'upgrade" or an 'update'?!

 

[North Idaho Wolfman]

Would folks consider this an 'upgrade" or an 'update'?!

I personally would consider it a size downgrade.
A parallel in HP performance.
I would be looking for a newer B or even an L, MX, or M to move boats.

 

[Hugo Habicht]

Would folks consider this an 'upgrade" or an 'update'?!

Keep in mind that modern tractors may have a lot of electronics for the engine etc. . This will limit it's useful life and make repairs more difficult.

 

[PaulL]

I used to move my boat with my BX2350. A relatively small ski boat - about 5000 pounds. Fine on the flat, but the BX didn't really like stopping it - not enough weight or traction. On the boat ramp (which is pretty shallow angle) it was a little hairy. It could do it, but I wouldn't want to be moving a much bigger boat, and definitely not on a hill that didn't have a lake at the bottom to stop me.

As @85Hokie says, the BX2350 was the plastic one. Every panel on mine was broken in some way. Didn't affect the operation, but make sure you're OK with your tractor being rough. They'll be cheap because they are cosmetically ugly, so if you don't mind ugly they're mechanically pretty much the same as later models.

I'd be looking at a bigger machine. A BX is a smaller machine. The HST would be super useful for moving boats.

 

[tomtucker18]

I used to move my boat with my BX2350. A relatively small ski boat - about 5000 pounds. Fine on the flat, but the BX didn't really like stopping it - not enough weight or traction. On the boat ramp (which is pretty shallow angle) it was a little hairy. It could do it, but I wouldn't want to be moving a much bigger boat, and definitely not on a hill that didn't have a lake at the bottom to stop me.

As @85Hokie says, the BX2350 was the plastic one. Every panel on mine was broken in some way. Didn't affect the operation, but make sure you're OK with your tractor being rough. They'll be cheap because they are cosmetically ugly, so if you don't mind ugly they're mechanically pretty much the same as later models.

I'd be looking at a bigger machine. A BX is a smaller machine. The HST would be super useful for moving boats.

Thanks for the first hand advice, really great info to have. I dont ever really move boats on anything that isnt flat land as they just get pulled into and out of the shop for work. I use my truck to take to the nearest boat ramp. 5/6000 lbs is about the max boat size that i move maybe a 7000 everynow and again but my shop isnt big enbuogh for bigger boats. I have also had a good year financially and would be good to use some profits to reinvest in my buisness.
I am very conflicted as to what to do!! I would love a newer machine but the mechanic in me says ifs its not broke don't fix it!

 

[PaulL]

If you're moving on the flat and particularly on concrete or otherwise good traction, a BX2350 will move most things if you're in L. If you're not going fast and not on a slope, it'll work fine. And the BX2350 is cheap for what it is because of the cosmetic issues. I think HST would be a pretty big upgrade, it's a lot easier to nudge. I assume you'd put a tow hitch on the 3ph? I pulled my boat in and out, and around our driveway and lawn, for about 3 years with one before I upgraded to a B2601. Does it have a loader? I'd guess you'd have a fair amount of use for a mini-forklift if you put pallet forks on it as well. Not enough reach to use it to lift an engine out of a boat probably, but enough to move a lot of things around.

 

[tomtucker18]

I personally would consider it a size downgrade.
A parallel in HP performance.
I would be looking for a newer B or even an L, MX, or M to move boats.

In what way would you consider it a downgrade? Size wise or capability's or both? I don't need to move around 12000 lbs or anything but just looking to see if it is worth spending money on a newer machine or just leave that money in the bank and continue to fix my old one!

I see you have a 7100, would you always keep it because its so consistent? Definitely seeing a lot online about build quality and the plastics, I'm not to bothered about aesthetics personally, i just want a tractor that's going to last another 20 years!

Is that the b7200 with some maintenance or do i get onto a newer machine? very conflicted!

 

[tomtucker18]

If you're moving on the flat and particularly on concrete or otherwise good traction, a BX2350 will move most things if you're in L. If you're not going fast and not on a slope, it'll work fine. And the BX2350 is cheap for what it is because of the cosmetic issues. I think HST would be a pretty big upgrade, it's a lot easier to nudge. I assume you'd put a tow hitch on the 3ph? I pulled my boat in and out, and around our driveway and lawn, for about 3 years with one before I upgraded to a B2601. Does it have a loader? I'd guess you'd have a fair amount of use for a mini-forklift if you put pallet forks on it as well. Not enough reach to use it to lift an engine out of a boat probably, but enough to move a lot of things around.

Yes it does have a loader, i have used my loader so much on my 7200 that i would always have a loader on my property, even just for a glorified wheelbarrow!

Yes i have a hitch for the 3 point, i do think the bx2350 would be fine size wise its more a question of am i better off selling a functional tractor for a newer one but spending more. Or, do i keep that money in the bank and just keep my old girl running! Ive never been so conflicted about speding money!! I WANT an new tractor but do i need it and is it a worthwhile upgrade, i dont know

 

[NorthwoodsLife]

If you want a newer tractor, buy one bigger than your current 7200. A BX series isn't it.

I might have missed it, but are you moving boats with the 3 point or a hitch on the loader?

Those older K tractors, like your 7200 are commercial rated. A BX, is generally not.
Your 7200 is a beast. Which is a good thing. Go look at the L series. The 2502 would be a good and worthy upgrade. IMO.
Keep your 7200 for loader / firewood work.

 

[NorthwoodsLife]

Would folks consider this an 'upgrade" or an 'update'?!

I would consider it neither. But only a 'mistake'.

I wish that I had kept my B7100.