Go BottomIs BX1500 the right choice
 | Andy S
Join Date: Posts: 1 
|
2002-10-27 44283
I live on 1 acre with a pretty good but not hazardous slope, and many landscaping projects to do. I've been shopping for a garden tractor, but my local dealer says I can get the BX1500 in Feb/March for about 8.5K with a 48" MMM. I'm 47, so hopefully I'm looking at 25-30 more years of mowing and projects. Till now, I've done everything manually, but the slope and the size can make things slow and difficult. I really like the idea of buying more than just a mower to get some help with the heavy work. Is this the machine I need? Thanks. Andy S
Reply to |
Quote Reply |
Add PhotoIs BX1500 the right choice
| larry
Join Date: Mar 2004 Posts: 0 St.Davids
|
2002-10-28 44300
You have lots of time until Feb-Mar keep your eyes open
& you might find yourself a good deal.
Every one seems to like the BX machine ....
Reply to |
Quote Reply |
Add PhotoIs BX1500 the right choice
| Patriot
Join Date: Jul 2003 Posts: 7 Fuquay-Varina, NC
|
2002-11-01 44529
Andy, this is a tough question. My reply is a little long so forgive my rambling. The price for the 1500 and the 48" MMM is less than a $1000 (I'm betting) more than a Garden Tractor from the likes of Toro, Simplicity, etc, but they would probably give you a 54 or 60 inch deck. However, the BX is much more versatile with attachments, much more heavy duty overall and can do more things. So price for price I believe the BX is the way to go. But one outstanding question remains, what will you be using the tractor for? The BX will cut a full acre of grass in a very short time. Each implement adds money to the bottom line. I just have not seen that many people with 1 acre buy a tractor and load up on implements. Around here a rental of a Bobcat or tractor with FEL is about $250 for the weekend, we'll you be needing a FEL all the time? Mostly cutting, hauling stuff? I think you need to answer these questions before you size up the tractor, sounds like from your post that you got some things in mind as far as work projects, let us know... ....
Reply to |
Quote Reply |
Add PhotoIs BX1500 the right choice
| TomG
Join Date: Feb 2002 Posts: 5406 Upper Ottawa Valley 
|
2002-11-02 44546
Like Patriot I believe that thinking through what a tractor is going to do is a good thing. It's easy enough for the implements to pile up and a bunch of money is tied up. Tractor stuff is expensive and it's good to be pretty sure that everything is kept busy. A maintenance budget is also something to keep in mind when figuring costs.
On the other hand, we live about an hour's drive from any equipment rental place, and I'd have to be able to trailer anything I rented or transportation costs would make it an expensive idea. My 1/2-ton just isn't going to transport anything very big. Here in the 'deep country' it's also difficult to find a contractor who will take small jobs when you need something done. As a result, I don't mind if some of my equipment isn't exactly busy. It's there when I need it and that's worth something.
....
Reply to |
Quote Reply |
Add PhotoIs BX1500 the right choice
| Steve Mahler
Join Date: Posts: 1
|
2002-11-08 44748
I am puzzled by the BX1500. I think it will be a fine little tractor, but it doesnt seem cheap enough to me. There are several dealers in my area, and Carver Equipment on the web, who sell BX1800s for around $8000. I have even seen prices as low as $7200 for a new 1800. If it were me, I would go for the 1800/54 or 60" deck for a small premium over the 1500. Conversly, if I really didnt need the compact tractor functionality, the kubota G1860 is a fantastic value with 18hp diesel, 54" deck, power steering and foot hydro for something less than $6000 (real price, not list). ....
Reply to |
Quote Reply |
Add PhotoIs BX1500 the right choice
 | Art White
Join Date: Jan 2000 Posts: 6898 Waterville New York
 Pics
|
2002-11-09 44776
Steve, I've found that having a loader to help in home chores is great. I think other people have found the same thing and a garden tractor is a waste of money to put a loader on. The BX 1500 lowers the dollar investment to get to an end result that will work for people. The BX1800 at just 400 dollars less than the 2200 is not considered enough of a bargain for the 400 dollars to many people. Kubota had to put an additional sales allowance on them to move them out of the dealers yard this past year making the prices that you stated a reality and a way to get people to find the value in the purchase. ....
Reply to |
Quote Reply |
Add PhotoIs BX1500 the right choice
| RickLin
Join Date: May 2004 Posts: 2 Olympia Washington
|
2004-05-08 85540
We just purchased a BX1500 with front loader about 6 months ago. All I can say is what a treasure and we should have gotten it sooner. We don't have a very big piece of property, but it seems we were always shoveling dirt or chips or manure. This little tractor really has helped us out. In addition, we recently purchased a subsoiler from Rankin. For the price, this little thing really loosens the soil so that I can get the front loader to dig into it. Also great help for digging a shallow ditch. Once the soil is loose, its real easy to dig it out with a shovel. Yea a back hoe would be nice, but the added cost of a tractor with backhoe was not in the budget.
Did I mention the size, seems kind of small until you are trying to move around in a small yard. Just perfect for us.
Rick ....
Reply to |
Quote Reply |
Add PhotoIs BX1500 the right choice
 | AV8R
Join Date: Oct 2003 Posts: 882 North Central Wisconsin 
Pics
|
2004-05-08 85570
I agree with the 18 vs 22 hp debate. I very willingly pain the extra $400 for the 22hp. I chose the 3 cyl over the 2 cyl (15 hp) for its smoothness. Been extremely happy with the investment!
Check my Website (below) for more pics. ....
Link: My Website
Reply to |
Quote Reply |
Add PhotoIs BX1500 the right choice
| Burger
Join Date: May 2004 Posts: 26 Montana
|
2004-05-09 85583
I looked hard at the BX1500 and it came down to this. the current lawn mower is an 18hp gas, and Gas/Diesel Apples/Oranges aside, a new machine should be bigger just on basic principle.
oh, and I wanted a 60" mower deck. ....
Reply to |
Quote Reply |
Add PhotoIs BX1500 the right choice
| new
Join Date: Posts: 1
|
2004-07-05 90133
As for the horsepower debate there is no question in my book. My bx1500 15hp. diesel has more power than any of my previous gas garden tractors. This includes brands like Honda,Kholer,Briggs, and Kawasaki wich were used in my part-time lawn care business. I just wish I would have switched sooner. ....
Reply to |
Quote Reply |
Add Photo
Go Top
Share This