LEOLAV
06-29-2005, 02:28 PM
Here is my stab at a review for my BX1500.
Price as purchased $10,800 w/ FEL
5 ft Rear Landscaping Rake was $309
The Engine:
The engine is a 2 cylinder diesel with 15hp and 25.8 ft. lbs. of torque. Don't let that low horsepower figure fool you. This tractor has plenty of power from the torque it develops. The increased fuel under load is automatic in diesels to maintain their rpm, and my overall fuel usage is low as expected. It uses less diesel than my GT5k did of gas to put things in perspective.
The engine has a glow plug pre-heater system in the start switch, but with Kubota's advanced fuel delivery system, the engine comes to life as quickly as any gas engine in excellent shape. Starting at a quarter to half throttle, a few minutes warm-up is all that is required before operation.
Normal engine speed during operation is full throttle on the BX1500. The throttle is operated by a standard lever on the right side of the steering column as found on large tractors. This gives the rated 2500 rpm mid PTO speed and the 540 rpm rear PTO speed required by attachments and prevents any engine lugging.
This baby is water cooled and I have yet to add any coolant to it, although I will change it during the 50 hr service even though the coolant still looks perfect. Temperatures have remained stable and proper, so I have no worry there. If it should rise, it probably just means the radiator screen needs a quick and easy cleaning.
The Battery:
Located below the dash it is hidden by a mesh grille held in place with a simple twist knob. Service or removal is easy and takes only a moment and it is a substantial battery of good quality.
Cutting Deck:
This model can be purchased with a 48" or 54" mower deck. I have the smaller deck and it has about 11 grease points. All are easily serviced and require occasional attention during the seasons in my use on 3-4 acres.
The deck is sturdy and well made using heavier metals than found on the decks of lighter gas tractors and it is shaft operated. There is one deck belt which is easily checked, and it is a heavy piece which has shown little to no wear in my use. The cut is excellent with no scalping and the blades have remained sharp so far in my year round use. The deck cutting height is adjusted by a knob below the seat and using it's anti-scalp rollers. The rollers do not contact the ground in normal use unless needed, which does improve their lifespan dramatically. Remember that annoying mower blade stop on some tractors if you reverse direction? Forget it. Kubota doesn't play that game here.
Steering:
This tractor has power steering that turns with your little finger, but with a positive feel. The position is not adjustable, but it's no problem with the seating adjustment. A tight turn radius also makes for easy maneuvering, especially with the heel and toe operation of the foot pedal for forward and reverse. I mow areas faster with the Kubota than I did with my Husq. ZTR!!!
The Transmission:
A fluid heel and toe direction movement and speed using only the right foot control. There is a two speed shift but I use frequenty to lower speed. The hydraulics are served by the trans which holds 2.7 gallons of oil. In low, this tractor could probably pull a truck and it has 4-wheel drive, although its use is recommended only when needed. There is also a convenient differential lock to aid traction when needed. In 4wd low, this thing can push or pull just about anything. It routinely gets out of deep muck in my "compost" area that my old tractors would need to be towed out of.
Controls - switches, gauges, levers, and lighting:
Rocker switches left to right on the dash's left side are left and right turn signal switch, headlights, and hazard lights. All of the lighting is well attached and bright, so it is easily seen. Idiot lights above the steering wheel on the dash are left to right - turn signal/hazard light indicator, preheat (glow plug), charging system, engine oil pressure, and key switch. A mechanical gauge is provided next for engine temperature. Next to it is a large light that comes on brightly to warn of low fuel. Only annoying thing about the fuel light is when the fuel gets low, any sudden movements due to the diesel splashing around in the tank sets the light off. No big deal. Keep it loaded with fuel and you have no issue.
Control levers on the left fender are L-R the 3 position PTO control for rear PTO only, both, and mid PTO only. The inner control is for PTO engagement. Right side levers are front right - the 4-wheel drive engage/disengage, rear of it is the 3 position transmission control (forward - low, center - neutral, rear - high), inside of it is the implement hydraulic lift and lower lever. In front of your left foot and outward is the differential lock you step on to engage. Just inward is the parking brake lock you push forward while holding the brake pedal down with your foot on the right and above the trans foot control.
Last here, the hood release is just right and rearward to the steering column and a slight movement pops open the solidly closing hood. (That hood swings up and open to the front giving a good opening to the engine.)
Comfort and safety:
All controls are in easy reach and in the standard positions one would expect, this of course contributes to safety. Operation of all is smooth and has a positive feel. I'm 6'3" and the seat, with its fore and aft adjustment and shock absorbing adjustment control, is comfortable. The tractor safety protection is under the seat - should you leave it under power or with implements running, everything shuts down. The tractor also comes with a seatbelt for when using the bucket and those fun rides where you feel like your on a bronco and it is trying to buck you into next week.
Attachments:
Well, you might know there are a great number of attachments for this tractor not only from Kubota but others as well. I obviously purchased the Front End Loader. With 250 lbs of ballast in the rear tires, this thing can really do some lifting. The manual states that the loader can SAFELY lift around 450 lbs without issue. It can (and does) much more than that. It is more for safety than for capability. I've lifted some stones with it already that have left me amazed!
I also purchased a Howse 5 foot landscape rake (york rake style) and with the Cat 1 hitch on the back, this makes for a formidable combination when used with the FEL. I spread over 50 tons of 3/4 stone in less than 3 hours two weekends ago. It loves to work hard.
A few specs for your inspection:
3-point category 1 hitch
Weight - 1213lbs. without deck
Height - 69.9" at top of ROPS (46.3" top of steering wheel)
Length - 75" 3 point hitch not included
Width (minimum tread) - 45.1"
Minimum turn radius - 7.15'
Wheelbase - 52.8"
Ground clearance - 5.6"
Travel speed (forward) - 7.5 mph (reverse - 6.2)
Tires - turf or lugs available, I have turf
My Kubota BX1500 works efficiently, economically, and quickly. This gets me out of the heat and back to the nearest cool spot for refreshments as soon as possible. And for those interested, it does have a really nice cup holder that is right on the left side. :trink40:
...and don't forget, they have 0% financing available. :fing32: :fing32:
Price as purchased $10,800 w/ FEL
5 ft Rear Landscaping Rake was $309
The Engine:
The engine is a 2 cylinder diesel with 15hp and 25.8 ft. lbs. of torque. Don't let that low horsepower figure fool you. This tractor has plenty of power from the torque it develops. The increased fuel under load is automatic in diesels to maintain their rpm, and my overall fuel usage is low as expected. It uses less diesel than my GT5k did of gas to put things in perspective.
The engine has a glow plug pre-heater system in the start switch, but with Kubota's advanced fuel delivery system, the engine comes to life as quickly as any gas engine in excellent shape. Starting at a quarter to half throttle, a few minutes warm-up is all that is required before operation.
Normal engine speed during operation is full throttle on the BX1500. The throttle is operated by a standard lever on the right side of the steering column as found on large tractors. This gives the rated 2500 rpm mid PTO speed and the 540 rpm rear PTO speed required by attachments and prevents any engine lugging.
This baby is water cooled and I have yet to add any coolant to it, although I will change it during the 50 hr service even though the coolant still looks perfect. Temperatures have remained stable and proper, so I have no worry there. If it should rise, it probably just means the radiator screen needs a quick and easy cleaning.
The Battery:
Located below the dash it is hidden by a mesh grille held in place with a simple twist knob. Service or removal is easy and takes only a moment and it is a substantial battery of good quality.
Cutting Deck:
This model can be purchased with a 48" or 54" mower deck. I have the smaller deck and it has about 11 grease points. All are easily serviced and require occasional attention during the seasons in my use on 3-4 acres.
The deck is sturdy and well made using heavier metals than found on the decks of lighter gas tractors and it is shaft operated. There is one deck belt which is easily checked, and it is a heavy piece which has shown little to no wear in my use. The cut is excellent with no scalping and the blades have remained sharp so far in my year round use. The deck cutting height is adjusted by a knob below the seat and using it's anti-scalp rollers. The rollers do not contact the ground in normal use unless needed, which does improve their lifespan dramatically. Remember that annoying mower blade stop on some tractors if you reverse direction? Forget it. Kubota doesn't play that game here.
Steering:
This tractor has power steering that turns with your little finger, but with a positive feel. The position is not adjustable, but it's no problem with the seating adjustment. A tight turn radius also makes for easy maneuvering, especially with the heel and toe operation of the foot pedal for forward and reverse. I mow areas faster with the Kubota than I did with my Husq. ZTR!!!
The Transmission:
A fluid heel and toe direction movement and speed using only the right foot control. There is a two speed shift but I use frequenty to lower speed. The hydraulics are served by the trans which holds 2.7 gallons of oil. In low, this tractor could probably pull a truck and it has 4-wheel drive, although its use is recommended only when needed. There is also a convenient differential lock to aid traction when needed. In 4wd low, this thing can push or pull just about anything. It routinely gets out of deep muck in my "compost" area that my old tractors would need to be towed out of.
Controls - switches, gauges, levers, and lighting:
Rocker switches left to right on the dash's left side are left and right turn signal switch, headlights, and hazard lights. All of the lighting is well attached and bright, so it is easily seen. Idiot lights above the steering wheel on the dash are left to right - turn signal/hazard light indicator, preheat (glow plug), charging system, engine oil pressure, and key switch. A mechanical gauge is provided next for engine temperature. Next to it is a large light that comes on brightly to warn of low fuel. Only annoying thing about the fuel light is when the fuel gets low, any sudden movements due to the diesel splashing around in the tank sets the light off. No big deal. Keep it loaded with fuel and you have no issue.
Control levers on the left fender are L-R the 3 position PTO control for rear PTO only, both, and mid PTO only. The inner control is for PTO engagement. Right side levers are front right - the 4-wheel drive engage/disengage, rear of it is the 3 position transmission control (forward - low, center - neutral, rear - high), inside of it is the implement hydraulic lift and lower lever. In front of your left foot and outward is the differential lock you step on to engage. Just inward is the parking brake lock you push forward while holding the brake pedal down with your foot on the right and above the trans foot control.
Last here, the hood release is just right and rearward to the steering column and a slight movement pops open the solidly closing hood. (That hood swings up and open to the front giving a good opening to the engine.)
Comfort and safety:
All controls are in easy reach and in the standard positions one would expect, this of course contributes to safety. Operation of all is smooth and has a positive feel. I'm 6'3" and the seat, with its fore and aft adjustment and shock absorbing adjustment control, is comfortable. The tractor safety protection is under the seat - should you leave it under power or with implements running, everything shuts down. The tractor also comes with a seatbelt for when using the bucket and those fun rides where you feel like your on a bronco and it is trying to buck you into next week.
Attachments:
Well, you might know there are a great number of attachments for this tractor not only from Kubota but others as well. I obviously purchased the Front End Loader. With 250 lbs of ballast in the rear tires, this thing can really do some lifting. The manual states that the loader can SAFELY lift around 450 lbs without issue. It can (and does) much more than that. It is more for safety than for capability. I've lifted some stones with it already that have left me amazed!
I also purchased a Howse 5 foot landscape rake (york rake style) and with the Cat 1 hitch on the back, this makes for a formidable combination when used with the FEL. I spread over 50 tons of 3/4 stone in less than 3 hours two weekends ago. It loves to work hard.
A few specs for your inspection:
3-point category 1 hitch
Weight - 1213lbs. without deck
Height - 69.9" at top of ROPS (46.3" top of steering wheel)
Length - 75" 3 point hitch not included
Width (minimum tread) - 45.1"
Minimum turn radius - 7.15'
Wheelbase - 52.8"
Ground clearance - 5.6"
Travel speed (forward) - 7.5 mph (reverse - 6.2)
Tires - turf or lugs available, I have turf
My Kubota BX1500 works efficiently, economically, and quickly. This gets me out of the heat and back to the nearest cool spot for refreshments as soon as possible. And for those interested, it does have a really nice cup holder that is right on the left side. :trink40:
...and don't forget, they have 0% financing available. :fing32: :fing32: