Help: BX2360 v. BX2660

BigMack · Apr 15, 2009

I'm going to acquire my first tractor in the next few weeks and would like some advice on BX2360 v. 2660.

The facts: 3 acres moderate slopes (<15 degrees) 2.5 acres are grass - will be doing significant mowing

significant loader use as well - gravel / dirt / mulch

extensive use of auger expected - putting in a new fence

Thoughts on the two options - do I need / can I use the extra HP?

also - liquid ballast v. ballast box - I am leaning toward the box so I can remove the weight during the mowing activity and reduce compaction on the soil.

Thanks for your consideration!

Wid LT1000 · Apr 15, 2009

BigMack,

Welcome to MTF! I can't help with your question, but someone will be along to shed some light.

Good luck with your research and eventual purchase!

JDFANATIC · Apr 15, 2009

Welcome to the forum! :Welcome1: I'll let the Kubota guys who are more familiar with these models chime in with your specific questions, but some CUT owners like me like the loaded tires year round as it makes the tractor more stable on slopes. Others think it compacts their soil more. I know when I do heavy loader work I'm glad my tires are loaded and that I also have rear ballast.

Good luck in your hunt!

harpoonalt · Apr 15, 2009

I doubt you would ever need the extra HP for what you want to do. Unless you have very soft soil and have problems, I would load the tires and forget about it. Loading the tires frees up your 3PH, puts the weight down low where it matters and really adds stability to your tractor. Spend that money you save by going with the 2360 to buy more 3PH stuff. Enjoy!

Volfandt · Apr 15, 2009

Welcome aboard BigMack, interesting but fun problem to have.
In doing alittle research between the BX2360 and BX2660, Kubota spec's the same FEL w/the same capacities for both, the 3ph is rated the same as are the speeds. They both use the same implements including the MMM and pto driven implements so thats a wash. The rated hydraulic gpm output is the same also.
Looks like the main differences is 2.5 more engine hp which would also give you atleast an an additional pto hp and the BX2660 has the premium adjustable seat. The additional engine hp "may" be negligable for most applications but a great seat is a major benefit. Now I don't want to mislead you as the std seat is pretty good as I just upgraded my BX23 to it but that premium seat is more adjustable and has a built in storage space.
The question is, is the additional hp and premium seat worth the additional cost? Well thats up to you

Which ever BX model you go with, it should handle your estate fine. I maintain alittle over 4 acres w/my 22hp BX23and it does fine. Rarely do I wish for more power and I've never needed more when finish mowing w/my 60" MMM.

re. ballast, I have my rear tires filled which added approx 200lbs of ballast to the rear. This counteracts the FEL nicely. I have very rarely needed any additional ballast but I do have a BH that can be easily mounted if needed. I have turf tires which helps spread the tractors weight out more which translates to less compaction. I don't have any compaction issues on dry turf. This muddy swamp like early spring turf I have now is another story tho

A good boxblade or similar heavy implement coupled w/filled rears should provide you all the ballast you need. Some folks have modified their weight boxes to act as a tool carrier which is a good additional use for it also if you were to go with a weight box.

I would definitely test drive both and go with the one that cranks my tractor.

Good luck

Kenneth H · Apr 16, 2009

I have a BX2660. My dealer thinks he will sell more 2660's because there is not that much $$$ difference. He just feels most will go for more HP. Time will tell.

I love the power of the 2660. I have finally mowed some tall grass and there was a full shoot of grass coming out of my 60" deck. The engine did not grunt.

I also have the rear tires filled with fluid. Both for the FEL and I mow on some slope, so it helps me mowing also.

They are the same tractor except for the engine, you just need to figure out if the extra $$$ is worth it to YOU. Either choice is a great one!

JRC0528 · Apr 16, 2009

I have the BX2350, same engine (Kubota D902), but the older style HST (that's the topic of another post...). I've used it now for grading off a spot for the new shed it's parked in, mowing with the 60" MMM, and plowing snow; so far I've been plenty happy with the 23HP engine. Specs being the same from the 23 to the 26 hydraulic-wise just means that they both use the same spec accessory pump/pressure. I have noticed that the transmission doesn't seem to transfer all the engine's HP to the wheels, esp in high range. I've heard the internal pressure relief hiss on occasion while in high (when I really should have been in low) and the engine never skipped a beat (wasn't loaded down heavily by the HST). In low range, it'll pull a house if you can get the grip (well, not quite, but it'll tow a 18' three horse trailer w/o any trouble). I say all that to make this point; the only place that extra HP will really be available is at the PTOs. I have 17.7 PTO HP, the 2660 has 19.5 PTO HP. Only real advantage is if you want to use a bigger brush hog, tiller, or other powered accessory. I haven't ran anything off the rear PTO yet, but I can say the 17.7HP is more than enough for the 60"MMM; I've cut through foot high THICK (ground is permanently moist from springs) grass at the 2" setting and medium ground speed in high range w/o any bogging down. And don't worry about belt slippage on that mower deck!! Once you see it you'll know what I mean!

As an aside on that 60"MMM; there's a grease fitting for the middle spindle hiding under the gearbox that is VERY easy to forget about/overlook!! It's off to the side and has an internal passage going back under the deck & into the spindle housing.

BigMack · Apr 18, 2009

Thanks for the input. I had settled on the BX 2360 . . . until I saw that Kubota extended the 0% financing to 48 months on the 2660, but not the 2360. So I threw down on the 2660 wih a loader and a 54" fine cut deck. Again - I truly appreciate the input.

Kenneth H · Apr 18, 2009

Help: BX2360 v. BX2660

BigMack

Wid LT1000

JDFANATIC

harpoonalt

Volfandt

Kenneth H

JRC0528

BigMack

Kenneth H

Cat385B

Grateful11

JDFANATIC

harpoonalt

Kenneth H

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