A few BX2660 questions from a potential buyer

15839 Views 17 Replies 10 Participants Last post by TPS, Jul 15, 2009

oakhilltop

Discussion Starter · Jul 14, 2009

I looked at a new BX2660 today and of course, on the way home came up with a few more questions. Please excuse the newbie questions. I own an Ariens GT 18 garden tractor now and don't have any experience with "real" tractors!! :ROF

The brake pedal is fairly high and I had a somewhat difficult time lifting the leg up to engage it. I was riding on level ground, so when I took my foot off of the gas pedal, the tractor stopped without using the brake pedal. On the way home I wondered if the tractor would still stop after removing my foot from the gas pedal if it is on a steep hill? Or do I need to use the brake often when I'm on a hill? I will be snowblowing on a 20% grade. I think I liked the MF tractors brake pedal on the left side better.

The dealer doesn't have a snowblower there and said I have to hook up another bracket in the front of the tractor for the snowblower. Is it easy to switch between a snowblower and the FEL? I could see wanting to move some banks of snow using the FEL, during the heavy snowfall years.

He said I would be getting a manual crank for turning the snowblower chute. Anyone have experience with that? I think there is a hydraulic option also. Is it worth it?

My little old Ariens has a simple cable to control the snowblower chute's up and down deflection. I like that. There are places where I want to adjust how far the snow goes, like near the windows of my house! Or when its windy and the snow is just blowing back in my face. Unfortunately all the "real" tractors are too cool to use a simple cable for that and have a $500 electric motor option instead. Anyone have experience with this cool $500 option to lift a small piece of metal up and down?

Thanks and the 2660 looks like a great tractor. I like that the mowing deck wheels can be turned to slide it in and out from under the tractor.

See less See more

1 - 18 of 18 Posts

Volfandt

· #2 · Jul 14, 2009 (Edited)

Welcome aboard oakhilltop.
For 98% of your usage, the HST will provide all the breaking you'll need or use. Thats true for just about all HST tractors.
The foot brake is usually delegated as a parking brake.
In over 4 yrs and 400 hrs of usage I've very rarely if ever used my foot brake to stop my BX23. On flat and moderate inclines the HST's internal brakes function and hold very well for all the braking.
On steep slope operation, it is recommended to use 4wd and low range to maintain maximum control. You never want to rely on any tractors brakes to try and stop one running fast down a hill as most won't hold.
The slope at my place isn;t that steep so I normally riun in high 2wd and I don't have any problems at all.

re. snowblower. I haven't used one so I can't give any 1st hand experience but from what I've read, the front "quick hitch" that the blower connects to can't be mounted when the FEL is. Both use the same hydraulic control valve and hose connections and theres not enough clearance for both. From what I've read it's a fairly simple connection but I'll defer to others with more experience.
The link is the results for a search for "snowblower" under this Kubota forum, there may be more info there for you.
http://mytractorforum.com/search.php?searchid=2046049
Lets us know how it goes and good luck

See less See more

Jimmyjo

· #3 · Jul 14, 2009

I have a 2360 with front mount snowblower with manual turning crank. this works good for me as the price of electric and hydraulic turning is just nuts. If you need your loader a front mount is not practical. You may want to consider a rear mount snowblower. This will permit having both snowblower and loader. The only time I use the brake pedel is when it's on ramps for cleaning mower deck.

See less See more

oakhilltop

Discussion Starter · #4 · Jul 14, 2009

Thanks.

I guess the question I was trying to ask was if the quick hitch can stay mounted on the front with the FEL attached? Sometimes I run out of places to put the snow with the blower, so if I could switch over to a FEL once or twice during the winter, it might help. I was hoping the switch would just take a few minutes to take the blower off, attach the FEL and move the hoses to the FEL. Leaving the quick hitch on. I want the blower on the front. Its a long driveway and my neck is not that flexible!

How well does the Kubota snowblower work? I'm most interested in hearing if it works well with heavy wet snow. You know, those times when you are relaxing inside, watching a movie, then look out and realized the storm turned over to rain. Now you have 8 inches of heavy wet snow to get rid of. I hate when that happens! If the snowblower starts to get clogged all the time, I guess I could switch to the FEL for that.

Sounds like the HST and brake is similar to my garden tractor. It has a lever that I push forward and back to make it go. And it holds on the hill. I've never really used the brake on the garden tractor either.

Thanks again. You guys are talking me into it!!

See less See more

Kenneth H

· #5 · Jul 14, 2009

I have a BX2660. I almost never use the brake function while using the tractor. I don't have lots of hills though. If it is idleing and I don't want to take a chance of it drifting a little, I will engage the parking brake.

JDFANATIC

· #6 · Jul 14, 2009

oakhilltop,

I have no experience with the Kubota blowers, but have one on my Deere and can tell you they will move some snow. With the diesel power and infinite control over ground speed through the hydrostats, I can't imagine even needing to go to the FEL (although you probably get more snow in NH than we do in CT). I have hydraulic angling and use it a lot. With my landscaping, I'm able to keep the top angle at a fixed position, so I've never considered the power kit.

The only thing else I highly recommend is a heated cab!

See less See more

oakhilltop

Discussion Starter · #7 · Jul 14, 2009

JDFANATIC said:
oakhilltop,

I have no experience with the Kubota blowers, but have one on my Deere and can tell you they will move some snow. With the diesel power and infinite control over ground speed through the hydrostats, I can't imagine even needing to go to the FEL (although you probably get more snow in NH than we do in CT). I have hydraulic angling and use it a lot. With my landscaping, I'm able to keep the top angle at a fixed position, so I've never considered the power kit.

The only thing else I highly recommend is a heated cab!

Heated cab sounds NICE! But the budget will probably force me to wait on that. It really isn't the amount of snow that has given me problems in the past. Its when it rains on top of 4 inches or more. My blower would get clogged sometimes. I've been spoiled with the full controls on the blower. I can put the snow exactly where I want it with the chute up/down deflection. Sometimes it gets frozen and is stuck for the first few minutes, until the vibration frees it up. During those times, I can't wait to have that control back.

Two more questions!!

I promise I'm running out of questions.

1. Would people recommend R4 or turf tires for snow on a steep paved hill? The Kubota dealer says turf, the MF says R4. The turf tires seem pretty aggressive. The Kubota dealer said the R4's can slide sideways easier in the snow because there isn't much tread to give resistance side to side.

2. The Bx2660 can take a backhoe right? I just assumed so, but the brochure never mentions the backhoe for the 2660 or 2360.

I may go look at the JD 2305 before I decide. It seems to be missing the full cat 1 hitch and cruise control. So, unless there is a significant difference in price, I'll probably go with the BX.

See less See more

APinNY

· #8 · Jul 14, 2009

I rarely use the foot brake on my BX. Occasionally, if I am backing slowly I will need it to come to a complete stop, rather than just stepping on the forward pedal. The faster I go in reverse, the faster it stops when I release the reverse pedal.

The quick-attach hitch must come off in order to mount the FEL. The blower dismounts from the hitch in seconds. Then it takes about 5 minutes to remove the hitch and driveshaft. I haven't actually used the blower yet but have experience with my older tractor. You should be able to remove almost any snow with the blower. You probably won't need the FEL unless you have some really deep stuff. The manual chute rotator should be very easy to operate. I leave the deflector fully open. If you like to change the angle then you might want the electric version.

Added: The BX2660 can take an aftermarket backhoe like Woods but Kubota does not offer one for it. You would have to step up to a BX25 for a factory BH.

See less See more

JDFANATIC

· #9 · Jul 14, 2009

oakhilltop said:
Heated cab sounds NICE! But the budget will probably force me to wait on that. It really isn't the amount of snow that has given me problems in the past. Its when it rains on top of 4 inches or more. My blower would get clogged sometimes. I've been spoiled with the full controls on the blower. I can put the snow exactly where I want it with the chute up/down deflection. Sometimes it gets frozen and is stuck for the first few minutes, until the vibration frees it up. During those times, I can't wait to have that control back.

Two more questions!! I promise I'm running out of questions.

1. Would people recommend R4 or turf tires for snow on a steep paved hill? The Kubota dealer says turf, the MF says R4. The turf tires seem pretty aggressive. The Kubota dealer said the R4's can slide sideways easier in the snow because there isn't much tread to give resistance side to side.

2. The Bx2660 can take a backhoe right? I just assumed so, but the brochure never mentions the backhoe for the 2660 or 2360.

I may go look at the JD 2305 before I decide. It seems to be missing the full cat 1 hitch and cruise control. So, unless there is a significant difference in price, I'll probably go with the BX.

oakhilltop,

I use turf tires on my drive with no chains. Here is a pic of my hill:

As for the color tractor, I never jumped in to try to steer you any direction. You are moving to a class of tractor where you can't go wrong. I would be more concerned about the dealer and how you feel on the tractor than anything else.

See less See more

CHDinCT

· #10 · Jul 14, 2009

oakhilltop said:
1. Would people recommend R4 or turf tires for snow on a steep paved hill? The Kubota dealer says turf, the MF says R4. The turf tires seem pretty aggressive. The Kubota dealer said the R4's can slide sideways easier in the snow because there isn't much tread to give resistance side to side.

My experience and most of what I've read is that the turf's are actually best for snow. Don't have a snowblower, but I've used my BX with turfs and 4WD to clear snow with the FEL. No traction issues whatsoever. Don't think I spun a wheel once last winter.

Welcome aboard and happy SCUT shopping. Post pic's of whatever you end up with.

See less See more

oakhilltop

Discussion Starter · #11 · Jul 14, 2009

JDFANATIC said:
oakhilltop,
As for the color tractor, I never jumped in to try to steer you any direction. You are moving to a class of tractor where you can't go wrong. I would be more concerned about the dealer and how you feel on the tractor than anything else.

I've seen your posts on other threads and never thought you were trying to steer me green. In fact all of these forums don't have people trying to persuade people to a certain brand. I like that. You mean these tractors will be better than my Ariens! I may end up green yet though

I think my hill is steeper, but any of these tractors will handle it well. My Ariens with weight box, tire weights and ATV tires on the back has been doing ok most of the time. My wife can have trouble on it due to her lighter weight.

Looks like its turf tires for me. Thanks for the feedback.

I didn't realize Kubota doesn't make a backhoe for the 2660. I don't think I could ever justify the cost of buying vs renting a backhoe. But it would be nice to have the option just in case things change. Do the after market backhoes work just as well?

See less See more

JDFANATIC

· #12 · Jul 14, 2009

Thanks. That's how it should be.

I'm not implying that your Ariens isn't a quality machine. It's just that when you get a larger frame, 4WD, diesel power, 3PH etc, you are in a different league. Woods makes very highly regarded aftermarket implements. It's hard to figure out the exact genealogy these days, but Woods makes implements that are branded by the tractor manufacturers. For Kubota, you have to pick a backhoe model upfront or go with the aftermarket one if you change your mind later. The Deere 260 backhoe can be added at any later time. Keep in mind this is a $5K+ add on. Depending on your real usage needs, it may be better to rent than buy.

See less See more

Volfandt

· #13 · Jul 14, 2009 (Edited)

Leave the door cracked and theres no telling who'll slide in

Actually, the JD 2305 and MF GC2300 are very capable machines. I always recommend to try them all out as I find that it's quite enjoyable to drive all types & makes of tractors and I've owned a few too

I thought that I fixed the snowblower link in my 1st reply but apparantly saving a "search" result doesn't remain long. If you go to the top right hand margin of this thread and select "search this forum" and enter "snowblower" you'll get quite a few hits that may prove to be helpful.
This pic, http://www.mytractorforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=17083&d=1164552732
Shows an aftermarket cab that NY Yankees Fan added to his BX2200, He also added heat.
Even tho I don't have a need for a blower, I'd definitely go w/a front mount even tho you'll find some good posts from those w/rear mount.

re. BH. Kubota only offers an OEM BH for the BX22, BX23, BX24 & BX25 models and it comes w/them as std eqt, along w/an FEL. It's the BX's TLB offering. The BX2XXX's do not have the option for an OEM BH.
That said, Woods offers a caparable BH that many here have purchased and use and they have posted very good reviews on it. On paper it actually spec's out alittle higher than the OEM in some categories. It is a subframe mount and doesn't interfere w/the MMM. And no, I am not a rep for Woods

See less See more

Kbeitz

· #14 · Jul 14, 2009

I was told to stay away from the Kubota backhoes... I was told they have a computer and when it goes bad big $$$ and you just cant remove it with out replaceing almost everything... $$$$

JDFANATIC

· #15 · Jul 14, 2009

Kbeitz said:
I was told to stay away from the Kubota backhoes... I was told they have a computer and when it goes bad big $$$ and you just cant remove it with out replaceing almost everything... $$$$

Kbeitz,

What computer could there be with a backhoe? All the work is done by hydraulics controlled by the operator? I've never heard anything but good reviews about the Kubota backhoes.

See less See more

Water boy

· #16 · Jul 15, 2009

Kbeitz said:
I was told to stay away from the Kubota backhoes... I was told they have a computer and when it goes bad big $$$ and you just cant remove it with out replaceing almost everything... $$$$

Wow, I have never heard that about Kubota backhoes either. In fact, one of the reasons I went with a new one was that I had a hard time finding a used Kubota backhoe that was much cheaper than the new one! There is no computer in a backhoe, but any backhoe from ANY brand needing major service is going to cost a mint.......

WB

See less See more

Volfandt

· #17 · Jul 15, 2009

Kbeitz said:
I was told to stay away from the Kubota backhoes... I was told they have a computer and when it goes bad big $$$ and you just cant remove it with out replaceing almost everything... $$$$

Theres no computer on any Kubota SCUT or CUT, with or without a BH, and their BH's are fully and easily rebuildable. If a line bursts or a cylinder goes bad they can be easily replaced. Any frame or pivot damage can be rewelded like any metal implement.

Now back in the early 2000's the BH75 for the larger B series had questionable dipperstick cylinders but Kubota upgraded them all under warranty and made a production change for later models. Other than that theres been no postings of any problematic Kubota BH.

Are you taliking about an industrial track hoe?

See less See more

TPS

· #18 · Jul 15, 2009 (Edited)

oakhilltop,
I have a BX1500 and on my hill which is steep it moves a lot of snow each year and it has turf tires on it. It will not push uphill but will easily drive up in 4wd Low and push down or side to side. Also it will usually hold going up or down without brakes, but be sure to be in 4wd low as was stated earlier, still I have to use the brake once in a while. Here is a pic of me mowing across the hill. Good luck with the looking and purchase as volfandt said all the machines mentioned are fine machines. I am amazed what this little tractor can do and can't imagine what can be done with the one you are looking at! Take care-TPS

See less See more

1 - 18 of 18 Posts

This is an older thread, you may not receive a response, and could be reviving an old thread. Please consider creating a new thread.