Lets Explore the Differences between the BX Models
This article is by no means a comprehensive list of all the variations and differences and Compatibilities. It will be updated as I learn more. But here it is
Let’s define a few things first.
In this article I will refer the things as the “same”. I do not mean identical, rather compatible and interchangeable when I say this.
1st Generation – 00 series – BX1500 BX1800 BX2200 BX22
2nd Generation – 30 Series – BX1830 BX2230 BX23
3rd Generation – 50 Series – BX1850 BX2350 BX24
4th Generation – 60 Series – BX1860 BX2360 BX2660 BX25
5th Generation – 70 Series – BX1870 BX2370 BX2670 BX25D
6th Generation – 80 Series – BX1880 BX2380 BX2680 BX23S
In all reality there is really only 2 and a half generations of BX tractors. This is not defined by Kubota, but by myself as the changes are minumal. 00 and 30 series are basically the same with a few minor differences. 50 60 and 70 series are basically the same with a few minor differences. 80 series drivetrain is pretty much the same as 50-70 but did have a more changes than the previous models between them.
1st generation.
- The BX1800, BX2200, and BX22 are the same tractor outside of different engines and of course the BX22 was and MLB with the Backhoe. The BX1800 had the D722 and the BX2200 and BX22 had the D905. The BX1500 is kind of an oddball as it had a 2 cylinder engine. While it used the same transmission as the others, most of the rest is different.
- The BX1500 came with an LA181 Loader. While the BX1800 and BX2200 came with the LA211 Loader. The LA211 loader will work on the BX1500, but given the shorter frame of the BX1500 there is 1 bolt on the loader frame that will be missing as there is a cutout on the frame, and the bucket will be further out front of the tractor.
2nd Generation
- The BX1830, BX2230 and BX23 are basically the same. BX1830 had the D722, BX2230 and BX23 now came with the D902 instead of the D905.
- The BX1830 BX2230 and BX23 still use the same Bonnet and Under Bonnet as the BX1800 BX2200 and BX23 but the headlights and Lense are different as well as the Bonnet Post or Grille Support. Interestingly enough the Bonnet Post and Headlights/Lense on the 30 series is the same as the BX1500
- 30 series came with the LA211 loader also but it was an updated version that had the control valve stay on the tractor side loader frame instead of staying with the loader as in the 00 series. They are the same as far as mounting and either will work for 00 or 30 series.
3rd Generation
- In the 3rd Generation Kubota shortened the length of the BX1850. Fenders will not interchange between the BX1850 and BX2350 or BX24. Hood and under Bonnet will interchange between the BX1850 and BX2350 BX24
- Kubota made the hood and fenders out of plastic, which has not worked out very well and are expensive to replace. Good news is the 60 and 70 series they went back to metal and the hood and fenders from the 60 and 70 series will bolt on the 50 series. Its still expensive but will last a long time. BX1860 and BX1870 fenders will work on a BX1850, and BX2360, BX2660, BX2370, BX2670, and BX25 will work on a BX2350 or BX24
- The LA240/LA243 loader was used for the BX2350 and BX24 and the LA203 was used for the BX1850. Either loader will work on all 50 series tractors. The joystick and control valve was now built into the tractor and was an optional accessory you could get even if you didnt buy a loader. The only main difference is the BX1850 requires shorter steel lines that run under the floorpan from the control valve to the transmission hydraulic block. So if you find an LA243 loader for your BX1850, youll need the correct shorter steel lines.
4th Generation
- Not a whole lot of changes here outside of the metal hood and fenders. What is previously stated in the 50 series applies to the 60 series as well. They did introduce the D1005 in the BX2660
5th Generation
- Again not a whole lot of changes. Same here still applies for 50 and 60 series.
- The brake pedal was moved to the left side
6th Generation
- While the drivetrain is pretty much the same as the 50 60 and 70 series, they did make some other changes. The loader joystick was moved to the fender instead of the dash, tilt steering, a 1 piece hood/under bonnet design which is all metal, and new ROPS. The LA243 loader was renamed LA344 to match competitors but still uses the same frame mounts and will work on the 50 60 and 70 series with a minor modification. They changed the hydraulic connection at the tractor from quick disconnects to a Hydraulic Plate to make it easier the remove the loader and changed how the support drops when you remove the loader
More to come!!