Questions on MX machines

[big bubba]

I bought a Mx5200 & find it has plenty of power

Reason I went 5200 & not 5800 is I assumed same engine stressed less will last longer

This coming from a guy who has always bought largest in a series with all bells & whistles

Don’t miss anything

Andy

absolutely. MX series is a great link between L & M. never questioned that. just that using MX for a 10' drag cutter as OP is intending is an inadequate match imho. my previous MX5000 did just fine w/a 6' hd rotary cutter, probably a 7' one too (3ph) though i'd never consider a 7' hog.
the MX may handle a 8' drag rotary cutter (twin spindle), don't know much about those.
my own 3ph 8' twin is a perfect match for my machine.

your MX is a versatile tool, am sure you'll be pleased best regards

 

[Industrial Toys]

I love my various Kubota Non-Turbo engines. I have never thought, gee, I wish I had more HP. Just another thing that can't go wrong if it's not there.

I was always taught to buy the lowest offering in the better line. Like, buy a stripped down CADDY, rather than a loaded up Chev. Or a basic JD 6000 rather than a loaded up 5000. More of your money is going for quality rather than gimmicks. It has served me well.

 

[Grumpycat]

On the topic of lubrication: turbocharger is not lubricated by diesel. You are confused by the issue of low-sulfur ULSD in the high pressure fuel pumps of older diesels which were not designed for ULSD. Many advocate aftermarket diesel fuel additives with lubricants for those older engines.

In a modern diesel the turbocharger and EGR are critical components for maintaining combustion in the range of minimal emissions. Direct injection allows timing of the fuel and start of combustion, waiting until the fuel is useful. Results in much quieter engines.

 

[Industrial Toys]

Nowadays you had best be careful thinking what you think you know. There is a large fuel cooler under my Duramax Bed, used to cool the electric injectors. It's so wrong in my opinion. Like a Diesel Engine on Life support.

I sometimes toy with getting an M series without loader. That M/MX thing is most confusing. They keep throwing around words like "Utility" as if that is supposed to tell me exactly what it is, not what they happen to call it. I almost get the impression, the M is a real tractor and the MX is a light consumer offering, but they don't come out and say that.

 

[cathy liebchen]

Nowadays you had best be careful thinking what you think you know. There is a large fuel cooler under my Duramax Bed, used to cool the electric injectors. It's so wrong in my opinion. Like a Diesel Engine on Life support.

I sometimes toy with getting an M series without loader. That M/MX thing is most confusing. They keep throwing around words like "Utility" as if that is supposed to tell me exactly what it is, not what they happen to call it. I almost get the impression, the M is a real tractor and the MX is a light consumer offering, but they don't come out and say that.

"the M is a real tractor and the MX is a light consumer offering" that's a novel idea

 

[Grumpycat]

Nowadays you had best be careful thinking what you think you know. There is a large fuel cooler under my Duramax Bed, used to cool the electric injectors. It's so wrong in my opinion. Like a Diesel Engine on Life support.

There is heating when one compresses fuel to 30,000 PSI. Is liquid so it doesn't compress much but a lot of work was exerted getting that pressure.

 

[Industrial Toys]

The M for Ag, day to day hard use and the MX for occassional "UTILITY" use is EXACTLY what Kubota is telling me on their site.

 

[PaulL2]

The M for Ag, day to day hard use and the MX for occasional "UTILITY" use is EXACTLY what Kubota is telling me on their site.

That wasn't the interpretation I had put on Ag v's utility. To me a utility tractor was a tractor that can do lots of smaller and odd jobs. Drive a loader, drive a cutter, do some ground engaging work. But not big enough for serious agriculture - so to me that was a size and capacity thing, not a durability thing. I guess we all have our own interpretation. As someone more in the compact tractor space, the MX looks like a step up to a real tractor. I guess if you're in the M class world, then the MX might look like a step down to a toy tractor. Context is everything.

 

[ChemE]

Thanks everyone for the feedback. I did talk with a buddy who said with what I'm wanting to do and cut that a 58 hp tractor with an 8' cutter will be fine. He cuts landfills with a 120 hp New Holland and Bush Hog 4815 batwing mower. He does use an 8' cutter to trim around the well heads. So worse case I can try one out in the off season (he cuts the landfills twice a year).

More than likely I will stay with my current cutter for awhile and look for a slightly used model. Do these tractors pressurize the fuel like current diesel trucks? Think I need to do some more research on diesels/turbos, because I think the only thing I know about a turbo is what I hear and how to spell turbo.

So a MX is what I'm going with mainly due to it being the largest tractor I can get with an HST. The mower will be the biggest hp challenge. I'm excited, just need to look at the numbers on which MX to buy and learn about turbos and reliability. In reality it would be the MX4800 or MX5800. Yes I will fill the tires and probably use rear weights as well (wheels set to widest due to Ozark terrain). I have a friend with 30 acres that wants my L2501 (he currently has an old Ford gas tractor). Need to build a barn at the land, because the bigger tractor can't fit at home anymore. Going to grade out an area this weekend with the L2501 (filled tires and EA Extreme Box Blade 78 inch). I've already graded out one area, but the wife wanted it moved a bit, lol.


You guys have been great, the varied real world feedback is what makes this place good IMHO.

 

[Grumpycat]

Diesels simply run better with a turbocharger. The turbocharger gives the ECU options to better control the operation to better produce HP with less fuel and less smoke.

High pressure fuel pump is necessary to direct-inject fuel in the combustion chamber when the air is compressed. This allows the ECU to control when the combustion starts same as ignition timing on a gasoline engine. But it seems to be more than that because on diesel they will often use multiple short bursts of fuel perhaps for a longer slower burn?

In short, "Insert fuel here, then magic occurs. Don't worry about it."

 

[Industrial Toys]

Not meaning to argue, just for the sake of arguing . BUT, my non Turbo Diesels run just FINE. Why do I want the mindset, to buy something EXTRA, when what I have is not presenting a shortcoming in any way evident to me.

Something I did just think of which may have no bearing on the discussion. It's interesting for me to realize that my two turbo Diesels, my GMC and JD 6200, have atrocious fuel economy! All my non turbo Diesels Sip their fuel sparingly.

Maybe if I ran two similar machines in a business, one turbo, one not, the performance and fuel economy of one over the other may become more apparent. I couldn't even imagine a highway tractor without turbo, makes sense in that application for sure.

 

[LD1]

Dont listen to the people telling you its too much cutter.

I run a woods DS96 behind a MX5100. Its a great match.

And with HST.....you can go as infinitely slow as conditions warrant.

I imagine what you want to cut is similar to my "regulars" that I mow 2-3 times a year. Mixes of grass, weeds, clover, thistle, etc. And I have NO problems or lack of power and can easily maintain 6-7 MPH (max speed in medium range)

The DS96 is a 1620# cutter. And thats ALL you would want on the 3PH IF YOU HAVE NO LOADER ON. There are some lighter 8' mowers out there that would also work.

But for what you describe, I wouldnt have a moments hesitation getting a 10' twin PULL TYPE and pulling around that field. Its not like you are asking about cutting brush and briars over your head, and 10 year untouched CRP ground. And ESPECIALLY if you go with the MX5800 which packs a few more ponies than my 5100.

Who cares is you have to slow down? Pulling a 10' cutter 4 MPH is the same as pulling a 5' cutter at 8 MPH. One is gonna beat the snot out of you and leave poor cut quality. The other is gonna offer a smoother relaxing ride and better cut.

The "old school" way of thinking was with old gear tractors and limited gear selection. Where it was entirely possible to "run out of power". Which that term can also be worded as "cannot go slow enough for the power I have".

With HST transmission.....that is no longer an issue. Get as BIG of a mower as you can....and enjoy the smooth slow ride. I have mowed thousands of acres of all types of stuff with a L3400 and a 6' mower that everyone always claims is too much for that tractor. I upgraded and have also mowed thousands of acres with a MX and 8'. A 6' mower behind a MX is just crazy if you want to be productive

 

[Industrial Toys]

We ran a liliston 10 foot three spindle, pull type brush mower on a 42 pto hp tractor without issue.

 

[SDT]

Thanks everyone for the feedback. I did talk with a buddy who said with what I'm wanting to do and cut that a 58 hp tractor with an 8' cutter will be fine. He cuts landfills with a 120 hp New Holland and Bush Hog 4815 batwing mower. He does use an 8' cutter to trim around the well heads. So worse case I can try one out in the off season (he cuts the landfills twice a year).

More than likely I will stay with my current cutter for awhile and look for a slightly used model. Do these tractors pressurize the fuel like current diesel trucks? Think I need to do some more research on diesels/turbos, because I think the only thing I know about a turbo is what I hear and how to spell turbo.

So a MX is what I'm going with mainly due to it being the largest tractor I can get with an HST. The mower will be the biggest hp challenge. I'm excited, just need to look at the numbers on which MX to buy and learn about turbos and reliability. In reality it would be the MX4800 or MX5800. Yes I will fill the tires and probably use rear weights as well (wheels set to widest due to Ozark terrain). I have a friend with 30 acres that wants my L2501 (he currently has an old Ford gas tractor). Need to build a barn at the land, because the bigger tractor can't fit at home anymore. Going to grade out an area this weekend with the L2501 (filled tires and EA Extreme Box Blade 78 inch). I've already graded out one area, but the wife wanted it moved a bit, lol.


You guys have been great, the varied real world feedback is what makes this place good IMHO.

Be advised that the MX5800 is rated at 50.2 PTO HP, not 58.

That is a significant difference and easily noticeable.

SDT

 

[ChemE]

LD1 your woods cutter sounds like the tank that my smaller LP 2660 is as it weighs around 1100# and for my L2501 is significant, but I do have a loader on. I have cut brush and briars taller than my head, LOL. I've done most of the clean up now just want to maintain, but will get a heavy duty cutter for durability.

SDT, not sure if I told him the tractor hp or pto hp, either way he gave me a great option to try the 8' that he has before I ever buy one. I could let my grass grow, cut it during the heat of the summer at its highest, which would be between his 2 landfill cuttings.

Dumb question, does a non-turbo tractor have a ECU (computer)? If it does not, that would mean a turbo tractor has the turbo, hp fuel pump and ECU?

 

[SDT]

Dont listen to the people telling you its too much cutter.

I run a woods DS96 behind a MX5100. Its a great match.

And with HST.....you can go as infinitely slow as conditions warrant.

I imagine what you want to cut is similar to my "regulars" that I mow 2-3 times a year. Mixes of grass, weeds, clover, thistle, etc. And I have NO problems or lack of power and can easily maintain 6-7 MPH (max speed in medium range)

The DS96 is a 1620# cutter. And thats ALL you would want on the 3PH IF YOU HAVE NO LOADER ON. There are some lighter 8' mowers out there that would also work.

But for what you describe, I wouldnt have a moments hesitation getting a 10' twin PULL TYPE and pulling around that field. Its not like you are asking about cutting brush and briars over your head, and 10 year untouched CRP ground. And ESPECIALLY if you go with the MX5800 which packs a few more ponies than my 5100.

Who cares is you have to slow down? Pulling a 10' cutter 4 MPH is the same as pulling a 5' cutter at 8 MPH. One is gonna beat the snot out of you and leave poor cut quality. The other is gonna offer a smoother relaxing ride and better cut.

The "old school" way of thinking was with old gear tractors and limited gear selection. Where it was entirely possible to "run out of power". Which that term can also be worded as "cannot go slow enough for the power I have".

With HST transmission.....that is no longer an issue. Get as BIG of a mower as you can....and enjoy the smooth slow ride. I have mowed thousands of acres of all types of stuff with a L3400 and a 6' mower that everyone always claims is too much for that tractor. I upgraded and have also mowed thousands of acres with a MX and 8'. A 6' mower behind a MX is just crazy if you want to be productive

How close are you cutting?

Few mowers will mow well in even moderate cover at 7 MPH, regardless of HP. Even fewer when cutting close.

I keep all of my rough cut mowers adjusted such the skid rails are about 1" from dragging on level ground. I also keep the blades sharp like a lawn mower (cuts much better, uses less fuel, and requires less power). None of my mowers will cut well in even moderate cover at 7 MPH. Evidence of poor cut quality starts to show up below 6 MPH, even though all are high quality Woods mowers with plenty of grass clearance.

Depending upon cover, I usually run out of cut quality before HP but heavy cover will cause the stall guard (if on) on my 53 PTO HP L6060 to reduce ground speed to 0 at times. 5 or even 3 MPH is a pipe dream in such situations, with a good, sharp 6' cutter.

Cutting at 4"-5" requires much less HP.

SDT

 

[SDT]

LD1 your woods cutter sounds like the tank that my smaller LP 2660 is as it weighs around 1100# and for my L2501 is significant, but I do have a loader on. I have cut brush and briars taller than my head, LOL. I've done most of the clean up now just want to maintain, but will get a heavy duty cutter for durability.

SDT, not sure if I told him the tractor hp or pto hp, either way he gave me a great option to try the 8' that he has before I ever buy one. I could let my grass grow, cut it during the heat of the summer at its highest, which would be between his 2 landfill cuttings.

Dumb question, does a non-turbo tractor have a ECU (computer)? If it does not, that would mean a turbo tractor has the turbo, hp fuel pump and ECU?

I expect you will find that just about all new tractors have a computer for some purposes, certainly all common rail injected engines and any Tier whatever engines must have an ECU.

It's not the turbo, it's the federales.

SDT

 

[LD1]

How close are you cutting?

Few mowers will mow well in even moderate cover at 7 MPH, regardless of HP. Even fewer when cutting close.

I keep all of my rough cut mowers adjusted such the skid rails are about 1" from dragging on level ground. I also keep the blades sharp like a lawn mower (cuts much better, uses less fuel, and requires less power). None of my mowers will cut well in even moderate cover at 7 MPH. Evidence of poor cut quality starts to show up below 6 MPH, even though all are high quality Woods mowers with plenty of grass clearance.

Depending upon cover, I usually run out of cut quality before HP but heavy cover will cause the stall guard (if on) on my 53 PTO HP L6060 to reduce ground speed to 0 at times. 5 or even 3 MPH is a pipe dream in such situations, with a good, sharp 6' cutter.

Cutting at 4"-5" requires much less HP.

SDT

How close I cut depends on the condition and what kind of quality I can achieve.

My regulars....I cut maybe 5-6" measured off concrete floor. Which puts the side skids maybe 2" up.

 

[LD1]

This kind of stuff I can regularly mow at 5-6 MPH with ease


And this is basically a yard that got mowed monthly. (13 acre yard). Just too heavy for a ZTR, But extremely light for a rotary cutter. IT was ~12" tall stuff, cutting down to ~5". This was WOT, pedal to the floor, M range. Couldnt ask for a better cut...

 

[LD1]

Just some of the regular stuff. All mowed ~7MPH






This is where I start to slow a but for quality. This was ~5mph