Kubota F series

[MultiMow]

I currently have a ZD326 and it's pretty good. BUT...I have several issues mowing with the ZD326 that is making me think I might want to change to a different machine.

First I'm mowing 4 acres every week, and wish I could cover ground faster, or have a bigger mower.
Second, wish the mower is out front, so I could get under low hanging trees and bushes, and wish the the mower stuck out further from the sides of the machine so I could trim closer...thinking a bigger deck.
Third I have a pond, and trimming with a weed eater around the pond is getting old, and at my age...I need a different solution. I've got two pond dams...one is about 25 degrees, the other is closer to 30 degrees....the ZD326 simply can't even get close to going there.

The Ventrac interest me, but support of the machine scares me. Looking at the F series, their 72 inch deck sticks out some, the mower is in front, and it can be 4wd. Who uses these, and would they be any good on the pond dams?

I haven't had the funds for a tractor although could really use one. A batwing and tractor has be used by the former owner to mow both the pond edges and the dams...and it worked for him, although he was right at the limit on the dams. That could be what I end up doing.

I don't know how much you're looking to spend...

...but the only close solution I can see to a single unit would be a MultiOne traction unit with their front mower and a boom mower for the pond borders.

Here's the problem with your needs:

1- you need a slope mower

2- you need a lightweight 4wd turf tractor for the wet areas... so you can mow them without tearing up your turf

Ventrac is the ONLY high-flotation small tractor capable of both applications... but the don't offer a boom mower for the pond edges.

MultiOne has a 4WD telehandler with a boom mower... but their higher center of gravity (CG) will not allow you to side-hill.

There are a few slope mower options here in the states... but the only one that will let you side-hill AND trim your pond edges AND provide you with a front-mount solution for undercutting... and that would be a KutKwik. They're basically a zero turn on steroids (ZTR+ ?). Support isn't plentiful (as with any slope mower)... but KutKwik units are over-built for most applications.

TractorHouse.com | KUT-KWICK RM8C-88D For Sale - 1 Listings - Page 1.

The above link shows one for sale on TractorHouse.com .

They are. Available with many options. If you have the cash to swing it for your application, I would suggest buying a unit with a dual wheel kit and swap the tires out for the most tractive turf tire you can find.

If you don't have that kind of cash and only need an undercut reach of a foot or two (mowing under trees, etc.).... I would highly suggest a DewEze two wheeled slope mower.

It would have enough side reach to service your ponds without getting into the mud/muck/marsh, and that same side reach would allow you to lap-mow around trees/etc. Don't be scared by the two-wheel action... the frame tilts to compensate for the slope.

TractorHouse.com | DEWEZE ATM72 For Sale

Above is a link for a DewEze for sale at TractorHouse.com .

I hope this helps!

 

[jcummins]

I don't know how much you're looking to spend...

...but the only close solution I can see to a single unit would be a MultiOne traction unit with their front mower and a boom mower for the pond borders.

Here's the problem with your needs:

1- you need a slope mower

2- you need a lightweight 4wd turf tractor for the wet areas... so you can mow them without tearing up your turf

Ventrac is the ONLY high-flotation small tractor capable of both applications... but the don't offer a boom mower for the pond edges.

MultiOne has a 4WD telehandler with a boom mower... but their higher center of gravity (CG) will not allow you to side-hill.

There are a few slope mower options here in the states... but the only one that will let you side-hill AND trim your pond edges AND provide you with a front-mount solution for undercutting... and that would be a KutKwik. They're basically a zero turn on steroids (ZTR+ ?). Support isn't plentiful (as with any slope mower)... but KutKwik units are over-built for most applications.

TractorHouse.com | KUT-KWICK RM8C-88D For Sale - 1 Listings - Page 1.

The above link shows one for sale on TractorHouse.com .

They are. Available with many options. If you have the cash to swing it for your application, I would suggest buying a unit with a dual wheel kit and swap the tires out for the most tractive turf tire you can find.

If you don't have that kind of cash and only need an undercut reach of a foot or two (mowing under trees, etc.).... I would highly suggest a DewEze two wheeled slope mower.

It would have enough side reach to service your ponds without getting into the mud/muck/marsh, and that same side reach would allow you to lap-mow around trees/etc. Don't be scared by the two-wheel action... the frame tilts to compensate for the slope.

TractorHouse.com | DEWEZE ATM72 For Sale

Above is a link for a DewEze for sale at TractorHouse.com .

I hope this helps!

I bought an F3680....it handles the slopes without issues. I have gotten it stuck, but not often. It's the tires. I've thought about going to a more aggressive tire, but sizing issues are problems. All in all.....it has worked considerably better than the zero turn.

 

[johncar]

I use a F3680 on fairly steep ground and with just standard turf tyres it would be OK at 25 degrees and perhaps 30 Degrees on a good day but not sideways. I would only be mowing keeping the machine as straight up and down as practical working on that steep a slope.

I have been at around 30 degrees when it has lost traction going up hill and it is not a great feeling spinning sideways out of control down the hill so I am very cautious working at those extremes and always engage the diff lock these days after a couple of scary episodes.

I think the machine would perhaps be a bit more stable traction wise fitted with some type of ATV tyre for those sloped areas but then it may be too aggressive on the grass depending on what finish you want.

You would not likely be able to mow those pond/dam banks at those angles if they are in fact 25 - 30 degrees (assuming you have measured them and not just estimating) with a F series running forwards across the side slope, because they will tend to slide downhill and you would end up in the water. The only way I would be tempted is to mow down and back up, and then only in dry conditions.
A smallish low profile all wheel drive tractor with a rear finishing mower would probably be safer because you can at least steer it up hill if it tends to slide a bit but once again there are not a lot of options on the average budget once you start talking 30 degrees capability with any decent size deck.

Dam embankments are always a bit of a problem but there are things out there such as out rigger mowers, remote control mowers, ATV tow behind, and other expensive specialised machines but if you are like most of us and on a budget just want one machine to do all then I would be tending to look at a similar if not a bit better machine as you previous owner was using.
All the best of luck with it.

 

[aczlan]

I use a F3680 on fairly steep ground and with just standard turf tyres it would be OK at 25 degrees and perhaps 30 Degrees on a good day but not sideways. I would only be mowing keeping the machine as straight up and down as practical working on that steep a slope.
I think the machine would perhaps be a bit more stable traction wise fitted with some type of ATV tyre for those sloped areas but then it may be too aggressive on the grass depending on what finish you want.

I would look at a set of Carlsile AllTrail or AllTrail2 tires for the front. They should be available in the right size and as long as you aren't doing doughnuts, they shouldn't rip up your lawn.

Aaron Z

 

[jcummins]

I would look at a set of Carlsile AllTrail or AllTrail2 tires for the front. They should be available in the right size and as long as you aren't doing doughnuts, they shouldn't rip up your lawn.

Aaron Z

My research says the tire size on paper...isn't the same as the tire size actually measured. With the F3680 being 4wd...that ratio between the front/rear has to be reasonably close. At one point I was big on going to different tires, but since the turfs holding fairly well on dam slopes, I've dropped trying to do anything about it.

Johncar, not sure slope angle on the dams I mow. I mow them sideways with the F. The F does slip occasionally, but it's not to disconcerting. I know if it wasn't for the arm rest, I'd slide off. The ZD326 I had, mowed the smaller dam sideways, but the crabing it was doing was tearing grass, and a track was developing. On the bigger dam, I tried twice and ended up at the bottom both times.

 

[johncar]

I too have looked into the tyre options but it all seemed a bit difficult to find a matching set diameter wise and it wasn't a cheap option either. The other thing is that from what I heard from others that tried it, there wasn't a huge improvement with traction in normal conditions but there was some ripping of grass at times.

There are a few variables when it comes to working on these angles meaning ground and slope evenness conditions, operator experience etc. I do take my F series to 30 degrees on a side slope but it seems to be on it's limits or at least I am on my limits and I am not working on a dam wall so if I slide, I just end up at the bottom of the embankment at times, not in the drink.

I just went out and measured a couch grass covered slope I mow regularly running sideways along the slope and there is a section at 25 degrees which the F series handles well enough and I feel reasonable comfortable just going steady be it with some crabbing. Towards the end of the slope it increases to 30 degrees and even with new turf tyres on my machine in dry conditions, one of the drive wheels starts to lift and it starts to slide and I have to back out.

I have noticed on my machine that it seems a bit more stable working with the fuel tank on the high side. I normally keep the tank fairly full and with it on the down side, the right side drive wheel seems to come off the ground easier than it having it the other way. But anyway once these things start to happen I feel I am on the limits and extreme caution needs to be taken.

So to try and answer the posters question. Yes the F series can possibly handle the job, it is a very capable and surprisingly stable machine. I absolutely love mine, although I have had some scares when getting into that 25 degrees plus range, but without knowing the full details of your site look into it very well and proceed very carefully whatever you decide.
Just measuring a couple slopes that I run down hill only on and they are 34 degrees and I would say that is bordering on stupid to do. But I do it with the diff lock engaged and brake on. Same when traveling uphill, drive as straight up the slope as possible, diff lock on and when I get to the top I roll back with the diff lock engaged the whole time but apply the brake when backing down going very steady.
Might seem a bit overcautious but after spinning out of control twice sliding sideways down a grassy slope hoping not to flip over, I learnt my lesson.

 

[MultiMow]

My research says the tire size on paper...isn't the same as the tire size actually measured. With the F3680 being 4wd...that ratio between the front/rear has to be reasonably close. At one point I was big on going to different tires, but since the turfs holding fairly well on dam slopes, I've dropped trying to do anything about it.

Johncar, not sure slope angle on the dams I mow. I mow them sideways with the F. The F does slip occasionally, but it's not to disconcerting. I know if it wasn't for the arm rest, I'd slide off. The ZD326 I had, mowed the smaller dam sideways, but the crabing it was doing was tearing grass, and a track was developing. On the bigger dam, I tried twice and ended up at the bottom both times.

The tire circumference on Kubota F series traction units is different as OEM specifies... just as their compact utility 4WD tractors have a pronounced differential between front/rear axles. The differential is compesated in the driveline.

The important thing is sticking to not only OEM recommended sizes, but also recommended load/ply specs as well. That two ply might ride a little better, or have a minimal benefit toward wet traction... but the costs/risks outweigh the benefits. Slopes increase individual tire load... ESPECIALLY sidewalls. Another valid point is efficiency. Some AWD turf units are designed to engage under slip conditions. A tire of insufficient load rating under these heavy machines, may result in a diminished effective rolling distance... causing unnecessary engagement of the secondary (rear) axle, premature wear of tires/driveline components, excessive fuel consumption, and diminished engine life.

On the flip side of insufficient load rating is oversized tires. Oversized tires may result in delayed "take-up" or engagement of the secondary axle. When working slopes, this is NOT a risk to take.

Kubota has sizing/ply/load charts for turf, R4 (industrial), and chevron (agriclutural) tread tire selections.

Stick to OEM specs. Your equipment will thank you. If you don't, you'll be thanking your mechanic and cursing your bank account instead.

 

[ironpen]

I am looking at an F series...but only on the website. I can't find one at a dealer to test drive. I am leaning toward the F3990, but the DPF has me scared. I live in Alabama and there would be no winter time needs. Does the DPF have to lbe replaced at a certain amount of hours? How much do they cost if so? Is the regen cycle a problem? TIA

 

[cold1313]

I am looking at an F series...but only on the website. I can't find one at a dealer to test drive. I am leaning toward the F3990, but the DPF has me scared. I live in Alabama and there would be no winter time needs. Does the DPF have to lbe replaced at a certain amount of hours? How much do they cost if so? Is the regen cycle a problem? TIA

You would probably have to test drive a used or older model to get a feel for the machine. Due to the cost and the limited quantity produced, that is why. Or talk to your dealership. Many towns and colleges order these and will take delivery in the spring. You might be able to grab some seat time before they are at the customer.

I spent days (in terms of hours) researching the DPF before I bought my F3990. My 2 cents are that Kubota DID have issues with the first models off the line....JUST like most manufactures of cars and equipment. My model had to have a retrofit done to it (I purchased it used with 13 hours, the original owner had this done). What was also a problem is I do not believe the dealerships were understanding the new DPF at the time. Which means the end users were not always "turning on" the DPF which will eventually cause the machine to go into a safe mode and shut down.

For example, I have to push a button every time I start the machine to turn ON the DPF so it will turn itself on and off automatically. This is not how the new models work, the DPF turns itself on, whether you tell it to or not.

I love my F3990, I would do it all over again and I would HIGHLY recommend it to someone else. Remember, the DPF isn't on there because Kubota wanted to. It is all emissions related.

Lastly, I contacted my dealership before my 2 year warranty ran out and they informed me that Kubota now puts a 10 year warranty on the emissions control equipment (DPF).

Hopefully it helps. I'm sure some will disagree. If you go to a dealership to ask questions, go to a larger dealership who has experience with these models. For example, my dealership informed me that they were having to train the smaller dealerships on how to fix the issue (at the beginning) and how everything works. Larger dealership = more experience. Get your answers and then buy from whoever you'd like.

 

[ironpen]

Thanks for your reply!

 

[Oathkeeper]

For those who have had the F series, how have they fared over time?

Has anyone had the opportunity to compare the F series mower with a Ventrac for mowing slopes sideways?

Thanks!

 

[Rip]

I purchased my '09 F-2880 in late 2011 as an ex-municipal unit with about 1300 hrs of hard, but reasonably well maintained usage. It has about 1900+ hrs on it now and have replaced the starter and had a rear (steer) axle shaft break in hard use on a very steep property where 4WD is almost always being called on. I added 3 inch wheel spacers on the mains and fluid-filled them as well for added stability, and doubled the rear counterweight, but was very stable and good traction in stock form. Some of where I mow is 35+ deg. It will slide well before it starts to tip....fairly new turf-tires.

These F-Series Kubotas are very common with the municipal/councils around Australia, much more so than the JD, NH or others including Ventrack, so that says a lot....they are also Very expensive new, so second hand is only way I could have considered such a machine, but nothing less would work on my 4+ acres. If mine were to totally die sudenly, I would get another....perhaps with 72" deck and few more ponies. Wish at times it had steering brakes, but parts are available to add them.

For additional versitility, I fabricated a tipping Carry-All that mounts in place of the 60" mower deck....swaps out in few minutes....also a 250 L (60 US Gal) fire tank w/Honda & 12v pumps & hose for ember attack in fire season....also swap out in a few minutes. A 30 L 12V spray tank mounts on the mower deck for weed control. Has a heavy duty aluminum canopy attached to the ROPS....fitting sunvisors to it soon for these low-sun-angle winter days.

Cheers from way-downunder Tasmania

 

[Oathkeeper]

I purchased my '09 F-2880 in late 2011 as an ex-municipal unit with about 1300 hrs of hard, but reasonably well maintained usage. It has about 1900+ hrs on it now and have replaced the starter and had a rear (steer) axle shaft break in hard use on a very steep property where 4WD is almost always being called on. I added 3 inch wheel spacers on the mains and fluid-filled them as well for added stability, and doubled the rear counterweight, but was very stable and good traction in stock form. Some of where I mow is 35+ deg. It will slide well before it starts to tip....fairly new turf-tires.

These F-Series Kubotas are very common with the municipal/councils around Australia, much more so than the JD, NH or others including Ventrack, so that says a lot....they are also Very expensive new, so second hand is only way I could have considered such a machine, but nothing less would work on my 4+ acres. If mine were to totally die sudenly, I would get another....perhaps with 72" deck and few more ponies. Wish at times it had steering brakes, but parts are available to add them.

For additional versitility, I fabricated a tipping Carry-All that mounts in place of the 60" mower deck....swaps out in few minutes....also a 250 L (60 US Gal) fire tank w/Honda & 12v pumps & hose for ember attack in fire season....also swap out in a few minutes. A 30 L 12V spray tank mounts on the mower deck for weed control. Has a heavy duty aluminum canopy attached to the ROPS....fitting sunvisors to it soon for these low-sun-angle winter days.

Cheers from way-downunder Tasmania

Thanks for the reply.

Are you saying you mow 35+ degrees sideways? That’s amazing!

 

[Rip]

I usually do those 35 deg slopes downward, but have done them up....and turned around mid-slope. Routinely do 25 to 30 deg sideways though....but can still side-slip bit more than I like at times (damp or very dry grass) ....the main parts (75% of which are quite steep with 20 to 30 Deg sections) I do closing-the-square (so blowing out), so get to deal with all angles from all directions. Experimented all ways on the very steepest section when I first got this machine and before any mods....satisfied that Could Do everything....but bit more peace-of-mind (and for the wife, who still does not like to watch me on 'Bracken-Fern Hill') with the 6" wider main-track, loaded tires, and more counter-weight. Several friends tried to talk me into sheep....and others still hardly believe I actually Mow the steep hill.

Do not tell anyone, but I also bypassed the seat safety-switch....going down the steep slope one's butt gets light on the seat and can (has) shut down the engine....and of course also the HST....not a good feeling as the brakes on my machine are mainly for parking, not smooth controlled desent from near-panic mode! I also engage the diff-lock and locked-4WD mode to maintain full control. I am quite safety consious, but keeping the engine/trans running is safer than shutting off!

These Kubota F-Series are great commercial-duty mowers....but mainly just mowers....(they do have a snow-blower and snow/leaf rotary brush available)....and as you have probably figured, can tackle much more severe terrain than any ZTR. The Ventrac machines are more multi-purpose with a range of factory attachments.... but still great for steep terrain... with dual wheels....both quite $$$$ new....would seriously factor in local service & support in your ultimate decision.

Back in Colorado I had an articulated PowerTrac 1845 for our very steep property there (see a pattern?)....and seriously considered shipping it down here, but few of the attachments I had for it would have been useful here....and I did NOT have a mower head....so sold it with that place and got the Kubota for here. That PowerTrac is sold as a commercial Slope Mower and rated to 40 Deg with dual wheels F&R. Mine only had the foamed-singles, but had 3" wider track front & rear. Only factory-direct with no local dealers or service, but is really only an engine (Duitz) and hydraulics... and lots of heavy steel plate....very few special parts.

Cheers, Rip

 

[Oathkeeper]

I usually do those 35 deg slopes downward, but have done them up....and turned around mid-slope. Routinely do 25 to 30 deg sideways though....but can still side-slip bit more than I like at times (damp or very dry grass) ....the main parts (75% of which are quite steep with 20 to 30 Deg sections) I do closing-the-square (so blowing out), so get to deal with all angles from all directions. Experimented all ways on the very steepest section when I first got this machine and before any mods....satisfied that Could Do everything....but bit more peace-of-mind (and for the wife, who still does not like to watch me on 'Bracken-Fern Hill') with the 6" wider main-track, loaded tires, and more counter-weight. Several friends tried to talk me into sheep....and others still hardly believe I actually Mow the steep hill.

Do not tell anyone, but I also bypassed the seat safety-switch....going down the steep slope one's butt gets light on the seat and can (has) shut down the engine....and of course also the HST....not a good feeling as the brakes on my machine are mainly for parking, not smooth controlled desent from near-panic mode! I also engage the diff-lock and locked-4WD mode to maintain full control. I am quite safety consious, but keeping the engine/trans running is safer than shutting off!

These Kubota F-Series are great commercial-duty mowers....but mainly just mowers....(they do have a snow-blower and snow/leaf rotary brush available)....and as you have probably figured, can tackle much more severe terrain than any ZTR. The Ventrac machines are more multi-purpose with a range of factory attachments.... but still great for steep terrain... with dual wheels....both quite $$$$ new....would seriously factor in local service & support in your ultimate decision.

Back in Colorado I had an articulated PowerTrac 1845 for our very steep property there (see a pattern?)....and seriously considered shipping it down here, but few of the attachments I had for it would have been useful here....and I did NOT have a mower head....so sold it with that place and got the Kubota for here. That PowerTrac is sold as a commercial Slope Mower and rated to 40 Deg with dual wheels F&R. Mine only had the foamed-singles, but had 3" wider track front & rear. Only factory-direct with no local dealers or service, but is really only an engine (Duitz) and hydraulics... and lots of heavy steel plate....very few special parts.

Cheers, Rip

Thanks a lot, Rip, for all the details! Appreciate your time.

 

[Hay Dude]

F Owners who also have/do run a zero turn:

I have a unique, large customer property I am admittedly doing some damage to by a zero turn with bar tires. Turf tires will not hold on the hills. The property is steep and there are a decent amount of trees to cut under. On top of that, the turf is mostly weeds and grass mixed, so the root system is not all that strong. I’m getting a smattering of complaints about tire marks.

Is an F the answer to my needs? I missed out on a chance to get a 3680 72” last year.
Over the winter, should I make the switch?

 

[LouNY]

I'm well pleased with my old F2000 that I purchased well used. It still mows well and the 4wd will walk it up most slopes and also mow sideways on them.
The steepest that I mow is about 26-28 degrees, mine only has a grab handle on one side I keep thinking about adding one to the other side,
for now I just lean over and grab under the fender.

 

[Hay Dude]

I'm well pleased with my old F2000 that I purchased well used. It still mows well and the 4wd will walk it up most slopes and also mow sideways on them.
The steepest that I mow is about 26-28 degrees, mine only has a grab handle on one side I keep thinking about adding one to the other side,
for now I just lean over and grab under the fender.View attachment 661271

Any trouble in tall or thick grass ?
Not tippy sideways on steep slope?

 

[LouNY]

I have a 72"side discharge deck, in tall or heavy grass it will leave a windrow at times,
Mine I can't find the gator mulching blades so it does leave a visible residue at times.
The mower seems to be more comfortable on slopes then I am,
I added the rops when I bought it as it seemed to have no issue traversing side slopes that I have a bit of a pucker factor with.
I tend to run in 2wd when side hilling as I would expect the uphill tire to warn me a bit by spinning..
I mow at a low speed quite often as I am on rough ground with rocks and lots of tree roots that are half out of the ground.

 

[Xfaxman]

---------------------------------------
Is an F the answer to my needs? I missed out on a chance to get a 3680 72 last year.
Over the winter, should I make the switch?

There are several front deck mower brands, and I recommend four wheel drive.

Mine is a Toro 328D with a tractor canopy that I added 5 years ago: