A B2630 or BX2660 for a mowing machine?

[TripleR]

In 2008, we sold our BX2200 and bought a BX2660; long story. The deck on the 2200 and 2660 are essentially the same. Both gave as good of a cut as our John Deere 425 mower. Grass type/ground conditions will effect cut quality, but it may be hard to equal the cut of a ZT or F; never used one.

BX does offer a "fine cut deck" and you can get baffling for some decks and high lift blades to improve the cut from being run over by the front wheels, but again I have no experience with them.

One observation was the newer BX are more comfortable with a bigger operator platform.

My wife is 5'5" and has no trouble reaching the steering wheel on "her" BX2660. We went with the 2660 in part because of the very comfortable adjustable seat.

 

[ovrszd]

I had always owned John Deere garden tractor size mowers, JD140, JD322 and then a JD455 with 54" deck. I decided I wanted a 4wd bigger tractor so I bought a Kubota B2910 with 60" deck. The wife would run the JD455 in the tight spots with low hanging limbs, I'd run the Kubota on the more open spots and steep slopes. I thought it was a great combination. I had $15K in both machines. Then my shop burned and I started over. I bought a JD 2210 with 62" deck to mow with and a L4400 w/FEL for tractor work.

A couple comments that might only apply to me.

The JDs all have suspended decks. The Kubota B2910 had a ground contact deck. The Kubota did a lot better job of mowing than the JDs.

The B Kubota was a bit too big. Couldn't get under trees very well which resulted in more Weed Eater time. Kinda like the situation TripleR described.

The JD2210 (comparable to the Kubota BX2660) is a perfect size for me. Will mow steep banks easily. 4x4 gets you out of those spots you shouldn't have been in the first place. 62" deck is the max width to still get a decent cut on uneven ground and extends past the wheels nicely to mow into the ditch without actually driving in it.

The best part to me about a tractor versus a Zero turn is the versatility of the unit. I push snow, haul wood, drag the Box Blade, mow the 3 acre yard, all with a $11,500 investment.

I've attached a picture of the B2910 sitting by the JD455 to get a size comparison. sorry I don't have a good picture of the JD2210 with the deck on, but you already know it's size if you've been on a BX2660.

I also included a picture of a fleet of various sizes. Left to right, older model JD420 w/72"mmm, older model JD4200 w/72"rfm, Kubota B2910 w/60"mmm and JD455 w/54"mmm. Gives you an idea of size comparisons.

The most efficient mower in the bunch is the old JD420. The deck is bullet proof and tractor has been modified with a Honda twin cylinder engine.

The least efficient is the JD4200 w/rfm. As mentioned above, they are great in wide open spaces but not good in tight spots.

 

[PapaPerk]

In 2008, we sold our BX2200 and bought a BX2660; long story. The deck on the 2200 and 2660 are essentially the same. Both gave as good of a cut as our John Deere 425 mower. Grass type/ground conditions will effect cut quality, but it may be hard to equal the cut of a ZT or F; never used one.

BX does offer a "fine cut deck" and you can get baffling for some decks and high lift blades to improve the cut from being run over by the front wheels, but again I have no experience with them.

One observation was the newer BX are more comfortable with a bigger operator platform.

My wife is 5'5" and has no trouble reaching the steering wheel on "her" BX2660. We went with the 2660 in part because of the very comfortable adjustable seat.

Thanks for the feedback. I'll have to investigate the fine cut deck and baffles. Tip speed and the suction produce is the key to a good cut. That is why zero turns cut so well. The vacuum the grass blades back up before cutting.

I'm 6'4" and weigh around 230. I feel like I have to reach down to get the controls. I have a bit of an issue with my 3830 as well.... but not as bad as the BX2200. I guess I'm not an average size Japanese size person! Hahaha! Maybe the newer machines are set-up better for us "Big Americans". :laughing:

 

[TripleR]

Thanks for the feedback. I'll have to investigate the fine cut deck and baffles. Tip speed and the suction produce is the key to a good cut. That is why zero turns cut so well. The vacuum the grass blades back up before cutting.

I'm 6'4" and weigh around 230. I feel like I have to reach down to get the controls. I have a bit of an issue with my 3830 as well.... but not as bad as the BX2200. I guess I'm not an average size Japanese size person! Hahaha! Maybe the newer machines are set-up better for us "Big Americans". :laughing:

I "went Japanese" years ago on cars, trucks and motorcycles. Back then it seemed the Japanese car/truck manufacturers believed all Americans were 5'5" and the motorcycle manufacturers believed all Americans were 6'5" with legs four foot long. I had to tiptoe to ride the bikes and hunch over almost to drive the cars/trucks. I finally bought a Harley so I could reach the ground comfortably and also because I like Harleys.

The new BX is roomier than the old ones, but at 6'4" about all sSCUTS are going to feel a little funny. My uncle was 6'4" when that was unusual and he sure had trouble finding stuff comfortable for him. He sure looked out of place on his little riding mowers.

 

[PapaPerk]

I had always owned John Deere garden tractor size mowers, JD140, JD322 and then a JD455 with 54" deck. I decided I wanted a 4wd bigger tractor so I bought a Kubota B2910 with 60" deck. The wife would run the JD455 in the tight spots with low hanging limbs, I'd run the Kubota on the more open spots and steep slopes. I thought it was a great combination. I had $15K in both machines. Then my shop burned and I started over. I bought a JD 2210 with 62" deck to mow with and a L4400 w/FEL for tractor work.

A couple comments that might only apply to me.

The JDs all have suspended decks. The Kubota B2910 had a ground contact deck. The Kubota did a lot better job of mowing than the JDs.

The B Kubota was a bit too big. Couldn't get under trees very well which resulted in more Weed Eater time. Kinda like the situation TripleR described.

The JD2210 (comparable to the Kubota BX2660) is a perfect size for me. Will mow steep banks easily. 4x4 gets you out of those spots you shouldn't have been in the first place. 62" deck is the max width to still get a decent cut on uneven ground and extends past the wheels nicely to mow into the ditch without actually driving in it.

The best part to me about a tractor versus a Zero turn is the versatility of the unit. I push snow, haul wood, drag the Box Blade, mow the 3 acre yard, all with a $11,500 investment.

I've attached a picture of the B2910 sitting by the JD455 to get a size comparison. sorry I don't have a good picture of the JD2210 with the deck on, but you already know it's size if you've been on a BX2660.

I also included a picture of a fleet of various sizes. Left to right, older model JD420 w/72"mmm, older model JD4200 w/72"rfm, Kubota B2910 w/60"mmm and JD455 w/54"mmm. Gives you an idea of size comparisons.

The most efficient mower in the bunch is the old JD420. The deck is bullet proof and tractor has been modified with a Honda twin cylinder engine.

The least efficient is the JD4200 w/rfm. As mentioned above, they are great in wide open spaces but not good in tight spots.

Thanks for the feedback. Nice machines there! I love the JD 420! So it actually mows pretty well?

 

[AHNC]

Perhaps I missed it in reading all the threads, but I was initially going to buy a 54" deck for my 2660. It was suggested by the fellows here that I would be happier with a 60" as it does better near ditches, trees etc. I went with the 60 and have been pleased with the decision. As the 1860 can't carry the 60" deck that will alter your BX choices somewhat...or maybe not!

 

[PapaPerk]

Well I just got from the dealer. I sat on a BX2360 and a B2920.

I like the ground clearance and front axle on the B. Looks better for going "off road" and off the lawn. Both machines are similar in size. But the B does sit taller which I like.

The BX does have a lot more room than the BX2200 and fits me pretty well. Steeriing wheel is still a reach though.

The salesman thought it silly to even consider a belly mower tractor if I was going to be mowing with it all the time. He thought the ZT was the way to go. The Kubota ZT are very nice. But ALL THEY DO IS MOW. I can't get past that. Oh well... after all that I'm still on the fence.

I may borrow a BX2200 and mow my lawn with it.

Anyone have trouble with the R4 tires messing up the lawn?

Thanks for all the help.

 

[keyman1808]

I run R4's and no tearing what so ever. If I remember reading here I believe some guys have said that the B's tear up the lawn alittle but I dont have a B so please dont hold me to it.

Ask your dealer is has a unit he can bring by your place so you can test it out. Some will do it some wont. That may make your choice easier.

I recently got rid of my dedicated lawn mower and got the deck for my BX. I wish I had done it sooner. Larger deck and faster ground speed means less time cutting. And the BX bagger is huge. I dump twice now when mowing instead of 5 or 6 times. And the cut is the same.

 

[ovrszd]

Well I just got from the dealer. I sat on a BX2360 and a B2920.

I like the ground clearance and front axle on the B. Looks better for going "off road" and off the lawn. Both machines are similar in size. But the B does sit taller which I like.

The BX does have a lot more room than the BX2200 and fits me pretty well. Steeriing wheel is still a reach though.

The salesman thought it silly to even consider a belly mower tractor if I was going to be mowing with it all the time. He thought the ZT was the way to go. The Kubota ZT are very nice. But ALL THEY DO IS MOW. I can't get past that. Oh well... after all that I'm still on the fence.

I may borrow a BX2200 and mow my lawn with it.

Anyone have trouble with the R4 tires messing up the lawn?

Thanks for all the help.

I totally understand your frustration and reluctance. Your signature doesn't say where you are located??? If you are near me you can come and run any of my equipment. That's what you need, an owner that has each of the models you are looking for and go mow their lawn. I'm sure they'll let you. Then you'll know what fits you best.

One last difference I'd point out between a B model and a BX. If you are going to go "offroad" with the tractor, you'll be better served with a B model. Lot's more clearance, lots better design for tromping around in the bushes. Ask the BX owners on here how many of them have broke off the Hydro cooling fan???? My JD2210 has the same design as the BX models and it was gone when I bought it used with 100 hours.

Lastly, I'm with you all the way on the ZTs. I can't spend 8-10K for something that will only mow....

Keep us posted on your progress.

 

[ovrszd]

Thanks for the feedback. Nice machines there! I love the JD 420! So it actually mows pretty well?

I wish I could remember the model number of the deck on the old JD420. It's a 72" and was built for several years. It mows awesome and as I said is tougher than a boot. It's my Son's machine and he don't like to mow so he wanted something that would haul butt, it does.

Also his factory engine blew up so he got on the internet and researched a replacement, that's how he found the Honda engine. Pretty much a direct bolt in. Awesome power and very smooth. I also think it turns the deck slightly faster which helped his mowing abilities even more.