B/BX Finish Mower Question And Which One (B/BX) Is For Me?

ksmeyer20 · Oct 7, 2019

Found something interesting at the dealer and now online, Kubota/LP has a brochure/PDF indicating the matching of implements to their varying tractors individual performance. I'm interested in a finish mower (FDR) and when I refer to two different brochures (one in-store, the other online), they both state the only match for all b-series (2301-3350) is a 48" wide unit (FDR1648). I've attached the online brochure, the one in the store was completely different format so not a typo. Both say 48" max. I now refer to the BX variant brochure, the bx1880-bx2680 can, per brochure, handle the FDR1648, and the bx2380 and bx2680 can handle the FDR1660 60" cut... Also attached. Could someone explain the non-recommendation of the larger mower on the larger tractor?

If you are still reading my book of a post, had some questions about my application. Purchasing land shortly, mostly level already cleared 9 acres of property. A small bit of woods, but consider not a lot of clean up work to be done. I expect to maintain this property largely cleared, and me being an odd one, would like to mow the whole lot. Not looking for a perfect cut, but looking to quickly uniformly cut down the property weekly/bi-weekly depending on the weather/season. I define quickly as I'd like to mow say 5-6mph if the land and tractor seat permits me.. 3 hours would be reasonable to afford for the chore. Tractor recommendations? I have the BX2680/B2601 on my mind as of now..

I like the ultra compactness of the BX as I don't believe I'll be able to mow the 8mph top speed and I plan to use the FEL less for ground engaging, but more for transporting of loose pile materials (snow, delivered gravel/Stone/dirt). I also like the loader valve up in the fender, loader joystick position, filling location and the slightly lower cost. The b series speaks to me for the 3sp transmission, as no doubt there will be times I would want a fast transport speed (my ZT runs at 7.5 full out, many of times even on my small current property do I wish I can go faster). Can't negate the fact that for a little more money you can get a bigger loader, and more weight to the tractor making ballast comparatively more of an afterthought when performing the same task as with the BX.

The part I find a bit interesting, if I went with a 3pt mower deck (for my acreage, I'm thinking it's the way to go with the 9 acres), why is it Kubota doesn't publicly endorse the larger mower deck with the larger series CUT? Perhaps the larger tractor, more weight, larger hydraulics taking more of a share on the same engine hp (SCUT) leaving less for the PTO? I think the PTO hp is rated slightly less on the B over the BX, but other engineering specs they are aware of has them shy away?

I watch GP Outdoors on YouTube, I know he runs a 60" finish mower on his 2601, and I don't doubt it's not capable.. but why not recommended? Would a BX suit me fine since it's more of a mower application rather than one of a ground engaging tractor? Or is the B the way to go..I like many others get wrapped up in the back and forth neverending debate...

Thanks folksView attachment 01-bx-series-lp-implements.pdf View attachment 02-b-series-lp-implements.pdf

duffer · Oct 7, 2019

The main thing you have to concern yourself with is the HP at the PTO compatible with the implement (mower in your case) requirements. If you have 26 HP engine, but only 20 HP at the PTO, you need to size the implement accordingly.

I have a 38HP engine & 35HP at the PTO. Based on conversations with my dealer, he told me I could run a 84" finish mower (3 blades) with it. Not only was he right, I wish I would have gotten the 96" mower. Too late now.

I too, have acreage to mow (10 acres of Bermuda grass). I can tell you right now, you won't be able to mow @ 6-8 mph and get a good cut with a PTO finish mower. It takes me 6 hours to mow my 10 acres with the 7' mower. Not sure how big your ZT is, but if it's 48-60" and you have level ground without trees and other obstacles, you might be better off using that. I'd give that a try to see how long it takes you before spending another $2500 on a finish mower.

If the most you can handle is a 48" mower after talking to your dealer, I'd look into stepping up another level or 2 on the HP for the tractor. You'll get a bigger capacity bucket, more lifting power, more PTO power. For that much acreage, I'd get the largest tractor you can afford. You won't regret it in the long run.

ksmeyer20 · Oct 7, 2019

Yeah, the unfortunate part is the implement gives a range of horsepower of 15-40 as I recall. Actual ground speed you can run them at it does not say. For good reason though, a given horsepower varies greatly on length, type and moisture content of grass.. I was hoping indirectly to get some first hand accounts on how long or how fast one can cut their property and at what PTO hp they are bringing to the table. It'll help home in what my needs may be.. thanks duffer!

Diggin It · Oct 7, 2019

First hand experience with a different color is that you will not enjoy mowing 'fast' on a SCUT. Unless your ground is near perfect, it's quite a rough ride since they have no suspension.

chim · Oct 7, 2019

Rear mowers are my favorite. My guess is the larger LandPride decks are too heavy to be recommended in the wider versions. My 60" LandPride 1560 worked OK on the B7500. It absolutely didn't work on my smaller Ford 1210. The 60" Caroni works very well on the Ford. Width wasn't the limiting factor so much as weight. I've had 2 new LandPrides and 1 new (and two used) Caronis. Last year I bought a used 90" Caroni that I re-habbed and another 60" recently that also needs work and will be the replacement for the one I bought in '91 or so.

Going as fast as I could without being abusive to the equipment it took something like 1/2 hour per acre with any of the three different 60" decks I used. We got the L3200 and a 72" LandPride when we went to 3-1/4 acres of mowing. The increase in HP and mower width allowed me to cut 3-1/4 acres in the same time it took to do 2-1/2 acres with the 60" deck.

You may be able to do 9 acres in 3 hours, but it will take something wider than 72" or you'll be beating the snot out of it.

RickB · Oct 7, 2019

Different minds wrote the various documents. There is apparently no big picture oversight to ensure obvious contradictions like this do not happen. Sometimes you just have to disregard information because it simply does not make sense. Recommending a 5 foot mower for a BX but not a B of equal horsepower makes no sense.

SDT · Oct 7, 2019

The BX does not have position control and the MMM is suspended.

Both are absolute show stoppers for me.

SDT

JOHNTHOMAS · Oct 8, 2019

No tractor will mow as fast as your zero turn with as good a cut. As someone mentioned the tractors also have no suspension so you'll get beat to death with any of them at higher speeds/any speeds unless the yard is smooth as a paved parking lot.
If you just want an expensive powered wheelbarrow that can also plow snow and decent mowing the BX is great. The B does have the 3 sp trans which of course is better but rarely will it make a big difference. The main factor of the B over the BX is ground clearance and a bit more advantage with b for PTO running mowing deck sizes with higher powered B.
I liked the Rera finish mowing decks for easy accessability to blades and gear drive unit.
I currently mow with F (4wd for steep hills) and ZD which are the best mowers but also have a tractor for woods work and 15 years of property landscaping projects. I started with a BX2200 FEL MMM and traded to a B7800 FEL RFM and BX1500 MMM for some years then bunch of BX, B and L trading due to property buying and selling in different locations and land expansion at home location.
Keep your Z or get a Kubota ZD for mowing or better yet a F. If the other uses seem important get a less expensive Zero and a BX or B. But speed and BX and B don't go together unless putting green smooth yard/lawn.

nrosario · Oct 8, 2019

Congratulations on the land.
Looking for equipment should be always exciting.

As someone already said, buy the largest equipment you can buy.
In this particular case you are looking for PTO hp to be able to handle a decent size cutter.

You haven't mention your location.
Are you considering a cab?

Kubota is my favorite brand, and certainly there is a great dealer near where I live, but I also understand that there are other brands offering comparable equipment, in occasions, at a lower price.

Take your time, shop around and have fun.