BX2230, 60" MMM vs 54"

[Tablespoon]

I mentioned this in another thread, but thought maybe I should start a new one.

I'm trying to decide between the 54" MMM and the 60" MMM to be used for mulching. I've heard some discussion about fine cut versus regular with the 54", but I don't think this is an option on the 60". However, the 60" claims to be "self balancing to reduce stair stepping". Plus, I would think the 60" would make it easier to get around flower beds and trees.

I'm interested in hearing opinions on performance of the two. Also, feel free to post pictures of how tidy your yard looks after being mowed by a BX. My wife thinks I'm going to make a colossal mess (wouldn't be the first time... ).

TBS

 

[TripleR]

When I decided to upgrade from my 54" deck on the John Deere to a Kubota BX, I too was concerned about the bigger deck, scalping, quality of cut, maneuverability and such, but went with the 60" on my BX2200 and this year when I got my BX2660, no question but to go with the 60". Since we went with the 60", we no longer use a trimming mower as you can get down in the ditches and the overhang takes care of any drop offs along the road or ditches and trims under stuff. The self balancing deck does stop any "stair stepping".

I can't say about the quality of cut between the two since I don't own a fine cut deck, but my John Deere had a fine cut deck and clogged up a lot if the grass was tall or wet and with my Kubota, I often mow when the lawn is wet or damp without problems.

As far as the quality of cut between a "regular" lawn mower and the BX, the BX is as good as any riding mower I have ever used with the last being a John Deere 425. The only way you will "make a mess" is if you mow when it is muddy.

 

[DGS]

I have the 54" on my 1830 and it works very well
Couldn't go to the 60 as it would not fit between the mature trees and shrubs on my property
As for cutting it doesn't get much better with the combination that I currently use
Regards
DGS

 

[actionaj]

I went with 54" standard cut because of the width issue between trees too. The 54 does a great job but I now wish I had went with the 60". I mow 3+ acres and a chain saw will take care of any clearance problems. I would like to trade the 54 for a new 60.

 

[TripleR]

I went with 54" standard cut because of the width issue between trees too. The 54 does a great job but I now wish I had went with the 60". I mow 3+ acres and a chain saw will take care of any clearance problems. I would like to trade the 54 for a new 60.

Boy that's the truth, chain saw will do it. It is hard to imagine how much quicker you can do the job with the extra six inches. Adds two feet more of width for every completed circuit.

 

[LBrown59]

When I decided to upgrade from my 54" deck on the John Deere to a Kubota BX, I too was concerned about the bigger deck, scalping, quality of cut, maneuverability and such, but went with the 60" on my BX2200 and this year when I got my BX2660, no question but to go with the 60". Since we went with the 60", we no longer use a trimming mower as you can get down in the ditches and the overhang takes care of any drop offs along the road or ditches and trims under stuff. The self balancing deck does stop any "stair stepping".
mow when the lawn is wet or damp without problems.
.

I can mow closer to ditches with the 60 '' mmm on my bx23 but it still won't mow out over the ditch with out getting the wheels uncomfortably close to the ditch which could result in a rollover in case of a cave in or a wheel slipping into the ditch.

I went with 54" standard cut because of the width issue between trees too. The 54 does a great job but I now wish I had went with the 60". I mow 3+ acres and a chain saw will take care of any clearance problems. I would like to trade the 54 for a new 60.

Yep get out the chain saw an go with the 60''.

 

[actionaj]

I wonder how big of a hit I would take trading the 54 for a 60" deck. I was going to check on this with my dealer but never got around to it this summer. But with mowing season coming to a close I guess I wait until next spring.