Deere AWS comes to the rescue

[Jammer]

Hi guys,
Was 'demo-ing" a little Kubota BX- SORRY- on the lawn yesterday. The poor little machine was failing me miserably when my neighbor came over with his big AWS Deere tractor. What an unbelievable sight to behold, watching that thing in action. Especially when it is your own yard and someone else is mowing it. But I can't believe how smooth that thing handles and how much power it has. I mean my lawn had to be 6 inches high or more and the tractor just gobbled it up as if it was nothing. Left it looking like a golf course. You Deere guys sure know a good machine when it comes to mowing grass. That thing sure turns around things, I would describe as 'fluid'. Maybe there was something wrong with the BX, maybe just underpowered or something. Also noticed that the Deere looked real comfy to ride. It also has me thinking Green, but for now I have my sights on Orange. We'll see.

 

[EquipmentJunkie]

My father's Deere 455 AWS cuts a mean lawn. It cuts well and handles really well. I like when my parents go on vacation and I am asked to fill in as head groundskeeper.

Demo one yourself so you can see how it handles. The AWS takes a little getting used to, but I wouldn't be without it on his property.

 

[Jammer]

You know there was something about the way the machine seemed to move around all of my trees and curved landscape gardens that I have scattered all over my property. Some of my neighbors have landscape companies with the big zero-turn machines and they look very bouncy and jerky when they're cutting the grass, but that tractor seemed to mow ultra-smoothly. I wanted to take the tractor for a spin, but honestly I was a little perturbed that the Kubota couldn't handle it and it was getting late and dark.

 

[Killer_B]

I cut a lot of grass with my BX2200/60" MMM and NEVER heard it labor a bit in any type of grass. I mean the engine pitch would not change a lick in 8" wet grass in high range. There must have been something wrong with your demo unit. These tractors are OVER powered, not under powered.

KB

 

[Jammer]

I really don't think there was anything wrong with the orange unit, it was just underpowered IMHO. I really didn't pay much attention to the fact beforehand but it only has about 15 HP. I hear that diesel HP is understood as meaning more than gas HP, But trying to run a PTO blower probably sucks 5-8 HP from the machine, then trying to run a three blade mower deck on top of that, and then trying to move the tractor and me around.......No way for that little machine, sorry to say. It will run everything fine, full bore, as long as it is sitting on the pavement. Unless there is anyone around this forum who has a little BX1500 equipped like that and can keep up with the big boys. I would have to see a video to actually believe it. In a few minutes I am taking the tiller and front blade for a 'beat run'. Will post it later under what will most likely be strike three.

 

[Jason B]

Hi

Both units are very nice both the BX & the AWS unit. I have a 455 AWS with 60 inch deck and can cut areas that I was previously cutting with an Agco Allis 14hp lawn tractor with 38 inch deck and 2WS. Very impressed with it. I won't go back to 2WS anytime soon! AWS is the way to go if you prefer a tractor over a zero turn. Take Care JasonB

 

[LBrown59]

I really don't think there was anything wrong with the orange unit, it was just underpowered IMHO. I really didn't pay much attention to the fact beforehand but it only has about 15 HP. I hear that diesel HP is understood as meaning more than gas HP, But trying to run a PTO blower probably sucks 5-8 HP from the machine, then trying to run a three blade mower deck on top of that, and then trying to move the tractor and me around.......No way for that little machine, sorry to say. It will run everything fine, full bore, as long as it is sitting on the pavement. Unless there is anyone around this forum who has a little BX1500 equipped like that and can keep up with the big boys. I would have to see a video to actually believe it. In a few minutes I am taking the tiller and front blade for a 'beat run'. Will post it later under what will most likely be strike three.

Why not quit bashing the BX1500 and go get the JD garden tractor or even a craftsman lawn toy since you like them better?

 

[ShookFarm]

Do we really have to go through this again? If you don't like the conversation, don't get involved in it. You will not change it by invoking a flame war.

 

[leolav1972]

I really don't think there was anything wrong with the orange unit, it was just underpowered IMHO. I really didn't pay much attention to the fact beforehand but it only has about 15 HP. I hear that diesel HP is understood as meaning more than gas HP, But trying to run a PTO blower probably sucks 5-8 HP from the machine, then trying to run a three blade mower deck on top of that, and then trying to move the tractor and me around.......No way for that little machine, sorry to say. It will run everything fine, full bore, as long as it is sitting on the pavement. Unless there is anyone around this forum who has a little BX1500 equipped like that and can keep up with the big boys. I would have to see a video to actually believe it. In a few minutes I am taking the tiller and front blade for a 'beat run'. Will post it later under what will most likely be strike three.

Try actually running the 1500. I've had one for three years and it has been a great machine. For you to say that it can't do the mid mount PTO and a rear mount PTO vac or blower is ridiculous. I run mine ALL the time like that. It NEVER bogs down even slightly when suctioning heavy wet leaves and high grass. I agree that it won't keep up with the big boys, but don't for a second think that this tractor is way to underpowerer.

Perfect example is during the fall, I often use a tow behind/mow n vac style trailer with the PTO running the blower (we have a ton of trees). EVEN WHEN IT IS FULL OF LEAVES, BOTH PTO SPINNING, IT DOESN"T BOG DOWN ON HILLS!!!

I can respectfully disagree with your assessment of the BX. It is a great machine for the homeowner (which is what it is intended for!!) I have no brand bias. If it were a JD I were using and it worked fine, I'd be thrilled too. I don't need to justify my choice by bashing other brands to feel good. I just give an objective and FACTUAL representation of what the tractor or any piece of equipment can do. I have pics to prove it too!!

 

[flyngti]

I don't need to justify my choice by bashing other brands to feel good. I just give an objective and FACTUAL representation of what the tractor or any piece of equipment can do. I have pics to prove it too!!

Well, that's EXACTLY what Jammer did in his post. He provided an objective and factual representation. He used the equipment and this is what he found. Are you questioning his humble opinion? I see no evidence of bashing.