Tractor Sizing Is a Kubota MX5200 the right size?

[Code54]

Having an MX,I have to agree, go with a M. I run a 6' cutter and it works great, but I don't run fast and going larger would be tough.

 

[Mike Legg]

I have an M5140HD and pull an 8 ft. three point cutter. R4 tires loaded, 500 lb wgt's on front. Cut rough terrain, hillsides, and tall grass and weeds. Cut twice a year. Originally bought a 6 ft. cutter and found it too slow and traded it for an 8 ft. 8 ft. is actually easier on the tractor than the 6 ft. because of the twin blade vs the single blade. Tractor has power and weight to spare. No problems whatsoever. The M5140 has the same engine as the MX5200; however, may be tuned up a little differently. Engine in the M5140 is rated at 52 hp; however, it seems Kubota may have understated the HP. It has no problem wading through tall stuff.

 

[52wej]

I have an MX 5200 - 4wd - with FEL and use a 7 ft Bush Hog rotary cutter on it. In heavy grass you definitely have to slow down. I am mainly mowing pasture. I recently purchased a 9 ft Hardee brand twin spindle cutter and the tractor seems to be able to handle it ok. But to be honest I have not yet tried to cut really heavy grass with it . I know I will have to go slower in the thick grass, but being pasture, there are rough hilly spots with clumpy grass and going slow in those areas is not a bad thing. As others have said, a twin spindle does seem to pull easier than a large single spindle. It definitely leaves a better finish.
The weight of my 7ft cutter does affect the handling of the tractor, but it also is more maneuverable than the pull type machine which takes a larger area to turn around.
The MX will be more chore friendly than a larger machine because it has a very tight turning radius. If all i was doing was cutting the areas you are cutting, I would stay with that size machine, because it will be vey useful for loader work. You will note a 6 ft cutter will just barely cover the wheel width of the MX.
W Jones

 

[farmall70]

So it sounds like if I am ok running a 6ft cutter the mx5200 would work? But I probably wouldn稚 be able to get a larger cutter with this tractor.

To clarify the field can grow 3 to 5 feet (top few feet is not thick), but I tend to try to cut it once a month or so, down to about 1 ft. Typically it would be about 2 ft when I would cut it. It is thicker grass though.

Last year it did grow to about 3 to 4 feet (maybe 5 in some spots) as it was soo wet here I couldn稚 get out to mow until late June early July.

I just want to make sure if I buy one it could cut the tall stuff if needed. And how fast would I be able to run it through thicker grass that is about 2 ft being cut down to a foot? Would like to go 3.5 to 4 mph.

If I buy a larger tractor with a bigger cutter I would probably be able to mow the field in about 4 to 5 hours (once a month, 30 to 40 hours a year), but wouldn稚 it be better to buy a smaller tractor and run it more (60 to 70 hours a year)?

 

[big bubba]

had a Bush Hog 6' hd 3ph rotary cutter on my previous MX5000. yes, would work fine. main thing is keeping the knives sharp, so impact wrench, etc, a must.
it should do your mowing description just fine. expect to spend considerable time through the mowing season to keep the field in good shape.

but if you are looking for a suitable utility tractor to tackle overall chores of your acreage, i would defer to my earlier post : get an M series line.
get a size that will handle your growing future needs as well.

but you could get by with what you described. if you go with the MX series, spend the savings on a good HD 6' 3ph rotary mower. load your rear tires. Rhino is my personal choice, lots out there. or, if you must, look into different drag types of larger sizes.
sounds is as if you are back at the starting point again of your original post.
all i can say once you work an M series, you'll never want to go back..... good luck

 

[LD1]

It doesnt matter what size cutter you run or how much HP you have. There will ALWAYS be times that slow you down or you wish you had more power.

That said, since you arent even considering HST as an option.....M would certainly be my choice over the MX.