Kubota 1850/1860/1870 buying

[Code54]

I am starting to look around for a small 1850/60/70 for the house. We have a MX5100 for doing my heavy work so this machine is going to be used 80% of the time for mowing and 20% for small landscaping/gardening tasks. Basically my wife wants something to use for her projects and the 5100 is too big so thus the 18XX idea. If it has a loader great, if not I will add one later on. My question is how do you all like your 18XX's. I have read the 1850 has a quick stop in reverse that was later corrected in the 1860/70 models. Did this quick start cause any problems to the machine or was it more a annoyance? Is there anything you noticed that you don't like about the machine and are you still glad you have it?
I have found a few of the 50/60's in the 6500-7500 area with a belly mower and under 400 hrs which did not seem too bad. Is there anything special I should be looking at on machines of this age and model that is not the norm (I seen the front axle sometimes gets a leak for example)

 

[amigauser]

Make sure the hydro cooling fan is intact. I would also confirm that service was done on schedule (50 hours Etc.). Other than that just do the normal checks for leaks, weird sounds, Etc. I have owned both an older BX1500 and a newer BX1860 and both made great mowers. The 50 series has the abrupt stop issue with the hydro which can affect resale but also means they can be cheaper to pick up used. They also have the plastic cracking issues with the operator platform. Kubota had a reinforcement kit out but all may not have gotten that update.

 

[Code54]

Excellent information, thank you. I been wondering about them and what everyone thought about them in general.

 

[George the Beagle]

I've had very good luck with my 1860, haven't wanted for more power either. One thing, GET THE LOADER!! 450 lb capacity may not seem like much, but trying lifting that much. Best money I ever spent.

 

[Code54]

The loader are handy that is for sure. Finding one used with a mower and loader seems like a real challenge but the good thing is I have time. If I can't get the loader right away I can also live with that. The 5100 has a loader so it will do the job. Just be nice to have the little loader for when my wife is working in the yard and flower beds.
What width is everyone using on the mower decks? Any noticeable differences?

 

[tjkubota93]

I have a 1860 and like it. I couldn't find a used one with mower deck and loader around here. The loader is extremely useful. With forks it will pick up 2 railroad ties or a really big log. I got the 48" mower because I got alot of trees.

 

[Code54]

What do you all recommend for a deck - the 48" fine cut or the slightly larger regular cut? I can get either one for about the same money and I have room around the property for either one of them just not sure which is "better" or why?

 

[kevinj]

What do you all recommend for a deck - the 48" fine cut or the slightly larger regular cut? I can get either one for about the same money and I have room around the property for either one of them just not sure which is "better" or why?

Take a look at both, then get the 54". you will see many differences

 

[George the Beagle]

I have the 54" fine cut...wouldn't be happy with the 48", that's for sure

 

[PHILIP8N]

Not same tractor, but just a little smaller in size and weight. I got the 48" deck because; I already had a 72" mower on a larger tractor that does the big areas, have gates to go thru, and the 48" will fit in back of pick-up truck. Philip.