Rear Finish Mower Kubota BX2360 with 72" mower?

[doughboy09bravo]

Hello all, new guy here. Finally convinced my wife to let me buy a real tractor.:thumbsup: I have decided on the BX2360 for the size and what I need it for. My question is my neighbor has a 72" pull behind mower that he wants to sell me for $300. It seems to be in great shape, new belts, blades and undercoated. I was wondering if my new tractor will be able to handle the mower, the weight and is it worth it? I am looking to save $1500 by not buying the 60" mmm and getting the FEL instead. Any input would be appreciated!
Thanks,
Tim in Vermont

 

[TripleR]

In looking at the Land Pride site, it appears they make a mower in that configuration for that size tractor.

Find out the make and model then check their website to determine HP requirements.

 

[bp fick]

First, I'd be sure your neighbor's mower is a brand name, and not a Chinese knock-off.

I use an RFM, rear finish mower. It is NOT the same as an MMM deck. It just isn't. The cut is excellent. But the nimbleness is far different.
Plus, the larger you go on that RFM the more awkward it becomes.

We don't have lawns up here, merely yards. The obstacles are manageable. If you have trees or lots of "edges", the trimming work left behind with RFM will drive you crazy, I suspect.

Will your BX spin a 72"? Perhaps, but to my taste, that size mower would only be good for mowing thin grass over super wide open spaces and little else. The recommended RFM for a BX is the 48", but I don't know if it is merely what Kubota thought most folks would buy or if it reflects the pto hp realities, I do not know.

Mine is a 48" just for full disclosure.

 

[jake98]

I am looking to save $1500 by not buying the 60" mmm and getting the FEL instead. Any input would be appreciated!
Thanks,
Tim in Vermont

I think you have to figure out how to get both. Or else spend alot of time wishing you did.

 

[CHDinCT]

Is this a self powered pull behind or run off of the rear PTO? My guess is a 72" PTO powered unit would be too big for a BX2360 to power. I think it would pull it fine, just not power it well. If you're talking about a self powered 72" mower, then I think you'd be OK.

 

[bp fick]

Not everyone has a cluttered lawn. For 90% of people, who want to use their BX as their lawn care machine, the MMM is virtually mandatory.

But for those 10% who buy a BX as a utility tractor AND whose yard is pretty wide open, the RFM is a no-brainer. Cheaper. Easier to install and detach.

Just be sure, really sure which category you fall into. With a 72", you should have almost zero obstacles.

Here' the good news. If that FRM didn't pan out? I bet you'd make a buck or two on it in spring!! Unless that would offend your neighbor.

 

[radioman]

Is this a self powered pull behind or run off of the rear PTO? My guess is a 72" PTO powered unit would be too big for a BX2360 to power. I think it would pull it fine, just not power it well. If you're talking about a self powered 72" mower, then I think you'd be OK.

I would somewhat agree here. Just keep in mind, the BX will lift the 72", but mowing tall grass with BX? you will have to have engine running at 3200 rpms to run rear pto at 540rpm. The largest MMM is 60" so its only 12" shorter but the MMM pto runs over 2000rpms at 3200, but I rarely need to run that high on the BX engine so I run at 2200 to 2800 rpms for a good cut. If grass is high and thick, then 3200 engine rpms no problem.

Perhaps if you could get the model number of the 72" mower, we could find out if it compatible with BX or not. You may want to upgrade to B instead with 72". Otherwise, you would be better off getting a MMM along with FEL same time. you will wonder how you got along without either one.

 

[DuckHunterJon]

I would somewhat agree here. Just keep in mind, the BX will lift the 72", but mowing tall grass with BX? you will have to have engine running at 3200 rpms to run rear pto at 540rpm. The largest MMM is 60" so its only 12" shorter but the MMM pto runs over 2000rpms at 3200, but I rarely need to run that high on the BX engine so I run at 2200 to 2800 rpms for a good cut. If grass is high and thick, then 3200 engine rpms no problem.

Perhaps if you could get the model number of the 72" mower, we could find out if it compatible with BX or not. You may want to upgrade to B instead with 72". Otherwise, you would be better off getting a MMM along with FEL same time. you will wonder how you got along without either one.

Just another perspective. I had a 60" rear mount on my NH1715. I thought it did OK. When it came time to retire the NH, I bought a JD3120 with a 72" MMM. Night and day difference. The mid mount is so much more manuverable, can cut much closer to obstacles, and just a joy to use. As for easier to attach - well, I have the auto connect system, so it's less then 30 seconds to connect or disconnect.

It really comes down to what your yard is like. If it's wide open and really flat, then the rear mount will work. If it's varied terrain, or you have many obstacles, the MMM is the way to go. Just my opinion.

J

 

[radioman]

Just another perspective. I had a 60" rear mount on my NH1715. I thought it did OK. When it came time to retire the NH, I bought a JD3120 with a 72" MMM. Night and day difference. The mid mount is so much more manuverable, can cut much closer to obstacles, and just a joy to use. As for easier to attach - well, I have the auto connect system, so it's less then 30 seconds to connect or disconnect.

It really comes down to what your yard is like. If it's wide open and really flat, then the rear mount will work. If it's varied terrain, or you have many obstacles, the MMM is the way to go. Just my opinion.

J

yeah I agree. I posted in the past about that in different thread. but the OP is asking if it will run or not on the BX.

 

[doughboy09bravo]

it is a JD model with 72". I cant get a model number right now as it is in his back shed and we have over 3 feet of snow. I dont feel like walking the 1/2 mile back there to look at it. Also I have decided on a MF GC2400. The dealer seems to think it will work it as the gear box is made for the 540 PTO. My lawn is normal with very few obsticals (trees and 1 concrete slab) the entire thing is a very slow rolling hill. I asked the dealer to price it with a 60" MMM and FEL just in case. My neighbor is "giving" the 72" for $300 so I might as buy it and if I dont like it sell it or just keep it. Thanks for all the responses!
Tim