Mid Mount Mower Choices

[vaughabr]

I'm trying to decide between a Kubota B2920 and the B7800 (only $100 difference). I like the fact that the 7800 is tried and true, but my dealer's quoting me MMMs and FELs at a higher price for the 7800 than the B2920 ($700 more for a 60" MMM; $900 more for the FEL + valve). Given these prices, I don't think I could justify the purchase of the 7800 given the increased price for the tractor and toys, but what other MMM options do I have? What companies make MMMs for the 2920 and the 7800? What models would you suggest? Thanks very much in advance for any advice.

-Brad

 

[Ductape]

You will want to stick with Kubota's MMM no matter which tractor you decide on. There are other brands made, but they will run off the rear PTO not the mid. You could consider a rear finish mower though.... at around half the price of the mid...... but you will lose a little bit of maneuverability. No idea why there is that great of a price difference between the two models, i would expect them to be closer in price (though they are definitely different mowers!).

The FEL on the 7800 is a bit more robust (if i can use that word) than the loader on the 2920. You will see a fair difference in lifting capacity between the two. The 7800 is at the lower end of being able to use lighter duty skidsteer attachments. I have not yet seen a skidsteer type adapter for the 2920, as it doesn't have quite enough lifting capacity. This might be something to keep in mind, depending on your particular tasks.

The 2920 will be more maneuverable, with its shorter wheelbase. I do like the more modern upgrades to the 2X20 series, like the lader valve at your right hip. I would give more thought to what you want to do with the tractor long-term..... and have that be the deciding factor, not the price difference in mower cost.

 

[crbr]

B7800 with Kubota attachments. Spend wisely the first time.

 

[ronjhall]

Get the B7800. It's bigger (longer wheel base) and has a larger FEL (more lift and height).

 

[ronjhall]

Get the B7800. It's bigger (longer wheel base) and has a larger FEL (more lift and height). Stick with Kubota attachments MMM and FEL. You will not regret it.

 

[art]

It is difficult to say which would be best for you with the limited information but the 2920 might very well fit your application if you are not looking at more then the 60" deck.
The attachments are different for both tractors and the 7800 does give some advantages of being larger as well as most attachments lifting more and a bit heavier. The decks are different and the 2920 is easier to remove the deck from with it being a drive over then the 7800.

Going to big might limit uses later!

 

[JPinnell]

I've got a B7800 and am very happy with it. Don't skimp on loader capacity, even if you don't think you'll use it that much As to the deck, the 60" on the 7800 isn't drive over, but the 72" deck is drive over and very stout. Keep in mind a bigger deck allows you to trim closer to objects without running over them. A smaller deck follows the terrain better though if you're yard isn't flat.

 

[vaughabr]

First of all, thanks for all the responses.

It sounds like I definitely want to stay with Kubota MMMs unless I want to go with a rear finish mower. The loader capacity isn't really a concern for me (I was just using that as another illustration of the price difference in attachments). I wouldn't even be purchasing a FEL during the first 5 years, and may only get a blade for pushing a couple inches of snow a couple of times per year (we don't get a ton of snow where I live in KY). During those first 5 years, it will primarily be used for mowing about 3.5 acres with about 3/4 of an acre on a serious slope. I like the weight and center of gravity benefits of the MMM vs. the RFM, and I like the idea of the smaller deck because the property is fairly undulating.

I do like the 7800, so I'll work on the dealer some to see if I can get the price of the 7800 + 60" MMM closer to the cost of the 2920 + 60" MMM.

Again, thanks for all of the help on this. I'll check back a few more times before I make my purchase in case there is anything else.

-Brad

 

[number two]

I've noticed a number of posts lately about the new 20 series mower decks having adjustment problems. Might be prudent to go with tried and proven instead of brand new with issues. Possibily better fuel usage with this new "tier 2,3,4"stuff going on. I always figure it's best to get the last of the proven units instead of the first of the new ones.

 

[Ob1kubota]

You bet stick with the B7800, thats on my 2009 schedule of buys with the 72 inch MMM to replace a tired ZD21-60 with stage one pumps still hanging in there. Negotiate, negotiate, negotiate and you will get the deal you need.