Mid Mount Mower from a B7800 on a B3030 (RC72-27B vs RC72-30B) MMM

sodak · Mar 25, 2016

I am in the market for a mower for my B3030 and have come across a few reasonable offers for mid mount mowing decks off of B7800s (I think the model # is RC72-27B). I could get these for less than a decent used RFM. Has anyone tried hooking up a RC72-27B in place of an RC72-30B?

Sales guy at the dealership tells me 'the decks are very specific' and recommends I just buy a new RC72-30B from him for $3850.

I would rather get a RC72-27B used for $1000, if it could be done without a lot of extra effort.

Thoughts?

Leejohn · Mar 25, 2016

This might help.

sodak · Mar 25, 2016

That is very handy; thank you. It won't tell me whether you can retrofit the RC72-27B to work on a B3030

sodak · Apr 13, 2016

The linkage looks similar. Any Kubota techs here able to chime in?

sodak · May 5, 2016

Just in case someone has the same question in the future, I did this successfully. In fact, the deck itself is identical. Some of the linkage is different, though, so if you buy used, you will want to make sure it comes with some original linkage.

First: you can print the illustrated parts lists for both decks here:
Kubota Tractor Corporation - Parts List

The front linkage is 100% identical.
The other linkage is slightly different. My tractor has a loader, so I didn't need either of the "Stay, Front" parts, as it is built into the loader frame. Kubota has different part numbers for the "Link, Rear" as well as its bushings and stay pins, but the rear links are basically the same (slightly smaller diameter where it hooks to the loader frame), so a generic pin on each side from your hardware store + some washers (if needed) will do the same thing and save you at least $200.

Here are the parts you will need:
LIFT LINKAGE
No▲ Part Number Part Name Qty
060 K5792-51100 SHAFT,LIFT 1
070 01133-51225 BOLT,SEMS 1
090 K5792-51193 ARM,LIFT LH 1
100 K5792-51213 ARM,LIFT RH 1
120 67111-44250 NIPPLE,GREASE 2 (optional - I bought new, you can remove old if you prefer)
130 K5792-51320 PLATE,STOPPER LH 1
140 K5792-51310 PLATE,STOPPER RH 1
170 K5792-51250 LINK,LIFT 2
290 01575-51235 BOLT,STUD 2
300 02172-50120 HEX.NUT 2
060 K5792-51100 SHAFT,LIFT 1

LIFT ARM
No▲ Part Number Part Name Qty
100 K5792-61172 ARM LIFT RH 1

Good luck!