sub compact for mowing

[Ricn]

Please don't flame me for another new thread but having thoughts now of what I REALLY want. Had started a new thread the other day about getting a new JD rider mower but after some thought have decided I'd prefer a small SCUT, maybe the Kubota bx1880 with 48 inch mid mount rather than the much more costly Bx2380. I only need to mow for the most part, but the FL would really be useful, especially for the wife who would not lift much weight nor will she use our bigger tractors so thinking a small SCUT is just the ticket for her and I both.

Area I mow is not an issue, flat, no hills but with trees, barns plus the house area. I just need something small that our large tractor with flail mower can't get to and with the prices of high quality riders these days to get a real good hydro/transaxle reaching over $7000. I can about justify the BX1880 or similar from another maker.

For me, I don't look at total cost so much but DO look at reliability, platform comfort for us big guys. Dealer support has been very good on our Kubota tractors so Yesterday I drove the 1880 and 2380 both and liked the comfort of the 1880 better, not sure why and although it has fewer features and smaller tires I don't need arm rests when mowing although cruise control might be something I might use but rarely, never used it on my rider. 18hp diesel should mow just fine especially with a 48 inch mower, don't want the bigger 60 inch sticking out on the sides as I need to get through 60 inch gates in several areas.

Have about convinced myself on the 1880 but should I be considering other brands is my main question? Kubota is close by, LS 60 miles, Kioti, massy 30 miles. The 1880 is not that popular as most buyers think HP is always better and opt for the 2380 which I understand for rear PTO uses or heavier lifting and in many cases a true statement, but we mow with 20 HP gas on riders that do just fine so 18 diesel is as good or better IMO for our specific uses. Would not use rear PTO and do not plan on buying any implements for that, but the 3-point would be useful though for maybe a sprayer, tool box or garden disk. Yes the 1880 is high priced for mostly mowing but the added feature of FEL makes for happy wife plus I can get through all her gates with 1880 and 48 inch mower. The super quick loader detachment is pretty cool as well when mowing.

My apologies for being lengthy but TBN is my source of great information, a place where we all can sift suggestions and from many end users having similar experiences.

Any suggestions or food for thought would be great plus hearing from anyone owning the 1880 or similar tractor.

Ricn

 

[RonSwanson]

For mowing I’d want more power. I agree about the diesels not needing as much power because that torque really helps a lot but I’m sure some will chime in that has actual experience.

 

[TripleR]

Yes you can and no you don't need more power. A zero turn will be faster as it's more maneuverable, but mowing is all it does. We mow with a BX2660, but we use a tiller, rotary cutter and box scraper. We also use a John Deere 1025R on another far. I really have no experience with the other brands.

 

[Diggin It]

You probably won't like the ride of a SCUT as a primary mower. I feel every bump, divet and acorn with mine, but I have loaded R4s. Turfs might be different, but you'll sacrifice loader capability to some extent.

 

[Ricn]

good point - How can a SCUT ride any worse than a rider? mine current JD rider beats the crap out of me sometimes due to rough ground in places, and has for 20 yrs.
Ricn

 

[Diggin It]

good point - How can a SCUT ride any worse than a rider?

Twice the weight, no springs.

 

[4570Man]

With the loader on they’ll ride worse than without. Without the loader they’ll ride as good maybe because than a regular rider. I’ve used a B7100 with a MMM to mow with and it has plenty of power.

 

[RickB]

Tire pressure influences both ride and traction. Feel free to adjust yours as necessary according to axle loads and ride expectations. You can run the rears on the soft side for ride and the fronts a little harder for the FEL. consider a 54 inch deck if it will fit through the narrow spaces, the extra width will be handy on curved borders and for reaching under shrubs & trees (a little). I have a zero turn with a 48 inch deck and borders with an inside curve are problematic when they have a tight radius. The 1880 will have plenty of power for the 54 inch deck unless you are mowing hay fields. My former employer almost always paired the BX1880 with the 54 inch deck and I never fielded a low power complaint.

 

[RickB]

Twice the weight, no springs.

Few tractors have suspensions. Lighter tractors ride rougher than heavier ones.

 

[Ricn]

Rick B - Good points. My current rider has a 42 inch deck and no issues with boarders and trees. Can rethink the mower width to 54 as that would fit the gates ; happy to hear the 1880 is enough power for one. Tire pressures are important too, my rider has more up front for ease of turning, less in back for softer ride.

Ricn