tractor configuration

Bob_Skurka · Mar 23, 2004

I've spent today on my Kubota B2910 and forgot how much fun it is to play around on that thing. But that said, I do admit to liking my NH TC24D better. I bought it specifically for mowing and doing work where the Kubota w/FEL simply does not fit. The TC24D is one frame size smaller than the B2910 and has a much tighter turning radius. I actually went to buy another Kubota and ended up with a New Holland. I still like Kubota and I like NH. The one thing I would recommend is HST transmission for mowing, especially if you have lots of things to mow around and in between.

Golfgar4 · Mar 23, 2004

Moonstruck,

Since you obviously are willing to consider something other than Kubota, even though you already own one of those, you should visit as many dealers as you can get to and compare the various brands and options that are offered. Make sure that you compare like sizes and options to each other.

Since you didn't mention anything in your earlier posts, I'm guessing that you've not had to deal with any specific dealer for your Kubota, correct? If this is the case, then pay close attention to the qulaity of the dealer. I know I, and many others here, would gladly pay a little more up front for our tractor to ensure that we deal with a top notch dealer. That's the long term association that you need to worry about, and I believe that it is just as improtant, if maybe not more important, than the tractor that you finally decide to buy.

Of course, all of this was just my opinion. And you know what they say - " Everyone's entitled to their own stupid opinion! " /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

bebster · Mar 23, 2004

You might find that with a rotary cutter in the back and no FEL that you become back heavy. This could be uncomfortable especially going up a hill. So you might consider at least suitcase weights on the front bumper as well.

Poncho · Mar 23, 2004

Moonstruck... there has been a lot of good information posted here but there is something else that may help in what type mower you get... that's what kind of grass is planted. Since it was a horse farm more than likely it will be a bahia or bermuda grass is my guess since you are in NC. These grasses are very coarse and are not to be mowed to close to the ground... if you do... eventually you won't need a mower because all you'll have is dirt and poosible erosion... which is where the FEL would come in handy! I'd recommend a bush hog... if you keep the blades sharp you will have a nice looking grass area and it's design won't allow you to mow too close.

MossRoad · Mar 23, 2004

You want to consider how much time you want to spend mowing. The larger tractors can run larger mowers which cut faster, which get you done sooner.... blah, blah, blah /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif /forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif

Also, a finish mower works great for finish mowing, but do you want to finish mow a pasture? Finish mowing requires mowing more often to get a lawn like look.

I have a 60" mower that will cut about 1 acre of lawn in 20-25 minutes if I don't beat on it. 6 acres would take me a little over 2 hours providing the lawn is nice and I only have to cut a couple inches off it. If it is more like a field than a lawn, then it wowld take much longer with my size tractor. In that case, I'd want something larger.

moonstruck · Mar 24, 2004

This discussion has given me a lot of good information. I did talk with my wife last night and she seemed to agree that we don't have to keep the pasture looking like our front lawn. I also don't want to have to mow every week either. It would be nice if I could get the job done in 1 1/2 hours or less. Maybe if I go with a 72" deck it would go pretty fast. I don't envision needing to remove the mower deck very often so ease of install/remove may not be a big factor.

Since the area is now occupied by 4 horses I assume that the ground may be rough in some areas for finish mowing and a rough cut mower would be best. Can you get a mid mounted rough cut so I could make tighter turns??

Golfgar4 · Mar 24, 2004

( Can you get a mid mounted rough cut so I could make tighter turns??
)

No, I'm not aware of any rotary style mid mount mowers. As far as I know, they're all 3pt's.

Maybe there's some type of option where you can change the blades on a mid mount mower that will make it less of a finish mower, but I wouldn't know about that. I'm sure someone else may have some ideas for you, though. I can almost guarantee that anything that you can think of has probably already been looked at by someone else on TBN! /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif

KiotiJohn · Mar 24, 2004

( I don't envision needing to remove the mower deck very often so ease of install/remove may not be a big factor.
) I'd like to make a prediction. You'll get your tractor, and before you know it, you'll be getting every implement you can put on it and will be changing out the mower frequently. It's kinda like gambling: becomes addictive! But then, life is short and should be enjoyed to it's fullest! John

grandad · Mar 24, 2004

Something else to consider about a mid-mount mower. It is often much more difficult to put on and take off than the rear 3 point types. Once it's on, it tends to stay on for extended intervals. Why is that important? Well, your situation may vary from mine, but that tractor of mine is always going into rough terrain where a mid mount mower would get snagged on something. If all you are going to do is mow the pasture, maybe that's not a problem, but mobility is definitely more limited with those mid mount mowers.