Using a BX as a mower/tractor

[handirifle]

I have 3 acres and currently have an MF1010(16hp) tractor, with FEL and rotating Gannon, for my tractor needs. I have 2 used riding mowers that I am constantly working on to keep the lower field mowed. The lower half gets a bit soft after rains, and I am unable to use the tractor with a finish mower, since I have R1 tires on it and they would sink in. The riders do just fine on this soft soil.

Today, was a good example of my needs. The grass/weeds were about 12" high, thick and about 50% of them damp. Pretty heavy load for the riders in that respect, which is why I wonder about the BX in the first place.

I am considering replacing the tractor, and the larger of my riders with a used BX with a belly mower.

What I am wondering, is how maneuverable are the BX's compared to a riding mower? Would that be overworking one, I only mow about 10 times a year, and only have one small hill.

My other option is a new, stronger riding mower, like the Husqvarna GTH24V52LS, with it's 24HP Kawi engine, and manufactured deck (welded not stamped) heavy duty spindles and a few other goodies. That mower will set me back about $3200 plus tax, so a little over $3400 total.

I figure I can get between 3 and 4K for the MF1010. If I got a decent deal on a BX I figure around 8K or so. A lot depends on how well the BX would do as a mower. I figure it will tractor as well as my MF without any problems.

Having a diesel would be nice for the extra torque and long engine life too.

 

[George the Beagle]

My BX 1860 is very maneuverable, at least compared to the older machines I've owned. However, it's no zero-turn, which I considered but rejected because they're dedicated to mowing only.

12" of heavy wet grass would be a challenge for any mower, BX or otherwise. You may be getting into rotary cutter territory here, which the BX could do.

 

[dodge man]

A Bx sounds like the perfect machine for you. I was tearing up a cheap box store mower on my ground, which is a little rough and a lot of hills. I ended up buying a better riding mower, maybe a $4000 mower, and it held up better but still struggled with the hills. I then bought a Bx and its the perfect machine. You can mow with the deck all the way up, and I 've used mine like a brush hog at times mowing grass 3 feet tall. To be honest, its not designed for that, but grass a foot tall won't be a problem.

It doesn't turn as tight as most riding mowers, but with power steering and the HST, you won't notice the difference. I would also bet it will cut down on you mowing time.

 

[sea2summit]

Have never driven a riding lawn mower but my 1860 turns probably ~20% tighter than my 450 4-wheeler if that's any help.
As for the grass that sounds a little much for a MMM, you could do a little brush hog and knock it down just fine though. Price would be similar.

 

[TripleR]

We are on our second BX a 2200 and now 2660 and while I have mowed 12" grass with both, it is more than I would want to do often so we got a 4' rotary cutter for the tall stuff.

Maneuverability is pretty good, but not as good as our JD 425 though a much better overall mower.

 

[dodge man]

Yeah, if you mow the tall stuff on a regular basis, a brush hog would work better. You can buy a brush mower as cheap as the mid mount mower. If it were me, I'd use the mid mount mower and just mow a little more often.

 

[radioman]

same here - I had cheap riders and it was a pain to take care of. I spent more on gas then I did with BX for diesel. I average maybe 5 gallons a month, sometimes more when I get a busy month mowing, tilling, or clearing snow 12 months of year. Before I got the BX, I only used it spring, summer, fall and used 10 gallons a month or more and still couldnt do as much my BX did. Plus parts for cheap rider every year. NEVER again.

The only thing is that, I have a wet spot in spring, sometimes fall of lawn that my BX with turfs sometimes makes ruts in 4 wheel drive - but so does my cheap rider - so its a wash.

FYI- I think the BX's is much more manuervable then cheap riders due to HST pedal and power steering. I can change direction on fly then cheap riders as most of them use lever to shift from forward to reverse or speed change. HST is all done via pedal.

 

[timswi]

+1 on everything radioman said...Once you have a BX, you'll never look at a mass produced garden tractor again....I've cut 12" grass in the spring with mine..No problem, grass comes out like a firehose...Sometimes you have to slow down a bit in the thick stuff, but no big deal...I wouldn't make a habit of that though, I would guess doing that all the time isn't good for the innards of the MMM.

 

[AchingBack]

You indicate you are field mowing. I would not mess with a belly mower in a field. There will be a lot of maintenance on it. Go with a rotary cutter. They are cheaper to buy, and easier to take care of.

 

[handirifle]

You indicate you are field mowing. I would not mess with a belly mower in a field. There will be a lot of maintenance on it. Go with a rotary cutter. They are cheaper to buy, and easier to take care of.

Hmmm, are the Kubota MMM's not built any heavier than a riding mower? I guess I figured if it was powered by a 20+ hp diesel it would hold up better.

I really don't want a bush hog type mower, they do not give the finish cut I like. The riders have not had any problems with breakage on the mowing end, I have had other issues, like fuel pumps, belts, and one has had engine troubles that are common for older flat head twin engines.

Actually the smaller one (15hp) has been the most trouble free, but it is VERY slow in the heavy stuff, as one would expect. Interesting how the different experiences of different owners sways their opinions.

Maybe I will talk to the dealers and get their opinions on the grass issue. I told the Husqvarna dealer what I would mow it for and he says their machine is perfect for it. It comes with a 3 year warranty so if it broke......

It's hard for me to imagine the Husky being heavier duty than the BX, I'm sure it isn't, I just wonder how heavy duty the Kubota MMM is? Surely it's heavier duty than a 24hp gas mowers.