3pt Finish Mower Durability?

[DaveM]

Re: Finish Mower Durability/Roto Tiller ?\'s

Bird- Thanks for the recommendation. I wonder if you or anyone else would like to share their thoughts on Kubota's conservative (?) implement limitations? I suspect the other tractor makers also do this, yes/no? I don't have my manual in front of me but I think Kubota's Implement Limits Chart indicates a 500lb. limit for almost all 3pt tools, a 48" limit on rotary cutters (which I'll be breaking big-time with the SQ600!) and a 50" limit on roto tillers. I opted for the SQ600 because two Kubota dealers, with some gentle reservations, said the B2710 could handle it and I really want to cut at least as wide as the tractor. And from many of the posts I've read here on TBN it seems many of us have exceeded the manufacturer's guidelines and are not reporting problems. Is this just a major case of "cover your a**" on the part of tractor/implement makers? Will careful operation and good maintenance offset the possible hazards of exceeding these limits?

Thanks Again- Dave

 

[skent]

Re: Finish Mower Durability/Roto Tiller ?\'s

In our area (central Maryland) CT Farm and Country has changed to QT Farm and Country (QT for Quality or QT for Quitting - seems every time I go in there there's a new group of employees)

Steve

 

[DaveM]

Re: Finish Mower Durability/Roto Tiller ?\'s

I probably don't need to say this but I replied to RichZ privately. The QT, CT or whatever place he was considering was NOT the one I visited. The place I visited has done me no wrong or harm and I see no purpose in specifying where this business is located, in this very public forum. Though I suppose, if this chain keeps changing hands or names that this might help explain why the store I went to is in such poor shape.

I guess I feel a little better /w3tcompact/icons/smile.gif.

Dave

 

[Bird]

Re: Finish Mower Durability/Roto Tiller ?\'s

Dave, I do believe the tractor manufacturers are a little conservative on their implement limitations. But I guess they have to assume that you're always going to be working in the most severe conditions possible. I do read and take into consideration their limitations, but then I also consider my uses and experience. I'm using a narrow tiller, offset, because I had it before I bought the B2710 and it works too well for me to spend the money to buy a bigger one, but there's no way I would go out and buy a tiller, rotary cutter, finish mower, rake, blade, or box blade that wasn't at least as wide as the outside of my rear tires. And I'm using a 5' box blade, 5' rotary cutter, and 5' finish mower, and none of them are a bit too large for my tractor.

<font color=blue>a 48" limit on rotary cutters (which I'll be breaking big-time with the SQ600!)</font color=blue>

I had an SQ48 when I had the B7100 (manual called for only a 42"). When I went to the B2710, I promptly traded for a 5' rotary cutter. In my opinion the SQ600 is exactly the right size for a B2710.

Bird

 

[Anonymous Poster]

Quality Farm & Country, et al...

I've been a loyal customer of Central Tractor Farm & Family for years. About 2 1/2 years ago, Quality Farm & Fleet merged/bought out Central Tractor. The stores progressively got worse in appearance, lacked inventory, had bare shelves... All the while, I was told it was "gonna get better" when in fact it looked like it was going down the tubes...

The older employees bite their tongues, but you could see them struggling not to say anything. They indicated "new corporate management" were going to make major changes...But when?

Finally at the beginning of this year 2001, it appears to be turning around... I mean you can even buy a hitch pin for your tractor now... Well I'll be... at a farm store no less, can you imagine that!

They got rid of junk Howse implements {yes I even own one}, brought on KingKutter and finally started stocking the shelves again with tractor supplies they first pulled off...

I hope they pull through and make it, because it keeps everyone else honest and competition usually keeps the pricing in-line... We'll see...

{Cobleskill, Amsterdam, & Pittsfield stores are in my area}

 

[RobS]

Re: Quality Farm & Country, et al...

I've been generally satisfied with our Quality Farm. Today is 10% off day for "ThankQ" members which I'll hit tonight. Too bad I've already spent my implement bucks for the time being, but one can always use more chain and such /w3tcompact/icons/smile.gif

Right down the street is TSC, but this particular store is pretty bad. Very disorganized inside and only carry junk implements with no name brand on them. Assuming you can find your item and are satisfied with the quality level, they are cheaper. Other TSC stores I've been in are in better shape /w3tcompact/icons/smile.gif

 

[DaveM]

Re: Finish Mower Durability/Roto Tiller ?\'s

Bird- Thanks again! Myself and I'm sure many others really benefit from your experiences and your willingness to share them.

FWIW, I think I'll probably look for a tiller I can offset in the 50"-58" range. I like the idea of being able to till close to vertical objects like trees and fences. We have close to 1000' of split rail fence that we want to make planting beds next to and this width range should work well for that purpose. With the lousy soil we'll have for a few years, our vegetable garden will be fairly small. Also, by keeping the size down I can keep the price and the load on the tractor down a little bit.

I picked up a brochure on a Kuhn #EL32 series tillers that looks pretty good. Anyone have experience with these? They're pretty heavy compared to some others I've looked at and they're available in 42", 50" and 58" widths.

Thanks Again- Dave

 

[Knight9]

Re: Finish Mower Durability/Roto Tiller ?\'s

Dave,

I'm looking at tillers too and among them checked out the Kuhn EL32-150. It is a beautiful tiller and very heavy, but based on the quote I got...you pay for it!!! If you have the $$ go for it.

Kevin

 

[heehaw]

Re: Finish Mower Durability/Roto Tiller ?\'s

Dave; I'm curious why you would want a rear discharge finish mower; i have been using a wheel horse for several years now, with a rear discharge deck and hate the wind row it leaves behind. of course i may tend to mow a little less than i "need" to..i like being able to get close on both sides but thats it..i would rather not have the wind row..
heehaw

 

[DaveM]

Re: Finish Mower Durability/Roto Tiller ?\'s

HeeHaw- Cool name and interesting question! I chose a rear discharge finish mower to minimize exactly what you hate! According to the manufacturers literature and reports from TBN members windrows should be much less noticeable with rear discharge than a side discharge mower. I don't want to use any kind of grass collection system. Only people in low flying aircraft can see our lawn so I'm not trying to keep up with the Jone's or anyone else /w3tcompact/icons/smile.gif. I guess time will tell if the reports are true as I'm getting both the mower and cutter in two days!

Another FWIW... one reason I opted to go with good, respected brands was for the "trade-in-ability" or "used saleability". If either of these implements turn out to be a disapointment or I decide the 72" deck would've been a better choice I hope I won't be out too much extra $. This summer will be a huge learning experience for me and I'm looking forward to it/w3tcompact/icons/smile.gif/w3tcompact/icons/smile.gif.

Dave