GlueGuy
Veteran Member
- Joined
- Jan 24, 2001
- Messages
- 1,659
- Tractor
- Kubota B7500
Here's another one for the collective well of wisdom here at TBN./w3tcompact/icons/smile.gif
When I purchased my B7500, I discussed with the dealer which type of mower would be best for my particular situation. It's difficult to describe to someone, but I did my best, and he thought that a rear-mounted brush-hog-style of mower would be the best. The model that I ended up with is a Woods XT148.
The mower actually does a relatively good job of mowing. However, I have two problems.
First, our property is very uneven. In fact, in retrospect, I now know that a BX tractor, although somewhat more maneuverable would not be able to negotiate many of the dips and mounds (many of which exceed the 6" or so clearance of a BX). The B7500 does fine. However, the brush cutter many times would bottom out; either at the bottom of a deep rut, or at the top of a high mound. I quickly learned to keep a close eye on the front of the mower, and one hand on the 3PH control to alternately raise/lower the front of the mower as required to stay clear. Clearly, some sort of gauge wheels (or something) would help a lot.
Secondly, the way that the brush cutter sticks out the back is a serious liability. I did manage to get it (mostly) into all the various tight places that I have, but a couple of times I wasn't sure I was going to make it. This is one of the reasons that I removed the FEL when I mowed. With the FEL, many of the spots would have been impossible. In fact, a larger tractor (even a B2410) would have been way too big.
So I am thinking that a mid-mount mower might actually work better. It would make the entire rig at least 5' shorter, and make it a lot easier to get into most of the tight places. It also has gauge wheels (or idlers?) that would allow the mower to float up and down.
The only down side is that the land is pretty rough. I would say that 95% of the mowing is in grass and other "light weight" vegetation. However, I do have an occasional bacharus (AKA "coyote bush" for those familiar with California vegetation) that pops up (they grow real quick). Also, there are a LOT of rocks. Would this tear up a mid-mount mower?
All suggestions gratefully received. I bow to your collective wisdom!
The GlueGuy
When I purchased my B7500, I discussed with the dealer which type of mower would be best for my particular situation. It's difficult to describe to someone, but I did my best, and he thought that a rear-mounted brush-hog-style of mower would be the best. The model that I ended up with is a Woods XT148.
The mower actually does a relatively good job of mowing. However, I have two problems.
First, our property is very uneven. In fact, in retrospect, I now know that a BX tractor, although somewhat more maneuverable would not be able to negotiate many of the dips and mounds (many of which exceed the 6" or so clearance of a BX). The B7500 does fine. However, the brush cutter many times would bottom out; either at the bottom of a deep rut, or at the top of a high mound. I quickly learned to keep a close eye on the front of the mower, and one hand on the 3PH control to alternately raise/lower the front of the mower as required to stay clear. Clearly, some sort of gauge wheels (or something) would help a lot.
Secondly, the way that the brush cutter sticks out the back is a serious liability. I did manage to get it (mostly) into all the various tight places that I have, but a couple of times I wasn't sure I was going to make it. This is one of the reasons that I removed the FEL when I mowed. With the FEL, many of the spots would have been impossible. In fact, a larger tractor (even a B2410) would have been way too big.
So I am thinking that a mid-mount mower might actually work better. It would make the entire rig at least 5' shorter, and make it a lot easier to get into most of the tight places. It also has gauge wheels (or idlers?) that would allow the mower to float up and down.
The only down side is that the land is pretty rough. I would say that 95% of the mowing is in grass and other "light weight" vegetation. However, I do have an occasional bacharus (AKA "coyote bush" for those familiar with California vegetation) that pops up (they grow real quick). Also, there are a LOT of rocks. Would this tear up a mid-mount mower?
All suggestions gratefully received. I bow to your collective wisdom!
The GlueGuy