Lately, we have considered adding a Kubota Grass Catcher to our BX2350 and 60" deck as well as comparing (from a cost and performance perspective) alternative products/methods to collect grass clippings and, most importantly, leaves, such as products from DR and Cyclone Rake.
Efficient leaf collection is the major concern. Last fall and this Spring, using a Stihl backpack blower and hand raking, we filled a total of 130, 32 galloon trash containers with leaves. Transport to the local landfill (12 mile RT) of 9 containers each trip is time consumming and costly (fuel, landfill access sticker, etc.). In addition, our landfill is accessible at what are, perhaps, the most inconvenient possible days and time.
Several TBN threads indicate the Kubota Grass catcher performs reasonably well gathering leaves, but the bags fill rapidly. However, the $1850 price tag in this area, while somewhat expensive, is not prohibitive as alternative products are in the same price range.
Of concern with the Kubota Grass Catcher is that the impeller is PLASTIC, as opposed to a steel impeller/shredder on the alternative products. Acorns, twigs and small dead branches are routine on my lot-and for a retail of $1850 for the unit it seems a steel impeller/shredder would yield a better result, last longer and shred leaves more efficiently and to smaller size. For example, DR's collection system claims a 10:1 reduction; Kubota info offers no similar claim.
Any thoughts/comments from TBN members experienced with leaf collection using the Kubota Grass catcher with PLASTIC impeller would be appreciated. Comments addressing the durability and efficiency of the plastic impeller AFTER a season of leaf collection/shredding are of particular interest.
Efficient leaf collection is the major concern. Last fall and this Spring, using a Stihl backpack blower and hand raking, we filled a total of 130, 32 galloon trash containers with leaves. Transport to the local landfill (12 mile RT) of 9 containers each trip is time consumming and costly (fuel, landfill access sticker, etc.). In addition, our landfill is accessible at what are, perhaps, the most inconvenient possible days and time.
Several TBN threads indicate the Kubota Grass catcher performs reasonably well gathering leaves, but the bags fill rapidly. However, the $1850 price tag in this area, while somewhat expensive, is not prohibitive as alternative products are in the same price range.
Of concern with the Kubota Grass Catcher is that the impeller is PLASTIC, as opposed to a steel impeller/shredder on the alternative products. Acorns, twigs and small dead branches are routine on my lot-and for a retail of $1850 for the unit it seems a steel impeller/shredder would yield a better result, last longer and shred leaves more efficiently and to smaller size. For example, DR's collection system claims a 10:1 reduction; Kubota info offers no similar claim.
Any thoughts/comments from TBN members experienced with leaf collection using the Kubota Grass catcher with PLASTIC impeller would be appreciated. Comments addressing the durability and efficiency of the plastic impeller AFTER a season of leaf collection/shredding are of particular interest.
