Hello all, 1st time user and totally new to this. I have 3 acres with a 24'x100' concrete driveway. I am currently using a white gt2550 25hp gas with a 54" deck to cut the grass and have an ahrens 11hp walk behind snowthrower. I am considering a kubota bx1860 diesel with blower attachment. I know very little about diesels. I'm sure that the kubota will more than handle what I need it for, but am I gaining or losing going with the 18hp diesel vs the 25hp gas? I also looked at the simplicity legacy xl, and jd x700 series. I don't know if I'll ever need the 3 point hitch or a fel but at least I'll be able to. I'm also considering the bx2360 with a 60" deck. Does the addtional cost out weigh the larger deck and hp? Like I stated earlier I will primarily be using it to cut grass, and snowblowing.
Buying Advice need advice for new kubota
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Ductape
Elite Member
Like Don says..... the fuel efficiency of the diesel will amaze you.
If you are blowing snow, get the higher HP if you can afford.
And just wait till you see all the chores you can do with the 3 ph and PTO !
If you are blowing snow, get the higher HP if you can afford.
And just wait till you see all the chores you can do with the 3 ph and PTO !
TripleR
Super Star Member
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Pretty much what Ductape and Don87 said.
I obviously like Kubota but would look at all of the different brands to find just the right one for you.
You will be surprised at how much you will find to do with a FEL.
I obviously like Kubota but would look at all of the different brands to find just the right one for you.
You will be surprised at how much you will find to do with a FEL.
PHILIP8N
Veteran Member
For 3 acres, I would get the widest mowing deck possible. The diesel hp engine will feel 'stronger' than the gasoline hp engine. Philip.
George the Beagle
Gold Member
I have an 1860 with mower and snowblower, and it really gets the job done. Fuel consumption is very low, and unused diesel fuel doesn't go bad in a month or two either. It has plenty of power for what I use it for. It also has the FEL--which I highly recommend.
CAgnoli
Silver Member
A John Deere x748 is an excellent choice for the work you describe, very capable, low fuel use, 7-Iron deck leaves a golf course like finish. I had one and it was fantastic.
However, if you would like to do more than snowblower the driveway and mow grass, I'd go the BX route, or consider the JD 1026r.
As nice as the x700 series are, it's a garden tractor, and they get a little goofy looking with the fel and three point hitch (both of which you have to add extra) if you go with a BX1860, or JD 1026r, the three point hitch will be waiting your instructions.
Warning, tractoring is a sickness, buy larger than you think you'll need, or you'll be buying either a second machine or larger machine inside 12 months trust me, I speak from experience.
However, if you would like to do more than snowblower the driveway and mow grass, I'd go the BX route, or consider the JD 1026r.
As nice as the x700 series are, it's a garden tractor, and they get a little goofy looking with the fel and three point hitch (both of which you have to add extra) if you go with a BX1860, or JD 1026r, the three point hitch will be waiting your instructions.
Warning, tractoring is a sickness, buy larger than you think you'll need, or you'll be buying either a second machine or larger machine inside 12 months
trust me, I speak from experience.
kiotiken
Veteran Member
Warning, tractoring is a sickness, buy larger than you think you'll need, or you'll be buying either a second machine or larger machine inside 12 months
This is good advice.
As far as HP goes, a 20hp diesel and 20hp gas are not the same. As previously stated, you'll get better fuel economy with the diesel, but in this size engine, this probably isn't a big deal for a home owner. The big advantage is the amount of torque the diesel will produce over the gas, and that's what lets a relatively low hp tractor do so much work. Think about the fact that large ag tractors that are used for tilling fields and making hay are often only 100 hp or less. I guarantee you it doesn't take 3 of them to give you as much power as an F-150!
CAgnoli
Silver Member
My X748 would mow 6 acre's of grass on 2.5 gallons of diesel fuel. My X540 with a 26HP Kohler Gas engine (6 inch narrower mower deck) took just about six gallons of fuel to do the same amount of work.
To KiotiKen's statement, the torque is what get's the work done.
To KiotiKen's statement, the torque is what get's the work done.
How is 20HP not equal to 20HP?
How much more torque will a 20HP diesel engine produce over a 20HP gas engine?
ps:
Please keep in mind the OP is considering a BX-series tractor. This is a clue.
Wrooster
