Buying Advice Is an SCUT overkill?

[Apastron]

Thanks everyone for the great input! I'm still struggling to figure out how useful the FEL would actually be for me. If I lived further north with snow, I think it would be a no brainer, but in Florida I don't have that need (...or excuse). The Kubota dealer north of me also carries Massey Ferguson, so if I can make it there I can hopefully see both first hand. I definitely want to stay on the lighter side if I do go with an SCUT, so a quick detach FEL and ballast would probably be a great idea to help minimize weight. Are there any SCUT brands that are better than others for hill stability--like a wider stance or lower center of gravity? It's hard to tell from the limited spec sheets.

I really liked the idea of the X738 on paper in that it had 4WD, but it seems pretty pricey at the $10900 list price (without mower deck!). If I just need a 4WD mower, the Kubota GR2120 seemed like a better bang for the buck at $9388 list (including diesel engine and 54" deck). At that price though (and close to 1000 lbs), I'm not too far from SCUT territory.

 

[jenkinsph]

Apastron,
Have you measured the slope angles to see what they are? That would be good information to have. Pretty sure my x749 has a lower COG than a subcompact.

 

[Apastron]

Apastron,
Have you measured the slope angles to see what they are? That would be good information to have. Pretty sure my x749 has a lower COG than a subcompact.

I suspect you are quite right about the lower COG if I went with the x700 series.

I haven't really been able to get a good measurement of the slope yet (everything still in boxes). The rear bank (by the pond) is probably only 15 to 20 degrees, so I suspect that won't be too much of an issue for the GR2120/x700 or an SCUT. The side ditch that really concerns me isn't that deep--maybe 7 to 8 ft of slope, so two passes should do it if I can get in there (and out). Based on the drop, my best estimate would be around 25 degrees for most of it--peaking to about 35 degrees near the front. There's also a small section near the bottom (about 2 feet by 10 feet) that is probably closer to 45 degrees, but if I can get everything else I'd be happy using a string trimmer on what doesn't get cut there.

 

[dave1949]

That sounds fairly steep slope-wise since you probably have to mow along it lengthwise (not up and down?).

You can fix that with a SCUT, or hire it done and never have to deal with it when mowing. Just a thought.

 

[DeereMann]

Apastron,

If you have significant landscaping work you enjoy doing yourself, a SCUT w/FEL is a must (that's why i choose it just this year). If not, and your primary work is groundskeeping mowing, then the X700 series is the answer.

At these prices, the difference between the premium L&G and SCUT is not much if financed, so the principal usage intent is the paramount decision criteria. I also use my FEL for brush cleanup.

Most of the SCUT brands are very good nowdays, I think it comes to which brands you have dealers for nearby (if local service is important to you), then go try them. It comes down to personal preferences for little things.

Best wishes..........

 

[chim]

With regard to the FEL, it's surprising how many times it gets used. Our wheelbarrow found a new home. Heavy things are moved around easily and loaded or unloaded from the pickup.

Overkill? Heck, I'd be looking at something the size of a Kubota B. Of course some of us here tend to tool up more than those who hang out on other non-tractor forums.

 

[94BULLITT]

I suspect you are quite right about the lower COG if I went with the x700 series.

I haven't really been able to get a good measurement of the slope yet (everything still in boxes). The rear bank (by the pond) is probably only 15 to 20 degrees, so I suspect that won't be too much of an issue for the GR2120/x700 or an SCUT. The side ditch that really concerns me isn't that deep--maybe 7 to 8 ft of slope, so two passes should do it if I can get in there (and out). Based on the drop, my best estimate would be around 25 degrees for most of it--peaking to about 35 degrees near the front. There's also a small section near the bottom (about 2 feet by 10 feet) that is probably closer to 45 degrees, but if I can get everything else I'd be happy using a string trimmer on what doesn't get cut there.

You may want to go to the Kubota forum and ask about the G sereis. I remember some of them had weak hydros and would not pull a steep hill, I can't remember what model/s it was.

 

[Apastron]

Well... I've been checking around and I haven't found anyone with a GR2120 to see. I did find a lawn shop nearby that supposedly has a Kubota BX1870 with loader as well as a Kubota dealer with a couple of BX2370s an hour south. There is also a Deere dealer down that way that I suspect will have the X700s (and probably the 1023E) but I'm still checking on that. So it looks like those are pretty much my options at this point.

I have to be careful with any slope modifications. Anything related to drainage in Florida seems to quickly require all kinds of red tape and permitting. I'm not sure if the X738 could handle my slope--but it likely wouldn't be any worse than than the BX (and probably better). The MSRP for the X738 with 54" deck is $12599 and $13799 for the X758 (diesel). The BX1870 lists at $11640 with similar deck (and NO loader), and the BX2370 is $13443 with a 60" deck (and NO loader).

If the X738 was a couple thousand less, I'd probably be leaning that way. With it this close though it's a tougher call (especially if I can add a loader to the Kubota for not much more). Perhaps I'm just missing the greatness of the X700 though--but I suppose the only way to know is to take the drive down and get hands on and some real quotes.

Thanks again to everyone for the great comments!

 

[94BULLITT]

If you look at a BX look at least a 2370. The loader is stronger the 1870 and it has larger tires.

 

[dragoneggs]

If you look at a BX look at least a 2370. The loader is stronger the 1870 and it has larger tires.

Yep, good advice... to me, a SCUT is your ticket if you plan to do much landscaping at all. I do understand your concern about mowing soft ground and can only suggest you get turf tires to help save the wear and tear on your grass.