Mowing Belly mower on a B2601 - how aggressive can i go?

[JRMOPAR]

Just bought a 2016 B2601 with several implements but no bush hog although it does have a 60" belly mower. I know I can't cut down saplings like the BH, but I want to know how aggressive an overgrown field can I attack with the mower? Any experiences shared would be much appreciated. thanks.

 

[Grandad4]

These Kubota decks on their small tractors are pretty much unstoppable. I have yet to find grass or brush that bogs the engine. The limitations are these: 1. You have to go slow enough that the blades can clear the discharge clippings. 2. The deck and wheels are still vulnerable to damage from stumps, rocks and uneven ground. If you drive aggressively over rough ground, the tractor (and your backside), may take some damage.

 

[oldballs]

What Grandad4 said.

I have cut "weeds" (overgrowth) on neighbors' places.....weeds 5-6 feet tall. Having walked the area and mowed it previously, I knew where the dangers were. Leaving the FEL on and set it low pushes things down ahead. I wouldn't want to do this routinely, but have done it as a favor on several occasions. Afterwards, I clean up the machine, MMM and re-grease everything.

 

[JRMOPAR]

That's a good idea to use the loader as a push-down device, I will try it. My only other concern is that this tractor has turf tires not ag or R-4. The field was bush hogged annually up until last year but not at all this year so I have some 10-month old locusts that sprang up and are about 4 foot high. Is that a concern for my tires; are turf ones like mine more prone to puncture?

 

[BubbaJr]

Locust trees are a very hard wood, and if it's the thorny variety, back in the pioneer days they used to use the thorns for nails. That should give you an idea what you are up against. I would never try to mow over a locust myself, but it's your tractor. Choose wisely.

As far as mowing tall grass, no problem. When you put the loader down, curl the bucket up some, that way you will raise up the front of the tractor instead of coming to a dead stop and throwing you over the steering wheel. I speak from experience.

Joe

 

[oldballs]

I've found that doing such a chore requires moving rather slowly compared to regular turf mowing. Thus I'd would not take on a very large job unless you just have to. Moving that slowly over an acre takes forever. Other than some real Locust thorns, I'd say that the turf tires would perform as well as R4 or Ag tires The FEL, and Box Blade (ballast) allowed me to move some fallen hedge limbs (they have smaller thorns)and other debris as well. I also used the 4 wheel drive.

 

[Grandad4]

Also remember with this size tractor you are going to be up close and personal with whatever inhabits the field you are mowing... yellow jackets, spiders, snakes, poison ivy, you name it. Make appropriate preparations. Much to be said for waiting until the cooler fall weather takes over, if you can.

 

[tshep]

I high-centered my belly mower once on a stump, at the rental house by myself, no truck, etc.... I had to take the mower off to get to where I could drive away from it. Did no damage, right back to work basically clearing in the woods.

 

[JWR]

That's a good idea to use the loader as a push-down device, I will try it. My only other concern is that this tractor has turf tires not ag or R-4. The field was bush hogged annually up until last year but not at all this year so I have some 10-month old locusts that sprang up and are about 4 foot high. Is that a concern for my tires; are turf ones like mine more prone to puncture?

I've never seen a locust tree grow 4 ft in 10 months. You sure that isn't a year and 10 months ? Regardless I recommend against mowing any size hardwood like locust that might be as thick as your fingers or more. Just asking for trouble with the wrong tool. Borrow a 5ft bush hog and cut it twice -- once high and second pass low. Then maintain it with your belly mower. Don't worry about the tires unless you have seriously heavy, long thorn bushes. I have waded into a hay field, on a bet, with dense hay 5ft tall using a Kubota B2150 and a 60" belly mower. Yes, it WILL cut the stuff. NO it is not the right tool. And if you have 4ft locust tree saplings in there -- NO NO. Buy, borrow or rent a bush hog -- or for that matter hire it done once -- and then go from there. By the way, a good sharp-bladed 5ft bush hog will do a great job mowing larger fields intended to be grass long-term & you may want to buy one & use the MMM for the finish mowing and close in yard work. Easy to sit out here and pontificate when we can't see your fields or know your whole circumstance.

 

[dodge man]

My experience mowing tall brush is that it works, but the cut the first few times is pretty bad, a lot of stuff not cut well or left standing. I mowed some small trees, less than an inch in diameter, by accident or on purpose a couple of times. It sounds bad but doesn't seem to hurt it. If there is just a coupel of them, I'd go for it otherwise cut them down first and haul them off.