sub compact for mowing

[searcyfarms]

not sure about CNH CIH in your area but dont forget about those, will be similar to the LS models i know they make some nice units with those size belly mowers

 

[tractorsanmore]

I bought a Kubota bx 1860 approx. 8 yrs. ago . I have the 4 ft mid mower . It has been a good machine .Has around 400 hrs . only repair was a mower deck belt . besides normal maint. When I bought it We lived on a 1/2 acre lot. We moved to a farm 2 yrs. ago and now I mow around 4 acres a wk or more. I have slopes and a pond dam I mow. ( across ) pretty steep , have to hold myself in the seat , but tractor is vey stable. I have the turf tires on mine and it rides ok. Does not have a loader though. if I ever upgrade I would get the next size up for a 60" deck bx 23 series .

 

[Ricn]

I may go up and get the bx2380 with 54 inch mower; need to get through all my Wife's gates and the 60 is to wide. Nice to hear yours has been a solid machine, and why I like Kubota, lots of good testaments from others. My new L2501 has been rock solid, could not be without it!

Ricn

 

[spitter]

I bought a simplicity legacy 98 it has been more than I expected . It has the best cutting mower deck I also plow with it for a 2wd tractor it does alright lots of extra weight . don,t try to plow over 6 ".It has a kawi engine that has more than enough power. If you want a machine that does more than cutting grass a scut is your best bet.:drink:

 

[atitus74]

I may go up and get the bx2380 with 54 inch mower; need to get through all my Wife's gates and the 60 is to wide. Nice to hear yours has been a solid machine, and why I like Kubota, lots of good testaments from others. My new L2501 has been rock solid, could not be without it! Ricn

BX1880 owner here. I am very happy with it. I mow areas that are nearly flat, so I can't comment on the ride versus something that is very bumpy. What I can say is that there is considerable weight vs a lawn tractor so it will inevitably smooth out some of the bumps on its own (assuming soil and not roots or underground ledge causing it.) In just a year, my lawn is noticeably less bumpy than before. Keep in mind another side effect: I am probably going to have to start core aerating next year as the lawn gets compacted more and more. For mowing I think the 18 hp model is fantastic and its got the best pricing of the series from kubota. I also use mine for snow blowing in the winter and it does make it work pretty hard. If I was to do it again, and the difference wasn't too large to swallow I think I'd go with the 2380 instead to get the extra HP for blowing snow. Keep in mind the 23 or 26 hp model don't improve the lift capacity or add any significant amount of weight. Its really just the additional HP and a few small things like adjustable tilt steering and armrests on the seats. Good Luck. Let me know if you have any other questions, glad to help.

 

[TripleR]

I added 4" wheel spacers for our two, they are stable as is, but my wife likes them on our slopes and they improve the ride. To avoid soil compaction, we vary our pattern.

 

[stancel]

I started with a Scag zero turn for my 4+ acres, but quickly regretted not getting a SCUT. I couldn't afford both, so I sold the Scag and got a BX2670 with loader and 60" belly mower. If I could have only one, I would go with the tractor every single time. Wouldn't even have to think about it. I do use mine a lot though. I have a tiller, box blade and middle buster. I use the loader all the time for work around the house and cut 2 acres of my lawn weekly. The other 2.5 I do once a month or so. IMO, if you are even asking yourself the question, then go with the tractor.

As far as brand, I can't say I am 100% happy with my Kubota. It isn't even a year old and I have had several small issues with it, and a few not so small. The little stuff I just fix myself even though it is under warranty. The gauge cluster had to be replaced a few months after I got it, and it is back in the shop for almost 2 weeks now because as soon as you turn on the key it blows the ACC fuse. Apparently they are replacing a bunch of electrical components. And keep in mind, this is a tractor that has never been left outside since I bought it. Can't speak for how long it sat on the dealers lot though. What I do know is that my grass will need to be bailed by the time I get it back.

So if I were to do it again, I would do 2 things different. I would go with a Compact instead of a Sub-Compact, and I would probably go with a LS instead of Kubota.

 

[dalola]

Based on what you want to do, the 1880/48" combo is a good choice. Bigger is not always better, especially for small jobs. I say go for it! :thumbsup: