2 Acres half Woods and Lawn Is this B2320 for me?
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AxleHub
Elite Member
Avery,
Just a few points:
1. I'd suggest looking at the Massey gc1715 to compare to the bx and j.d. product for some very specific reasons . . Not just brand loyalty.
A. While you can get a skid plate for the bx as well ad the masdey to protect the underside fan . . the masseu fan usvtucked up further and if something does happen for whatever reason it is much much cheaper to repair than the bx.
B. The fel lifting cspabilities are greater on the Massey gc1715
C. The gc1715 has a premium seat that is both coil and spring suspension and the seat itself is well structed . . These would be important for a back issue like your imo.
D. The gc1715 is a 25 hp engine vs. A 23 for the bx2370. I think you would benefut from that or a bx2670-1 unit just because of engine capabilities.
E. 5 year warranty
F. On my 1.3 acre lawn I've done alot of bagging clippings and its a time taker esoecially if you have or desire a nice thick lawn of bluegrass. But bagging is on and off and dump and on and off and dump and clear jamb etc. I like the look but it is work. Ive never liked mulching because any dampness at all is a jamb up and decks with plugs all still have chutes sticking out or ifbyou are baghing a chute AND the bagger piping. But Massey created a very unique deck (model 2315) designed for its gc 2300/gc2400/gc2600/gc1700 series scuts. No chute . . no bagger . . Just 55 inches wide for a 54 inch cut. It cuts 6 inch grass justblike it would 4 inch grasd. It has 6 blades not 3. Its safer around gardens and people and houses/vehicles because nothing can fly out. And whole many dealers don't know about them . . its a whole different mulching animal yet priced like any other mmm deck . . but I don't know of another tractor brand who has something like it.
G. Kubota BX product is good stuff . . but the points above are about specific issues the gc1715 massey has you might consider. One last issue relatingbto atv trails in your woods of 1 acre ???? Once you make 1 or 2 isn't that it? Yes you'll be maintaining but ground clearance isn't nearly as much an isdue in maintaining imo on a 1 acre space. And even if you had your mulcher deck on . . there' s no chute to catch anything. How can I make that statement? Well this summer I had my attached lot cleared by a track drive skid steer using a firelane cutter. I had my unit on that lot right after and it is deeper old furrows and sloped and the remnants of the trees and saplings that were cleared with the cutter. So it was not nearly as smooth as trails would be .
I'm not trying to say massey is better than kubota. What I'm saying is tractors have different abilities or options for different needs. I'm highlighting some things you may choose to consider. In fact in numerous cases in my area . . Kubota dealers have added Massey for that very reason.
Just a few points:
1. I'd suggest looking at the Massey gc1715 to compare to the bx and j.d. product for some very specific reasons . . Not just brand loyalty.
A. While you can get a skid plate for the bx as well ad the masdey to protect the underside fan . . the masseu fan usvtucked up further and if something does happen for whatever reason it is much much cheaper to repair than the bx.
B. The fel lifting cspabilities are greater on the Massey gc1715
C. The gc1715 has a premium seat that is both coil and spring suspension and the seat itself is well structed . . These would be important for a back issue like your imo.
D. The gc1715 is a 25 hp engine vs. A 23 for the bx2370. I think you would benefut from that or a bx2670-1 unit just because of engine capabilities.
E. 5 year warranty
F. On my 1.3 acre lawn I've done alot of bagging clippings and its a time taker esoecially if you have or desire a nice thick lawn of bluegrass. But bagging is on and off and dump and on and off and dump and clear jamb etc. I like the look but it is work. Ive never liked mulching because any dampness at all is a jamb up and decks with plugs all still have chutes sticking out or ifbyou are baghing a chute AND the bagger piping. But Massey created a very unique deck (model 2315) designed for its gc 2300/gc2400/gc2600/gc1700 series scuts. No chute . . no bagger . . Just 55 inches wide for a 54 inch cut. It cuts 6 inch grass justblike it would 4 inch grasd. It has 6 blades not 3. Its safer around gardens and people and houses/vehicles because nothing can fly out. And whole many dealers don't know about them . . its a whole different mulching animal yet priced like any other mmm deck . . but I don't know of another tractor brand who has something like it.
G. Kubota BX product is good stuff . . but the points above are about specific issues the gc1715 massey has you might consider. One last issue relatingbto atv trails in your woods of 1 acre ???? Once you make 1 or 2 isn't that it? Yes you'll be maintaining but ground clearance isn't nearly as much an isdue in maintaining imo on a 1 acre space. And even if you had your mulcher deck on . . there' s no chute to catch anything. How can I make that statement? Well this summer I had my attached lot cleared by a track drive skid steer using a firelane cutter. I had my unit on that lot right after and it is deeper old furrows and sloped and the remnants of the trees and saplings that were cleared with the cutter. So it was not nearly as smooth as trails would be .
I'm not trying to say massey is better than kubota. What I'm saying is tractors have different abilities or options for different needs. I'm highlighting some things you may choose to consider. In fact in numerous cases in my area . . Kubota dealers have added Massey for that very reason.
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TripleR
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We own two BXs as well as a 1025R and the 1025R has much better axle-tie rod configuration for working in the woods, we loaned our BX out and both tie rods had to be replaced. The operator was/is an idiot and just didn't have a clue how to operate. My wife, kids, grand kids have never damaged steering components on the BXs, but we've torn a couple of boots, so the point of increased vulnerability is still worth considering. It's not a deal breaker for us, but may be for others.
On the other hand the BX has a bit more ground clearance, especially with the MMM on, neither great, but there is a difference and if you accept the limitations, you should be OK.
The BX has quarter inching valve 3PH while JD has position control, I HATE quarter inching 3PH.
We really like our BXs, but don't deny they are a dated design, I've said since the 1026R came out to replace the 2305, Kubota needed to upgrade to retain their market share long term, but the "improvements" from the 60 to 70 Series was very minor. That said, we all still prefer the BX over the 1025R with more features, much to our surprise, so you really have to consider the intangibles.
It's always a good idea to test as many tractors as you can and at the same time consider how important a good dealership and cost is. I'm sure I've missed something, but am confident someone else will correct me.
EDIT: I forgot to mention removing/installing on a regular MMM deck is no big deal if you are in decent physical condition if done so on level concrete especially, 94BULLITT has You Tube videos demonstrating what it's like.
On the other hand the BX has a bit more ground clearance, especially with the MMM on, neither great, but there is a difference and if you accept the limitations, you should be OK.
The BX has quarter inching valve 3PH while JD has position control, I HATE quarter inching 3PH.
We really like our BXs, but don't deny they are a dated design, I've said since the 1026R came out to replace the 2305, Kubota needed to upgrade to retain their market share long term, but the "improvements" from the 60 to 70 Series was very minor. That said, we all still prefer the BX over the 1025R with more features, much to our surprise, so you really have to consider the intangibles.
It's always a good idea to test as many tractors as you can and at the same time consider how important a good dealership and cost is. I'm sure I've missed something, but am confident someone else will correct me.
EDIT: I forgot to mention removing/installing on a regular MMM deck is no big deal if you are in decent physical condition if done so on level concrete especially, 94BULLITT has You Tube videos demonstrating what it's like.
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GPintheMitten
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The mower deck itself is no problem with tight turns. It is the front tractor tires that use the resistance with the surface to turn (as does anything). It is desirable to keep the turns less tight in any tractor But especially important if the ground is wet and soft. Mow in 2wd to allow the front to spin with the travel over ground. With turfs you should be fine. Just judge what is happening and adjust your turns as necessary.
The B is more desirable for woods work for two reasons, bigger tires and more ground clearance.
Okay men I'm back.
Based on the feedback here and on other forums, I am down to the JD1025R and the 2370-1. I'm going for the FEL and the 60" MMM and that's it for now. I don't ever see a backhoe in my future.
I was quoted 18,000 even for the JD and 15,800 for the Kubota. The options are close and all 4 dealers (2 each brand) are near me and well-established. If I add the grill guard and the loader quick attach, and the ROPS lights to the Kubota to come up to spec on the standard 1025R, I am at 16,475. No sales tax and delivery for both is free as are filled tires.
Here are my new questions as I near a decision:
1. FEL lift capacity is important to me. I have read the specs and heard the JD claims but does anyone have any no kidding stats on what each bucket can pick up?
2. The JD FEL bucket cannot lift/lower and curl/dump at the same time. Is this a big deal in actual use or just a minor detail I might not notice?
3. The Kubota has the vulnerable HST fan while the JD has an inch less clearance. I will be in the woods often the first year. If I am set on one of these models, which will likely cause me more pain? OR, will these really matter to a putzer like me just clearing tangle and moving deadfall?
4. Price? Are these quotes reasonable and on par with what others paid new or should I wait for a better deal? Both are 0% for 60 mo.
As always gents...thank you.
A.
P.S. I'm going for R4 tires as a compromise between woods traction and lawn preservation.
Based on the feedback here and on other forums, I am down to the JD1025R and the 2370-1. I'm going for the FEL and the 60" MMM and that's it for now. I don't ever see a backhoe in my future.
I was quoted 18,000 even for the JD and 15,800 for the Kubota. The options are close and all 4 dealers (2 each brand) are near me and well-established. If I add the grill guard and the loader quick attach, and the ROPS lights to the Kubota to come up to spec on the standard 1025R, I am at 16,475. No sales tax and delivery for both is free as are filled tires.
Here are my new questions as I near a decision:
1. FEL lift capacity is important to me. I have read the specs and heard the JD claims but does anyone have any no kidding stats on what each bucket can pick up?
2. The JD FEL bucket cannot lift/lower and curl/dump at the same time. Is this a big deal in actual use or just a minor detail I might not notice?
3. The Kubota has the vulnerable HST fan while the JD has an inch less clearance. I will be in the woods often the first year. If I am set on one of these models, which will likely cause me more pain? OR, will these really matter to a putzer like me just clearing tangle and moving deadfall?
4. Price? Are these quotes reasonable and on par with what others paid new or should I wait for a better deal? Both are 0% for 60 mo.
As always gents...thank you.
A.
P.S. I'm going for R4 tires as a compromise between woods traction and lawn preservation.
varmint
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Does the Deere have the aluminum rear end?- I don't like that idea. Skid plates are an easy to install aftermarket option for the BXs, which protect the fan nicely. Curling/dumping at the same time is useful. Go for the SSQA- you'll be glad, most likely, that you did. For lawn use, I wouldn't load the rear tires. Easy enough to add weight for when you need it for loader or snow work. Less weight is better for mowing.
AxleHub
Elite Member
Avery11,
I hope you have good luck with your new unit which ever it is. I've given you several reasons why you mught want to at least consider a Massey GC1715 . . but I sense there is no interest . . so I won't detail answers for your latest questions.
Enjoy your buying experience . . It doesn't last long and then . . . its "seat time" lol.
I hope you have good luck with your new unit which ever it is. I've given you several reasons why you mught want to at least consider a Massey GC1715 . . but I sense there is no interest . . so I won't detail answers for your latest questions.
Enjoy your buying experience . . It doesn't last long and then . . . its "seat time" lol.
s219
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Deere loader valve is less sophisticated as you noticed. Whether that's an issue for you I can't say, but I thought it was a pretty serious oversight when I looked at the 1 series many years ago.
That Deere price seems high to me, but they may be charging a lot more for the mower than I expect.
If ground clearance is important, I question the desire for a SCUT. Based on previous discussion, maybe you should have a dedicated mower and a CUT. That's what I do, and many other folks here too. It's hard to get a machine that mows well and also is capable in the woods and for heavy work.
R4 tires are intended for worksite/construction use and for supporting heavy loads. The don't have the traction of an R1 or the turf-friendliness of turfs. So they aren't really a compromise between the two factors you cited at all -- they are just worse at both things. My R4 tires tear up my lawn considerably unless it's bone dry. I'd never want to mow with them. I chose them because they were the best option for loader work and general construction work.
That Deere price seems high to me, but they may be charging a lot more for the mower than I expect.
If ground clearance is important, I question the desire for a SCUT. Based on previous discussion, maybe you should have a dedicated mower and a CUT. That's what I do, and many other folks here too. It's hard to get a machine that mows well and also is capable in the woods and for heavy work.
R4 tires are intended for worksite/construction use and for supporting heavy loads. The don't have the traction of an R1 or the turf-friendliness of turfs. So they aren't really a compromise between the two factors you cited at all -- they are just worse at both things. My R4 tires tear up my lawn considerably unless it's bone dry. I'd never want to mow with them. I chose them because they were the best option for loader work and general construction work.