Buying Advice 4WD mower advice needed

[ymarianne]

I have a mid size Massey Ferguson tractor with a finish mower and brush hog. It's too big to mow around the pond, front yard, and barn bank. I have a riding mower but it's no good on banks so I use a push mower. I saw a Kubota BX 4WD mower and now have mower envy. I could also use a backhoe. But I'm also cheap. Any suggestions? Do I have any options other than Deere and Kubota?

 

[WilliamBos]

Yes, a MF GC 2400. They are the perfect size for mowing, and also sip the diesel. WHat size MF do you have now?

I have a mid size Massey Ferguson tractor with a finish mower and brush hog. It's too big to mow around the pond, front yard, and barn bank. I have a riding mower but it's no good on banks so I use a push mower. I saw a Kubota BX 4WD mower and now have mower envy. I could also use a backhoe. But I'm also cheap. Any suggestions? Do I have any options other than Deere and Kubota?

 

[jenkinsph]

Can you put a fel and backhoe on the 1531? If so that is what I would consider doing.

For the mowing the x749 would be the best choice with the 4x4 and 4 wheel steering this low profile model works great for me living in the mountains.

 

[Gittyup]

2nd the X749.

 

[WilliamBos]

Price the X749, then the GC, the GC will give more bang for the buck!!

 

[jenkinsph]

Price the X749, then the GC, the GC will give more bang for the buck!!

The existing MF 1531 is a small compact tractor which I suspect is a good match for most small tractor jobs. That is why I asked if the OP can put a fel and backhoe on it. This existing compact would be similar to a Deere 2720 or 3120 in its abilities.


The x749 would be far superior to the GC 2400 for mowing especially on banks and steep slopes. Not saying there is anything wrong with the GC 2400 but it isn't more bang for the buck in this case.

 

[mikehaugen]

for hillsides I would recommend this... Rotair R/C Hillside Flail Mower | eBay

 

[gordyy]

I mow a lot of ditches and steep inclines have these two machines and love em they both do their thing equally well
there are a lot of different models and makes out there go to your local dealers and take em for a drive try em out

 

[ymarianne]

I have a 1531 MF,works great for brush hogging hills but a bit to big a profile for close to the pond and other steeper stuff. I have a fel on it already. I'm looking for something smaller, at least 20hp and heavier so it won't tip over. I'll check out the x749 and GC 2400. Can they handle a small backhoe?. I don't trust the new made in China John Deeres so will also look for an older model.

 

[jenkinsph]

I have a 1531 MF,works great for brush hogging hills but a bit to big a profile for close to the pond and other steeper stuff. I have a fel on it already. I'm looking for something smaller, at least 20hp and heavier so it won't tip over. I'll check out the x749 and GC 2400. Can they handle a small backhoe?. I don't trust the new made in China John Deeres so will also look for an older model.

Can you spread your rear wheels out by swapping them from side to side or by adding wheel spacers? That is what I recommend doing and put the backhoe on the larger of the two machines.

The Deere's you speak of are not made in China, don't know where you got that from. Some of the small Deeres are made by Yanmar and some have Yanmar engines but these are Japan built tractors and engines. The x749 has a Yanmar diesel engine and TuffTorq K92 transmission but is US made.

From what I have heard and seen most all of the brands offered today are really good machines, while I prefer Deere there is alot of good stuff out there to choose from.

 

[Scooby074]

I don't trust the new made in China John Deeres so will also look for an older model.

Wait... What?

 

[ymarianne]

Aren't most John Deeres made in China now? I guess not, at least not this model. I did flip my tires on my MF. No one has mentioned Kubota. Are the x749 and gc2400 better? Thanks.

 

[jenkinsph]

John Deeres are not made in China. The x749 is made in Horicon, very good on slopes not available with a backhoe. The 1026R is available with a backhoe.

Bear in mind that a backhoe raises the center of gravity somewhat. Wheel spacers are made to extend the wheels outwards on tractors with flanged axle assemblies this might give you the width you need for added stability.

 

[ddipert]

I just picked up a toro 3500d sidewinder. The decks can be shifted left to right for mowing on banks and near ponds. Really a nice cutting machine, multi deck to get a better cut and no scalping. Sidewinders are the models that shift the decks. The toro is replacing a Deere 455. (60").
But not cheap and no back hoe

 

[ymarianne]

I went on YouTube to watch how to put on and take off a backhoe on the BX Kubota. Figured I could mow without the backhoe and put it on when needed. It looks really hard to put on. You have to back the mower right up to the exact spot. I've got an easy hitch on my 1531 and can back up pretty easily to my bush hog. But this looks harder.

 

[devildog1]

Kubota's BX Series with the 60" mmm are the nuts, they mow great and sip fuel, plus the four wheel drive is great for hills. You can't go wrong with it.
DevilDog

 

[murphy1244]

I have a mid size Massey Ferguson tractor with a finish mower and brush hog. It's too big to mow around the pond, front yard, and barn bank. I have a riding mower but it's no good on banks so I use a push mower. I saw a Kubota BX 4WD mower and now have mower envy. I could also use a backhoe. But I'm also cheap. Any suggestions? Do I have any options other than Deere and Kubota?

What do you want? a mower? or a tractor?

 

[Martian]

Aren't most John Deeres made in China now? I guess not, at least not this model. I did flip my tires on my MF. No one has mentioned Kubota. Are the x749 and gc2400 better? Thanks.

The Kubota lawn and garden tractors simply are not the best...

If you're looking at BX sized machines, then they are better. I think you'd be better off with a tractor and a lawn mower though - that would likely be the cheapest route as well. Something like what jenkinsph mentioned would work, but I believe they even make x5 series machines that are 4x4.

 

[murphy1244]

Its simple its Simplicity... Nothing cuts like a Simplicity.Nothing.

 

[jenkinsph]

The Kubota lawn and garden tractors simply are not the best...

If you're looking at BX sized machines, then they are better. I think you'd be better off with a tractor and a lawn mower though - that would likely be the cheapest route as well. Something like what jenkinsph mentioned would work, but I believe they even make x5 series machines that are 4x4.

The prior x575, x585 and x595 were available with mfwd the later x7xx series with 4x4 use a hydraulic front wheel drive with variable speed to each of the front wheels depending on the steering setting. This hfwd system on the x749 seems to work very well and never seems to scuff the grass in tight turns the last two years.