B2X20 mowing survey

[bgn007]

I traded my BX2200 for a B2620 and have used the 60 inch MMM on both machines. I really like the drive-over feature, although I am also considering using dollies. I find that the 60 inch MMM is much easier to R/R on the B vs. the BX, mainly because there is more space to work. The longer wheel base and higher ground clearance is an asset, particularly when it comes to attaching the driveshaft to the mid PTO, and accessing some of the grease points. All in all, I would give very high marks to the B2620/MMM combo in the areas of ease of use and serviceability. My only complaint would be that the top (lock) position pins are difficult to insert because the mounting holes do not align properly.

Both the BX2200 and B2620 produce a beautiful cut with minimal effort. The BX has a small maneuverability advantage when mowing around obstacles and is more stable mowing on across slopes. That said, I prefer the B2620 for mowing because the longer wheelbase and larger, wider tires produce a noticeably better ride over my irregular lawn surface. This, along with the 3 speed HST, helps shorten the time it takes to mow my 3 acres.

As for tires, I had both Ag and Turf sets for my BX2200, and currently have bar/turfs on my 2620. I prefer the bar/turfs for mowing because the rounded corner profile of the fronts help reduce tracks (on sharp turns) that can occur in damp conditions with the B2620. The rears are lower and wider than R4s, enhancing stability and weight distribution on the lawn. I also like these tires in winter for use with both the hydraulic front blade and front snowblower.

 

[ChuckinNH]

BGN007,
Thanks for the detailed comparison. It seems that many B2x20 owners that mow are a little quiet about it. The large number of used MMM's I saw at dealers during their open houses, etc. this spring had me worried that folks didn't care for them after they had bought them. The mower decks that I saw though, were all for the larger B's, but it prompted this poll. Looking under one B2620 with a 54" deck mounted at an open house, it did look like things were easier to reach than on the BX, JDX700's ect. When I'm a bit weak from chemotherapy, any pto shaft that isn't a straight shot can be a little extra work, but the more room the better.

 

[KU Gator]

Chuck,

Out of curiosity, I measured the clearance under mine this am with it up and locked and there was 5" under the bottom of the deck. I assume you know, but you can still lower an implement on the 3 pt hitch with the deck on and locked in the up position and the deck will stay up. I sprayed the yard for weeds with mine with the deck in place.

As mentioned, there is quite a bit of room to reach between the deck and the bottom of the tractor to hook up the PTO shaft, but still, you are either reaching from the side across the tractor doing it one handed or crawling underneath from the rear and reaching up. Neither or that big of a deal normally, but with your current medical status, only you can judge that.

Take care.

 

[TripleR]

Chuck,

Out of curiosity, I measured the clearance under mine this am with it up and locked and there was 5" under the bottom of the deck. I assume you know, but you can still lower an implement on the 3 pt hitch with the deck on and locked in the up position and the deck will stay up. I sprayed the yard for weeds with mine with the deck in place.

As mentioned, there is quite a bit of room to reach between the deck and the bottom of the tractor to hook up the PTO shaft, but still, you are either reaching from the side across the tractor doing it one handed or crawling underneath from the rear and reaching up. Neither or that big of a deal normally, but with your current medical status, only you can judge that.

Take care.

I didn't even take my MMM off my BX this year and used it in my woods and other places for FEL work and road maintenance. I would assume a MMM on a B would allow you to do a lot of work. I too am disabled and often have to find ways to work around that while staying as independent as possible. It may not always be by the book, but it gets done.

 

[ChuckinNH]

Though my current deck does a good job, I still have to remove it to sharpen blades a few times each summer, grease the deck, and to get packed grass out of the belt covers. I think I could handle the PTO on my B2620 OK but it looks like more of a pain on the BX, JD, and Massey. I think the PTO on the 2305 JD is maybe the easiest of the smaller tractors.

 

[TripleR]

Though my current deck does a good job, I still have to remove it to sharpen blades a few times each summer, grease the deck, and to get packed grass out of the belt covers. I think I could handle the PTO on my B2620 OK but it looks like more of a pain on the BX, JD, and Massey. I think the PTO on the 2305 JD is maybe the easiest of the smaller tractors.

Just throwing stuff out, but I don't remove my deck to take the blades off and use high pressure air hose to remove debris from all parts of the deck after mowing. Your deck may be different than mine though.

 

[bxowner]

Hey, Chuck:

You're more than welcome to come by my place and try it out - both mowing and install/removal of the mower deck. Don't know where you are in NH, but I'm near Middlebury, VT.

 

[ChuckinNH]

Thanks for the generous offer bxowner! I just may shoot you a PM if I don't just forge ahead. You are something over 100 miles from my place. ( Dated a woman from Vergennes for a while)

 

[bstrom]

Nice looking spot you got over there Chuck.

 

[ChuckinNH]

Yes, it's nothing special, but I really like it. I ran into a couple of old timers walking once, and they asked where I lived. I told them, and one of them said "hayed that with horses once, kinda bony isn't it?" I guess it's "bony" out in back are piles of rocks half the size of VW's, and you can walk from one to the other in many places for some distance.