BX2200 Mower Deck

JonSpinosa · Mar 25, 2001

When I purchased my BX2200 over 1 year ago, I decided to get the 54" mower deck because it was 40 lbs lighter. At the time, I had just herniated my L4-L5 disc in my lower back and was afraid of handling the extra weight of the 60" deck, However, now I think I would prefer the 60" deck to save some mowing time. For you guys with 60" deck's, how does it mow? Are you happy with the cut and engine power to handle the 60" deck? I have been really happy with the 54" deck.

Also, how do you guys tip-up your decks? I am thinking about setting up a block and tackle in the garage to tip-up the deck for cleaning and sharpening maintenance.

My dealer wants $500.00 to trade my 54" deck for a new 60" deck. Does that seem high? The mower is like new! Also seems a bit high since I just purchased a new Kubota ZTR ZD21 from him! Bought the new ZD21 sight unseen and went with the Kubota reputation. He has ordered it for me and hope to have it in 2-3 weeks. I have heard that many southern dealers already have them. Any users out there yet?

Thanks for any info. Jon

Anonymous Poster · Mar 25, 2001

Jon,
I have BX1800 60"deck,no problem with power,i have cut over grown field area 3' high,once in a wile the chute would plug and i'd just lift to clear it and drop it back down.regular lawn cuts like a carpet.aprox.3.5 acers grass hilly area.2 slopes i must go up and down,tractor works a little but not to the point it blows any black smoke which any diesel will do when under heavy load.all said and done i couldn't be more pleased with the little guy.

Roy · Mar 25, 2001

Jon; Like Tim, I have no complaints about the 60" deck performance. Now it is heavy, and a block an tackle would help. To store my deck over winter, I use two 4x4's against a wall, positioned where the deck wheels are. I tip it up, by hand (don't know how many more years I'll be doing that one) and secure it with ropes to the wall. While it sits in that position over the winter, I take care of the blades the blades.

Roy

TresCrows · Mar 25, 2001

You should have gotten the 60. It sticks out farther and allows you to use the left edge to stick into tight places and also it allows you to trim closer around trees. It is a fine match for the tractor. Good luck. J

DaveNH · Mar 25, 2001

I have been really happy with the 54" deck.

I'd keep the $500 in my pocket!
Can't see shell out five bills for a mear six more inches!
Better off getting a few more "pings"/w3tcompact/icons/smile.gif

Just my opinion /w3tcompact/icons/wink.gif

We're all in this together! (3)
Executive Yuppie Tractor Owner

msocko3 · Mar 26, 2001

I have the 60" on a BX1800 and have not had it bog down once. I've gone through field grass about a foot high with no problem at all. When I pressure wash the under side of it I pick it up from the front and stand it on the back wheels which are turned from removing it, I then have a old piece of 4x6 which I prop under the gear box to hold it upright. This works like a charm for keeping things clean.

MReeter · Mar 28, 2001

Jon,Congrats on going with the new Kubota ZTR,good luck on getting one in 2-3 weeks.Our dealer has had a dozen ordered since the 1st. of Dec. and has'nt received one yet.

Roy · Mar 29, 2001

When I was at my local dealer on Tuesday, I didn't see the Kubota ZTR's, so I asked. They said they have had them in, but POOF, they are immediately gone. Reminds me of BX availability last spring. Some people reported that their dealers could get 'em by the truckloads, some people reported that their own dealers were still waiting for a first shipment. Guess Kubota has some logic to their distribution, but who knows what that is.

Roy

GlueGuy · Mar 29, 2001

Excuse my ignorance /w3tcompact/icons/crazy.gif, but what the heck is a ZTR, and would I know one if it bit me on the foot? /w3tcompact/icons/smile.gif

The GlueGuy

DaveNH · Mar 29, 2001

Check out
http://www.kubota.com/z1821.cfm

Zero turn

We're all in this together! (3)
Executive Yuppie Tractor Owner
[Advertise your business here]

Roy · Mar 29, 2001

GlueGuy; If it was running, you would certainly would know it… that’s one very extreme way to clip toenails, or to reduce shoe size /w3tcompact/icons/frown.gif. Seriously… ZTR is Zero-Turning-Radius. You probably have seen them, but didn’t know what they were called. For examples, check out www.grasshoppermower.com (or Exmark’s site).

Roy

TresCrows · Mar 29, 2001

Glueperson /w3tcompact/icons/smile.gif , I think those ZTR mowers are regionally popular. I had never really seen one, at least not commonly, until I came up here to Kansaw. They are everywhere here. I think they mow at speeds faster than a tractor and they are designed to produce a very smooth cut. Most use castoring front wheels and two steering bars that control the rear wheels. They are kinda weird and I do not like them but they do a good cutting job around obstacles and flat terrain. Yep, they may actually mow circles around typical small tractors but then put an FEL etc on one. They are designed to do one thing well and our tractors many different things including mowing. The guy about 3 houses down from me has a ZTR with a 60 inch deck. It mows faster than my BX but not that much faster and it will turn on a dime. Depends upon what you value. J

GlueGuy · Mar 29, 2001

Thanks everybody! /w3tcompact/icons/smile.gif I'm now educated! /w3tcompact/icons/cool.gif

And I know that that little contraption would never work for my mowing needs! First, I could care less about "lawn" /w3tcompact/icons/smile.gif, and second, I need to go over some pretty rough terrain. /w3tcompact/icons/smile.gif I need those big wheels/tires to jump the gopher holes!

The GlueGuy

JonSpinosa · Mar 29, 2001

MReeter,
Thanks for the good will!! I am hoping that my dealer will be able to deliver my ZTR in short order. I do know for a fact that Kubota will ship a dealer's retail order before sending dealer stock to various dealers. Kubota must feel that if a person commits to an order they must fulfill that order rather that sending dealer stock orders. That only makes logical business and customer service sense. (so maybe that doesn't make any sense at all.....ha ha!) Steve Carver sent me an e-mail the other day stating that he just received a truckload of the ZTR's and was looking to do some business, but I had to tell him I just made a deal. I am hoping that it does not turn out to be a BX availibility issue like last year.

Jon

richfromPA · Mar 30, 2001

hey all,
just traded my 96 grasshopper ztr in on my new bx2200 coming wednesday. i will miss that mower, it is a cuttin S.O.B. couple yrs ago me and my buddy were cutting 10 acres, and man does it knock it out. of course with the ztr you can have the nice straight cutting lines and go on a 45 deg. angle to give the professional look. i put a hitch on it for a small lawn trailer and it was so easy to manuever even with a load of mulch. now im gonna say goodbye to the nice lines i had on my property but the loader and all the other goodys on the bx will be worth it.
rich

Roy · Mar 30, 2001

Rich; It won't be as fast cutting grass as that ZTR, but with the FEL, it will be a lot more fun /w3tcompact/icons/smile.gif.

Roy

MReeter · Apr 2, 2001

Jon,Stopped by dealership this past weekend,he finally got in part of his stock order,had both a ZD18 and the 21 set up.Looked like quite a mowing machine,nice comfortable seat,good sized platform area for your feet,I'd say big enough to accomidate a small cooler also!!!

Edited by MReeter on 04/02/01 08:03 PM (server time).

JonSpinosa · Apr 2, 2001

Talked to my dealer today regarding the delivery of my new ZTR. He expects the machine to be delivered this week. Then he proceeded to tell me that he has a open house the first weekend of May and asked me if I would not take delivery of the machine until after his open house. What do you guys think? Would you demand delivery or let him keep it for their open house?

Jon

Roy · Apr 3, 2001

Jon, You are asked for a favor, letting them keep it for the Open House. That tells me they reasonably expect not to see any more in before then. So, what are they offering you in return?

Roy