Educate Me on Older Kubota

[The Gardener]

May I please tap TBN for your vast experience with older Kubota tractors.

I am still exploring every angle to solve our long term mowing needs. We have determined that our first need is a B26. That purchase is hopefully going to happen next May. However, the B26 is a major hit on the finances.

That points to a *used* Kubota tractor and a new Woods rear finish mower.

Question:

What are the earlier Kubota tractor models that offer 4WD and enough PTO power to handle a Woods 72" or 84" rear finish mower???

I am fine with either gear or HST for mowing open fields.

Thank You!!!
The Gardener

 

[art]

There are many older Kubota's out there with gear drive going back into the 70's in vintage in some areas and it really opens up in the eighties. The hydro's are for the most part less then 15 years old so more then likely you will be buying a gear drive. For the size of the mower you are looking at you should be looking for a L-series and at least 30 horsepower.

 

[crbr]

 

[The Gardener]

For the size of the mower you are looking at you should be looking for a L-series and at least 30 horsepower.

Would the L2500 at 27hp be close enough? I have read very good things about that tractor from some owners [past and present].

Thanks,
The Gardener

 

[art]

The only thing I'd have you check would be the pto operation for bush-hogging and see if you can deal with it. Your right, the tractors have been good..

 

[design]

Do you have a budget in mind for the tractor purchase?
Design

 

[ronjhall]

Have you check out Kubota's page on prior models. Look for tractors with at least 27 HP for the 72" RFM. 84" will need over 35 HP and enough weight to counter balance weight of mower. I prefer a MMM because no weight is needed out front to counter balance mower.

 

[The Gardener]

Do you have a budget in mind for the tractor purchase?

No. Not yet. I first plan to buy the B26 next May [+/-]. Once we determine the impact of those monthly payments, we can then establish a budget for the mowing solution.


Design?

I am thinking that a basic, 4WD tractor w/ a FEL would be multi-faceted. With a Woods RFM, we can address the extensive cutting needs. The RFM is easy to remove so we can then use this tractor as a supplementary wheel barrel to the B26 for rock work and materials handling. I also expect to rent a PHD in our distant future which could be operated by this tractor as well.

We have time to consider all options. I wanted to get a start on planning given the eventual cost to own and operate two separate tractors. I decided that I do not want to remove and re-attach a backhoe for several reasons. That decision necessitates the need for a second tractor. *Used* is the affordable solution. 4WD is essential. We have slopes and some rough terrain that became problematic for our previous 2WD, 25hp tractor.

Presently, I cut 3.5 +/- acres of grass on a 42" riding mower. I'll continue to do so for 2 more seasons - maybe 3 more seasons. But, as we add more open field each year [up to approximately 7 acres total], I have to move up to a mower that is larger and faster. Here's an image of the most recent clearing. I'm hand raking it before I seed. There are tons of small rocks at, or just below, the surface. We try to clear about 1 acre each year. It's a manageable size to clear, rake, and pay for. The clearing goes further to the bottom right than seen in the picture.

The Gardener

 

[The Gardener]

... and enough weight to counter balance weight of mower. I prefer a MMM because no weight is needed out front to counter balance mower.

I must be confused which is not the first time nor the last.

I thought you looked at the tractor specs to see how much weight the tractor could lift @ 24" behind the PTO pivot point. [i.e. the B3030 can lift 1676#].

With this 1676# number, you could attach a Woods RFM that weighed up to, but not more than, this spec number. The one unknown to me has to do with the FEL and whether or not the 1676# determination includes a FEL attached to the B3030. I'm guessing, no. I assumed that the B3030, itself, can counter balance a PTO load up to 1676# without issue. "Without issue" because I am also assuming that Kubota does not print the max number.

Since I am looking at an older tractor, I expect that the FEL is not easy to remove so we would leave in on the tractor while we cut with the RFM. The open field cutting does not present any concerns regarding the added length associated with the FEL. The upside is that the FEL would add further counter weight for the RFM. I also like having the FEL while cutting because you sometimes find items to remove from the field, and they can be quickly tossed in the FEL. It also lets you carry some seed, manure, loam, and tools for quick fixes out in the field.

Am I misunderstanding the 1676# number and what it allows for ????

Thanks,
The Gardener

 

[ronjhall]

... and enough weight to counter balance weight of mower. I prefer a MMM because no weight is needed out front to counter balance mower.



Am I misunderstanding the 1676# number and what it allows for ????

Thanks,
The Gardener

Keeping this simple.......... 1676# is how much 3PH can LIFT. Not how much it can CARRY. My B2910 (previous model to B3030 & similar specs) is limited to 500 lbs max weight on 3PH for a RFM or Rotary Cutter. I have several attachments that are very near the 500 lbs weight. They all require that FEL be mounted on front of tractor to keep front tires on ground when 3PH is lifted.