Final Hour... B2620 Purchase Iminent.

[robertm]

I'm sure JOHNTHOMAS will chime in here...

Sold the BX the other day, so I'm going for the B. My last concern is the tires. My last B's sliced the sod on turns, albeit sharper turns. I test drove one last week with the turfs. It also cut. I'm only concerned in areas of the same pattern creating tearing up the grass.
I'm thinking the continuous edge of the turf may create a bigger issue on turns than the R4's since the R4's are running on tread "blocks" and alternating depressions on their edges.
Also, the turfs bring back too much mud from the areas I have without good grass growth... Not to mention the remnants of the pooch's presence. At least the R4's are wider treads and easier to clean. Thoughts?

 

[s219]

I don't have issues with the R4s on my lawn in 2WD. In 4WD, they tear up any soft surface when making turns. I suspect turfs would do that in 4WD too.

Theoretically, the turfs should float better because the tread blocks are smaller and more evenly distributed. That means they would sink in less on soft surfaces. I think the continuous edge would have to be better, not worse.

So in my opinion, if you can avoid turns in 4WD, you're ahead of the game with both types of tires. If you want the gentlest touch overall, turfs are better.

 

[robertm]

When I tested the Kenda 500 front turfs, they just peeled up a slice about 1" wide on turns. I agree 4WD is an issue, but I never mow in 4WD. So are tight turns. I avoid those. The issue is rounding my trees with 6' diameter mulch beds. I guess my dream of not having to use a weed wacker is gone.
I bought the B2620 today, and am waiting until the MMM comes in to pick the unit up. The dealer will have R4's installed, and let me test it out on their grass. I know how the turfs did there, so should the R4's seem worse or not worth the difference, they will change them to turfs. Turfs are my preference, but since my son will compete for seat time, I want the tires that do the least damage.

 

[WayneJessie]

I'm sure JOHNTHOMAS will chime in here...

Sold the BX the other day, so I'm going for the B. My last concern is the tires. My last B's sliced the sod on turns, albeit sharper turns. I test drove one last week with the turfs. It also cut. I'm only concerned in areas of the same pattern creating tearing up the grass.
I'm thinking the continuous edge of the turf may create a bigger issue on turns than the R4's since the R4's are running on tread "blocks" and alternating depressions on their edges.
Also, the turfs bring back too much mud from the areas I have without good grass growth... Not to mention the remnants of the pooch's presence. At least the R4's are wider treads and easier to clean. Thoughts?

My B-Series has always been rough on turf especially when the ground is soft from rain. The industrial tires make it worse but even the turf tires do it as well. If I could do things over I would not have purchased a B. I would have found an older L-Series for doing my garden and spent the difference on a zero turn for mowing. My B has been 100% reliable but it's just a poor choice for mowing unless you're mowing big, wide open areas with little need for turning. I'm going to put mine up for sale after this summer is over to fund a ZT for mowing. I have a M6800DT that'll do for bigger jobs.

 

[Finnster]

I have a B2620 w/ R4s (rear loaded) and I tear/indent my grass pretty bad sometimes. I'm actually getting a set of turfs for this years mowing season.

I've done all the common stuff, no 4wd, K-turns, tight circles, but the tread pattern is pretty easy to see even when I'm not turning.

Of course not having loaded tires would help, but the tread is just too aggressive for my lawn w/ is very heavy clay and not very well drained.
I didn't even use the tractor in Mar/early Apr as the snow and ground was melting. Fortunately my lawn is very open, flat and wide.

Hopefully the turfs will do better for more constant use, if not i'll have wasted $800! The R4s have been great for almost everything else. The experiences I've read are so mixed I really think it comes down to your local environment. I'll likely keep the R4s for a while, swap as needed, and if rarely used I will just sell them.

 

[Finnster]

As to your other questions, mud/snow does clean/fling off the R4s easy enough.

Overall I love my B. It is an inbetween tractor and does a lot of things really well. While there are better mowers, its good enough and I can't say I've ever had too much power in the BH or the FEL. I would not want a smaller unit for either of those. The clearance in the snow was a godsend this winter and I love having a 3spd over the 2spd in the BXs.

Best of luck

 

[Grateful11]

I couldn't resist, it just popped into my head ;-)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T575Pbo4eWM

 

[robertm]

Huh? Not sure what you are thinking.

 

[Grateful11]

It's just a joke. Sometimes this place needs a tad of humor.

 

[polarred21]

Just curious and I know this is probably not an option at this point, but has anyone seen or run this low agressive AG tire as shown here? Seems the rounded egde would be mower friendly?

 

[robertm]

It's just a joke. Sometimes this place needs a tad of humor.

That's fine. I just didn't understand. Guess too many hours in this week already.

 

[robertm]

Started thinking over the possibility of just doing a Kubota Kommander zero-turn (48") for mowing and avoiding turf abuse all together. Then dropping down to a B2320 with only a FEL. The cost should be close to the B2620, maybe a grand or two higher, but I can't fathom double the space taken to store and double maintenance.

 

[ovrszd]

Just curious and I know this is probably not an option at this point, but has anyone seen or run this low agressive AG tire as shown here? Seems the rounded egde would be mower friendly?

My Sons both run those on the rear of their 2wd JD mowing tractors (455 and 420). The lugs are much sharper than R4s and rip the sod up easily when changing directions.

 

[kcender]

Started thinking over the possibility of just doing a Kubota Kommander zero-turn (48") for mowing and avoiding turf abuse all together. Then dropping down to a B2320 with only a FEL. The cost should be close to the B2620, maybe a grand or two higher, but I can't fathom double the space taken to store and double maintenance.

I understand exactly what you are thinking.I have gone through similar thought processes many times.It is almost impossible,for me at least,to find one tractor that will do everything I would like it to do.I bought my B2620 as a do everything maintenance tractor and really hoped I would be happy with it.Before it I had a BX2360 for mowing and a GL3240 with FEL and backhoe for heavier work.In hindsight I probably should have kept them and been done with it.My thought of having one tractor to do everything was to save room in my garage and reduce costs.The B2620 did not mow to my satisfaction due to turf damage from turning,as I have mentioned to you in another thread.I think it has more to do with the steering geometry of the tractor than the type of tire.I got so frustrated with it I ended up buying a new GR2120 for mowing and have to say I am very impressed with it.As for doing dirt work with the B2620,it is quite frustrating when comparing it to the GL3240 which was a lot heavier and more capable.Many times I have thought of selling the B2620 and buying a bigger tractor but I am trying to convince myself to be happy with it,for financial reasons.I hope you end up making a decision you are happy with,good luck.

 

[Tompet]

My B-Series has always been rough on turf especially when the ground is soft from rain. The industrial tires make it worse but even the turf tires do it as well. If I could do things over I would not have purchased a B. I would have found an older L-Series for doing my garden and spent the difference on a zero turn for mowing. My B has been 100% reliable but it's just a poor choice for mowing unless you're mowing big, wide open areas with little need for turning. I'm going to put mine up for sale after this summer is over to fund a ZT for mowing. I have a M6800DT that'll do for bigger jobs.

Today, 03:21 PMrobertm
Started thinking over the possibility of just doing a Kubota Kommander zero-turn (48") for mowing and avoiding turf abuse all together. Then dropping down to a B2320 with only a FEL. The cost should be close to the B2620, maybe a grand or two higher, but I can't fathom double the space taken to store and double maintenance.

I think the preceding quotes are a good idea to consider. I had a scut with MMM for about 2 days and returned it and went with a zero turn at the time. Since then went with larger tractor and larger z turn. However, there is a hybrid tire available for some B models called a bar turf. It is an excellent tire. I run a friends old B1550 with them and they don't seem to mark up lawn. btw, you can mark up a lawn with a z turn, just a lot faster. But if you can swing it a z turn with tractor is great, just jump on and go!

Btw, liked your thread title...added drama to the purchase!

 

[robertm]

Well, I could think this to death, but I am done. Thanks everyone for the input.
About 10 years ago I posted some very nice pictures of my lawn striped with an attachment I made. Got rave reviews. I'll get they are still on this site... Somewhere. The point is the yard was mowed with a B7500. No big issues. I just realized that the quality of my yard is the real issue. Not that a B won't tear it up, but I had no issues until the yard started to go weeds. That's what I am working on now.

I am picking up the B2620 tomorrow morning, and am done thinking. The positives outweigh the negatives with the B for me... I think. I hope. If not, I'll deal with it then, but I'll live with it for a while. I seriously think improving the quality of my yard will go a long way. Maybe I need to adjust the geometry of my mulch beds. Regardless, it's not that big of a deal.

As for the bar turfs, I remember pushing those about 10 years ago when I bought my next B7510 with them. The rear tires aren't the problem. It's the fronts, and the front tires that come matched to the rear bar turfs are very close to the Kenda 500 Turf Pro I'm getting... much better than the old Carlisle square-edged turfs now discontinued but littering the B brochures still today.

Thanks again everyone.

 

[Tractorrr]

I also find that the B 2920 can tear up the yard on fairly sharp turns or damp grass. The biggest problem I had or have though is that the mower deck will drop all the way to the ground if I lower it all the way down to the height adjustment knob. To remedy this I lower the deck down while holding on to the height adjustment knob with my left hand. When I feel the deck put pressure on it I bring the deck back up off the height adjustment knob a little bit to take the pressure off it and prevent it from dropping to the ground and scalping the yard. This is kind of an annoying way to set the deck height but it works. I'm just not really able to cut at the same exact height each time but it is close.

 

[robertm]

I also find that the B 2920 can tear up the yard on fairly sharp turns or damp grass. The biggest problem I had or have though is that the mower deck will drop all the way to the ground if I lower it all the way down to the height adjustment knob. To remedy this I lower the deck down while holding on to the height adjustment knob with my left hand. When I feel the deck put pressure on it I bring the deck back up off the height adjustment knob a little bit to take the pressure off it and prevent it from dropping to the ground and scalping the yard. This is kind of an annoying way to set the deck height but it works. I'm just not really able to cut at the same exact height each time but it is close.

That's an adjustment issue on the mower carriage somewhere. I'd talk to your dealer if you can't figure it out. The height adjustment should stay regardless of raising or lowering the deck.

 

[Tractorrr]

It might be that the adjustment height knob is too loose. I haven't really wanted to take it to the dealer for this yet as it will stay at the same height as long as I take the pressure off it. The height adjustment is basically a spiral staircase looking thing and I guess if it gets loose it easily rotates if there is downward pressure on it such as when hitting a bump or rough ground. I may try to tighten it again though to see if that is the problem. I tried once but was having trouble telling if I was actually tightening it or not as the nut is up the center of that spiral staircase and takes a deepwell socket. It would be nice to be able to lower it right down to the mowing height though.