I think I need a third tractor - MF1526 or B2601?

[GA Hillbilly]

I have two Kubota tractors - a BX2370 and an L3560. The BX2370 has a 60 inch MMM and it's what I'm currently using to mow about 6 acres of my hilly, rocky property. I put the mowing deck all the way up, carefully scout for and remove before (or during) mowing the fist-sized (or slightly larger) rocks that seem to grow up from the ground, and bounce along on the uneven ground until I'm finished. Much of this mowing is the type of mowing that would typically be done with a rear-mounted rotary mower/bush hog. I have a bush hog for my L3560, but between that and the FEL the machine must be close to 20 feet long, and that's too long to efficiently maneuver - or maneuver at all - around the places I need to mow. A bush hog or rear-mounted finish mower simply isn't a good option for me.

The problem I'm having is that my property is just too rough - lots of little bumps, holes, drop-off, ledges - for the small tire diameters on my BX2370. The MMM on the BX2370 works well for me, but I need a smoother ride (due to some neck problems that are exacerbated by being jarred about). I think my best solution is to get a mid-size tractor like a Massey Ferguson 1526 or a Kubota B2601 that has significantly larger diameter tires and can accommodate a suspendable MMM (a ground contact MMM isn't a good option because of the roughness of the terrain).

Has anyone run into this same problem? Any thoughts on the appropriateness of these tractors for this intended purpose - dedicated mowing machines for rough terrain that's not suited to a longer tractor set-up?

Thanks in advance.

 

[JK22]

I dug up all my rocks with my BH on my BX25D and I occasionally level with fill dirt and my box blade. I also remove the FEL when mowing. It’s a much softer ride. But hey, I won’t discourage you from buying a new tractor.

 

[TheMadOne]

I have two Kubota tractors - a BX2370 and an L3560. The BX2370 has a 60 inch MMM and it's what I'm currently using to mow about 6 acres of my hilly, rocky property. I put the mowing deck all the way up, carefully scout for and remove before (or during) mowing the fist-sized (or slightly larger) rocks that seem to grow up from the ground, and bounce along on the uneven ground until I'm finished. Much of this mowing is the type of mowing that would typically be done with a rear-mounted rotary mower/bush hog. I have a bush hog for my L3560, but between that and the FEL the machine must be close to 20 feet long, and that's too long to efficiently maneuver - or maneuver at all - around the places I need to mow. A bush hog or rear-mounted finish mower simply isn't a good option for me.

The problem I'm having is that my property is just too rough - lots of little bumps, holes, drop-off, ledges - for the small tire diameters on my BX2370. The MMM on the BX2370 works well for me, but I need a smoother ride (due to some neck problems that are exacerbated by being jarred about). I think my best solution is to get a mid-size tractor like a Massey Ferguson 1526 or a Kubota B2601 that has significantly larger diameter tires and can accommodate a suspendable MMM (a ground contact MMM isn't a good option because of the roughness of the terrain).

Has anyone run into this same problem? Any thoughts on the appropriateness of these tractors for this intended purpose - dedicated mowing machines for rough terrain that's not suited to a longer tractor set-up?

Thanks in advance.

You have a L3560. The terrain is only rough because you let it be. Rent a York Rake, sometimes called a "Harley Rake". Smooth everything out. You can get similar results with a rock grapple to get the rocks up, then do a few passes with the tiller, grapple again, back to tiller, then smooth with landscape rake. Either way you'll need to reseed.

But like JK, I'm not going to stop you from buying another tractor, I just don't think it really solves the problem.

 

[fried1765]

You have a L3560. The terrain is only rough because you let it be. Rent a York Rake, sometimes called a "Harley Rake". Smooth everything out. You can get similar results with a rock grapple to get the rocks up, then do a few passes with the tiller, grapple again, back to tiller, then smooth with landscape rake. Either way you'll need to reseed.

But like JK, I'm not going to stop you from buying another tractor, I just don't think it really solves the problem.

I say to the OP........BUY ANOTHER TRACTOR!
3 tractors is just about right....although 4 would be better!

 

[nybirdman]

I would just remove the FEL from the L3560;very easy on a flat level surface.You may have to add front weights if you have hills.I will ride better than a "B".

 

[GA Hillbilly]

Thanks for the replies. Unfortunately, removing the FEL from my L3560 doesn't help much because of the many tight places I need to mow. Regarding leveling the ground with a "York Rake" or other such implement, that's something I'll consider and look into. The property is challenging because, as I mentioned, it's hilly and it washes pretty badly, making it rutty. Grass/hay doesn't grow well or easily there. My neighbor has spent years and a small fortune trying to get his property smoothed out and "pretty," but he hasn't had much luck. Some folks subscribe to the N+1 philosophy regarding the number of tractors one needs, where N is the number one currently has. I like tractors as much as the next guy, but I don't "want" another tractor per se. I'm just trying to think through what my best options are for maintaining my property.

 

[fried1765]

Thanks for the replies. Unfortunately, removing the FEL from my L3560 doesn't help much because of the many tight places I need to mow. Regarding leveling the ground with a "York Rake" or other such implement, that's something I'll consider and look into. The property is challenging because, as I mentioned, it's hilly and it washes pretty badly, making it rutty. Grass/hay doesn't grow well or easily there. My neighbor has spent years and a small fortune trying to get his property smoothed out and "pretty," but he hasn't had much luck. Some folks subscribe to the N+1 philosophy regarding the number of tractors one needs, where N is the number one currently has. I like tractors as much as the next guy, but I don't "want" another tractor per se. I'm just trying to think through what my best options are for maintaining my property.

N+1.......ABSOLUTELY !!!

 

[GA Hillbilly]

"N+1.......ABSOLUTELY !!!"

Ha!

 

[Paystar]

You're going to get all kinds of opinions here, and I'm not going to say if you should by another tractor or not. But what I will say is before I bought my Kubota the Massey 1526 was my other choice. But it came down to having a local Kubota dealer.

But what stood out to me....I prefer the Kubota's built in FEL joystick as that is what I am used to running heavy equipment. It just looks and feels more "right" to me than a FEL stanchion mounted control valve.
I also really like my Kubota suspended drive over deck. I don't believe the Massey is a drive over? It wasn't at the time I was looking at them.
My B has an awesome quality of cut. I have posted pics on a few of these forums of my lawn and some hay areas I cut and I got lots of comments on how good the cut quality looked.
The B2601 also gives you more options for front mounted implements.

What I like on the latest version of the MF 1526......it now has the linked hydro, where your hydro pedals control the throttle. Usually only the bigger deluxe tractors have that feature. They have finally also added skid steer quick attach to the loader now too.

I think they are both great tractors, but the Kubota is a bit more refined and modern.

 

[Randy Gann]

Another “lower cost” option is getting an old Farmall Cub Tractor with under slung mower. Mowed with one for many years. Not very fast but has the large diameter rear tires and fairly maneuverable. Easy to work on and maintain and plenty around to choose from. Also easier to explain smaller investment to spouse.