Mowing Is Landpride 15-48 compatible?

[jsf729]

My Kubota b5200e is rated @ 13hp/ 11.5 PTO. I'm having problems finding rear finish mowers for it. They all seem to require 15hp minimum. I have found one rather pricey (new) one that is rated lower, but I'd rather get a used one if possible. My question is- what are the ramifications of putting a 15hp mower on my 13hp tractor, if any? Could I damage it by overworking it? Will it perform? Thanks in advance!

 

[Ductape]

FWIW, the numbers from the manufacturers are to be used as a guide, not a gospel. I ran a 60" mower on my 18hp (15ish @ the PTO) Yanmar with no trouble. Yes..... if you let the grass get long you will have to slow your ground speed to compensate, but there is no other reason you can't run a 15hp rated (or even higher) finish mower on your tractor.

 

[RoyJackson]

I ran a BEFCO 60" mower behind a 17 PTO HP Deere 670....did a fine job, no problems.
As Ductape wrote....you may have to slow down in thicker grass or, you may have to set the mower higher if you neglect the lawn too long.

One thing more to consider...those little Kubotas are pretty light. You may need front ballast (if you don't have a loader or plan to remove the loader for mowing) if you plan to raise the mower for transport. RFMs aren't that heavy...but something to consider.

 

[jsf729]

Thanks guys. Kind of what I suspected, but my only experience is with belly mowers. Yep, figured that I'll probably need some weight up front. Only problem- as mentioned- is that parts of my property remain too wet to mow in spring and grass gets high before things dry out. May have to get a few goats!

 

[RoyJackson]

Thanks guys. Kind of what I suspected, but my only experience is with belly mowers. Yep, figured that I'll probably need some weight up front. Only problem- as mentioned- is that parts of my property remain too wet to mow in spring and grass gets high before things dry out. May have to get a few goats!

How high?

RFMs can be set pretty high. The F15-48 can be set as high as 4.5".

BTW, here's the manual http://www.landpride.com/ari/attach/lp/public/manuals/310-155m.pdf

So, how have you been mowing this area...or did I miss something?

 

[JOHNTHOMAS]

I like the RFM for tractors with rear discharge. I've owned two. One was "pretty" and junk. The second one, a "72" Landpride" was a tank. I used them on a B7800 31HP. The cheapo was light and kept breaking and my 1700lb B handled it fine. When I got the Landpride and would reach the bottom of the hill and would make my turn back up the hill the Landpride would sort of swing around and turn the tractor which was no big deal (after the first time) since I knew it would do it. I later got a L3240 (3700lbs) and never knew the RFM was on it except when I got close to the crest of the hill and the L3240 (32HP) would start slowing down which the half the weight and same HP B did not do. Conclusion: Tractor weight VS HP makes a difference, some situations (traction) are better and some situations (weight of implement) maybe worse.
I personally would not recommend a 60" Landpride or Woods or any heavy duty deck with a lightweight tractor if you have hills but on flat land may not be a problem. Maybe you need to consider a 48" instead of 60". Also you can lift the deck up higher off the ground with the 3PH in real deep grass then drop it and go back and mow it again for the final cut.

 

[RoyJackson]

Maybe you need to consider a 48" instead of 60". Also you can lift the deck up higher off the ground with the 3PH in real deep grass then drop it and go back and mow it again for the final cut.

The 15-48 is a 48" mower...

 

[jsf729]

Thanks for the link Roy! I couldn't find it anywhere. This is my first mowing season with the 5200. I decided to sell my beloved BX24 for financial reasons which I used for the first 5 years we've been on this land. In the high parts, I'd just raise the belly mower when it was finally dry enough to go back there, raise it up and make 2 passes as John suggested. The BX with the HST had no problems. Although I really like my 5200, it doesn't have the HP of the BX. It sounds- after all the kind responses- That I'll be OK with the Landpride.

 

[trusteve]

Do any body know where to get cheap(er) compatible parts for the Landpride 15-48 ???? I worn out the two free pulleys 808-073C FLAT IDLE PULLEY 6 1/4 O.D. (6-1/4" O.D. X 5/8" BORE FLAT IDLER PULLEY) and blades (890-219C MWR BLD 1/4X16 7/8SD HL CW)?

 

[jsf729]

I don't know of any aftermarket pulleys for the Landpride, but I'm sure there are plenty of made in china blades available though. You have a quality mower. I don't have deep pockets either, but I suggest getting OEM replacements throughout. In the long run it actually is cheaper. when I bought my (used) 15-48, it needed new blades. HUGE difference between the Landpride and aftermarket. I went with OEM. I just replaced my belt also for about $60 local. Other than wishing that it was rear discharge, I love this mower. It's well built and made to last.