Kubota BX Series/B series Combo mow and utility...or Garden Tractor + later buy an L?

[TMR]

Realized I was basically discussing Kubota BX and B series and should post here...hope I don't get into trouble for "double posting" Thanks...Tom R

Good Morning...well my 10 year old 25hp Sears 42" w/wheel weights and chains is very close to its' last days...so to speak. The little machine has been a real workhorse and essentially served as a field (once a year...LONG grass and tall weeds) and trail mower. Trails were very rough in first few years and I think I have likely replaced 10 deck spindles and many mower belts and a few VERY bent heavy blades.

The mower had worked well but is getting harder to tolerate as I aged with it...now 66 YO. Last year I pulled the trigger on a DR Brush mower 18HP to use keeping edges of field back and building new trails in mostly brush and sapling woods. It works VERY well but it truly is a work out...may need to delegate some of that to my 40 YO son and late teen grandsons. Also bought the 42" deck but that set up is just too hard to maneuver and too far to walk to mow the field.

My research as already concluded that a new lawn tractor would need to be upgraded for comfort as well as convenience and pride Sooo...as I creep up in price past the Husqvarna fabricated deck version for about $3,500...to the JD X500 for about $5,000+...to the kubota GR 2120 w/diesel for around $9,000 - soon I am back looking at sub-compacts and compacts with loader/3 point capabilities. Last session of research a few years back I decided that to handle my "potential" work in my 40 acre plot by our cabin and my 80 acres of pure woods by my house I would probably "need" closer to 40HP...closer to $20-$25K.

During the intervening years my tractor work has pretty much been the same VERY heavy mowing of fields/trails and a fairly large lawn at the cabin. In all cases the "quality" of the cut is not a critical as the ability of the mower deck to process and blow out very long and heavy grass/weeds. In the annual field mow I kind of mow maybe 1/3-1/2 width to keep the mower functioning...and then often will do a faster pass after the grass/hay/weeds have dried in the sun...in order to blast it around a bit. Net result is a very sore back from lots of mowing but the field looks like an newly mowed estate lawn.

The other factor is the width...at this stage I have a tendency to blast through treed areas of cabin property including up and down a moderate hill. The little Craftsman keeps working and I absorb a fair amount of branch abuse I do think I could/would change that work back to a 21" hand mower...not too much land and would actually mow better with hand mower...and do less damage to me. I say this now because I don't think I want to upgrade to any mower/tractor over say $3K and now get at least a 48" deck...which, along with the increasing frame and tire size would make the tree running not practical at all...and did I say I am getting older

Some "conclusions" my less than experienced study has started to reach as "requirements":

Sub-Compact

o I am doubting if a sub-compact would serve my mowing needs as well as say a Deere X500...which many user reviews speak of very well when using in rough, heavy field type mowing. I read that, say the BX Kubota series, would probably do a pretty good job mowing...but would be less maneuverable, heavier and bigger to trailer and much more expensive than say the $5K JD 500X...really would like a diesel but way too $$$$.

o I also do not believe that a BX series with a loader and say a 48 in box blade would be up to the "potential" uses I would make of it if I had loader and 3 pt hitch. Example is my driveways and trails...could use a lot of box blade work to smooth out bumps and level out. Mind you that both the trails and driveway are very hard packed from years of use and you would have a hard time driving a pick axe into them. Not sure that the light BX with light attachments would be of much use...and I very possibly might do damage trying. I think the primary use would be a motorized wheel barrow...and even that would not do much with big log piles and rocks. Long story short...am I correct in assuming that my potential "needs/uses" of loader/3 pt reflect projects and environment beyond sub-compact BXtype tractor??

Compact

o Anytime I am standing in the dealer's lot looking at the BX series my eye keeps moving to the B series. While the HP is not too much stronger...the frame and lift capacities seem much stronger. Also, I seem to hear that many use a B series or similar JD for mowing with a belly mower. I do not want to mow my needs with a 3 pt finish mower...(I do too much maneuvering to be happy with that.) I sense that the mowing characteristics with the B series are not as good overall as the BX series...which is not a good overall as a premium riding mower?

o The B series would likely be a better match for my demolition/earth moving and road maintenance than the BX...but I do not think I would have a very viable "combo" mowing and working tractor??

Garden Tractor

o I think that would be what a JD X500, a Husqvarna fabricated deck, 24 HP "premium" GT for about $3,500, etc. would be called? If I lose common sense I might move higher to the 4 wd/diesel Kubota GR 2120. In any case I would have a great mower for my mowing tasks...(much better and more comfortable than my Sears). Not as good a deal on the pricey GTs and only the expensive GT has interest free financing which I love.

Summary

Please challenge my narrative above...I would love to buy a "combo" machine that could mow and serve other probably needs/uses. Currently I just put up with the bumps on our trails and do little trail maintenance other than mow quite wide. My current conclusion is that beyond what I am currently doing...which a premium GT should do a beer and more enjoyable job on...I would be fooling myself to pay up to a BX series with loader/belly mower and probably box blade and eventually a brush hog (only 48"). A B series would be a bit better for the heavier work...but would not be a very good/handy mower and would still leave me wanting for power/weight/and attachment width as I learn to use in my woods/trails for needed projects.

My current "wisdom" is to finish research and buy a premium GT, such as a JD X500...or similar. Then, perhaps not this year...take a big gulp and look to a 30-40HP Compact with loader and 60" box blade and maybe brush hog...and my real wish would be a strong grapple for moving brush and dead falls

I really wish I could conclude that I would love a BX for the extra money...but I am afraid I would damage it (reflect on my use of that poor Sears for 10 years)...and that I would miss the maneuverability of the GT vs the sub-compact...and also that a B series would not solve my heavy project potential and would be even less satisfactory for my mowing needs/wants??

Well, I guess that MORE than states my question...I would appreciate any comments on those who have been thought this for years...I am STILL just a wannabe...and as my son says...you are not getting any younger! Thanks...Tom R

 

[art]

To keep as simple as I can, I always recommend to look at what the majority of work is and buy your tractor for that work!!! With a 60" wide deck I'd doubt there would be much difference in the turning circle of your craftsman to the BX for trimming.

The BX is a work horse and would do what you need for heavy work it just would take a few extra trips. A D-9 would do it quicker naturally but there is a problem of what you might do with it after you are done.

 

[DHD]

I just went through a similar decision process in finding a replacement for my Wheel Horse Lawn Mowers.
What bugged me the most in my search, was the ridiculously high cost for a reliable machine just to mow grass.

I currently have a Kubota B7800 for my heavier duty stuff, but for mowing the lawn and occasion snow blowing of the driveway I felt that just a GT was all I needed.
Being a satisfied Kubota owner already, I looked at the BX( briefly) and a little closer at the GR2120.
I know I wanted 4wd because of snow blowing, I also wanted improved maneuverability for mowing.
The GR2120 seemed like the answer, but a couple of issues bothered me.

1). Cost.
For the GR2120 with mower and a snowblower it was going to cost about $13,000.

2). Reliability ?
The earlier GR series Kubota had some serious mechanical issues.
I followed some of the threads about these issues on this forum.
What disturbed me the most was the very low support from Kubota.
If I was going to invest $13000 in a machine to mow grass and occasionally snow blow the driveway,
I darn sure wanted better support than what Kubota showed towards these earlier GR series machines.

So I did some more research, and came across the Husqvarna Rider 322T AWD.
With mower and snow blower the Husqvarna Rider 322T AWD is half the price of the Kubota GR2120.
It has at least two advantages over the x500 with regards to nimble operation and 4wd.
For heavy tall grass work, a flail mower is available.

What really helped in my decision towards the Husqvarna Rider was reading these following threads.

http://www.mytractorforum.com/showthread.php?t=250230

http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/husqvarna/309078-husqvarna-322t-awd.html

http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/husqvarna/296991-sorry-rider-155-a.html?highlight=155

Good luck in you search.

One thing I forgot to mention, these articulating machines are so maneuverable, and they are a blast to drive.

 

[ShowroomShine]

I went through the same problem when looking for tractors. I need something that can function as a yard mower most of all, but wanted the loader 3pt. I also didnt want the loader/3pt to be too small to function.

I ended up with a Kioti Subcompact. It cuts grass amazingly well, and is very manuverable. The loader and 3pt hitch are also very useful. As another user said, I can do nearly anything a larger machine will, it just takes a little longer.

 

[TMR]

As I digest above comments and from discussion with dealer...I am wondering if instead of buying a BX series/w/loader and 60 " deck for about $15K plus tax, etc...with the primary use to be larger. rough terrain mowing and secondary use to work with loader and box blade in the woods --- perhaps rather than paying about $2K for the BX mower deck...just go out and buy a JD X500. The JD X500 w/48" deck would likely mow quite well and I am not particularly looking for a 60" deck as I am coming out of 20 years with a 42" deck on last two Sears mowers.

My thought process is that if I dedicated the JD X500"Multi Terrain Tractor" as a dedicated mower for trail and field mowing I could then look at maybe slightly larger Compact tractors as more "use appropriate" for "tractor" applications out in my woods and contiguous to my fields...w/o having to pay for a belly mower deck at that time and keep higher clearance at all times?

IF I were NOT trying to buy a belly mower deck for mowing with my tractor I would likely look more closely at B series and maybe more likely at the L series 30-40HP category...more weight and HP with ability to have medium and heavy duty 60" attachments...as needed.

As I recall...many comment over the posts I have read..."You may need to have two to accomplish all you are trying to do with one".

Boy, can I rationalize whichever way I am leaning Your thoughts??? Thanks...TMR

 

[ShowroomShine]

X500 is not a multi terrain tractor. In my opinion, its barely a garden tractor. Now the X700 series, yes multi terrain tractor. Price on of those x700's and you will be looking at scut money.

 

[DHD]

I agree, get at least a B series Kubota for your heavy work and another machine for the smaller tighter areas.
It really gives you much more flexibility, and you'll do a better job using the proper sized equipment for the task.
Another plus with two dedicated platforms, both could be used at the same time, if another operator was available. (you previously mentioned your son and grandson)

For an old hay fields I've used my 6 foot rear mount finish mower on my Kubota B7800.
It's really heavy duty and can handle some bushes pretty well too.
Turning too sharp can damage the turf, so the Kubota is better in open areas.

In tight spots I use to use my heavy duty Wheel Horse mowers for cutting blackberry and raspberry type bushes.
Now I'll be getting the flail mower attachment for the more nimble Rider 322T AWD
and still have the mulch mower for the lawn.

I hope you don't mind me adding this video link

How to attach the Flail mower for Husqvarna 300 series Riders - YouTube

 

[TMR]

Showroom...Have you owned an X500? Most comments I have seen is that the X500 is the "best value price point" for the JD higher price point Garden Tractors. As you stated the X700s may be great but they are near SCUT $$$$$. What would you suggest at $5K price point?? Thanks...TMR

X500 is not a multi terrain tractor. In my opinion, its barely a garden tractor. Now the X700 series, yes multi terrain tractor. Price on of those x700's and you will be looking at scut money.

 

[ShowroomShine]

Showroom...Have you owned an X500? Most comments I have seen is that the X500 is the "best value price point" for the JD higher price point Garden Tractors. As you stated the X700s may be great but they are near SCUT $$$$$. What would you suggest at $5K price point?? Thanks...TMR

Not owned a x500, I'm just stating its not a rough cut mower. Its a lawn mower, not a bush hog. Honestly the BX isnt a bush hog either. If you are looking for a "rough cut" mower, you will be severely disappointed with an x500....honestly for "rough cut" you may be dissapointed with a BX.

Maybe just get a cheaper riding mower for the yard, and a tractor with a FEL/bush hog for larger work.

 

[NYkubota]

Similar case here. Bought a Craftsman GT5000 some 10 years ago after trying equivalent Husqvarna (nicer and costlier). 54" deck does well, changed belt once or twice, and blades once. I think it worked harder in the winter time blowing snow with Berco snowblower, which is a very nice quality unit too.

I was looking from a similar perspective. SCUT is just a little cute unit. I looked at Mahindra, Kioti, NH, and Kubota. Ended up steering towards a compact unit. MMM was a requirement for maneuvering around trees etc. Mahindra wanted too much, Kioti does not offer mid-PTO, my heart was not with NH (or JD). Kubota seemed the best and most logical choice. For some reason nobody stocked B series around here, and previous guy at my dealer had to order one. I ordered mine, took almost two weeks to receive it.

With very little time on it, I cannot say much, but it's a one awesome machine. Very well built. Nothing personal, but made in Japan still means quality to me.