Hey Perry County:
I am one of those who have actually owned both a 2200 and 7500 in a short period of time. I used a 2200 for one week and returned it for the larger 7500. It was an expensive case of misjudgement, but lessons are often hard learned.
We have 30 acres of property here of which I bush hog about 15 and finish mow about 3. It is easy to make a list of pros and cons for your uses, some of the obvious factors:
The 2200 is a better finish mower with a MMM deck, but you suggest you want a rear mower? The 2200 is slightly cheaper (one hopes!). The 2200 is easier to get on and off of but that is a minor thing.
The 7500 is certainly more rugged as it is built like a full size acricultural tractor and not on a lightweight steel frame. The 7500 has better ground clearance which by numbers doesn't seem significant, but this is why I returned my 2200. The 2200 bottoms out and gets stuck frequently in heavy going (a function of low clearance and small tires). I honestly thought (at times) I was going to damage the smaller 2200 mowing in my rough spots. I was probably foolish to think I could cut 15 acres with a 2200, but I was trying to do the most I could on a certain sum of money (indeed our dealer here questioned it). I never feel this way with the 7500, and only occasionally get it stuck doing field work, and usually in soft ground while not paying attention.
The 7500 has a lower rpm engine and for continuous use it has a more comfortable feel and sound. The 7500 has adjustable rear wheels, which I move out in the summer and in for the winter. It seems to make snow removal maneuvering easier, and at the same time gives you the most stability when in the fields during summer.
I imagine the 7500 would serve you better longer. I can't remember the cost difference between the two; and now all I have is a payment book so it seems moot. Additionally, we have got a lot of snow up here in Maine, and I can't imagine plowing a lot of snow with the 2200. Here again the ground clearance is an issue. The 7500 gets stuck when I go into more than 24 inches, or so, of snow. This may not be an issue in a driveway as you can work your way through, but we move a lot of snow (on rough terrain) for the horse walks and around the barn.
Sorry to ramble on. I hope this helps. You are more than welcome to contact me at
markantonfitz@aol.com if you have any thoughts or questions. I can assure you that whether you purchase a 2200 or a 7500 you are choosing the "right color." This is the topic for another discussion, but Kubota is way ahead in the compact tractor field. Good luck.
