Kubota MMM Decks, Blades, Mulch Kits

hammerblossom · Nov 1, 2009

Hello, everyone. I'm a comparatively new member and a relatively new Kubota owner. I've read a number of posts and replies on mower decks, blades, and mulch kits and found a great deal of interest. Can't find the answers to two questions in particular, however, and I'm asking here because answers aren't forthcoming from my dealer.

Four weeks ago I bought a MMM model RCK5423BX with mulch kit (model RCK54TG), which had to be ordered, for my BX2350. Finally was able to pick up the kit two days ago. Removed the regular blades from the deck in preparation for installing the baffle set and noticed that the spindle holes in the mulching blades are too small. The hole is metric, of course, but measures just under 3/4", while the spindle requires a hole of more than
7/8".

I immediately called the dealer, where the parts manager could tell me only that Kubota has cross-referenced a previous blade to the part number of the blade which was supplied to me and that I'd have to wait again while the dealer contacts Kubota to find out what's going on. The part number on the blades I received is K5617-92344.

First question: has anyone else run across this problem with blade hole size?

Second question: can anyone tell me what are the specific differences between the Fine Cut deck and the regular. Again, my dealer doesn't seem to know, and did not have a Fine Cut in stock for me to compare. The model number of the Fine Cut in my case would be RCK54P23BX. I'm wondering whether the difference is just that the Fine Cut uses mulching blades. (?!)

Gottatellya that while I'm very impressed with the engineering and workability of the Kubota equipment I'm not entralled with the bumbling and hassles I've run into in trying to get semi-technical answers or getting correct parts and accessories in a timely manner. I really want to continue mulching, as I've been doing for ten years with an Exmark Turf Tracer HP, but at this point I'm thinking of returning everything--deck included, till I get some definitive answers from someone. Kubota parts are expensive, and I can't afford a mistake here.

Thanks for your help.

Kubota 2350 · Nov 1, 2009

I think the deck is a little deeper and has a couple of more baffles on the fine cut.
I looked at both when I bought my Kubota back in 2006, and that's what I remember.

radioman · Nov 1, 2009

As far I understand it- the fine cut is shallower and allows for a longer grass uplifting in the air compared to regular deck. There was a TBN'er that took the time to find all the mower blades that cross references to fit the bx's. here is the document he made. This should help.

shrekbelly · Nov 1, 2009

the finecut deck, is the deeper of the two 54" decks kubota offers. the rck54p23b- is a 5" deep deck. i have it on my b_2360.
shrekbelly

TripleR · Nov 1, 2009

I would be looking for a different dealer as some of them, like any other brand don't know much and don't care to find out.

The fine cut deck is built with not only different blades, but deck depth and baffles. I often cut wet grass and had a lot of problems with the mulching deck on my John Deere, so I disn't get specs on the fine cut Kubota.

You could probably call Messick's or Barlow and get good info and maybe even a better deal.

BANDAMAN · Nov 2, 2009

As others have mentioned, the fine cut deck is deeper....I think 5" vs 4" on the regular deck? Anyway, I have the fine cut 48" deck on my BX1860. I also installed the mulch kit (plug and blades) and in my opinion, it is about worthless. I was using a dedicated mulching deck (Freedom series 42") on a JD LX279 before and this BX deck just did not mulch very well. It did not seem to create enough lift to suck leaves and pine cones up out of the grass, and it just "chewed" at the grass. It would leave a very uneven cut and almost looked like there were gaps between the mower blades that was missing the lawn. I sharpened the blades, experimented with blade tip speed, etc, but nothing seemed to work. I pulled the mulch plug off and installed the normal blades and it mows great!

I would really rather mulch, especially during leaf season, but it just wasn't working well for me. I may try it again in the spring with another brand of blade, maybe a set of Gator Blades? For now, I am side discharging and blowing the leaves into the woods....just requires one-way mowing, and lots of backing up....

Sorry about your dealer troubles......I feel your pain. I will never step foot back in the dealer I purchased this 1860 from. My previous Kubota was purchased from a wonderful dealer....if he wasn't 8+ hrs away (I moved) I would still be working with him, and probably very satisfied, and have quick answers to my questions and concerns.