Looking for suggestions

[KJINTF]

Hi all

Looking for some advice before spending a load of hard earned cash on a new mower. I have 3 acres of flat turf grass aka lawn, which I have been using a Honda H4518HSA w/38" deck. The Honda is just too small for the job 3 plus hours to get the job completed

I need something bigger and new. I currently have budgeted between $10K to $15K and would prefer a diesel over a gasoline engine

I have a Kubota B 7200 series tractor picked up new in 1991 and have been very happy with it

My current thinking is to order a new Kubota ZD323, ZD326 or ZD331 w/60" deck looked at the 72" but it might be a bit big

Any suggestions as to which one of the above and why
How about any other good quality "commercial" offerings that I should consider

Thanks for the help

 

[bp fick]

Hi all

Looking for some advice before spending a load of hard earned cash on a new mower. I have 3 acres of flat turf grass aka lawn, which I have been using a Honda H4518HSA w/38" deck. The Honda is just too small for the job 3 plus hours to get the job completed

I need something bigger and new. I currently have budgeted between $10K to $15K and would prefer a diesel over a gasoline engine

I have a Kubota B 7200 series tractor picked up new in 1991 and have been very happy with it

My current thinking is to order a new Kubota ZD323, ZD326 or ZD331 w/60" deck looked at the 72" but it might be a bit big

Any suggestions as to which one of the above and why
How about any other good quality "commercial" offerings that I should consider

Thanks for the help

I'm sure JohnThomas would recommend the F series mowers by Kubota. :laughing:

 

[zzvyb6]

Why buy new? That's more than twice what I'd pay for a 72" front deck machine. Any other needs for this (snowblower, plow, rotary brush)? For 3 acres, a low hrs used or demo 3 cyl diesel machine with a 72" deck ought to be just fine.

My cash is hard earned, too. For the money you mentioned, I'd buy a used real 2wd diesel tractor and add a rear Finish (or Swedish) mower. The day after you buy the brand new one, it will be depreciated quite a bit. So, start there ! Heck for $10k, I would get a tractor, mower, rake and baler and sell the 2 cuttings for $2.00 a bale.

 

[KJINTF]

bp fick - Thanks
The "F" series looks interesting I will indeeed take a closer look.
Sure would like to hear the Strengths Vs Weaknesses of the F seres Vs the ZD300 series. Since I already have a few small utility tractors I really do not need another.

New Vs Used - I guess I am a bit different than others and lucky enough to always have the ability to pay cash, I never finance a toy or as I call them tools. I have always purchased new Cars, MotorHomes, Tractors etc. To each their own

 

[JOHNTHOMAS]

I have had a F2680 for 3 years for mowing a few acres of flat rental property and a F3080 4wd for one year for mowing 4 acres of mostly hillside property. Have to have the F 4wd for home property. The 2wd is great for flat to rolling. The F's are fast and fun, if mowing can be fun.
Obviously I believe the F is better for me than the Z. You should be able to get the F2680 for the money you have or pretty close. If you can't locally, contact Barlows.
I'm not the most coordinated person on earth and I've driven vehicles with steering wheels for, well, since 1963. Not sold on pushing and pulling levers being my thing. I also like the deck being out in front of me for a full and clear view of it vs sitting under me. I also like being able to service the deck much easier when it's just sitting there almost by itself vs down under the operating machine/motor.
Know lots of people sold on z's and I won't dispute their claims other than the one that z's are faster, The F's will actually go faster but don't think anyone could stay on one at full throttle unless they are on pavement which I usually don't mow anyway..

 

[radioman]

here's a thought. instead of plunking cash for another tractor, why not get another implement for the B tractor? you can get a rear finish mower in various widths that would fit your needs the best. If you dont have alot of trees to mow around, getting a 7 footer RFM is ideal.

You can't have too many toys, nor tractors, but sometimes keeping it simple is best. :thumbsup:

 

[KJINTF]

Thanks guys

Ended up with a new ZD326-P w/60" deck
Love it :thumbsup:
It's the correct machine for my application - to each their own
Looked at the F series they look very nice indeed but
I really do not need yet another multi purpose tractor
The little B7100 tractor is not allowed on the lawn because of the ag tires
It's has a few implements; 6ft brush hog, PTO tiller, rolll over Box scrapper, FEL, etc. It's been a great little tractor but it's not a proper lawn mower.

On the paved driveway I was able to get it up to full speed don't think I will be doing that much on the lawn. Took two full days to get all those darn stickers off the machine and then wax it properly.

 

[JOHNTHOMAS]

I lived in Lakeside/Kalispell for a couple of years and loved it. Always get interested when I see someone from Montana and especially western Montana and even more interested in north western Montana. So, where in Montana are you?
The ZD should meet all your mowing needs.

 

[KJINTF]

Yes NW Montana - Close but you are off by 100 or more miles

 

[JOHNTHOMAS]

Yes NW Montana - Close but you are off by 100 or more miles

That picture:WOW! WOW! WOW! GOD DOES GREAT WORK!!! Thanks for sharing that picture. Love it:thumbsup::thumbsup:! Also 100 miles in Montana is almost around the corner or down the road or across the mountain.

 

[marks146]

Thanks guys

Ended up with a new ZD326-P w/60" deck
Love it :thumbsup:
It's the correct machine for my application - to each their own
Looked at the F series they look very nice indeed but
I really do not need yet another multi purpose tractor
The little B7100 tractor is not allowed on the lawn because of the ag tires
It's has a few implements; 6ft brush hog, PTO tiller, rolll over Box scrapper, FEL, etc. It's been a great little tractor but it's not a proper lawn mower.

On the paved driveway I was able to get it up to full speed don't think I will be doing that much on the lawn. Took two full days to get all those darn stickers off the machine and then wax it properly.

Good choice. You won't regret it. The bigger the deck the less forgiving it is in less than smooth terrain. Same unit I have but I have the rear discharge deck. I have lots of flower beds and paths I needed to keep the clippings off and a rear discharge fit the bill.

 

[mcrimm]

Speaking of around the corner . . . . . . I'm just North of Kalispell. It truly is a beautiful place to live - and where else can you have warm sunny weather in the morning and now snow falling in the afternoon.

Mike

 

[KJINTF]

I believe we have a different opinion of what is "warm"
"Warm and Sunny Weather" today I think not
it got to a whopper of 40 degrees today with snow, rain and limited sun
When it gets to 80 or so then that's warm

I hear Colorado and New Mexico are having their fire season early this year
While we in the cold north lands are still getting snow

 

[JOHNTHOMAS]

Speaking of around the corner . . . . . . I'm just North of Kalispell. It truly is a beautiful place to live - and where else can you have warm sunny weather in the morning and now snow falling in the afternoon.

Mike

Kentucky. Our expression here is if you don't like the weather, give it a few hours, it will change.
Wow, two guys from Montana and both near Kalispell. 100 miles in Montana is near. I spent two of the happiest years of my life in the Flathead Valley as a last half of 18, 19 and first half of 20 year old. Can you imagine then going to Minot for a year and then Viet Nam for a year. Preferred Viet Nam to Minot, sorry if there are any Minot tractor owners on here. -43 the first week I was in Minot. No cold weather like that in NW Montana or Kentucky.