New Holland TZ24 vs. Kubota BX2230

[CRaymond]

Thanks Ralph, I’ll plan to go look at JD this weekend.

Still a bit confused on a few things, however …. How is the BX better at mowing than the higher HP B7610? Does it have a better MMM?

 

[bandit67]

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( How is the BX better at mowing than the higher HP B7610? Does it have a better MMM? )</font>

I believe it has to do with the way the mower deck is attached to the tractor. On the Sub compacts like the BX, TZ, etc., the deck floats off the frame of the machine like a garden tractor or lawn mower. On the larger compacts, the mower deck actually rolls along on the ground, so it follows the contours (dips, high spots, etc.) more, so you may not always get as nice a cut on your lawn with a compact as you would with a sub compact. A floating mower deck gives a more even appearance, without showing every little dip, hole, etc.

However, for that acreage, if you think you'll end up doing a lot of landscaping on your property, I think it would be good to look at a compact machine instead of a subcompact. It's all about ground clearance. A sub will do fine for work on a manicured lot. If you have a lot of dirt work, land clearing, tree felling to do on your property to get it to the manicured point, the added ground clearance of a compact will be a big benefit. And a compact will still do a decent enough job at mowing that most folks really wouldn't notice a difference.

 

[PowerTrom425]

CRaymond, Have you considered a Power-Trac tractor? You can check out the powertrac forum if you like, and their website is www.power-trac.com. I bought one in September and am thrilled with it. I have done heavier work than you're talking about (removing 300 yards of material from under my house to allow for a full foundation), but I got a snow plow with it and expect it to do well in that department. One possible nut that you may not want to crack is that with powertrac you buy directly from the factory in Virginia because in an effort to lower prices, etc., they disbanded their dealer network several years ago. I know that initially I was put off by this, but as it turns out, it wasn't, and still isn't a problem. While I don't personally have a mower, I know from other owners that do, the powertrac mower works very well. It is a different looking beast, but is incredibly versatile with an enormous amount affordable, easily attached attachments!!!

I won't carry on too much about how great the tractor is because Bird slapped my wrist yesterday for sounding too much like a company rep or advertisementl! However, I am not too far from you (right next to Haverhill, MA) and if you're interested after you've done a little more homework, I'd be willing to let you try it. Good luck with your buying experience. The folks at TBN are great, knowledgable and will to share.

 

[CRaymond]

Interesting development in my search. My neighbor is moving and no longer has use for the MMM on his b2400. I’m now leaning towards purchasing a b7610 and buying his MMM. Although the MMM is 6 years old it’s the same model the current year (RCK60-24B.) Here are my questions:

Are there any concerns with getting a new tractor and a used MMM?
Are there any compatibility issues?

He takes good care of the tractor and the MMM looks to be in good shape; What should I look for in gauging the shape of the MMM?

Thanks in advance.

 

[Nik]

I would make sure the links that attach the MMM will fit your tractor. The B2400 may have a different linkage to attach the same MMM as the B2400. Also if the cost savings was not considerable I would go with a new MMM that the dealer would install for you. I recall the MMM option for the B2410 I owned costing a little over $2000. I would not consider the used MMM unless it was priced well under $1,000. Otherwise I would spend the extra cash for a warrantied new dealer installed MMM. The belts on a 6 year old MMM if used heavily may be worn and need to be replaced.

 

[ADogsLife]

I am in a similar boat with CRaymond and didn't want to start another thread. I am purchasing a 5 acre slightly sloped property. I am looking for a tractor to take care of the following: finish mowing about 3 of the acres, installing fencing for dog runs, keeping snow off of a 300' gravel driveway (live in South Central PA, not a lot of snow, but sometimes 8-24" at once, and every few years >24".) I like the idea of a FEL, MMM, an auger off the 3 pt hitch, but not sure how to move the snow without tearing up the driveway. A friend suggested th BX series Kubota or a NH between 24-30hp.

Needing suggestions, thanks.

 

[CurtC]

Best bet for snow is a back blade with either skid shoes, or cut a slit in a piece of 1.5" pipe and fit it over the cutting edge of the blade. I moved tons of snow in upstate NY with an 8' back blade. The FEL will also come in very handy for moving piles etc.

 

[CRaymond]

Thanks for the insight & help everyone; being new to tractors this site has helped a ton. I’ve decided to follow some of advice here go a bit bigger. Instead of going w/the sub compact BX I’ve decided to go the 24hp B7610 w/FEL, MMM and Snowblower. I went for a rear snow blower because it was half the price of the front-end model and helped narrow the cost difference between the two.


Thanks again & happy holidays!