Comparison one tractor vs mower + tractor

KU Gator · Mar 2, 2010

You may want to spend some time thinking about what you will spend most of your time using the tractor to do and what types of additional projects you may want it to do. If you are going to buy only one machine, most of your seat time is likely to be mowing. Also look at other projects and what they are to involve. If most of the projects are relatively small, such as put in a patio, flower bed, small garden, etc, then I would suggest focusing on a SCUT or maybe CUT that will do those jobs well and contracting out or renting equipment for the rare time you really need the bigger equipment.

casolorz · Mar 2, 2010

Yeah I planned on renting or hiring for some of the big projects. I already have 10+ boulders that no scut I buy will move, they are like 2 tons each.

KU Gator · Mar 2, 2010

I did not quite finish my thought. Point being, focus on what you need most of the time. For instance, ability to remove and re-install the MMM or FEL are features I would look for and in the long run may be more important to you than a little extra lift capability of the FEL.

With regard to rocks, they are very heavy. When moving one, even if you can, keep the bucket low and move slow. Quick turns with the bucket up and significant weight in it and it gets unstable quick. My tractor seat probably still has pucker marks in it from one turn like that.

timswi · Mar 2, 2010

BotaBigot said:
Either way would work, and there are obvious advantages for each. I elected to go SCUT, and found my BX to be as good or better lawn mower than any garden tractor I've had. The FEL and BH come off quickly to put it in mower mode. It's no ZTR, and it's heavier than my previous mowers...so I have to be more aware of ground moisture. In TLB mode, it has done all I have asked. The disadvantage in TLB mode is light weight...the BH can push it around, especially if you dig aggressively. It will do most of what larger TLBs can do...but takes longer.

I can take the loader off of my BX in under three minutes and the MMM in under five. I haven't found the MMM even on the BX to get in my way all that much; depends on what you are doing. I have a dedicated lawn mower that we haven't used in two years; probably sell it this spring.

All of the above is exactly correct. I almost never take the MMM off, even when doing FEL/BH work. If you watch what you are doing, it doesn't get in the way. The BX is a great grass cutter as well. I cut a little over 2 acres. Don't have an exact amount of time that it takes, because I enjoy it too much to pay attention

Gittyup · Mar 4, 2010

You can also move rocks with a rock sled.

casolorz · Mar 5, 2010

So I went to a garden show today because they usually have a few tractor displays. I think JD and New Holland are probably out because of price.

I am looking at the kubota and the mahindra, I think the models were bx2660 for the kubota and 1816 for the mahindra.

The mahindra is a bit cheaper, but it also seems to have better specs, specially in the loader department.

The only downside I see to the mahindra is that the MMM is only 54 inches.

Also I can't find the exact info of the mahindra on the mahindra site, I suspect the dealer didn't have all his facts.

Comments?

Thanks,

-Carlos

mostly_gas · Mar 6, 2010

Depending on the shape of your lawn, I would not think you would lose too much time without the "extra" 6 inches. I would want turf tires instead of R4 for mowing. I have R1 tire and they tend to chew up the lawn.

TripleR · Mar 7, 2010

mostly_gas said:
Depending on the shape of your lawn, I would not think you would lose too much time without the "extra" 6 inches. I would want turf tires instead of R4 for mowing. I have R1 tire and they tend to chew up the lawn.

I thought the same thing until I replaced my 54" with a 60" MMM. I could tell a significant difference in time spent and was able to trim much better with the 60". Of course the time saving is going to depend on the size of your lawn, but trimming is worth it to me as I don't need a trimming mower.

JackMentink · Mar 7, 2010

If you are really serious about mowing lawn quick and smooth, get a zero turn. Get the tractor for tractor stuff. Tractors are not good lawn mowers as they are too heavy (tire marks) and they don't turn well for mowing. I would not be without both my tractor (38hp Montana R3644) or my zero turn Gravely 2348XP both were great investments and do their jobs well.