SCUT or FEM for mowing hilly 2 acres

[willi67]

Moosetracker

What about a Kubota GF1800 4WD ... do they still sell them? That would be ideal for 2 acres

 

[Moosetracker]

I would modify your L3710 to lower the center of gravity and increase the wheel track width to improve stability and safety while mowing your slopes.

Easiest way is to change the rears to 16" dia rims and a wider turf tire (e.g. 18.4 x 16) and adjust the size of the front rims and tires to keep the tractor level. If this is not enough, you can add rear wheel spacers to increase the track width further.

Here's my 1964 MF135 diesel with this kind of modification. The rears are 18.4x16 and the front axle spindles have been shortened to keep the tractor level while using the standard size front wheels.

View attachment 431206View attachment 431207

Cost of this approach: $1.5K or less

Good luck

Thanks for the suggestions. I could make the L3710 more stable by widening the wheel span, but I'm still stuck with the PITA process of installation, cleaning and maintenance.

 

[Moosetracker]

Moosetracker,

Here's two thoughts:

Kubota bx1870-1 with a 48 inch mmm finish deck

Massey GC1705 or gc1715 with a 54 inch mulcher deck (the mulcher deck is a unique massey product . . It has no side chute . . Hence a great unit around flower beds etc.).

Both above are true scuts.

I had not considered those options and so I'll put them in "options hopper". Thanks.

 

[Moosetracker]

Moosetracker

What about a Kubota GF1800 4WD ... do they still sell them? That would be ideal for 2 acres

Yes Kubota still makes that mower. My wife suffers from arthritis and when we tried the GF1800 at the dealer she experienced shoulder pain. Apparently Kubota no longer supplies the power steering kit for this model.

 

[AxleHub]

I had not considered those options and so I'll put them in "options hopper". Thanks.

Just some fill in info . . Our yard is hills of good size and gardens and some flat areas. So these are some I considered (the kubota and the massey choices prior listed).

To me . . A pull behind lawn deck is a no go on the hills and around contours of flower beds . . And 60 inch decks to my needs . . are too big and too likely to scalp on hill rises or make difficult access to tight areas. The bx1870-1 is the only current kubota bx model that can have both a finish deck in the 48 inch size as well as a mulching option. it has full rops and a fel and 3pt. Its slightly physically smaller than the bx2370-1 etc.. and has the traditional right side chute.

The massey gc1715 with a unique mulcher deck ended up being my final choice because its turning radius compared to the bx1870 was about equal (both VERY manueverable). I tested both on sidehills and liked the fit and feel for stability just a little better related to hills . . And seat sizing and control access just a little more room. And it was a bigger engine/hp. Again full rops and I liked the more traditional left right hydro pedals compared to treadle (easier on my knee). Also 2 hydro pumps instead of 1 and same "front blow" radiator concept as kubota.

But that massey mulcher deck is unlike any other . . Its 6 blades instead of 3 and there is no exhaust chute at all. I can go up or down the hills next to rock gardens or flower beds and still keep them clean. Just as importantly with no chute . . Thus 54 inch deck is 54 inches . . Not 54 inches plus 8 or 9 more for chute.

We all choose for different reasons . . sounds like you have a smart wife and her desires. Lol

My choices are some of many out there.

 

[Moosetracker]

Just some fill in info . . Our yard is hills of good size and gardens and some flat areas. So these are some I considered (the kubota and the massey choices prior listed).

To me . . A pull behind lawn deck is a no go on the hills and around contours of flower beds . . And 60 inch decks to my needs . . are too big and too likely to scalp on hill rises or make difficult access to tight areas. The bx1870-1 is the only current kubota bx model that can have both a finish deck in the 48 inch size as well as a mulching option. it has full rops and a fel and 3pt. Its slightly physically smaller than the bx2370-1 etc.. and has the traditional right side chute.

The massey gc1715 with a unique mulcher deck ended up being my final choice because its turning radius compared to the bx1870 was about equal (both VERY manueverable). I tested both on sidehills and liked the fit and feel for stability just a little better related to hills . . And seat sizing and control access just a little more room. And it was a bigger engine/hp. Again full rops and I liked the more traditional left right hydro pedals compared to treadle (easier on my knee). Also 2 hydro pumps instead of 1 and same "front blow" radiator concept as kubota.

But that massey mulcher deck is unlike any other . . Its 6 blades instead of 3 and there is no exhaust chute at all. I can go up or down the hills next to rock gardens or flower beds and still keep them clean. Just as importantly with no chute . . Thus 54 inch deck is 54 inches . . Not 54 inches plus 8 or 9 more for chute.

We all choose for different reasons . . sounds like you have a smart wife and her desires. Lol

My choices are some of many out there.

Thanks for the insight Axle.

At this time, my wife and I are leaning towards the Kubota F2690 but the GC1715 with mulching deck is an attractive cheaper option. Decisions, decisions!

 

[AxleHub]

Thanks for the insight Axle.

At this time, my wife and I are leaning towards the Kubota F2690 but the GC1715 with mulching deck is an attractive cheaper option. Decisions, decisions!

Kubota makes good products. I believe the f2690 is a front deck zero turn tractor. Last I knew the choices of decks were "Big" (60 inch) and "Huge" (72 inch). Certainly a very nice unit . . but for me . . too big of decks.

Under slightly different circumstances I had considered and looked at Grasshoppers. What a great set of units for zero turn front decks that offer choices of engines and tilting options of decks (and deck sizes). Grasshoppers are U.S made and low maintenance with high durability. But my interest was the great seating position to see downward at the deck or snowblower and its great traction layout, safety, and accessory implement choices. Never looked at the Kubota F units because of cost and size . . but I'm sure they are great products.

https://www.grasshoppermower.com/

 

[BKBrown]

I'll add another vote for Ventrac !
These tractors are not inexpensive, but are very stable on slopes. The Ventrac has many attachments and accessories so you don't need other equipment with engines to maintain. The Ventrac is commercial quality and made in Ohio. :thumbsup:

 

[AxleHub]

Thanks for the insight Axle.

At this time, my wife and I are leaning towards the Kubota F2690 but the GC1715 with mulching deck is an attractive cheaper option. Decisions, decisions!

Forgot to mention . . I talked to my dealer on Friday July 3rd regarding new July incentives on Massey products. Financing rates and lengths of financing stayed same as June . . . . however . . . incentive discounts to dealer increased as of 7-3-15 . . so someone buying after that date gets a lower price/bid from dealer.

 

[Moosetracker]

We've finally decided to go with the Kubota F2690 with 60" rear discharge mower and 52" quick attach snow blower. The JD 1025R does not correspond to our needs while the Ventrac 4500Y is simply too expensive and there's no dealer service in our area.

I'll post photos when we conclude the sale and get delivery.

Thanks for the advice