Suspended Vs.ground contact mowers???

[AMR]

I mowed 3 seasons with a BX23, suspended deck, and this is my 3rd season with my B3030, ground contact deck.

Suspended - pros are that it is easier to adjust the cut height cons are that it scalps on the downhill side when cross cutting a slope, some folks report having a problem getting suspended decks set up, I never had a problem adjusting mine though

Ground contact - pros are that it does not scalp on the downhill side of a cross cut on a slope and cons as has been mentioned is that it can leave wheel tracks in soft conditions, but I found that if it was that soft my tractor wheels would sink and then even the suspended deck would dig in some

I find the cut quality to be the same between the two and really couldn't find a compelling reason to get one over the other, or even recommend one over the other. The one thought that I do have is that I wouldn't select a tractor based on this, I would look at all of the other specifications to make a decision.

 

[davatk]

I mowed 3 seasons with a BX23, suspended deck, and this is my 3rd season with my B3030, ground contact deck.

Suspended - pros are that it is easier to adjust the cut height cons are that it scalps on the downhill side when cross cutting a slope, some folks report having a problem getting suspended decks set up, I never had a problem adjusting mine though

Ground contact - pros are that it does not scalp on the downhill side of a cross cut on a slope and cons as has been mentioned is that it can leave wheel tracks in soft conditions, but I found that if it was that soft my tractor wheels would sink and then even the suspended deck would dig in some

I find the cut quality to be the same between the two and really couldn't find a compelling reason to get one over the other, or even recommend one over the other. The one thought that I do have is that I wouldn't select a tractor based on this, I would look at all of the other specifications to make a decision.

I would tend to agree with the statements above - I don't think I would select a tractor based on it. I think you will be pleased with either. I can tell you that with my floating 60" MMM on my B2630 I haven't noticed any scalping at all, which I did notice occasionally with my prior garden tractor (yardman) that had a 46" suspended deck.

 

[BrianR]

I have a BX2200 with suspended deck and have never had scalping problems (with the exception of mole hills!). When these decks are setup correctly they shouldn't scalp at all. I keep my anti-scalp rollers at .5 to .75" clearance from the ground when at cutting height.

After using Simplicity tractors with ground contact mowers, I wasn't sure I'd like the Kubota with the suspended deck when I bought the BX, but after mowing with the Kubota the first time, I knew I made the right choice.

 

[BrianR]

Also, ground contact mowers like a nice smooth and flat lawn or they tend to bounce a lot. This constant bouncing reduces the life of the bushings, mounts, pins, wheels, etc as well as making the cut of the yard look uneven (transfers the irregularities of the ground to the cut of the grass).

My yard stays pretty smooth, as I constantly move my tire tracks around each time I mow, so as not to make ruts in the yard.

 

[Lindy]

OK, I am confused now. In the brochure for the 2630 it lists two 72" MMM. The RCK72-27B is listed as a ground contact mower while the RC72-30B says the mounting method is parallel linkage. I thought this second mower, which is what I ordered, was a floating deck but now I am not sure. What does parallel linkage mounting mean and is the RC72-30B floating?

Shawn

I believe the RCK72-27B works only with B series compact tractor models B2710, B2910, B7800. Maybe an error in your brochure?

You need a tractor model that ends in "30" (either the B2630 or B3030) to use the RCK72-30B or the RCK60-30B MMM's.

I have a B3030 with the RCK72-30B mower. It uses the 3pt linkage to raise/lower the mower. Yes, it rides directly on the ground. I like it very much for my applications. I had the 60" MMM (RCK60-30B), but moved up to the 72" MMM after a few months.

 

[hitower]

Thanks guys for all the info. I am going to order the 2630 because I like all the extra features over the 2920. I'll just wait and see how I like the deck on my flat lawn, I'm sure it will be fine.

 

[davatk]

Thanks guys for all the info. I am going to order the 2630 because I like all the extra features over the 2920. I'll just wait and see how I like the deck on my flat lawn, I'm sure it will be fine.

Great decision - but I'm partial. One bit of info that you might find helpful - when you adjust the height of the deck, measure the blade height - don't just go by the diagram for the front suspension wheels. I found that on mine the diagram is not correct - not sure if the holes were drilled wrong or not, or exactly what the issue is, but my first mowing was unlevel until I looked at it and figured out what was going on. Once I adjusted it level it mows great.

 

[Gator6x4]

The only negative I see with a ground contact mower is the greasing of the center roller on the rear of the deck. You almost have to lay down to be able to reach the grease fitting. I Also grease the wheels every other time I mow. You will be surprised at the "Cut Finish" the mowing deck will provide.

 

[TripleR]

Congratulations on your new purchase.

 

[red4now]

The only negative I see with a ground contact mower is the greasing of the center roller on the rear of the deck. You almost have to lay down to be able to reach the grease fitting. I Also grease the wheels every other time I mow. You will be surprised at the "Cut Finish" the mowing deck will provide.

Ditto on those thoughts. For the rear center wheels, I try to grab the nearest kid hanging around and mention to them that they need to learn how to use a grease gun..