Upgraditis?

Freds · May 25, 2004

I saw this subject in a post while I was looking for some insight into what I have been thinking of doing and I am definitely afflicted with it.

My 7500, while doing a good job for me, and believe me I run the heck out of it, just doesn't seem to be the tractor I want to keep for a while and I have been thinking of upgrading to a bigger size machine and also getting a dedicated lawn mower.

If I don't get any interruptions it takes me about 3-1/2 to 4 hours to mow my lawn and it just doesn't have that nice finished look as my neighbor's lawns to either side of me that use riding mowers, not to mention the tire tracks I leave (even without all the rain I've been getting). I don't know if there is a difference in blade speed or design, but even with the rear guard removed on my RFM I leave a lot of grass laying on top that dries out and looks like heck and we all mow on just about the same day, which has been about every 3-4 days lately.

On the other hand I also need something that will do a good job of maintaining my rear field. It takes forever to brush hog with only a 4' brush hog and I'd like to get something that will smooth things out, maybe plant a little corn and be able to turn the ground back over, move a little more snow without losing traction, something that I'm not always pushing to the limit and not as limited by lack of HP, but the 7500 has been a workhorse and I would recommend it to anyone that wants one CUT that is a sort of jack of all trades. Let's face it, I just want something bigger.

So anyway, all this being said, I'm pricing out an L34 or maybe a B7800 with a diesel 60" riding mower. G series I think? I was leaning towards a zero radius just to knock an hour or so off of the cut time, but the dealer said they were pretty heavy and if I'm leaving wheel marks now then the small front wheels would leave them also.

Anyone here in the same boat or gone through what I am contemplating? Any recommendations? Can upgraditis be cured /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif

Thanks,
Fred

EastTexFrank · May 25, 2004

( Can upgraditis be cured
 )

I don't think so!!!!!!

I did a lot of research before I bought my B2400. It was the ideal compromise - small and light enough not to tear up the yard and just big enough to handle the pasture with its steep slopes - but it was a compromise. With the RFM it leaves ridges in the yard because the grass doesn't spring back up fast enough after being run over by 4 tires before being cut by the blades. Also it can only handle a 4' shredder in the pasture and it gets hot out there in a Texas summer.
Just like you I was thinking of getting a dedicated, front mounted mowing machine for the yard. That would allow me to put a backhoe on the B2400 and look for a used, larger tractor to pull a 5' or 6' bush hog. That's my plan but when I put pencil to paper and work up the costs I realize that I'll never get it past the CFO. Besides, my Scottish nature kicks in too. Still, I just finished building her a military spec and government cost deck and hot tub/spa for our 25th anniversary so there may be some room for negotiation. Hey, it's worth a try, right?????

robertm · May 25, 2004

I sympathize with you. /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif I posted recently about dumping my B7500 for a BX2230 because of lawn quality. See my post in the "Attachment" section regarding a lawn striping attachment. It will turn your lawn into something new.

As far as upgrading, the larger tractor will not cut your time down unless you think the added HP will allow you to cut at a higher speed without bogging down... then there goes your cut quality. The larger deck is what will shave the time, and a MMM should be easier to maneuver, cutting down your time, also. I have a hard time with the ZTR guys that emphasize the SPEED. Yeah, if you have a bunch of trees and obstacles, or if you are cutting large areas of nice smooth lawn, yes... do 15-20mph! If you have a bumpy lawn, then that reduces your time savings. Maybe you should look into a tractor with a 72" MMM. It's hard to tell what your conditions are from your description.

Freds · May 25, 2004

( Still, I just finished building her a military spec and government cost deck and hot tub/spa for our 25th anniversary so there may be some room for negotiation. Hey, it's worth a try, right????? (

You won't find an arguement from me /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

I'm starting to get some numbers together and it looks like the fore mentioned tractors would run me $80 more/month than what I'm paying now for the one. When you look at it that way, I'm getting a lot more bang for the buck. I'd have one 4' brush hog to replace with a bigger one and then get a box blade or some type of leveller to fix up my field. My 6' rake and blade would only work better. With what I mow around now and the landscaping I would like to do on the one side of my house the more maneuverable riding mower would be noticeably easier to, well, maneuver. The extra height of the FEL would be appreciated, too, when I replenish pea gravel inside a 6' stockade fence.
I'm not particularly sold on the G2160, but I'm pretty sure I'm going to make a move.

Jim_Becker · May 25, 2004

The RFM isn't the best tool when you want something that looks like carpet. As someone pointed out, all of the tractor's weight and tires are hitting that grass before the blades get their turn. A good MMM helps a lot for this, although it, too, can suffer from the effects of the front tires on the tractor when it's been wet. But it's a good compromise and if well designed, makes for a very good cut. I have absolutely no complaints about the results from my BX w/ MMM on the lawn. In fact, it's about the best looking lawn in the neighborhood, including some cut by the "pros" with all kinds of fancy gear. Some of that comes from the fact that I don't cut each week with the same pattern. Only one out of three or four cuts have the cut direction "duplicated" in general, particularly on our very large front lawn area. I also do around the trees first so that the rest of the cutting can be in straight lines, only deviating to get by any trees or other obstacles.

That said, some folks like having two machines; one for mowing and one for general tractorin'. Whatever works best for you is what you should do.

Will_C · May 25, 2004

Heck, you are not a real tractor guy if you are not thinking about upgrades /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif I am very happy with my BX 2200, but I also plan on buying a ZTR next year, and maybe replacing the BX with a B series (or equivalent JD) down the road. Two specialized machines are better than one, if you can swing it.
Will

theboman · May 25, 2004

A ZTR will cut your mowing time 50% and will leave you a great cut, but they'll still be those grass clipping going somewhere so a mulch blades (kit) or lawn sweepeer is needed.

A B7500 is a work horse... I have plowed with mine. I till the garden, bush hog the hill, mow for about 3 hours, use my FEL as an expensive tool toter, wheel barrow and big wide shovel, and have been known to play with a box blade...and a few other chores. 300 hours and she's answered the call for work each time without fail. My B7500 will out work me....

Oh, I'd love a bigger 'Bota but ..... just got a new 24' 5th wheel...bluegrass comes first.

Chechnya · May 25, 2004

Another thing that doesnt sound right but if you have 4x4 turn it off. All the front tires are doing is diging into the ground. Granted the weight of the machine will make a footprint but i have learned over the years just let the front wheels spin.

Freds · May 25, 2004

I'm leaning towards the theory (fact) that two machines that are more specialized in what they do are better off in the long run. A ZTR would be nice, but dang their expensive. I haven't ruled one out yet, though. The financing would have the riding mower paid off first (Kubota wants two loans, interest rates and length), so a ZTR would make a nice upgrade if needed (wanted) in a few years. I don't see myself needing a bigger tractor by then since most of the "serious" work would be done.
Running with the 4WD off is definitely better for the lawn, but I find myself having to kick it back in too often. Usually after spinning the rear wheels, which is equally bad for looks. I think the RFM and its wheels have something to do with the traction factor and if 2 WD will work. For some reason brush hogging can mostly be done in 2 WD and mowing needs 4 WD. Maybe lawn is slipperier than weeds and mud?
I haven't ruled out the B7800 either. The L3400 seems like more of a tractor where the 7800 has a few nicer features. Their pretty close in price. I thought I would steer away from the HST for more of a workhorse, but I'm sure I'll spend a little time in the seat of both before deciding. Like I mentioned, I like the lift height of the L34's loader. Last year I was driving the 7500 up a couple of ramps to dump into the dumptruck. Don't tell OSHA.

Henro · May 25, 2004

I doubt I would trade a B7500 in for less than a B7800 (or B2910 - I like the refinements).

My gut is telling me that if I were in your situation I would go for something like a L3130 (or better 3430) and a ZTR. I can't imagine why your dealer would say the ZTR would not be good for your needs. I see too many ZTRs cutting VERY nice lawns...and doing a great job.

Myself, I ended up with a B2910 and a BX2200. The BX is the grass cutter mainly, and the B2910 is my workhorse. But I only have 3.7 acres to deal with.

The BX does a pretty good job cutting our short weeds that we call grass. Might do a better job cutting 100% grass. But if I were worried about a perfect cut I would have bought a ZTR instead of the BX. It is just that the bx offers itself for other uses than grass cutting when I want/need it to.

My vote would be for a L series working tractor and a ZTR for the grass cutting, if you want you lawn to look real nice.

My B2910 did a pretty nice job cutting grass with a RFM. Better than my MTD yardman garden tractor. This may indicate that I am not that picky, so take my thoughts with a grain of salt... /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif