B2650 72" vs 60" MMM Documentation

Clover13

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60" Model: RCK60-30BA
72" Model: RC72-30B

I did some searching on here and got most of my answers, but have struggled to find any videos or documentation on the MMMs for the B series and their operation and/or options (such as the mulching kit). Anyone have any links to any of that info to get a better idea? Maybe I'm not looking in the right place. Most of what I've found is BX related.

The Kubota page on the B series implements only states the following:

MID-MOUNT MOWER
Kubota offers a 60***8221; and 72***8221; mid-mount mower deck option, allowing you to choose which deck fits your needs best. These decks are built by Kubota and are designed to be easily mounted and dismounted. Kubota also offers a mulch kit and rear bagger option for the 60***8221; mid-mount mower deck.
Sounds like the mulching kit and/or bagger is only an option on the 60"?

Also not sure if it's always been the case, but it sounds like the current 60" IS NOT a drive over model and the current 72" IS a drive over model. Not sure if these models changed over time or have always been the same? The question I have here is are you REQUIRED to drive over the 72" or does it move around manually the same as the 60" to be able to slide it in and out from under the tractor? I may find the drive over is great, but I'd like the option to move it around "conventionally" if I choose.

Any help to get me pointed in the right direction online would be great!
 
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SDT

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60" Model: RCK60*-30BA
72" Model: RC72*-30B*

I did some searching on here and got most of my answers, but have struggled to find any videos or documentation on the MMMs for the B series and their operation and/or options (such as the mulching kit). Anyone have any links to any of that info to get a better idea? Maybe I'm not looking in the right place. Most of what I've found is BX related.

The Kubota page on the B series implements only states the following:



Sounds like the mulching kit and/or bagger is only an option on the 60"?

Also not sure if it's always been the case, but it sounds like the current 60" IS NOT a drive over model and the current 72" IS a drive over model. Not sure if these models changed over time or have always been the same? The question I have here is are you REQUIRED to drive over the 72" or does it move around manually the same as the 60" to be able to slide it in and out from under the tractor? I may find the drive over is great, but I'd like the option to move it around "conventionally" if I choose.

Any help to get me pointed in the right direction online would be great!
I investigated both 60" and 72" decks before buying my B3350 (same MMM decks as 2650), though I intended to buy neither at this time. I was fortunate enough to view both MMM decks installed on either 3350 or 2650 tractors. This answered most of MY questions.

Both 60" and 72 " MMM decks used on 3350 and 2650 tractors are terrain following decks using gage wheels (I would never buy a suspended deck for multiple reasons.).

The 72" deck is much the same as the original design introduced in the late 1980s. It has substantial gage wheel supports near each corner as well as a front anti scalp roller. It was originally designed as a drive over deck, as was it's then available similarly designed 60" MMM cousin.

I own a B1750 HSDT with 60" MMM deck bought new in 1993. When I bought this unit, I had the choice of 54", 60" or 72' decks. I chose the 60" MMM for reasons not relevant here. The 60" deck design then available was nearly identical to the 72" deck available both then and now. This is the best deck that I have ever owned. I still own the B1750 and MMM and will never sell either.

The 60" deck currently available for these tractors has been redesigned. Though the front gage wheel supports remain near the front "corners," the gage wheel supports have been redesigned and are much less substantial. Damage to these wheel supports due to high centering is not uncommon. The rear gage wheels have been moved beneath the tractor and are closely spaced. Insignificant "anti scalp" wheels are positioned near the rear "corners." These wheels/rollers are vulnerable to both wear and damage. This deck is more susceptible to high centering damage, and I would not buy it unless I could not use the 72" deck for whatever reason(s).

I cannot remember if the currently available 60" MMM is a drive over design but such is largely irrelevant. My 60" MMM is a drive over design but after struggling with attempts to drive over it for a year or two (the deck will simply roll away), I found that it is MUCH easier to simply roll it in/out from the side on a concrete floor. I can mount or dismount my 60" deck in less than 30 minutes, most of which time is spent getting out tools, etc., and putting things away. I have found it helpful (necessary?) to drive the tractor onto a couple levels of 2X6/8/10 to allow the gage wheel supports to clear the front drive shaft. Note: this may not be necessary with the newer B2650/B3350 tractors.

Both the 60" and 72" currently available designs can be mounted/dismounted in this fashion if you follow Kubota option instructions, e.g., standard size AG or R4 tires, no wheel spacers, etc. Be advised that turf tires are larger in OD than are standard size AG or R4 tires and are more of an issue with wheel spacers, etc.

I cannot help with mulching questions, but I did buy a bagger with my 60" MMM. I bought the bagger to collect leaves, which I no longer do. The bagger system includes a gearbox mounted atop the right MMM spindle. The gearbox directs power through a driveshaft to a belt driven blower that attaches to the MMM discharge chute. It's a well designed system that works well but consumes noticeable power and is time consuming to mount/dismount because the lift arms must be removed to provide room for the triple bags. Though I still have it in nearly new condition, I find it too much trouble to mount/dismount each season.

Cannot help with mulching kits.

HTH.

SDT
 
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Clover13

Member
Jul 27, 2018
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NJ
I investigated both 60" and 72" decks before buying my B3350 (same MMM decks as 2650), though I intended to buy neither at this time. I was fortunate enough to view both MMM decks installed on either 3350 or 2650 tractors. This answered most of MY questions.

Both 60" and 72 " MMM decks used on 3350 and 2650 tractors are terrain following decks using gage wheels (I would never buy a suspended deck for multiple reasons.).

The 72" deck is much the same as the original design introduced in the late 1980s. It has substantial gage wheel supports near each corner as well as a front anti scalp roller. It was originally designed as a drive over deck, as was it's then available similarly designed 60" MMM cousin.

I own a B1750 HSDT with 60" MMM deck bought new in 1993. When I bought this unit, I had the choice of 54", 60" or 72' decks. I chose the 60" MMM for reasons not relevant here. The 60" deck design then available was nearly identical to the 72" deck available both then and now. This is the best deck that I have ever owned. I still own the B1750 and MMM and will never sell either.

The 60" deck currently available for these tractors has been redesigned. Though the front gage wheel supports remain near the front "corners," the gage wheel supports have been redesigned and are much less substantial. Damage to these wheel supports due to high centering is not uncommon. The rear gage wheels have been moved beneath the tractor and are closely spaced. Insignificant "anti scalp" wheels are positioned near the rear "corners." These wheels/rollers are vulnerable to both wear and damage. This deck is more susceptible to high centering damage, and I would not buy it unless I could not use the 72" deck for whatever reason(s).

I cannot remember if the currently available 60" MMM is a drive over design but such is largely irrelevant. My 60" MMM is a drive over design but after struggling with attempts to drive over it for a year or two (the deck will simply roll away), I found that it is MUCH easier to simply roll it in/out from the side on a concrete floor. I can mount or dismount my 60" deck in less than 30 minutes, most of which time is spent getting out tools, etc., and putting things away. I have found it helpful (necessary?) to drive the tractor onto a couple levels of 2X6/8/10 to allow the gage wheel supports to clear the front drive shaft. Note: this may not be necessary with the newer B2650/B3350 tractors.

Both the 60" and 72" currently available designs can be mounted/dismounted in this fashion if you follow Kubota option instructions, e.g., standard size AG or R4 tires, no wheel spacers, etc. Be advised that turf tires are larger in OD than are standard size AG or R4 tires and are more of an issue with wheel spacers, etc.

I cannot help with mulching questions, but I did buy a bagger with my 60" MMM. I bought the bagger to collect leaves, which I no longer do. The bagger system includes a gearbox mounted atop the right MMM spindle. The gearbox directs power through a driveshaft to a belt driven blower that attaches to the MMM discharge chute. It's a well designed system that works well consumes noticeable power and is time consuming to mount/dismount because the lift arms must be removed to provide room for the triple bags. Though I still have it in nearly new condition, I find it too much trouble to mount/dismount each season.

Cannot help with mulching kits.

HTH.

SDT
Thank you SDT! Great info and experience! I am really just planning for next spring, and want to hop on a deal if one pops up to blow out a 72 or 60. I'll have to talk to the dealer to get some more info on the models, just so odd that Kubota doesn't put out literature on them...or if they do, it isn't (for me) to find.
 

SDT

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Thank you SDT! Great info and experience! I am really just planning for next spring, and want to hop on a deal if one pops up to blow out a 72 or 60. I'll have to talk to the dealer to get some more info on the models, just so odd that Kubota doesn't put out literature on them...or if they do, it isn't (for me) to find.
Sounds like you're doing your research like I did.

I would not expect to find a "blow out" deal. Most dealers do not stock these decks but order each individually when a buyer wants one, usually with tractor purchase.

Still, it's nice to be ready to act.

SDT
 

Clover13

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Jul 27, 2018
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NJ
So I spoke with my local dealer about mowers. Does confuse me even more because I thought some who had the 2650 definitely had ride over 72s.

Here is what he told me:

The 2 models available for your machine is the 60’’ model RCK60-30BA price; $2610 plus tax and the 72’’ model RC72-30B price; $3245 plus tax. Both are conventional style (not the drive over)(not offered for this tractor). See attached for more info and specs.
And here is the PDF he sent me explaining the options (I uploaded it to Scribd for easy access):

https://www.scribd.com/document/389538163/kubota-b-series-mid-mount-mowers

I did notice the PDF is from 2014 and states it's subject to change. Maybe I'll hear more back from him tomorrow.
 

SDT

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So I spoke with my local dealer about mowers. Does confuse me even more because I thought some who had the 2650 definitely had ride over 72s.

Here is what he told me:



And here is the PDF he sent me explaining the options (I uploaded it to Scribd for easy access):

https://www.scribd.com/document/389538163/kubota-b-series-mid-mount-mowers

I did notice the PDF is from 2014 and states it's subject to change. Maybe I'll hear more back from him tomorrow.
I cannot speak for your dealer but most shoot from the hip.

I still have the sales brochure for my B1750HSDT. It clearly shows (and states) that both the 72" MMM and (then similarly designed) 60 60" MMM were sold as drive over decks.

Again, as previously stated, it is much less time consuming to mount/dismount the decks from the side.

SDT