I am in the market for a sub compact tractor. My current interests include the Kubota BX2680, the Kioti CS2530 ROPS, and the TYM T254. My primary task will be mowing, followed driveway maintenance, and then grapple work. My property has an 8' drop from rear to front over a 300' distance. It is fairly treed sand . (central Florida). I have had two zero turn mowers, a Toro Tine Cutter followed by an Ariens IKON XD 52. Both had a tendency to cut divots when changing direction on the incline, When I bought the first one the salesman tried to push me toward a tractor . .. . but I didn't listen. Just curious if anyone here has anyone here has any comments about mowing with a 2680 on a sand incline ?? Even with the ZT's I try to mow up and down the inclines, but still get the divots at either end. Even using the Push/ Pull tactic on the controls while turning .
Looking at a new BX2680 ??
- Thread starter FloridaBoy32780
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I have a BX2680, I mow on an incline (not sand). I mow it horizontally. Others in my family have zero turns, which I have used to mow their flat properties a few times before. I bought a 54 inch deck not a 60 on purpose.
I would say zero turns are FAR more nimble and able to take tight turns than the BX. I pretty much mow, drive past where I want to turn...make a soft turn, then mow in the way back. (Hope that makes sense). For sensitive areas I might have to try 2 or 3 passes to fully get in there.
Never really felt like the BX was excessive with the divots. I'd imagine wheel spacers help too in reducing the ability to sharp turn.
My property is wedge shaped acreage which necessitates the turns on the inclines. The divot problem becomes even worse during dry spells. I am retired, so the amount of time required to mow doesn't especially concern me. Keeping the lawn whole . . . is more important. Sprinkler placement has become an acquired skill. I know with a diesel tractor it will become even more important. But the FEL will definitely relieve my back.
Take a look at the max lift lbs of that BX2680. The BX series all have the same lift capacity. If you want a grapple, the BX may not have enough lift. Been looking at grapples for my 1880. The good ones weigh 3-5+ hundred lbs. Not much left for lifting. Have found a couple under 300 pounds but don’t think they will last very long. Probably bend easy too. My bx1880 is great for cutting grass. Can get into snug spaces easy. just a heads up.
Looking at the 54" Carolina Grapple CRG54, it weighs 285 lbs. I mainly want the grapple for hurricane clean up. I can cut the limbs to 4' lengths to load on my trailer. 2' lengths take out my back along with bending over. Being 70+ is Hell. The tractor weight is a major concern for mowing on a sandy incline. I've had two Zero Turns.
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For what its worth, I bought some bolt on bucket pallet forks on the cheap and was moving 4-6 ft oak trunks with my BX2680. Wasn't perfect, but they were sub $100.
jyoutz
Well-known member
Premium Member
Equipment
MX6000 HST open station, FEL, 6’ cutter, forks, 8’ rear blade, 7’ cultivator
I don't like the bolt on the bucket forks, just a matter of time before the bucket gets bent. IMO. I have a line on some used quick attach forks for $300 from a rental company. My priority on accessories is belly mower, FEL, box blade, grapple. The forks are nice, but my preference is the grapple as the load is secured.
Mowing on a sandy incline, is the primary use. Tractor weight / ground clearance are a major impact. Less is better. The L series is almost 1000 lbs more than the BX. Most everything above mowing is an occaisional usage / save my back tool .
yea for sure, grapple is more secure...but just heavier, thus lowering lift capacity. For your use case (tree trunks), the majority of the weight is on the bucket, not the BO forks. You could also get some hook/d ring mounts for the bucket and drag logs...works too. I want a grapple too FYI, just don't have 3k+ to spend on the hydraulics/grapple at this time. The brush clearing, is where those shine bright. For sure, you won't regret a grapple if you have the $$.
I have SSQA pallet forks for my L series, id never use these bolt ons for actual "pallet lifting".
I think you are right on with a BX for mowing...I bought an L3901, then a BX because I blew up a garden tractor and I needed a lightwight but robust MMM. I couldn't be happier with the BX.
I mentally debate trading my L out for a mini ex all the time.
Worth doing the math before you buy. Take the loader's rated lift at the pins, subtract the grapple's 285 lb, and what's left is your real payload. Wet storm debris adds up fast. Also make sure the grapple's lid cylinder doesn't need a third function you'd have to add. Ballast on the 3-point is a must for this on a slope. Whatever you buy, a pressure gauge to confirm the relief is actually at spec is cheap insurance, because a new machine that's a bit low shows up first as "it won't pick that up."
Nice find. Missed that one on my search. Will look hard at this one. If you do get it, please post a review. It looks solid.
Here is where I got my forks from. Great company with solid attachments.
Home Page - Redline Systems Inc. Equipment Attachments
Redline Systems Inc. is a US manufacturer of equipment attachments for compact tractors, sub-compact tractors, skidsteers, telehandlers and wheel loaders.
www.redlinesystemsinc.com
The Carolina Grapples CRG54 (285 lbs ) can be bought as low as $1500 on a cash sale near the end of the year. It is a quick attach device.
Looking at a 48" box blade for ballast. I can rig it with some "removable" truck hubs for additional weight.
I don't have to move everything at once. Even moving one log at a time . . . saves my back,
Everything doesn't have to be new. Prefer to have a new or less than 2 year old tractor. Been waiting for the end of the year "clearance" sales on tractors. I googled "most frequent problems" on all the models I'm considering. I was shocked at how high Deere's 1025R list was. vs its popularity. Bottom line is all have problems with fuel delivery impacting every brand ??
Grapple vs Bucket and/or forks doesn't look much of a topic to me ?? What does a bucket weigh typically ? Plus i realize there will be limitations. The grapple is about saving my back.
jyoutz
Well-known member
Premium Member
Equipment
MX6000 HST open station, FEL, 6’ cutter, forks, 8’ rear blade, 7’ cultivator
Looked at there web site. If I am reading this correctly, they do not ship. Being in florida, to long of a ride and costs to go get it.
Guess I was on the wrong web site. There folks are in north carolina, correct?
A dealer should be able to order one for you. They are in North Carolina, but only sell to dealers.
Connor is the only one I have seen advertising them. Luckily they are about 60 miles from me in Ocala, Fl
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