Kubota BX2680

[rickhem]

I'm looking hard at a rear discharge machine because I'm tired of having to set my mowing patterns by the direction the clippings will get blown. When the grass gets a little longer, and I have to cut a first stripe through an area, or when I'm mowing along the driveway, where I don't want to blow clippings onto the gravel, I end up having to go over those clippings a second or third time as I run the next strips in those areas.

There's a Kubota F3080 That looks like a good fit for my property, and my Deere 455 is getting pretty long in the tooth, might be time for an upgrade.

[Sir Henry]

My mower broke after four hours of use. The lever that raises and lowers the deck is missing. They picked the tractor up late yesterday and will return it Monday if they have the part.

[Sir Henry]

I'm looking hard at a rear discharge machine because I'm tired of having to set my mowing patterns by the direction the clippings will get blown. When the grass gets a little longer, and I have to cut a first stripe through an area, or when I'm mowing along the driveway, where I don't want to blow clippings onto the gravel, I end up having to go over those clippings a second or third time as I run the next strips in those areas.

There's a Kubota F3080 That looks like a good fit for my property, and my Deere 455 is getting pretty long in the tooth, might be time for an upgrade.

I have that problem and solve it by taking the leaf blower over certain areas. Not a big problem as I’m usually blowing dust off other things and already have it running.

[daytime dave]

I use a lawn sweeper to pick up the grass clippings. I try and wait for them to dry out first. I use them to keep the weeds down in the garden.
The lawn was very high when I cut the grass yesterday. This morning it smelled like a freshly cut hay field when I walked the dog.

Gene, that's disappointing. I hope they have the part and everything else works out on that machine.

[Sir Henry]

I use a lawn sweeper to pick up the grass clippings. I try and wait for them to dry out first. I use them to keep the weeds down in the garden.
The lawn was very high when I cut the grass yesterday. This morning it smelled like a freshly cut hay field when I walked the dog.

Gene, that's disappointing. I hope they have the part and everything else works out on that machine.

The tractor and mower deck came separate and was installed at the dealership. It’s a big dealership and I walked by a row of tractors where the rear tire was two feet taller than me. It’s under warranty so it will be fixed for free.

I don’t fertilize and leave the clippings down. You may see some for a day but the grass grows fast and you don’t see it for long.

[rickhem]

I tried picking up the clippings a couple years back. Just did the area out in front of the house, and after about 10-15 trips back and forth to pick up and then dump the clippings, I decided it wasn't worth it. I just leave them now. Most areas they just seem to disappear in a couple days, other areas they are around until the next mow, at which time I only add to them. Since I'm not trying to maintain a golf fairway, I'm ok with that.

Hope you get back in operation quickly Sir Henry, a couple extra days can make for some long grass to cut.

[Mags]

My mower broke after four hours of use. The lever that raises and lowers the deck is missing. They picked the tractor up late yesterday and will return it Monday if they have the part.

What a bummer! I hope you found it. I wouldn't want to later mow over it and damage the blades or something else.

[Mags]

The walk-behind mower I use on the 'pretty lawn' immediately around the house has a good set of mulching blades and the leftover clippings are almost non-existent (disappear).
The further out grass clipping from the riding mower are left as is, though I do mow in and outward aiming circle so that the clippings end spread more or less evenly. Later I won't mow at all when the grass stops growing for lack of water.

[daytime dave]

Gene, did they get your mower repaired yet?
I got back from camp yesterday and mowed for a bit. The mower kept losing power after I went out for a second round. Finally it would start and then stall after a few seconds. The same thing this am. I called the dealership and they would send someone to look at it tomorrow or if I could get it in today, they would have someone look at it while I waited. It had just had it's yearly service appointment that doubles my warranty, and it acted up after I picked it up. It smoothed out after 20 minutes or so. Yesterday was the second time I used it since the service. I was able to get it started and on the trailer. When I got to the dealership it stalled again after I took it off the trailer. I got it going again and the service manager got someone right on it. About 75 minutes later the service manager said it ran ok for him after they checked the fuel filter and some air had likely needed to be purged. I drove it home and finished the lawn. Not a ripple. That is the first bit of trouble I've had with it since buying it. It's green and that dealership is great. I realize others results may vary.

[BigAl52]

Nothin runs like a Deere and nothin cost like one either. I have a close friend in the panhandle of Texas who has a green machine he paid over 500K for. It has about 200 hours on it and has gone through 2 front pto gear boxes and now they cant figure out how to keep the front pto from kicking out all the time. Needless to say hes not very happy with big green right now.

[Sir Henry]

Gene, did they get your mower repaired yet?
I got back from camp yesterday and mowed for a bit. The mower kept losing power after I went out for a second round. Finally it would start and then stall after a few seconds. The same thing this am. I called the dealership and they would send someone to look at it tomorrow or if I could get it in today, they would have someone look at it while I waited. It had just had it's yearly service appointment that doubles my warranty, and it acted up after I picked it up. It smoothed out after 20 minutes or so. Yesterday was the second time I used it since the service. I was able to get it started and on the trailer. When I got to the dealership it stalled again after I took it off the trailer. I got it going again and the service manager got someone right on it. About 75 minutes later the service manager said it ran ok for him after they checked the fuel filter and some air had likely needed to be purged. I drove it home and finished the lawn. Not a ripple. That is the first bit of trouble I've had with it since buying it. It's green and that dealership is great. I realize others results may vary.

They delivered it this morning. The grass is really getting tall and it’s raining now and high winds so I can’t mow today. Tomorrow I’m going on a dinner train ride. I may have to mow it twice. Once high and then again lower.

Nothin runs like a Deere and nothin cost like one either. I have a close friend in the panhandle of Texas who has a green machine he paid over 500K for. It has about 200 hours on it and has gone through 2 front pto gear boxes and now they cant figure out how to keep the front pto from kicking out all the time. Needless to say hes not very happy with big green right now.

I like Dear Johns but don’t like the way they won’t allow farmers to fix their own tractors.

[Mags]

....
I like Dear Johns but don’t like the way they won’t allow farmers to fix their own tractors.

That depends on the tractor model and what needs repair or maintenance. John Deere owners can still do their own repair and maintenance for the physical things. There are limitations for models with computer technologies.

Some of John Deere's equipment uses software locks and digital rights management (DRM) that restrict access to software diagnostic tools and repair functions. These restrictions are designed to prevent unauthorized access to the software.

Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with AFBF:
In January 2023, John Deere signed an MOU with the American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) that includes provisions to ensure that farmers and independent repair shops have access to necessary software and documentation for repairs. However, this agreement also includes restrictions, such as preventing the resetting of immobilizer systems and downloading/modifying software.

We have the similar restrictions with new cars and trucks.

[daytime dave]

I hope your grass isn't too tall for just one pass. I'm running into the same thing.

[Sir Henry]

I hope your grass isn't too tall for just one pass. I'm running into the same thing.

It’s three days past one pass and it’s raining today plus I’m going on a dinner train ride.

Picture was taken yesterday just before the rain started.

IMG_3580.jpeg (4.88 MiB) Viewed 2748 times

[rickhem]

That tractor is way, WAY too clean Gene!

[Sir Henry]

That tractor is way, WAY too clean Gene!

There is some birdshit on the hood if you look close. I think the crows aim for vehicles.

[Hatchdog]

That tractor is way, WAY too clean Gene!

There is some birdshit on the hood if you look close. I think the crows aim for vehicles.

Ain’t that the truth. The above pic sure puts the slope of your mow in perspective.

[Sir Henry]

That tractor is way, WAY too clean Gene!

There is some birdshit on the hood if you look close. I think the crows aim for vehicles.

Ain’t that the truth. The above pic sure puts the slope of your mow in perspective.

That’s not even the steepest place although the steepest isn’t much steeper.

[rickhem]

Love that parking meter.

[Headhog]

That tractor is way, WAY too clean Gene!

There is some birdshit on the hood if you look close. I think the crows aim for vehicles.

Think positive: it's a good thing cows don't fly.

Paul