NCL4701 . . . thanks for sharing those photo.
JimmyJazz . . . appreciate the sentiment, thanks!
Meanwhile, been communicating with D2Cat about a flail mower and am basically convinced that would suit my purposes. So right now, job one is getting the belly mower out from beneath the tractor to inspect/prep it for service . . . yard already needs mowing.
So I'll be doing that in the morning when I pull the front wheels to drop them off to have the new tires put on. It'll be my first opportunity to inspect the horse's teeth, so to speak, because I purchased the rig sight unseen from a fellow about 150 miles away and had another guy fetch it for me.
The tractor itself is exactly as represented, and I am perfectly satisfied. However, I've already junked the rotary deck because the gear box failed under a light load (cracked the cast iron housing dumping all the 80W gear oil). Shear pin failed when the gear box broke, and that's actually when I discovered it had crapped out as the tip off something was wrong was looking behind me expecting to see mowed grass, and it wasn't being mowed.
Anyway, since the deck itself was Swiss cheese with rust, I had already planned to fabricate a replacement - until - the gearbox let go. So that plan went out the window and I put it on the street. And no, not the end of the world because the seller made no representations whatsoever about the mower deck. No bad feelings about it failing, just one of those things.
Meanwhile, the belly mower deck looks, maybe not new, but definitely decent. Like it's experienced, but not trashed - or so I hope - but there has to be a reason he didn't use it. I'll find out soon enough.
So whilst I've no clue why the seller didn't use it, it was 'the' major appeal. However, I've never used a belly mower and have no clue how effective it'll be. Expect it to be very effective else Kubota don't make them, right?
Meanwhile, I expect to continue using the Jacobsen for the surrounds (e.g. around the house, workshop and pumphouse, plus going in and around the oak trees, which line the street in front). But, I also secretly hope I may be able to do this entirely with the belly mower and thus, put the Jacobsen out to pasture. Basically, I am hoping this Kubota will allow me to do the same job, just faster . . . but only time will tell.
Anyway, D2Cat (and others) have made a good point about shopping for a used whatever (brush hog or flail mower). Minor point being, I've not been letting the grass grow under my feet. Been on Facebook Marketplace and Craig's List already.
Unfortunately, the only rotary mower decks I've found have been rather well used where decent looking ones are priced at $800-1000, which would see me buying a new County Line for $1500, instead. And even crappy looking ones are $400-500 (but I'm not kidding about them looking like shit). Fortunately, I can afford a new one, it's just that I'd rather not spend so much because I'm really hoping it's just the backup for when I don't get out to mow in a timely fashion.
Anyway, I have found an interesting deal on a Land Pride finish deck model where the seller wants $2000 and the deck's virtually unused (claims only 3 times). But, it's a finish deck instead of a brush hog. Not really sure that helps me. Or at least no more so than a flail mower would. And per D2Cat, a flail will be less trouble because he mentioned ho little maintenance he's had to do (none?) and I know from experience how much work is involved keeping mower blades sharp. These are photos of the finish deck. New they're $3300 so at $2k the seller wants it's gone.
Anyway, if I were shopping for a finish deck, I'd have bought this one already. Good brand, good price. Meanwhile, I continue nosing around for a used rotary cutter or flail.
--
Cheers,
John
