#164

Many folks are looking to purchase a mower for their compact tractor. But which mower is best for you and your property? I get many questions about my thoughts on a belly mower or a finish mower for my kubota B2601 compact tractor. Grab a coffee and spend a few minutes with me , here at the cottage. Cheers!
#finishmower #bellymower #tractormower

[@karldawnlang8936]

Totally agree.

[@scratchypants1]

I had a RFM on my B7500. I now have a belly mower on my B2601. RFM +: less expensive; tractor brand/model agnostic (easier to sell); great for getting under low hanging branches; does better on tall grass. RFM -: learning curve (literally) for swing-out; adds significant length to the mowing setup; need to slow down for corners so as not to "overrun" the blades (i.e. leaving uncut swaths). Belly +: shorter mowing setup/more maneuverable; can stay on the tractor for most other work; in my opinion does a better job on more suburban lawn-like conditions. Belly -: Cost; tractor/model specific; more involved to install/remove; can't get under low hanging branches. A tip for your RFM GP: safety wire those lynch pins on your gauge wheels - it's just a matter of time before a branch flicks one open and you lose your wheel, spacers, and pin.

[@GPOutdoors]

Good day SP! Thanks for your thoughts for folks to consider. Some great points in there. And yes, thanks again good sir. I will get that done before the next mow and before I get one ripped off on me. Thanks again!

[@MDR-hn2yz]

I’m considering one of these finish mowers or a zero turn. My tractor is paid for, so the cost is about the same for what I am looking at. Right now it boils down to availability. Great video 👍

[@Greezbhal]

I’m a big fan of my B2650 cab and finish mower. But, It doesn’t do well around the house. It is great in the open yard but maneuvering is a issue. I used to use a old cub cadet lawn tractor up around the house until last week when I added the Bad Boy ZT. That combo seems to work very well for me.

[@MyClutteredGarage]

I have the same finish mower GP. I also chose it over a belly mower so I could back under trees and around the pond and stream banks. 👍

[@GPOutdoors]

Morning MCG. Really happy with this one - much easier to manage than a belly I think, too. Take care!

[@MRnounoursSQ]

Me too I prefer a finish mower for all the point you made.

[@GPOutdoors]

Cheers Teddy! Have a great week!

[@danielmarkleblanc1800]

I'm about to make a decision on this in the next few months. Thanks a Billion for the great advice.

[@donmotz5528]

GP...you got the right mower for the property you have......good decision my friend....stay safe......... :)

[@GPOutdoors]

Cheers Don!

[@olddawgdreaming5715]

Good morning GP, I liked your comparison of the equipment attached mowers. You answered some questions. Thanks so much for sharing with us.

[@RCAFpolarexpress]

Good evening GP ! Great video and these camera views under your deck mower are really daredevil !!! LOL Cheers !!!

[@GPOutdoors]

Hey good evening Dave! I wanted to spice it up for you folks, LOL. Cheers and hope all is well!

[@RCAFpolarexpress]

@@GPOutdoors Yes and the same to you too !!! Cheers !!!

[@mrfin]

I don’t recall seeing live under deck mower video before. Kind of exciting, kind of interesting to see how the grass and blades interact in an area that you never get to see. Maybe you could do a mower deck or blade comparison showing how they actually cut the grass.

[@jim9178]

Well said. What you forgot to mention is with belly mower you loose ground clearance, so if you have that job where you might need that ground clearance you'll have to take belly mower off.

[@GPOutdoors]

Good afternoon James! Good point. Thanks and all the best!

[@billfischer6464]

I can only speak for myself but...... I had a rear finish mower for 30 years and was a side discharge. It was a woods model, and no matter the grass conditions I never had grass build up on the deck. On my garden tractor, I can clean the deck and if the grass gets high, which also makes it damp here. It will end up cutting crappy and need cleaning again be cause the airflow or something doesn't lift the grass as well.

[@tractorman4461]

You brought up some good point by point comparisons between the two GP....and the undermower footage was awesome !! The thing I dislike about a belly mower is the degree of difficulty to put it on and take it off as compared to a three point. Then trying to use a tractor of any size for literally anything other than cutting grass while having the belly mower on causes a severe handicap for the tractor and operator...especially if your tasks include loader work in uneven or rocky ground like mine. Choices vary with the different conditions. Great video sir. Keep up the good work GP !!

[@GPOutdoors]

Thanks so much T!. Have a great week!

[@deanbarr5740]

They're pretty hard to beat. I like mine real well. However i normally just use my garden/lawn mower for my own yard. Mainly because i can mow my grass with a 54" cut . Saves me the task of hooking up the tractor to the rear finish mower. That rear discharge does a great job too. Thanks GP.

[@GPOutdoors]

Cheers Dean!

[@Sean_Hartley]

Love the under mower deck camera angle. Really liking my new to me finish mower.

[@GPOutdoors]

Good stuff Sean. Cheers!

[@tomashbaugh8891]

Good evening GP! Great topic. But for me you didn’t solve anything......I’ll have to tell my wife I need both! One for fields and one for trees! Thank you Gordy! 🍻

[@GPOutdoors]

LOL! Cheers Tom!

[@johndeno562]

Nice video, very informative. Thanks so much GP.👍

[@LouisianaTractorworks]

Enjoyed the video GP!! You did a great job with a clear and detailed review. Gives us a lot to consider when buying a mower! Have a good one! have a cup. you earned it! Really enjoyed it!!

[@GPOutdoors]

LOL. Thanks LA! I think I will. Remember, there is always an extra cup in the pot for you my friend! Cheers!

[@billonthehill9984]

Thanks Gord... With the camera down below the deck, it looked like a 4" cut to me. That is close to my brush hog blade height. I understand with the rolling undulations & perhaps the occasional surface rock in the fields you want to avoid scalping & hence the tall finish cut. IMHO, what is missing here is a real finish cut at perhaps 2". Only you know where the touchy spots are & in those areas I would keep my hand close to the lift up handle to momentarily slightly raise the deck to avoid blade contact in those spots. It would have been interesting to see how this unit does a crew cut on the grass in comparison to a conventional riding mower stance. Also, a closer cut buys one more time between mowings & with all the rain this spring, I am cutting mostly 2" & some areas at 2 1/4" & in the rougher areas at 2.5" & with those boulders just barely showing above surface, I keep my left foot at the ready to raise the deck before the deck reaches it & immediately let it back down to resume cutting... In closing, I run razor sharp blades under a 48" deck at all times for the close cutting. Typically after a couple hrs. doing approx. 6 acres, the blades are once again ready for a touchup... Thanks, Bill... :~)

[@GPOutdoors]

Hey good day and thanks for the great input BOTH! ON my way there slowly. I have walked the grounds quite a bit and think I have everything out (except the one I scalped last week) but as I get more confidence, I will continue to lower the deck. I love a clean consistent cut around 2 1/4 - 2 1/2 ". Slow but sure wins the race on this one I think. Great advice to keep my hand on the lever as I go. Thanks again! Can't wait to get there! Cheers!

[@bhall7997]

Great Video GP , I have a MMM on my B2601 and heavy grass area ready for mowing you are welcome to use this afternoon for a couple of hours to make comparison review :) and will be ready again in 2 weeks :)

[@GPOutdoors]

LOL! I'd be happy to...if only I lived closer. ;)). Cheers and all the best B!

[@janskoropinski10]

Great video especially the under deck shot.

[@GPOutdoors]

Cheers and thanks Jan!

[@staceyroberts9561]

Hello gp I know the pull behind has its benefit but like you said the belly mower for my use is the thing for me I have a 3350 kabota and have a 72 " cut and trees and some rolling hills and it does awesome job thanks for your video stacey from ky

[@GPOutdoors]

Good stuff Stacey! Cheers!

[@hc7190]

I was really impressed with that finish mower and how it followed the contour of the land , as always great video . I wish my bush hog had that same type of hook for mowing my pasture area as my fields are not all that flat either .

[@GPOutdoors]

Thanks Herb!

[@DIYMyWay]

Hi Gord! Thanks for the great tips to consider on mower types. Wow, you took a risk with the mower deck cam shots but really cool! I just have bush hog style rotary brush cutter which is all I need for the pasture areas on my property, but enjoyed learning about the pros and cons of finish mowers vs been mowers. Well done! Cheers!

[@GPOutdoors]

Thanks very much DIY! Have a great weekend!

[@scottmeister8980]

Enjoyed the video. Good information. Have a great day.

[@GPOutdoors]

You too Scott! Cheers!

[@henryrodgers3409]

Great video Gord . I remember watching your video on the fail cutter ( I hope that's the right spelling ) . That did a great job on the heavy brush . I like the finish mower . Like you said you can backup into tight areas . I hate windrows with a passion . I would have to go back and clean up all of that cut grass . Maybe if a person had a vaccum on the belly mower it would be OK but then there goes the pocket book . Not only that if you wanted to go in the bush with the tractor would a person want to have a belly mower on and taking a chance in damaging it . Easier to unhook the finish mower . I like you would never let my grass grow that high . I hope you had the proper insurance to be on the road and cutting your neighbours grass . LOL . Great camera work Gord . Have never seen blades start to spin like that . I'll be watching tommorrow morning Gord . LOL. Take care .

[@GPOutdoors]

LOL. Good evening Henry. Yup, I have the right coverage. Whew! I prefer the finish myself - it cuts really clean and leaves a nice even cut across slopes and undulations.

[@sz0wxc]

Another plus to finish mower is that it is not tractor specific like the belly mower. So if you ever go to sell it you will have more of a market out there for the finish mower. Great video been leaning to a finish mower myself. I know you can get closer with a belly mower but other tools out there for doing the trimming.

[@GPOutdoors]

Cheers Chris!

[@deaconnyte9748]

Love your Channel - so much good information - Been watching for a while. Wife and I are planning on getting a B2601 this fall and Im learning a lot from your channel. Just subscribed ! Oh yeah - Love the camera views that you show .

[@GPOutdoors]

Good morning and thanks very much Deacon. It's a great tractor for small properties like mine and the 2650 adds a little extra power and height depending on your needs. Good luck to you both and thanks again for tuning in!

[@kurtmiller7254]

Enjoyed the camera angle under the deck. Very cool. I am toying with upgrading my lawn tractor to something I can brush hog with and have been wondering about belly vs finish. Thanks for the information, always good and entertaining!

[@GPOutdoors]

Good morning Kurt. Lots to consider - hope it helped a little. Sounds like you may want to think looking into a flail or rotary for sure if you have some brush or rougher terrain to keep cut too. Cheers and good luck!

[@hphillips7425]

The view under the finish mower was good. I would have thought all the cutting would be on the front of the mower

[@GPOutdoors]

Me too H, but I guess it sometimes gets some of the grass as it has passed under it as well. Have a good week!

[@ThePlowGuys]

Thanks for sharing. This video will help if we decide to get a mower.

[@GPOutdoors]

Thanks TPG! Cheers!

[@rohoroyarrington3224]

Great content as usual GP. Everybody's needs will differ based on their property. My BX 23S came with a belly mower and I also purchased a brush hog because we have about 2 acres of lawn and another 2 of pasture. I also have a 52' riding mower that handles the lawn area and brush hog covers anything else. So my 60" belly mower sits under wrap awaiting the day when the rider dies lol. Have a great week. Cheers

[@GPOutdoors]

LOL. You've got it all covered well and an extra backup too. :)) Cheers Roy!

[@C_J_81]

Thanks GP! Great information! Watched this one with my wife since we have been having that very debate. I think you helped sway her toward a finish mower when it comes time.

[@GPOutdoors]

LOL Chad! There are also a number of comments below that provide additional considerations and pros and cons of both types , and many videos i did on a flail mower last summer, that may be helpful to your decision. Cheers and good luck!

[@C_J_81]

@@GPOutdoors There is a lot of great information! I was already leaning toward the rear finish mower for ease of removal but this has really laid out several other advantages. I grew up with and still run a rotary cutter/brush hog from time to time... Watching your videos of the flail more in action has made me a convert. If we ever have a place that needs something a little hardier than a finish mower it will be on the top of my list to get.

[@P245Sig]

Looks like it did pretty well, all things considered. Obviously hitting a rock or stump with that would cause more heartache than doing it with a rotary or flail, but seems like it would be fine in a pinch.

[@GPOutdoors]

Good point P. That's why I spent so much time getting the rocks out of the lawn last summer. I'd like to be able to cut it without any worry about the rocks. Looks like I missed one but I'll get it! Cheers!

[@michaelgallagher380]

Wow, you are pretty brave with your camera so close to the rapidly spinning blades! I have a belly mower only because it came with my Kubota BX2660. it is a pain to attach to the BX too. If I ever get a B series like yours I think I will get the finish mower. Great Video, Thanks GP!

[@GPOutdoors]

LOL. I had to think about that camera angle a few times before I got the courage to give it a try. Thanks Michael!

[@MichaelPMc]

I have the same tractor and mower however my mower lower rear arms are tightened so they don't swivel. They are also set in closest to the mower so that my mower is closer to the tractor. This was how the dealer delivered it. Putting it to full extension the way yours is would make the front of the tractor lighter however I use a quick hitch so I expect yours would be about the same distance out. Without the loader on with mower full up the front barely stays on the ground. I was surprised to see your lower arms moving. Guess I had better research a bit to ensure mine is OK tight. It does mow great and I'm now on the second season.

[@GPOutdoors]

Good day Michael. Thanks for the info above. Some thoughts: absolutely it's light in the front for me too when I don't have the FEL on it, and I lift the mower up off the ground. It weighs alot and hangs our far, but I can drive ok on flat ground. However, when I go down the driveway at a speed, and hit bumps, the front bounces off the ground for sure. LOL. However, I prefer to cut without the FEL on, so all I do is I drop the mower down till the rear wheels are almost touching the ground before I head off down the driveway. Re: those 3 point upper link and control arm brackets on the mower: they are all supposed to be loose enough to swivel and oscillate. If I remember correctly, they have nylon nuts on them. They should swivel freely for sure like mine do. That way the mower follows the ground and is not lifting off uneven ground as you go. Also the top link bracket: you will see in the video that mine is pulled forward to my upper control arm. I only do that for driving so I can lift it off the ground further. Once I am ready to mow, I extend the upper control link out further such that the mower bracket sits well down. If you check out the manual it will give you those details, as I remember but definitely , the brackets should swivel easily. Try it out and let me know how it goes. Cheers!

[@MichaelPMc]

@@GPOutdoors I referred to the manual and it was supposed to be able to pivot with the arms extended based on tire size. Not sure proper extension but I believe as close as possible without hitting tires would make sense. Even though our tractors are the same I guess the dealers don't all read the same manual. Long story short with the quick tach the arms are supposed to be mounted solid in the higher holes. I switched to what the manual recommended for quick tach and have mowed 5 acres without noticing any difference :)

[@tomkeating65]

Put a flail mower on the back end. Can cut nice and it's easier to maneuver. 🤔🤔🤔🤔

[@ddsgala4405]

But even the frail mower swing out. Belly best for up tight to planters ECT. We do like frail by the way

[@GPOutdoors]

Flail is a nice option Tom. Loved working with it last summer. Cheers!

[@sbrownproductions]

I just bought a B2601, was torn between the mid-mount and the 3pt finish mower. Finally went with the mid-mount but plan to get a 3pt in the next year or so. My theory was, you can always find a 3pt finish mower in the future, but I might not always be able to find the mid-mount for my tractor. So get the mid-mount now and I can add a finish later... Hopefully I don't kick myself too much ;)

[@GPOutdoors]

Hey good evening Scott. I think you did great. It is a good mower - not sure how much land you have to cut but I am sure you'll be happy with it. Both have pro's and con's, but will do the job for sure. Have a great week!

[@10esseeTony]

I am not sure why, but the under-mower camera terrifies me! :D Thanks for another honest review!

[@brentagade]

Hold your finger on the screen 😂

[@10esseeTony]

@@brentagade Watching on a 4k 32 inch monitor....how big do you think my sausages...errrr, fingers are!? :D

[@GPOutdoors]

You bet 10essee! Thanks for watching and for saying hi!

[@GPOutdoors]

LOL!! Heyyyyyyy......:)) Cheers guys!

[@Sam-pw8zh]

Like. Video i know it's older now. 1 thing i noticed was with side discharge mowers is in tall grass it really strans the mower. I don't think thats a factor. But i wasn't there to hear it. I'd like to hear what you think.

[@donbrutcher4501]

Useful info

[@houndsmanone4563]

Great demonstration, GP. I'd like to add a few more "positive pro's" for choosing a pull-behind finish mower. "Maintenance". It's much easier to perform maintenance on a finish mower. Grease: To grease zerts on a belly mower, you must first, unhook your belly mower from the tractor (on mine, that means getting down on the ground to disconnect various components). Believe me that's a chore if you have bad back, knees, etc. Then pull the mower deck from underneath the tractor (those mower decks are extremely heavy). Now after all the work to get the mower deck from under the tractor, then you can finally start applying grease. Then.......guess what, you have to repeat the entire process in reverse to reattach the mower deck. So you're back on the ground again to reconnect the mower deck. (Note: This step is greatly reduced "if" you own a drive-over mower deck). Blade changing: Same process as above. On the ground to disconnect mower deck from tractor before you start the process of changing blades. (Note: This step is greatly reduced "if" you own a drive-over mower deck). Bottom Line: I think maintenance on a finish mower is much easier, much faster, and less work for an operator. Excellent video, GP. 👍

[@GPOutdoors]

Good morning and thanks for the extra points to consider. I am sure folks will find them helpful. Hope all is well with you and your family Houndsman! Cheers!

[@mikespinelli1024]

Belly RPM vs Rear PTO RPM: The Rear RPM On most compact tractors is 1/4th the belly RPM. I can see the rear cuts perfectly but is the belly RPM something to consider when choosing one over the other?

[@johnerickennedy]

Good description. 👍🏻

[@davidhorne2326]

I have a BX and hate the belly mower! Thought about buying the B.

[@williamwilson5127]

Three-point mowers and rotary cutters are usually cheaper, or at least of an heavier construction, than mid-mount mowers. Someone could probably purchase a 3-point mower and grader blade for the price of a mid-mount mower.

[@GPOutdoors]

Good morning and thanks William. Cheers!

[@peterkober6758]

G P I think bouth would do what we for cutting grass but I need something to blown walnuts in fall but the flail would proble do a better job the belly well stay God Bless PaK

[@GPOutdoors]

LOL. I think a STIHL blower will handle the walnuts just perfect! LOL. Cheers Peter!

[@jamesbainton]

CONGRATS ON 10K!!!

[@GPOutdoors]

Thanks James!

[@jamesbigham9036]

I really enjoyed the camera view from under the mower I haven't seen that before. I did have a question when you are mowing using a belly mower is it better to blow the grass out or in? I am asking because I have heard both are good. In my opinion blowing the grass out makes cutting the grass easier so it won't be to think. I wanted to see what you thought

[@GPOutdoors]

Good morning James. A great question. I think mulching is always better if you can. I believe Kubota makes a set of mulching blades for both mowers (optional $$$) so with those blades, in my opinion, it would be best. I didn't buy them yet for finish mower and not sure I will but we will see. Thanks again and have a great week James!

[@GrampiesWorkshop]

How's she goin'? Nice video!! Some unique camera angles for sure!!! Thanks for posting!!!

[@GPOutdoors]

Cheers Grampie!

[@stevebusch9915]

Hi GP, That was a great shot under the finish mower. I don't know if I would be so bold, but it sure shows what is happening under there. What happened to your Gripo gloves? I see you are wearing Stanley gloves now. Great video. Keep 'em coming.

[@GPOutdoors]

LOL. Good catch Steve. I accidentally left them at the house. I am a sucker for the discount bin at Lowes - 8.99. I couldn't pass it up! I have inexpensive gloves all over the place so I grabbed them on the way outside. I love trying out new gloves. Cheers!

[@ctskidoo]

I like a flail

[@andrewbrenneman9592]

I'll keep my flail mower. My 2 cents, take into account property to be mowed. How open or closed is it? How tall will be mowed on a regular basis? If grass is knee high or taller a flail or rotary mower (brush hog) should be looked at.

[@GPOutdoors]

Good morning Andrew. Some great additional considerations for folks to think about. Thanks!

[@20GeneStarwind20]

GP on the belly mower did you have the shut up on the mower or down? I always tie the shut up to spread the grass out more.

[@sustami]

Great video, GP. One question: how fast / in which gear do you mow and would you be able to mow faster with a belly mower?

[@45NUTS_PART_DEUX]

i have a belly mower on a lawn tractor ,and don't have windrows , i have rear 3 point mower with side discharge , and don`t have any windrows . it`s how you cut the grass and discharge you grass with a side discharge . If you get windrows while cutting the grass , Fire the Operator

[@GPOutdoors]

Good evening 45. Thanks for the comment. If I may ask, is it because you cut regularly so the grass does not get too high, or is there something else you do in the process that helps? Are you perhaps cutting across the same area more than once and in alternate directions? Just curious, if you have the time. Thanks again!

[@45NUTS_PART_DEUX]

i have section over my septic field that grows green , lush and three inch tall mainly during the early part of the growing season . just cutting that section in a way that the clippings are spread out over the entire area with a side discharge mower, rear discharge finish mowers just came into fashion in last 10 to 15 years , before that it was was side discharge finish mowers . the only mowers that had rear discharge prior to that where brush cutting mowers.

[@GPOutdoors]

Thanks 45! I am sure folks will find your idea helpful. And thanks for the background. I didn't know that they were so recent. Have a great week and all the best to you!

[@williamhustonrn6160]

I've been thinking of making the move over to a tractor for our property, I have a 50inch Zero turn that i basically use as a tractor lol, i tow around my trailer with it all over the property and have the bucket attachment for it, but i hate when i get stuck.. its not hard to get stuck if the ground is muddy.

[@GPOutdoors]

Good morning William. I can imagine it's not too much fun trying to get it out of the mud. I didn't know that some zero turns had an option for a bucket attachment. But for sure, it was night and day for me when I finally decided to get one. Lots of research and work ahead for you because there are so many choices now between Deere, Kubota, Massey, Kioti, RK etc but if it is helpful; I started by making a big list on a pad of paper - specs down the left side and models/makes across the top, including a column for price. Nice thing these days is all the main brands have their specs and pricing on their websites. So it gives you a chance to get a feel for the differences in specs and pricing. Then grab a big coffee or water, and take some road trips out to the different dealers, get their opinions based on your property type and size, and if I could offer - make sure you sit on the tractors. The operator stations are all different - and you want to make sure that you fit nicely in the seat, the controls are within reach and you are comfortable because you spend so much time sitting in it. For example if you have long legs, you have to make sure that it has enough leg room for you or you will always feel cramped trying to work in it. Not good after a few hours sitting working it. I took about 3-4 months before finally buying but I am 100% happy I took the time and did the road trips now. Anyways, sorry long winded response. LOL. Have a great week out there and be safe!

[@williamhustonrn6160]

@@GPOutdoors ya, I've been leaning towards kubota, which is how I found your channel. The main reason I've not pulled the trigger yet is my neighbor uses a skid steer on his property instead of a tractor with demo bucket and brush hog attachment that he always tells me I'm welcome to use anytime + the cost of buying a tractor is up there... so I keep talking myself out of it.

[@eosjoe565]

That view from under the deck at the end is weird. While the center blade appears to stay in a fixed position, the two outer blades appear to wobble back and forth. Is that just an optical illusion?

[@GPOutdoors]

LOL. Good morning Joe. Yes, good catch. Unfortunately the camera I use creates that "fish eye"lens issue on the outsides of the shot. I have not figured out how to correct it, or if I can correct it. The picture kind of warps or bends on the outer sides. When I am shooting outside normally, you usually can not tell but when I do close in shots like that, or shots in a room, for example, the walls of the room looked warped. Have a great week!

[@tomashbaugh8891]

GP. Did that new step you added to the tractor keep you from adding a belly mower anyway?

[@GPOutdoors]

Hey good evening Tom. LOL. I think you are right. I don't think the tractor can have a belly mower and the step as well. Whew! Good thing I got the finish mower cause now that I have got used to the step, I'm keeping it! Cheers Tom!