After taking a close look at the mower in Round 2, we’re now ready to do some actual mowing tests.
As with prior rounds, the video episode likely provides better visualization of these tests than the written word. Please check out this episode below
Uncut Circle (Turning Radius)
The specifications on these tractors list the turning radius as follows:
- Deere 1025R – 7.4 ft
- Kubota BX 2680 – 7.5 ft
Based on our testing, it is difficult to understand where these numbers came from. I am not sure how they are measured.
After some discussion, we decided that ‘uncut circle diameter’ would be the best way to measure and demonstrate how these tractors compare when turning.
First, remember that the Kubota BX has a 2″ shorter wheelbase than the 1025r, and it is 2-3″ narrower as well. With these smaller dimensions, it is reasonable to assume that the BX is more maneuverable than the 1025r. In fact, we see many comments saying, I chose the smaller BX because it is more maneuverable.
Our tests did not agree with this assumption. We found the uncut circle diameter to be:
- Deere 1025r – 50″
- Kubota BX – 78″
This was the most surprising test result we have seen to date. Having said that, we were already aware that the BX didn’t turn nearly as sharply as the 1025r from our basic usage. We just didn’t realize the difference would be so dramatic.
Fuel Consumption
I filled the fuel tank on each machine to the ‘base of the neck’ on the tank. …adding more after each ‘gurgle’ until the gurgling stopped and the fuel level was just above the neck line.
I then mowed at full throttle for exactly one hour. I used a timer 🙂
I measured the amount of diesel required to refill to the same level.
As usual, I tried to perform this test as accurately as possible. However, I am not entirely confident in the results. Perhaps I should have mowed for two hours each? Perhaps I should have filled the tank all the way to the top of the rim?
Anyway, we found the following:
- Deere 1025R 1 Gallon + 16 ounces
- Kubota BX 2680 3 Quarts + 8 ounces
Hillside Stability
We could not find a way to do an objective hillside stability test. So, we chose to use a subjective approach. Christy and I each drove the mower along our ditch bank. We discussed how each machine ‘felt’.
Both machines have the rear tires filled with Rim Guard. This improves the stability dramatically. Rim Guard is the heaviest fluid available for tires. These little tires can hold 100 lbs each. This 200lbs is very near the ground, lowering the center of gravity, dramatically improving hillside stability.
We found the two machines to perform quite similarly on the hill. Perhaps a small edge to the Deere. However, the reduced deck lift height turned out to be relevant in this test, hindering the handling of the tractor on the ditch bank.
Scalp Test
We mowed 3 different angles along our ditch bank. I chose this particular area because I had experienced some scalping here with the 1025r before.
The result was inconclusive. Neither machine scalped on the test strip. Quite frankly, we ran out time for more significant testing.
Having said that the front roller of the BX deck should reduce the scalping.
Noise Level
See video
Underside of Deck
See video
Cut Quality
Our grass was so dead that we were not able to do an adequate job testing cut quailty.
