Last push before buying F2690 (2024)

ProjectKing said:

... I don't see much advantage over a BX with a belly mower.

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The front deck has a big advantage compared to belly mower when mowing close to anything, especially around shrubs etc.
You can see it clearly in the front and it can easily reach under low hanging branches etc.

Try that with belly mower.

:laughing:

I don't think your "hard to hold a straight line" comment holds up.

We've had both belly mower and front deck mower for the past 15 years.
In our case, the front mower is the workhorse and belly mower is just used as a backup mower if needed!

arto98607 said:

The front deck has a big advantage compared to belly mower when mowing close to anything, especially around shrubs etc.
You can see it clearly in the front and it can easily reach under low hanging branches etc.

Try that with belly mower.

:laughing:

I don't think your "hard to hold a straight line" comment holds up.

We've had both belly mower and front deck mower for the past 15 years.
In our case, the front mower is the workhorse and belly mower is just used as a backup mower if needed!

Click to expand...

See Also

F2690 quality issuesKubota F2690 - Specs, Prices, Reviews, Problems | KubotaLast push before buying F2690Mowers - Front Mount Mowers - F2690

My comparison is zero vs F. Not F vs BX. I agree mower stick out is a huge benefit!

Most of the machines operating I've seen in real life and on video are people just cruising around their yards mowing on the F units. No real pattern... like mowing with a Murray lawn tractor. Lol! They are not attempting to do a professional quality lawn mowing job.

I'm interested how F's mow when driven by someone that is actually trying to do a nice job. Straight consistent width line alternating direction lines is what makes a good looking lawn. That is the point I'm making.

It will be interesting to get feedback from OP on his feelings between F and ZD. I think with side discharge on the F, the grass and dust blowing in your face would be an issue compared to ZD.

arto98607 said:

The front deck has a big advantage compared to belly mower when mowing close to anything, especially around shrubs etc.
You can see it clearly in the front and it can easily reach under low hanging branches etc.

Try that with belly mower.

:laughing:

I don't think your "hard to hold a straight line" comment holds up.

We've had both belly mower and front deck mower for the past 15 years.
In our case, the front mower is the workhorse and belly mower is just used as a backup mower if needed!

Click to expand...

Have you ever driven a forklift? And tried to hold a straight line? It's very difficult. I'm curious if this is also difficult driving the F. Rear steer is meant too steer. They hate going in a straight line.

628pm said:

I wish I could tell you but mine hasn't arrived yet. I ordered the side discharge and I could be wrong doing that. Most if not all with rear discharge swear by them. I've good luck with side discharge and decided to keep it that way. I will see. I do mow in straight lines (hopefully), So I will see. As far as the f versus zd326 I've wanted one for awhile and this was my time to try it. Had the zd326 for close to 7 years and for me it was time to purchase, I will see if I purchased right. Again everyone seems they are happy with going from a zero turn to a f. I will report in after I receive it.

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I'm excited to hear your opinion on the mower. I would also buy the buy the side discharge. I have heard of issues with rear discharge when mowing tall grass.

I've considered getting an F at some point. Since you have a ZD like I do your feedback will be very interesting.

ProjectKing said:

Have you ever driven a forklift? And tried to hold a straight line? It's very difficult. I'm curious if this is also difficult driving the F. Rear steer is meant too steer. They hate going in a straight line.

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I had a F2680e (RD Deck) and traded it to a ZD326 (RD Deck) for mowing a 3 acre rental property with 20 rental units. Some close and also a big field for septic leach lines. I used both and the ZD326 was quicker mowing around the units but slower and less controlable in the open field. The Z was constant adjusting sticks if doing any speed and the F was a light hand on the steering wheel. The Z beat me to death and the F wasn't as bad. I mowed in straight lines on the field and never had an interest in it looking "pretty" striped but I guess it was. Cutting quality was about the same unless the grass got very tall and then the F took the prize with no questions and the RD Deck laid the cut grass down under it as it went along.
Obviously you've never driven an F and I' have been for over 8 years and I also had a Z121 and a ZD326 for two years.
I hired my SIL to replace me doing the mowing and he used both the F and the ZD326 and his assessment was 100% in agreement with mine. Loved the ZD in close but hated it on the field. There is NO issue with the rear steer except the rear swings around and one has to realize and then remember that when cutting close (On both sides with the RD Deck and on only one side with the side discharge deck) against an object. I at first was surprised when I would see the fence starting to lay over when I was turning away from the fence on the F.
These are not same priced apples to oranges but a small pickup compared to a full sized pick up. I currently have a Tacoma but have had full sized pick ups. I like the Tacoma but on a trip or pulling a heavier load I prefer tha Chevy Avalanche. Two different trucks but both trucks. I guess for my mostly (90%) use I prefer the Tacoma since that's what I now have and no longer have any of the Avalanches I owned (4). But on a trip the Avalanche wins hands down even though the Tacoma rides good.
Oh, I have driven a fork lift when I worked for Whayne Supply Caterpillar dealer for Ky. No comparison as far as the jerkys. The Fs love going in straight lines. Try one. Try mine, any time.

ProjectKing said:

Have you ever driven a forklift? And tried to hold a straight line? It's very difficult. I'm curious if this is also difficult driving the F. Rear steer is meant too steer. They hate going in a straight line.

Click to expand...

I've driven plenty of forklifts and never had a problem keeping them straight if I used a light hand steering. That being said, the F is similar, but much more forgiving from a steering standpoint than a forklift. It's basically a B series tractor running in reverse with smaller tires. They are beasts!