Finish mower question?

[sherpa]

I am looking at a woods 5 foot finish mower with just 2 wheels.
What is the difference in finish mower that has just 2 wheels vs 4 wheels?
mtnman

[sandman2234]

Is there a roller on the front?
David from jax

[sherpa]

I haven't seen it yet, its about 50 miles away.
I was going to go look at it and buy it today (one trip).
The seller said it is only 4 years old.
He said it was yellow and white in color.
He did say it had chains on the front and wheels on the back.
The 4 foot that I have now has wheels on both ends.
Does the 2 wheel mower work as well as a 4 wheel mower?
What would you do?
mtnman

[Squeak n Itch]

Have used a two-wheel Woods for years. All things being equal (and they never are) a four-wheel mower will follow the contours of the land better. If the land is flat it seems the two types would perform equally well. There has been previous discussion on TBN.

[sherpa]

He stated that they were called "stabilizer chains" on the front.
I thought the price was right at $450 for a 4 year old 5' woods finish mower.
mtnman

[radman1]

I have an older 2 wheel finish mower as well as newer 4 wheel style. The 4 wheels follow the ground contour better and with less scalping. The 4 wheels being closer to the blades results in less scalping. Your tractor will provide lift for the front. Therefore, the tractor must maintain a constant lift height. Your TC33 can do that but the older Ford you have won't work as well. The check chains on the front provide a constant height for the front of the mower.
I like the 4 wheel version much better. I didn't know anyone still made the 2 wheel version.

[RobJ]

Did you get the exact woods model number? I have a Woods RM360, 1999 model and it has 4 wheels(it also is the older model with the LARGE wheel and the very long belt, no gearbox like a RC). I thought most of the 2 wheel units were phased out some time back. If I had a choice of a 2 wheel 5 footer or a 4 wheel 4 footer, I'd stick with the 4 footer. A little more seat time and a better cut if your ground is not really flat.

Shoot some pics if you get it.

[Runner]

One advantage I can see for the two-wheeled mower setup is that it keeps half the weight of the mower on the rear of the tractor, which might help with traction and hill stability, if that is an issue for you. Not sure if it would be enough advantage to outweigh the terrain following ability of a 4-wheeled unit though.

[TomWhite]

Your tractor will provide lift for the front. Therefore, the tractor must maintain a constant lift height. Your TC33 can do that but the older Ford you have won't work as well. The check chains on the front provide a constant height for the front of the mower.

Yeah, I have seen the check chains used before to keep rotary cutters in position. This is probably the first time I have read about them being used on a finish mower.

To the original poster - At the price you stated, and if the mower is in good condition, you could likely add front wheels (or have someone do it for you) and still come out of it with a good price for the mower.

[sherpa]

Thanks to everyone!
The information you have provided has helped me decide not to buy this mower.
mtnman