Belly mower or Finish mower?

   / Belly mower or Finish mower? #1  

robertwhite

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Oct 7, 2009
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May be looking at a Kubota CUT (unknown model at this time) that has a belly mower (MM mower, same thing different name, no?) and was wondering how a belly mower compares to a finish mower in terms of cut speed and durability?

Will be used to cut around 7 acres of lawn.
 
   / Belly mower or Finish mower? #2  
There are advantages to both. I mow about ten acres with a RFM. With a MMM one can cut closer to objects so there is less trimming. A MMM is easier to watch and not hit things that could damage the mower. A MMM is easier to operate IMHO. A RFM is easier to take off and on. With a RFM the dirt and dust are behind you and not under you. For me a RFM is easier to grease, change blades, and clean out the deck. When I get done mowing and want to do a little loader work it only takes a couple of minutes to drop the mower. It's more a personal preference than anything. As far as quality of cut I would think there would not be any difference a premium MMM and a premium RFM.
 
   / Belly mower or Finish mower? #3  
whistlepig wrote - "For me a RFM is easier to grease, change blades, and clean out the deck. When I get done mowing and want to do a little loader work it only takes a couple of minutes to drop the mower."

Well said !!!

MissouriThunder
 
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   / Belly mower or Finish mower? #4  
I have both rear and mid mowers. Whistlepig summed it up well. I will add that my JD2305 mid mower is considerably quieter than my RFMs. I have used 2 different rhino's and a KK RFMs. I will also add, most newer RFMs are going to all rear discharge. Gives a much better dispersal of clippings, and can mow next to objects from either side. Both are big positives for the RFM. Also RFMs can be backed up to mow under trees, shrubs etc.
 
   / Belly mower or Finish mower? #5  
If you're cutting 7 acres you should be looking at the sizes available also. You can get a 7 or 8 foot rear finish mower. I'm not aware of any MMM bigger than 6 feet. I think the RFM offers everything that a MMM does unless you're in really tight quarters. Plus the RFM you can buy and keep if you change tractors.
 
   / Belly mower or Finish mower? #6  
7 acres? I would be looking at RFM's since you can get them wider then 6 ft. Most bellys are 60 inches with exceptions of a few up to 72"
For those belly mowers that are 72, all I hear is its easier to leave it on all the time. The 60" and smaller, its easy to remove on and off. S0 - that being said, with 7 acres, I would be hesistant to get anything smaller then 72's so a RFM would be ideal for ease of service and swapping. What is your 7 acres like? alot of trees to go around ? mostly open feilds? mowing what grass is left in forest ?
 
 
 
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