Rotary Cutter 8' Semi mount Rotary mower recomendations

[Ljh815]

Hey guys,

Would like to get some recomendations on a 8' Semi mount rotary mower for a 52hp compact tractor (jd 4054R) I found a Bush Hog 3308 and 3308Sh online, but have no experience with semi mount or offset mowers.

Any input would be great!

Thanks

 

[bilrus61]

Simi mounts are a great choice. I've had two 8 footers a Rhino TW96 and currently a land pride 3696. The Rhino had some issues but cut the best. Land pride has been bullet proof but has a tendancy to leave clumps in heavy/thick conditions. I took off the rear chains and that has helped but it still would be better with a wider "exaust" out the back to process more material. It will stick out a bit on each side but a offset would be nice under limbs and such.

One great advantage is your able to road it on the highway easy and you can still use your loader with it mounted on the back. My LandPride is actually a three point. You can use a three point as a simi mount just don't put on the top link. When I had the Rhino, a true simi mount with the hydro cylinder lift, I basically never used the lift. I set it and forgot it and if I wanted to mow lower I would just lower my links and mow lower in front. So when I was looking at the LandPride 3696 I decided just to get the three point mount, set the tires on it in back and it has worked great. Found out that my M7040 has no issues lifting it and so I put on the top link. Very handy when doing loader work. Its easy to imagine that you'll be bouncing back there taking the mower/cutter off and on every time you want to use the loader, but that isn't how it works out in real life. Much better to get a mower you can just raise or let it ride simi mount and use that loader when you need it.

 

[ovrszd]

I prefer a mounted if the tractor can carry it comfortably.

Since an 8' cutter will be outside the tires on both sides I don't see any need for offset. Well, that's a guess on my part, what's the overall width of your tractor?

 

[Foodplot]

We have a 10' JD MX10 semi-mount, a 10' pull behind and several smaller 3-pt lift mowers. For unknown and overgrown ground (ours is full of rocks and sinkholes), I'll take the lift type. For mowing pasture, the semi-mount is great. Ours has a hydraulic side shift (either side), which is really handy when mowing along tree rows. I'd definitely get that feature again. Hopefully, that's an option for you.

 

[Ljh815]

All great points... Thanks for the advice. The 4054r is 6' wide, but I mow around a lake and don't like to get too close... Esp if it's a little wet so the offset could come in handy. I'm thinking a 8' 3 pt might be a little hard on the tractor so the semi mount might be the ticket! The mower will stay on unless I need to box blade or till. At least that's the "plan"

 

[LD1]

I have similar size and weight tractor and run a mounted woods DS96. And have been real appy with it so far. I can even mow with the loader off. But cant go up on the trailer forward unless I leave the loader on, but dont like too. So I back on. But while mowing, there is no concern because the 3PH isnt bearing any more weight than a semi-mounted would when the cutter is down.

I like full mounted but mainly for three reasons.....1. Loading it on the trailer is alot easier. 2. Ability to very quickly raise the cutter if I run over something that just dont sound right/ Stump, rock, etc. 3. Makes a great counterweight when needing to do some heavy FEL lifting.

But nothing wrong with semi-mount either. Just not my preference.


Are you looking new? or used? Why the HEAVY 3308? Are you clearing alot of brush? Or is this more for pasture maintenance? Because the 2003/2308 is a little lighter and would work well. The Woods, landpride, rhino all also make nice twin spindle units. But I was at the mercy of what I could find used for a reasonable price. But had no single brand in mind.

 

[Ljh815]

I am looking for new. The dealer I talked to today mentioned the 2308 as well, but cannot get it with offset. Also, the 3308 3pt model requires 60 pto HP, where the semi requires 50. Don't plan to trailer it. Mostly just pasture for now, but might get the urge to clear some more acreage.

 

[LD1]

Have you considered forgetting about the offset and getting a 2010 semi-mount? If all you are doing is pasture, and dont want a mounted cutter, and dont transport on the road....I'd be looking to get something bigger than 8'

 

[Texasmark]

Sorry for feeling stupid, but I just watched the MX10 U tube video and what is the "semi-mount" function? Is this a present day acronym for a drag type of yesteryear as compared to a 3 pt mower? If so, sorry for not being Politically Correct in my thinking. I initially thought you were talking about a mower that swings out to the side like some MOCOs and though that ought to be an interesting setup on a shredder.

 

[ovrszd]

With a semi-mount you don't pick up the rear wheels. They stay on the ground all the time. Similar to a mounted if you removed the top link.