Mid-Mount Mower Mid-Mount Fin Mower vs. Rear Mount Fin Mower????

[crimbo]

I'm a newbie in the world of CUT's and need some advice regarding belly mowers versus rear mowers.

I have about 3 acres of yard to mow, bordered completely by woods, with a couple of trees and the house/fence to mow around in the center. I also have a 13-yr old that is getting into mowing the lawn (with our 18hp lawn tractor w/belly mower). I don't really want to take that job back over from him.

I like the rear mower because: $$, rear discharge, ease of on/off, larger sizes.

But I'm worried that the kid (and myself) are going to have trouble adjusting to a tow behind, hitting the trees that border the yard, and having to continually watch behind.

I'm thinking about getting a Kubota L2800 - which means no turning back (no mid-PTO).

Can we get used to a rear finish mower, or will we regret it for the life of the tractor?

Any words of advice, warning, or recommendations? Any other things to consider?

Thanks.

 

[kevincook]

crimbo, welcome aboard.

When I purchased my tractor five years ago (L3010) I specifically bought it with a MMM just so that it would be easier for my son to mow when he was old enough. He turned 13 this year and I think I have only mowed once or twice all year. It really is a big help.

Do a search there are a ton of threads discussing this. If your son is going to be near other things like the house, cars, light poles, etc. I think the MMM would definitely be much easier for him.

I remove my MMM whenever I am going to be doing any real work with the tractor and it takes me less than five minutes to do it. The first 5-8 times was a little slow but after I figured out my system it has been extremely easy to swap on and off the tractor. The 3pt mower would be easier but not by much. Some will disagree and about the ease of removing and installing the MMM. I figure it is still easier than replacing chunks of siding on the house or garage /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif

I also feel safer with my son mowing with the MMM since there isn't anyway for him to lift if very high and the PTO shaft is well hidden below the tractor.

Good Luck,
Kevin

 

[kennyd]

Kevin gave you some great advice. Mowing with a RFM around obstacles is a royal PITA! When you turn, the RFM swings ALOT in the opposite direction.
I can have my MMM off in about 3 minutes on a flat smooth surface.

I personally would not consider buying a CUT without at least the option for a Mid-PTO.

 

[crimbo]

Thanks for the replies. I'm thinking the same way.

I got caught up in the beginning trying to save the money. Plus the majority of the dealers have all been "You'll have no problems", " We sell 30 tow behind models to every one mid-mount", "It's actually easier to mow into corners and under trees with a tow behind"

I was also biasing my opinion on the pain it is to get the mower off of my lawn tractor (no ground clearance and 10 year old technology).

Downside: I need to go back to the drawing board on the tractor.

Another question: Does any manufacturer have a drive over mid mount mower?

 

[jdmann]

This spring John Deere will be launching a new tractor with a 54D mowing deck the standing for drive over. should be a good machine and deck changing system. i have a JD 2210 with MMM and have no problems removing it in under 2-3 min. just depends on how fast you walk from one side of the tractor to the other. i do belive the new mowing deck will be able to be used on the 2210 as well.

 

[kevincook]

crimbo, what else do you plan on doing with your tractor? What types of chores and projects? I'm asking for two reasons. First, are you planning to purchase a FEL with your tractor. I use my FEL to lift the front of the tractor and then just roll the MMM straight ahead in front of the tractor. This is much easier than pulling the MMM to the side. The FEL is the single most useful part of owning a tractor for me. It gets used for everything. Anything that needs to be lifted becomes much easier with an FEL. Mine has even replaced my wheel barrow 95% of the time.

The second reason that I asked about other projects is because if you simply want to mow with it then a zero turn mower is probably a much better choice. Faster and usually less expensive, but it is only built to mow.

Good Luck,
Kevin

 

[SCB]

I have three acres also. I have never used a mmm, but I do have a 5' rfm. I have a few trees to go around, but there really isn't an issue with mowing. I do like the easy on/off of the rfm. The corners are easier to cut with the rfm also.

 

[WVFARMER]

I wrestled with the same issue this past spring when I purchased my kubota 7800 with a mmm. The mmm was considerably higher priced and I didn't know if would be worth it. My teenage kids would be doing the lions share of the cutting. The Kubota dealer told me that it was considerably easier for the operator to stay focused on where they were going with a mmm vs. where they have been with a rear mount. The mmm turned out to be the right choice for us...works great and I have been able to use my fel and brush hog with the mower in place with no problem. good luck.