Which of these two finish mowers to buy?

[MossyDell]

Hi all,

I am going to look at a Walco Douglas 72 inch rear discharge mower, new priced at $1,500.

Also an air tunnel side discharge 72 inch Bush Hog, a demo slightly used for about $1,750 (he has new for $1,950).

The same dealer has both lines and offers good service. I am going to see them in a day or two. I like the specs on the Douglas better but am concerned that it may not have the quality/durability and that it might bog down more in my grass.

But I am tempted by the Douglas because the specs list blade tip speed that is 1,162 faster and it is more compact. The mower decks are both 7 gauge. The Bush Hog weighs about 100 lbs. more, probably because it is much wider due to the discharge chute and having a full 72-inch cut. The Douglas specs say it is actually 72 inches wide with a 69 inch cut.

In my yard, with many obstacles, the Douglas seems like it would be better. I also have pastures that I usually cut with a bush hog but would like to cut them at least half the time (after my sheep flock has grazed them down a bit) with a finish mower. I would be cutting 3 to 6 inch grass and possibly 8-inch sometimes and am afraid the rear discharge would bog down.

I tend to mow fairly slow, so that would help, but if I have to take small bites with the rear discharge then the side discharge would be better.

I have a 33 hp MFWD John Deere 970. I would appreciate any advice.

 

[milkman]

There is a comparison here that includes the Walco Douglas that you are looking at, it isn't compared to a Bush Hog, but to me, it sure doesn't compare favorably to the Woods and the Bush Hog is a top quality line of equipment. To me, in the comparo, the Walco would not be one of my top choices. The comparison is the first item in the link that I provided.

 

[sweettractors]

Here are the specs on the First Choice mowers that we sell. Are we in the running at $1395 + shipping?--Ken Sweet
Sweet Farm Equipment LLC

Specifications Click
HERE

 

[wushaw]

I would go with the rear discharge in whatever brand you find you like....less things to worry about damaging.
I had a Bushhog brand rear discharge that gave a fine cut.

 

[Nasty135]

I would vote rear discharge for less chance of a chute clogg with high thick maybe damp(depending)grass... The slightly narrower swath and faster tip speed will aid in the dispersion of the tall grass with less chance of bogging down...And for the money difference you can get an extra set of blades.. /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif

 

[OrangeGuy]

I've owned a Walco Douglas 90" 3pt rear discharge RFM for two years. Absolutely no problems! It cuts even with no bunching. I operate it with my Kubota L3430HSTC. See attached picture.

OrangeGuy

 

[Mikeeemo]

I have the FIRST CHOICE brand mentioned above. Mind is the 72 inch model w/ rear discharge. Works great! I cut about 4 acres with it every week.

 

[jeffinsgf]

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( There is a comparison here that includes the Walco Douglas that you are looking at, it isn't compared to a Bush Hog, but to me, it sure doesn't compare favorably to the Woods and the Bush Hog is a top quality line of equipment. To me, in the comparo, the Walco would not be one of my top choices. The comparison is the first item in the link that I provided. )</font>

I found that to be an interesting comparison, though it is published by Woods, so obviously they were picking the comparison points. However it was nice reinforcement for me. I have the Woods 72" rear discharge -- only it is painted green and says "Frontier" on it. From looking at it and reading that comparison sheet, the paint is the only difference.

As for rear or side discharge, if you have parts of your place that you don't plan on mowing every week, consider the rear discharge. It doesn't windrow nearly as bad as a side discharge. Mine mulches the stuff up very well. It finishes almost as well as the 60 inch deck on my 455 garden tractor with gator blades.