MMM or 3 point Hitch Mower

   / MMM or 3 point Hitch Mower #1  

stuart

Gold Member
Joined
Dec 13, 2001
Messages
292
Location
Virginia, Eastern Shore
Tractor
JD 4300
I have a JD 4300 hydro w/bushhog. I love it. My first one. I love it. I mow about 3.5 acres of grass have been using 42" cut MTD until now. I use the tractor to put my boat in and out of the water because it has been tearing up my van transmission over the years. I was wondering about whether I should purchase MMM (would need to add the option mid pto to do this, is this difficult?) or whether I would be better off just buying a rear mower deck. I realize I cannot tow the boat with anything attached and wondered what the best way to proceed might be.
 
   / MMM or 3 point Hitch Mower #2  
Stuart,

Welcome to TBN!

You need to do a search on this subject, it's been brought up a number of times. Here's <A target="_blank" HREF=http://www.tractorbynet.com/cgi-bin/compact/showthreaded.pl?Cat=&Board=implement&Number=6283&page=&view=&sb=&o=&vc=1#Post6283>a link</A> to get you started.
 
   / MMM or 3 point Hitch Mower #3  
Stuart
I would go for the MMM. /w3tcompact/icons/smile.gif When it's time to put boat in the water you won't have to remove mower from 3PH. /w3tcompact/icons/clever.gif
 
   / MMM or 3 point Hitch Mower #4  
Stuart,

I wish I wouldn't have purchased my MMM for my JD 790. It gets in the way of FEL work, scraping and other work. The rear finishing mower is also cheaper.

However, if you have a lot of trees and navigational issues when mowing, it may be a good thing.

Buck
 
   / MMM or 3 point Hitch Mower #5  
I struggled with the same question like many people have. I decided on the MMM because I want the kids to be able to mow when they are old enough and I thought the 3pt mower would create too many problems for them.
 
   / MMM or 3 point Hitch Mower #6  
I have already brought my points forward through other threads on this subject, but quickly:

I like the the 3ph mower because

1. it's fast to install and remove,
2. it costs much less,
3. it's more flexible (can be used by any CAT I 3ph),
4. it's easier to mow under trees (you can appreciate this if you've ever had a sun burn and mowed too close to a spruce tree /w3tcompact/icons/shocked.gif.)

Also, I like the rear discharge - doesn't matter which direction you go.
 
   / MMM or 3 point Hitch Mower #7  
Excellent list.

That is why I was going to purchase a 3pt. mower. But I want to dump that off on the kids as soon as possible.
 
   / MMM or 3 point Hitch Mower #8  
I think the MM vs. 3pt argument is right up there with the HST vs. GST. Personal preferance.
I love my MMM, but the deck alone is much more expensive than the 3pt. - only got one because I got it used (1 yr).
Retrofitting a tractor that didn't come with the mid-PTO will probably give very serious sticker-shock. Since you don't have it, the 3pt is almost guarenteed to be better for you.
 
   / MMM or 3 point Hitch Mower #9  
I have a Ford Model 915 MM with all attaching hardware, to include live electric PTO clutch. Also have an extra 5' rear 3PH mower. Both good condition. Need to clear some space in my storage.

Wayne
 
 
 
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