Rotary Cutter Finish mower or rotary cutter

[wingdwolf56]

Hello all,
I have about 5 acres of old pasture to mow. I've been using a swisher rough cut behind an atv to cut it and it does a lousy job. I was just given an old Ford 9n by a friend and want to get a mower for it. I just don't what to get. I really don't know the difference between a finish mow and a rotary cutter. Tha field is somewhat rough in spots. It doesn't have to look perfectly manicured because it's not that kind of grass. But I would like it to look even. Right now the swisher leaves alot uncut.

 

[Hooked_on_HP]

A finish mower is for lawns. You need a rotary mower(brush hog) or a flail mower.
Bill

 

[greg_g]

If it's as rough as you indicate, a rotary cutter is the better tool for the job. If you do elect to go with a finish mower, make sure it's got at least one anti-scalp roller.

Understand that the 9N doesn't have a live PTO, so an over-running clutch is required for safe operation. They're inexpensive, but it's important to have it on the tractor before (or if) you cut the PTO shaft to the proper length.

//greg//

 

[cperky]

If you have been mowing it with a atv mower does that mean you are mowing on a weekly basis? If so then you may want to consider a finish mower. Over time with a finish mower the pasture will become better looking. What are your plans for the 5 acres. Are you trying to turn it into lawn or just keep it under control? When I first moved to my place I used a heavy duty finish mower to help turn some pasture into lawn. I can now mow the area with a ztr.

 

[Builder]

Hello all,
I have about 5 acres of old pasture to mow. I've been using a swisher rough cut behind an atv to cut it and it does a lousy job. I was just given an old Ford 9n by a friend and want to get a mower for it. I just don't what to get. I really don't know the difference between a finish mow and a rotary cutter. Tha field is somewhat rough in spots. It doesn't have to look perfectly manicured because it's not that kind of grass. But I would like it to look even. Right now the swisher leaves alot uncut.

I'm in the same boat. I'm stuck between a rotary cutter and a finish mower. I've narrowed it to a Bush hog twin spindle 84" squealer rotary or a 84" Landpride heavy duty rear discharge finish mower.

They claim the bush hog twin spindle rotary cuts better than a standard single blade rotary because of its' high blade speed and if the blades are kept sharp, it will look reasonably close to a rough lawn. The Landpride rear discharge 84" is a beast. Very heavy duty and has rear discharge and anti scalp rollers available. However, I think the grass will get too thick and I have too many ruts, g/h holes, and contours for it.

I'm leaning to the bush hog twin spindle for price (about $800 cheaper) and versatility if I ever want to cut neighboring pastures. The only things I don't like is the lift frame looks a little light and the rear wheels look kinda light duty. I figure I can't go too wrong with the bush hog, but I could be stuck with a mower I can't use with the Landpride.

Here's the bush hog Bush Hog&reg - Performance You Can Count On

 

[zzvyb6]

I have the 84" rear discharge LandPride mower. I cut my fields all the time with it. Use the Gator brand blades and trees, grape vines and ant hills all come out like chopped hay. The finish mower has the advantage in that you can sharpen or change blades more easily. Blade sharpness is what makes cutting easy for me. In very high weeds, I raise the mower up with the 3pt and go back for a second pass a week later.

 

[Willl]

And a RC still my not give you the cut your after.

Can you borrow or rent a RC to try out ?

 

[rbargeron]

I'm in the same boat. I'm stuck between a rotary cutter and a finish mower. I've narrowed it to a Bush hog twin spindle 84" squealer rotary or a 84" Landpride heavy duty rear discharge finish mower.

The Woods 90" rear finish mower (RM-990) does it all - high-speed finish, 6 pin-mounted swing-back blades, rear discharge, big castors, commercial quality, very durable. Got my 1st one in 1998. Great machine. Review here

 

[greg_g]

All excellent mowers gents, but consider that the OP tractor has only 33.6 PTO hp. He needs advice down in the six foot arena

//greg//

 

[Builder]

The Woods 90" rear finish mower (RM-990) does it all - high-speed finish, 6 pin-mounted swing-back blades, rear discharge, big castors, commercial quality, very durable. Got my 1st one in 1998. Great machine. Review here

I agree, it's a tank of a mower and the perfect size for me.

I'd love to have one, but they're close to $4,500. I'm a small builder, not a doctor or lawyer.