72" MMM vs. 272 finish mower

[Mechanos]

I've been looking around at mower decks for my 955. The trend I seem to be noticing is that 72 MMM decks are selling for quite a bit more than 272 finish mowers. I'm assuming that the difference in price stems from popularity and preference. I realize that a MMM deck configuration is more "nibble" than a 3PH attachment and I suppose that may be the big difference.

For my needs (keeping my 2.5 acre feild/pasture mowed) I don't need a MMM. I have a 322 with 60" deck that I use to mow the yard around the house. Last year I used the 322 to mow the field too, but it takes a while and is beating up the 322 as the field is a lot rougher than the yard.

For my intended use, is there any reasons why I shouldn't be looking at a 272?

 

[955er]

I have the 72" MMM and it cuts real nice and even. It is a pain to get into position to attach. Heavy as ****!

Once installed though, it feels the same as mowing with my GT 275 with a 48 inch deck. It also disharges the clippings a long way at pto speed. No clumps.

 

[Dutch445]

there are a lot of options if you are considering the
272, frontier has a whole line of rear 3ph grooming mowers,
and you can choose rear discharge if you want instead
of the side discharge of the 272.
there are many manufactures of rear grooming mowers,
depending on what you prefer.
either way, a 3ph mower is going to be quite a bit
easier to put on and take off. if it's a once a year thing,
usually not a problem, but most don't want to remove
the MMM every week or so to do other tasks with the
tractor.

 

[jcmseven]

You lose some maneuverability with the RFM but they are quite a bit easier to take on and off. I also think they cut better. Some of the high end Frontier mowers cut better than a mid mount in my opinion and also are a bit more durable.

John M

 

[sweettractors]

If you go with RFM, you can't beat the quality of the Phoenix 72 incher with solid tires and rear discharge for $1895. Made by Sicma in Italy. I am pretty sure John Deere has used Sicma for some products in the past. Ken Sweet

 

[Mechanos]

Thanks for the replies all. The comments given so far have been enough for me to make up my mind. Since mowing the field is just one of this tractors uses, and for the other uses the MMM would be in the way, it would need to be removed and reinstalled many many times in a single mowing season. Also, manueverabiliy isn't an issue either.... so I will continue looking for a RFM.

 

[sweettractors]

Thanks for the replies all. The comments given so far have been enough for me to make up my mind. Since mowing the field is just one of this tractors uses, and for the other uses the MMM would be in the way, it would need to be removed and reinstalled many many times in a single mowing season. Also, manueverabiliy isn't an issue either.... so I will continue looking for a RFM.

We can have you a 6 ft Phoenix on solid tires out there in Mo for 1895 + $115 shipping to a business or picked up at a truck terminal. Ken Sweet

 

[Mechanos]

So, what's the "going price" for a good condition used JD 272?

 

[Mechanos]

Well, crap. I found a JD 272 for $400, but while I was out of town this weekend picking up a 70A loader and another parts 955, someone else must have found the 272. The ad that was just posted a couple of days ago is now gone.

 

[Tritonman]

For mowing that much I would look at a 84 incher or bigger.