Rear finish mower

[ice4me]

Looking for help as thinking about going with a rear finish mower over mmm.

A big question is do you constantly watch behind you when mowing? I am a big guy so sitting crooked on the seat is not fun to watch behind mowing my 6 acres.

I really like the easy attachment of the rear mower but growing up and to this point I have always used mmm so a little fear of the unknown I guess.

Thanks

 

[jeff9366]

If you have obstacles to avoid (trees, garden beds) you have to look to the rear often.

If you do not have obstacles, you can look forward.

Finishing mower is not as maneuverable as a MMM. So you may spend some time with a trimmer.

Consider a Rotary Cutter/Bush Hog for six open acres. If you refrain from cutting shrubs and saplings, therefore keeping a sharp edge on the two blades, a sharp, carefully adjusted Rotary Cutter cuts turf satisfactorily for me. If you are picky about the cut finish, a Finish Mower is superior to a Rotary Cutter.

Here are some FINISH MOWER threads from the T-B-N archive: Google: TBN

 

[lostcreekranch]

What model tractor do you have?

I have an LS XR4046HC and an LS 84" rear finish mower. It replaced a Kubota B2710 with a 72" MMM. Both cut our yard (almost 10 acres) very well. I still use my John Deere Z820 zero turn under trees with low limbs.

 

[ice4me]

I am looking to purchase a Kubota b2601 and am trying to decide which deck I want

 

[teg]

Very rarely turn around to watch the finish mower... maybe I should do it more often: I thought my top-link was secured but it fell into the pto shaft... I use radio ear protection so I did not hear it for a while. :mur:

PS. I bush hog the field first and come back a few weeks later to finish mow... love the look of it so clean.

View attachment 463074 . . . View attachment 463075

 

[jeff9366]

I am looking to purchase a Kubota b2601 and am trying to decide which deck I want

BIG GUY: A Kubota L2501 is much roomier than a 'B' and not too much more money.

 

[ice4me]

A Kubota L2501 is much roomier than a 'B' for not too much more money.

Will have to look at that.. Thank you

 

[The Fred]

If you have obstacles to avoid (trees, garden beds) you have to look to the rear often.

If you do not have obstacles, you can look forward.

Finishing mower is not as maneuverable as a MMM. So you may spend some time with a trimmer.

Consider a Rotary Cutter/Bush Hog for six open acres. If you refrain from cutting shrubs and saplings, therefore keeping a sharp edge on the two blades, a sharp, carefully adjusted, Rotary Cutter will cut turf satisfactorily for me. If you a picky about the cut finish, a Finish Mower is superior to a Rotary Cutter.

Here are some threads from the T-B-N archive: Google: TBN

How could a finish mower not be as maneuverable as a MMM?

Makes little sense. Rear mount is so much better to get under trees and trim closely with that any MMM I ever used.

Fred

 

[JD5210]

You might consider seeing if it makes sense to put a rear view mirror on your tractor. I have seen them connected to loader mounts. If you miss a spot, instead of looking back and backing up, just slow down some and go around in a circle. Get a mower that is the same width or smaller than your tractor, that way at least going straight if the tractor fits through so will the mower.

If you have a lawn tractor also, do the close work first. At least for me this helps me to keep away from things.

 

[prs]

The MMM is more stable on steep banks, if that applies. Make sure the tractor you select has independent PTO if going with rear finish mower. The rear can be backed under low trees and such. I like a front mount type a lot, but Ventrac, Steiner, and Power Trac have big prices.

prs