Rear finish mower

[lostcreekranch]

The mowing zone of my 84" RFM extends 45" behind 3-point links while mowing zone of my 6' Woods rotary cutter is 75" from links. You really can't get much mowing, under low tree branches with a RFM or a RV for that matter. That's why I cut under trees with my zero turn.

I am slowly but, surely pruning low branches from trees.

 

[chim]

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

My experience is different with MMM vs RFM. The only MMM I've had was on a linkage that allowed the deck to fully float (up/down/left/right/front/rear) and the weight of the deck wasn't really on the tractor. With the weight not being carried by the tractor, the MMM didn't add low-centered ballast weight.

The RFM's do float but for the most part just up/down/front/rear. The left/right float is very limited because of the lift arms being connected to each other. The RFM tries to keep the deck and tractor on the same plane. While the RFM doesn't add low-centered ballast weight it does have a sort of "training wheels" effect because it torques the lift arms when one side wants to lift. I've never lifted a rear tractor wheel on a sidehill when the RFM was on the ground. With the 6' Landpride connected and on the ground, it's like having a few hundred pounds of ballast on the uphill side when needed.

 

[lostcreekranch]

My experience is different with MMM vs RFM. The only MMM I've had was on a linkage that allowed the deck to fully float (up/down/left/right/front/rear) and the weight of the deck wasn't really on the tractor. With the weight not being carried by the tractor, the MMM didn't add low-centered ballast weight.

The RFM's do float but for the most part just up/down/front/rear. The left/right float is very limited because of the lift arms being connected to each other. The RFM tries to keep the deck and tractor on the same plane. While the RFM doesn't add low-centered ballast weight it does have a sort of "training wheels" effect because it torques the lift arms when one side wants to lift. I've never lifted a rear tractor wheel on a sidehill when the RFM was on the ground. With the 6' Landpride connected and on the ground, it's like having a few hundred pounds of ballast on the uphill side when needed.

My LS 84" RFM floats front back and side to side within the limits of the floating hitches.

 

[wawajake]

I had to make the same decision (MMM or RFM) last year with my Kubota and my 3 acres of cutting with various obstacles too. I am happy I went with the RFM and I purposely went with one wider than my tractor.......because lets be honest we want to get it done faster so less revolutions on the lawn. Most of the cutting you are looking forward keeping your front wheels lined up with the cut line you left on the last revolution. As for the odd obstacle or tree, you can back right up tight to the trunk or the building leaving only a minor amount. .............and you can quickly remove the RFM to add other rear mount implements or leave it on if you need counter weight for quick job with FEL.

 

[DK35vince]

My LS 84" RFM floats front back and side to side within the limits of the floating hitches.

View attachment 463134

Yes, my RFM's also have hitch's for front to rear and lateral float on the mower.
I need to look behind me while mowing against or around things, but no need to look behind while mowing open areas.

 

[farmer2009]

I have an 84"Land Pride on a MX5200 Kubota. Really like it as it greatly speeds up mowing over the 60" Dixie Chopper. I use the tractor for the large open areas then go get the ZTR and now around obstacles and the house where things are too tight for the tractor.

 

[GrumpyJoe]

I have a Woods PDR 7200 behind my Mahindra 1533 HST. Took a little time to get used to it sticking out behind compared to MMM. But it is one **** of alot easier to take on and off. So if you are planning to leave it on? MMM. But if you are like me and use your tractor for other things other than mowing? You cant beat a finish mower. And as far as turning around a lot? the only time I turn around is in tight spots. Which I don't have that many.

 

[Code54]

We have several acres that I mow but have a fair amount of tress, landscaping, etc. I had a RFM but quickly tired of joking it around to get close enough to things. I ended up selling it and bought a MMM for the smaller machine and in my case it is MUCH quicker and does a far better job. If you have basically open fields then a RFM would be great.

 

[lostcreekranch]

I have a Woods PDR 7200 behind my Mahindra 1533 HST. Took a little time to get used to it sticking out behind compared to MMM. But it is one **** of alot easier to take on and off. So if you are planning to leave it on? MMM. But if you are like me and use your tractor for other things other than mowing? You cant beat a finish mower. And as far as turning around a lot? the only time I turn around is in tight spots. Which I don't have that many.

Joe, when I still had my Kubota B2710, with 72" MMM, I could pin the deck in raised position and do other thing with it. Never had an issue with clearance under the deck. Way quicker than removing the deck.

 

[LD1]

Fear or mid, the only way to mow next to things, is with a deck wider than the tractor.

And with either, the only time you are looking at the deck (down or behind) is when mowing next to things