Do I really need a finish mower?

[teg]

... if I buy this thing it kills my budget for a grapple and third function...

Well, that's a horse of a different color!!! You don't *have* to have a finishing mower... Get the grapple first, hands down!!!!

I like my finishing mower but I love my grapple...

 

[cphilip]

Im tending to agree with you on that point. If I spend $1500 here it kills my $2000 budget I need for the Grapple since I also need the third function along with it.

Im tending to think I need that worse right now and can just keep working the fields with the bush hog and the trails with the ZT for another year. And, in fact, with all the stubble I have it might be the best idea. I could end up damaging a finish mower in there right now. Thing that got me somewhat motivated was the cleanliness of this unit, its size and its price point and I am one of those guys hates to let a deal go by. Ive dealt with this guy before and he's given me some fine deals. Now that I know I could handle the 84" one and get more out of it... it also makes it even more attractive of a choice.

I'm torn... I want both I guess... of course.

 

[teg]

...Now that I know I could handle the 84" one...

...but is your land flat enough for 84" or will it be scalping the high spots? I have a little problem with that in some places....

If you can turn a wrench or two, you can install the 3rd function for less... Just have to read up and know what you are doing before you start.

 

[cphilip]

...but is your land flat enough for 84" or will it be scalping the high spots? I have a little problem with that in some places....

If you can turn a wrench or two, you can install the 3rd function for less... Just have to read up and know what you are doing before you start.

Im thinking it would scalp. No doubt. There are some places it would.

I could. I tried to get info on installing one but the cost of even buying the Long unit is like $800 iirc. However they will not share the install info until you buy one. You cannot study the situation, even though they have install instructions for my specific tractor and model because they refuse to share the install info with you until you buy. There is a thread here somewhere where I tried to get the info from our vendor, EA, and from W R Long themselves. I called them and was refused the install info. All I really asked for was the portion of the install that included where the line was tapped into the hydraulics on my tractor. They claim some sort of proprietary secret would be revealed even though Im sure others already have this information. I'd save almost $200 doing that. But yet I still would be nearly $2000 after purchasing the Grapple itself.

 

[rgr33]

Locking at the photos of your property, I would think a grapple would be your first priority. You already have a Bush hog and a zero torn to do the mowing, but could use another weapon for clearing out brush and debris from the unimproved areas.

I have a Bush hog, 2 flail mowers, and a Land Pride 60 inch rear discharge finish mower for turf maintenance on my property, and I use them all in different parts of the farm. The one I use the most is the finish mower . After initial cutting in the spring, the finish mower gives a cut almost as good as the lawnmower, without the clumping of the BH.

Lastly, the tractor seat is a lot better ride than the zero turn in the fields.

 

[cphilip]

I think y'all are right. I think I need them both but right now the grapple is priority. Ill just probably have to hope another cherry one like this one comes up for sale next winter or early spring. Concentrate on the bush hogging and getting the brush out of the way. Get that stubble rotted down and mowed down closer so a Finish mower can come into the mix next year.

One final question... with all we know now about me and my situation... the 84 inch or the 60 inch? That 84" is the heavier duty of the two models. That alone might be worth the extra $200 if all things were equal

 

[Stimw]

I added rear hydraulics to my 3510 Branson for less than $100.
I added a pressure release fitting to the circuit for safety and when not used on my backhoe I store the hoses/fittings plugged into each other.

 

[majorwager]

I was told that there is a glut of new and used 3 point finish mowers on the market due to the cost reductions and subsequent proliferation of zero turn mowers. Remember you heard it here LAST. Chiropractic practices have seen a business decline due to forward looking mowing.
Consequently, and seriously, I am spending about four thousand to mount my rear mower on my FEL. Tired of looking rearward and tired of driving over the grass before mowing it. The drawback is building the 3 point hydraulic powerpack to make it work, tractor lacks sufficient GPM required by the mower.

Edit: 72" ford 914 going on the kubota FEL-- convert to hydraulic drive
90" walco douglas is not too wide and is mounted on IH 484-- no scalping.
110" befco is wide and very heavy and does scalp on sloped terrain.

With rear mount mower I have found hydraulic top link absolutely essential component.

 

[cphilip]

Yep... I hear ya. Turning the neck is a pain as you get older too.

Ok but... lets settle this so I can keep an eye out...

One final question... with all we know now about me and my situation... the 84 inch or the 60 inch? That 84" is the heavier duty of the two models. That alone might be worth the extra $200 if all things were equal. But would my land be better using a 60?. Either one my tractor could handle.

 

[Wolfy]

20 pto horsepower is going to struggle with a 84" mower. I run my 60", John Deere 261 mower with 23 pto hp.