4300 - Which mower(s)?

[butzkeg]

I am just about set to purchase a new JD 4300, but I could use some insight as to which mower(s) I should purchase. I need to decide on either a mid mount or rear finish mower and possibly a brush hog as well. I can get an inexpensive brush hog for around $400 (king kutter), and probably save wear on the finish mower. How much use of a brush hog for cutting waist high weeds, would warrant a purchase of a brush hog rather than use the finish mower? Also, mid or rear finish mower? Is a concrete type surface ncessary for removing the mid-mount? Is the rear mount at a big disadvantage working around a house and tree's? I'm getting a hydro trans, would that offset the rear finish enough to be as convenient as the mid mount? Real life insight on how these products work will be very helpful. Your comments are appreciated.

 

[cowboydoc]

I would definitely get a rotary cutter in addition to your finish mower if you are cutting waist high weeds. A finish mower is not the mower to use for that. Mostly with a finish mower you want to use it for grass and grass that is not that tall, that is if you want a good cut and don't want to ruin it.

As far as mid or rear mount I would much rather use a belly mount than a rear mount. Easier to cut, steer, and get around things in my opinion. No you shouldn't need a concrete floor to remove it. Any flat level place should be fine.

 

[Bird]

I'll agree with Cowboydoc on the brush hog. As for the finish mowers, each has advantages and disadvantages. The mid-mount lets you see what you're doing better, keeps the overall tractor and implement shorter and perhaps more maneuverable. The rear mower costs less, is transferrable to other tractors (not brand and model specific), quicker and easier to hook up and unhook, and can be backed under low limbs and bushes.

Bird

 

[GrantMO]

I second what Richard and Bird said. I use a finish mower to cut about 3 acres and borrow a friends tractor and rotary mower to cut 6 acres of pasture grass. One time recently his tractor wasn't running and I used the finish mower to cut the pasture. I had to take about a 1/3 swath and even then the mower and tractor were straining. I kept wondering when the belt was going to break. Yes, definitely get both.

 

[glennmac]

butzkeg,

I dont think is is possible to address your questions more completely unless you give us more details as to how much acreage you plan to finish mow, how much acreage you would brush cut, how frequently you plan to mow the rougher area, and how many trees or other obstacles you need to maneuver around. For example, if the rougher area is all soft non-woody vegetation and you would mow it as frequently as your lawn, you could mow everything with the finish mower once the rough area is initially taken down by a brushcutter. (Actually, a good finish mower could probably take down waist high grass although the cut may not look good the first time.) On the other hand, if you plan on letting the rough area always grow high before you cut it, or if it it very rocky or woody, then a separate brush cutter may be warranted.

God, like the Devil, is in the details.

 

[butzkeg]

I'll probably finish mow 2-3 acres. Brush hog amounts will vary alot, sometimes a few acres of fields and ditches around the roads/driveways or even to keep weeds and brush down aroud a pond. It seems for my purpose, I'll probably go with a King Kutter brush hog and rear finish mower. It will only run about $1400 for both, and I can't even get a JD finish mower for that. I have appreciated the feedback.

 

[crown]

You will most defintly want the bush hog it will make cutting areas where you can't see alot less devastating with the rotary cutter, by the way what finish mower did you get for only 1400 for both my Woods 6000 RD was 1500 and the 4 ft Howse Bush Hog was 475.
Good Luck and Happy Tractoring.