Attachements

[TxBillyed]

I just pickup a John Deere 4100 compact tractor. I am considering the purchase of a mid model mower and questions what is the advantage-disadvantage over a rear drag type mower. I am also interested if anyone uses a post hold digger on this model and how well it worked. I have a 410 loader and a 420 rear deck mower come with the deal. Any help advise, Thanks, Bill

 

[beenthere]

The biggest advantage of the mid mount mower (mmm) or belly mower is the maneuverability you have while mowing, and the fact that the tractor carries the mower deck. The wheels are there to keep it from scalping rough spots or when the lawn isn't level. You will need to decide if you want the mmm hanging under your 4100 when using the FEL, vs. the extra work (not much on the 4100 mmm) to remove it. If the deck is behind you, looking back vs. looking down to the side to mow tight to something (building, walkway, garden, flowers, trees, etc.) needs to be considered in your plan. I know people who like both, for different reasons and ways they use their tractor.

 

[Thomas]

W/a rea mower you may want to consider the over all lenght..from the fel bucket to the end of the rear mower.
Watching the bucket to make sure your not going to hit something also keeping an eye on the rear mower you could have your hands full at times.
Rear mower great for backing up slopes and those hard to get places..just back until the saftey factor sets in than lower the mower deck and slowly drive forward.
I guess it mostly depends on the surface your mowing.
Another TBNer sent a picture in of JD w/fel and mid mower and got stuck..yikes..so you can get hung up w/a mid mower attach,and its much easier to remove a rear mower compare to mid mower when useing the fel in rough area.
Just my pennies worth.

 

[TerryinMD]

TxBillyed,

I have a 4100 with a 54" MMM and it suits my needs. I slightly considered a rear finish mower, but decided against it due to my yard conditions. Lots of trees and curves which would be slightly harder to manuever the rear finish mower.

Since the rear finish mower was included in the deal, I guess I'm surprised as to why you're even asking about the MMM. You didn't mention if you purchased it new or used. If it's a new purchase, you may still be able to trade the rear finish mower in for a MMM.

The biggest determining factor in my mind is the terrain and obstacles (trees, bushes, gardens, fences, etc.). If you have long straightaways and gentle curves, the finish mower should do you just fine. If it is the opposite, sell/trade in your rear finish mower and get a MMM.

Terry

 

[TxBillyed]

Thanks for you time and input.

Bill

 

[Buck]

TxBillyed,

I've got a 60" MMM and would prefer a rear finish mower. Now, at least, read on:

For the difference in price you should be able to get a rototiller or other nice gadget.

If you've got a lot of trees or hills you ought to get a MMM. The 4100 will have no problem.

Also, another advantage of a MMM is that you can tow a seeder or aerator while mowing. I'm thinking of getting one of those core aerators/spreader combos. Because I'll only need to perform one pass, this might change my mind back to the MMM camp.

Buck

 

[RET]

Buck,
Do ya know anywhere on the internet I might see one of them there core aerator/spreader combo thing-a-ma-jigs?
Sounds cool - I could mow, aerate, and spread whatever - all at the same time.
-R

 

[Buck]

ret,

Check out:


<A target="_blank" HREF=http://www.sweettractors.com/specialty.html#ripper>http://www.sweettractors.com/specialty.html#ripper</A>

under "Yardmaker Seeder"

Buck

 

[RET]

Thanks Buck.
Got sticker shock though. Had never looked at aerator prices before.

 

[Nuru]

Go to Home Depot, and you can get the stone blocks to go on top of it.

nuru