Befco vs Ford finishing mower

[geoffburnham]

Hello,

I have the opportunity to pick up a Befco 3 pt, 6 ft wide, finishing mower for $400. I currently have a Ford 930A finishing mower, which I paid $900, which does an "okay" job. Does anyone have any thoughts as to which of these units is considered to be the better one? Do you think I might do better to buy the Befco and sell the Ford? I don't have any experience with any Befco products.

Thanks for taking the time to read this...

Geoff

I am using a Kubota B1750

 

[JimRB]

Is the Befco in perfect shape? I got a used/abused one and spent a lot of time replacing missing metal, an idler pulley and bearings. It cuts ok but nothing to be really pleased with. Maybe I drive too fast. They say the blades are not supposed to have a sharp edge like my lawn mower blades. I might have to try putting a better edge on the blades to see if I am more happy.

So what is your definition of okay? What are you cutting?

 

[Chadophe]

The Befco is a nice unit if in good shape..The key is keeping the blades sharp and letting the deck ride the ground at the height you set. I have used a Befco for 16 years without trouble and i have given it some abuse. Nice smooth consistent cut. The only thing to be careful of is if you use it in reverse say to get under bushes or edges you need to watch how much abuse you give the rear 360 wheels..once they bend at all it is some surgery and metal working to get them vertical again. Make sure the one you are looking at has the rear wheels spinning 360 degrees easily. Also check the gear box and make sure it does not show any evidence or have leaks.

The only experience I have with a ford unit is their 6' bush hog which is also a good unit on rough terrain and scrub brush.

 

[RoyJackson]

I have no experience with Ford mowers but I've had 2 Befcos over the last 10-11 years. Both are quality built mowers that required no maintenance other then greasing, cleaning, blade sharpening and one belt replacement. The first one was traded off when I bought a larger tractor (which came with the second Befco RFM). I've no doubt I'll have many years good service with the one I have now (which is about 10 years old).

Why are you considering the Befco? Are you dissatisfied with the quality of cutting with the Ford? Befco's do a fine job cutting, but are you sure that Ford's blades are sharp and it's set up right? Are your expectations too high?

$400 is pretty cheap for a Befco 72" RFM. I hope it's in good condition.
Also, your Kubota has 15 PTO HP. That might be a bit low for a 72" mower.

So, as much as I like Befco mowers, I suggest you stick with your Ford. Odds are, you would take a loss if you sell it.

 

[MrHiggins]

I have a BEFCO C25 , 5ft. I don't know the reason, but Oregon stopped making replacement blades, #91-041, for the C25. The mower cut OK but not as well as I wanted.
I found a different Oregon blade, #96-605, a mulcher made for the CARONI mower. The dimensions are the same for width & hole size but the length is 1/4 in. to long. I took my time and ground off 1/8th at each end, being careful to keep them balanced and not get them to hot. This blade has a much longer cutting edge, 6" vs 4".
This mower cuts beautiful now, what a difference the blades make.
The deck is plenty sturdy on the BEFCO, I use it as a brush hog, almost, on some of my property. I've had no problems so far. I do wonder why Oregon stopped making the blades though, is something up with BEFCO.?

 

[Creedmoor Rick]

Sir- have you found or know of another blade that does not require grinding - I am having a hard time finding blades here and I know they need to be replaced.

 

[Chadophe]

The Befco is certainly a durable unit that can take a lot of abuse. As indicated by others look for the rear wheels to move 360 freely and that the support arms and mechanism is not bent or skewed. This traditionally occurs when used in reverse nder shrubs etc and then hits something substantive.

I keep the befco in reserve these days as I have a new Ferris 5100Z which beautifully takes the major load at our place. I cannot complain about the Befco performance over the last 20 years..still does a good job. I bought the Ferris simply to save time and to reserve my tractor for heavier duties. Good luck

As to the blade question, I replaced the blades about 3 years ago simply by going to my dealer. Somehow they found them. In the main good grinding using a blade setup with guides saves iron and still puts the original edge back in play. The trick is to make sure the balance is as perfect as you can get. After a couple of trys, you can get it down without losing much.