Mowing Belly Mower on 1220

MattL · Mar 21, 2005

I've been looking around for various mower options for my MF 1220. Looks like I can get a belly mower for this tractor, but not sure exactly what model #. I've seen reference to a #1231 and #1232 mowers. Also seen that Woods and some other manufacturers also make mowers that might attach under this tractor to the mid-PTO.

Does anyone have any experience with these, good or bad? Anyone know exactly which model mower I'd need for the 1220? And lastly, any known dealers that would have this stuff?

Thanks!

USMC2145 · Mar 21, 2005

I know that the belly mowers (MMM) tend to be expensive. I had a 60" MMM on my Simplicity Legacy and although it worked great and was easy to mow in really tight to things; I never liked the fact that it was very heavy which made it hard to remove on anything except a hard smooth surface(concrete) forget doing it when it was on my driveway(run-a-crunsh). I got a 3pt finish mower with my new MF1431 and really like it alot. It took some getting used to (the added length) but is much easier to hook up or remove. The rear mower was cheaper by alot. The ease of removal was really important for me because with the FEL I had on my Simplicity the MMM would pose a ground clearance problem and always had to be removed to keep it from getting bashed up. MMM are also harder to work on while on the tractor. Unless you have a place where you can drive up and have lots of room underneath it's a pain to get the blades off without pulling the deck. Just my 2 cents.

BER · Mar 23, 2005

MattL, Welcome! I have a MF1235 with a 72" 1231 MMM. In my 1231 operators manual it lists either the 54" or 60" 1231 MMM as compatable with the MF1220. Yes, MMM's are more expensive. Yes, MMM's are not as convenient to install or remove. However, mowing with them is so easy for a first time tractor owner, like me! On a small tractor like the MF1220, a MMM will make it feel like a lawn tractor on steroids. I really think the fastest blade tip speed possible for the available PTOHP is the key to a smooth, clean cut. Of course sharp blades are required.
BER

Nasty135 · Mar 23, 2005

Hi , I have always mowed with my old 3ph KK 6' mower and while I'm used to it and it does a fine job, I just can't help thinking that it would probably be NICE to mow with a MMM for two reasons:
1. Its obviously easier to drive around things with your deck in plain sight.
2. Also that your big fat rear tires don't mash the grass flat before you mow over it , and you hope your blades lift it back up straight enough so that two days later you can't see the ridges from it finally standing back up by itself. In high grass or with hi water content its most obvious /forums/images/graemlins/smirk.gif Oh and of course the type of tire your riding on makes a little difference also

So if you have a lawn and not a yard you will like a MMM better regardless of how much of a pain it is to take off /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif

MattL · Mar 23, 2005

BER,
First off... thank you everyone for your excellent feedback. VERY much appreciated.

I had a question to BER regarding your 1231. I know yours is a bit bigger than what I could use, but can you give me a rough estimate of what you paid for it? I've seen anywhere from $1200-$2600 on machinelocator.com.

Thanks again!

BER · Mar 24, 2005

MattL..... I paid $3000 for my 1231 MMM, bought it new with the tractor. I traded up from a MF1225 with a 60" 1231 MMM. For my application the 60" mower was taking too long to cut my property, and the slower blade tip speed on the 60" mower was making me cut at a slower ground speed to acheive a smooth cut. If you are cutting a 1 ac. lawn the 60" MMM should do a nice job.
BER

decalb13 · Feb 4, 2014

hello people i have a 1231 5ft deck for the 1220 massey for sale my tractor has the loader so i dont use much have all attach hardware-- what you give?