Belly Mower vs. 3pt Finish Mower

[dfeck]

Soundguy,

A commercial mower like the Ferris is reasonable at 7.5K. These types can approach 12K depending on the model/engine type. At the time of purchase I wasn't in the situation I'm currently in. I've since moved to a homesite that has 10 acres and the house was built 2 years ago. A tractor today is more usable to me hence the motivation of me purchasing one.

Doug

 

[Soundguy]

I don't remember stating that that price wasn't reasonable for the specific machine purchased. I said that I though that was a high price in general to pay for a lawnmower.. etc.. when you could buy a more versatile machine, cheaper... etc.. ( i'm one of those ztr mower haters / gear tranny lover kind of people.. /forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif )

Soundguy

 

[RobJ]

I sat on a JD ZTR a while back and I think the big one was in the 10k range. I was shocked. Might have been a diesel, I got off it in a hurry.

If this tractor is a smaller B series type then a MMM might be a better fit because the 3pt might have some limitations. Plus leaving it on the tractor will add needed weight for other things. Anything L or better in size I'd really only consider a FM. Mine will cut as good as my riding mower if I keep the speed down. With my tractor I tend to go faster than the riding mower. But a 38" cut vs. a 60" cut makes a huge difference in my mowing times.

 

[Volfandt]

I've mowed with a RFM and MMM on different tractors and for my property the MMM wins hands down. I mow several long fence rows and around many trees and other objects. The MMM shines in this environment. I also mulch, side discharge and bag depending upon several factors and this is another benefit of a MMM.

In my case the BX23 is designed so that the MMM can remain on when working the FEL or BH so the only times I have drop it is either for service, or when I need more ground clearance or for the winter. R&R of the MMM is tool less and takes perhaps 5 minutes or so.

I don't know how easily a MMM R&R's off of a B2710 but I believe the 72" is a drive over. Also don't know if it can stay mounted when operating 3PH implements, maybe someone has pointed this out already as I haven't read the entire thread.... /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

On the flip side, I'd chose a RFM for the following reasons:
I'm mowing wide open spaces with little to manuver around.
A larger tractor that doesn't have a mid PTO,
A larger tractor that does have a mid PTO but cannot have the MMM mounted when other implements are used on the 3PH.
A larger tractor that needs higher ground clearance for it's other jobs which would mean the MMM would have to be dismounted.

RFM's give as nice a cut as the MMM's do so cut quality shouldn't be an issue. It's all about working within the tractors limtations and how you intend to work it.

Clear as mud? /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif
Volfandt


So,

 

[davgreg]

I don't think you will find any difference in the quality of cut.

The mid mount mower (MMM) can be easier to use around obstacles.

The 3PH mower is easier to attach and remove although the quick attach of many MMMs makes this task fairly easy but not as quick as a 3PH.

The lift mechanism and height adjustment for the MMM varies among manufacturer's. Some are linked to the 3PH others are independent of the 3PH.

MMM requires a mid PTO. For some tractors this is an option.

The MMM is pretty much dedicated to a particular tractor model/brand. The 3PH mower will go on just about any appropriately sized tractor.

The MMM is much more expensive.

The 3PH mower can be easy to sell independent of the tractor. The MMM pretty much stays with the tractor.

Jeff

When the quik hitch mmm is disconnected does the reciever still hang down effecting ground clearance even when mower is out of the way?

 

[RoyJackson]

I'm considering getting riid of the ZTR to offset the cost of the tractor. I spent $7500 to purchase the ZTR and figured I could sell it for ~5k and buy a finish mower for ~1300. I think this is an easier sell for the wife to accept me purchasing a tractor. The ZTR works great but since I have very little obstacles to cut around I figured I can cut my loses on the ZTR and sell it while I could get a good price for it.

Since you're planning on planting many trees (in the near future?), I'd keep that ZTR.