Mowing Belly mower vs rear discharge grooming mower

ajd187 · Jul 4, 2013

I'm going to be replacing my Deere X320 with either a 1023 or a 1025R, probably within the next few weeks.

I was all set to go with the drive on deck at 60 inches (I have two acres of mostly wide open space). But, I see that the 1025R will support a rear discharge grooming mower too, the kind that you tow behind, also at 60 inches.

Which one is going to give me a better, faster cut? Or does it not really matter much? It looks like they are about the same pricewise so that isn't really a consideration.

whistlepig · Jul 4, 2013

I would think both would cut at the same speed. If you are mowing close to objects the deck would be a little easier and faster. We have both a lawn tractor with a deck and a tractor with a rear mower. I can't see any difference in the quality of the cut.

Mechanos · Jul 5, 2013

My JD 272 RFM gives me a better cut out in my field than my JD 322 w/ 50" MMM does in the yard around my house. Couldn't say why, but it does.

ajd187 · Jul 5, 2013

Thanks for the replies - I saw a rear mower in person and I think I'm going to have to go with the deck. That thing is huge and I'm planning on keeping everything in the garage which is already going to be maxed out.

FortClatsop · Jul 5, 2013

I only have an RFM for five acres of rough pasture. Getting close to objects is a bit of a pain. Another consideration is how much the rear tractor tires mash down the grass in front of the RFM blades. During certain times of year that can look bad. For two acres of lawn I would lean toward a belly mount. Others results will vary.