Buying Finish Mower - 6ft vs. 5ft.

Anonymous Poster · Mar 5, 2002

Would like some feedback on size of a finish mower... Looking at buying a First Choice Finish Mower... Tractor is 25 HP rated engine - 21 HP at the PTO and am told this should power the 6ft finish mower OK as long as I stay out of the tall stuff... I have about 4 acres to cut..... 1 acre in fescue( the yard) and about 3 acres in native grasses that I cut every other week or so.... Was doing this previously with a large Lawn and Garden 42 inch cut (took me forever when I did the whole thing), that finally broke and I upgraded to a compact.... I have 160 lbs. of suitcase weights on the front currently and can add an additional 80 lbs. so, I think I can counter balance the larger 6ft mower.... My question is, does the 6ft. hinder you in any great way in terms of mobility... I have a few trees to go around, but not excessive... I hear that the 6ft is even better in terms of being able to stay away from some objects.. Welcome any comments for feedback based on experiences....Thanks in advance.....

Cdash · Mar 6, 2002

I run a King Kutter 5 footer on my JD 4100. I have no problems and feel like I could run a 6 footer horsepower wise, would be heavy though. Mobility is fine, I would expect a 6 footer wouldn't be much different than a 5. I would think your real choice would be between 6 foot and 7 foot (do they make 7 foot finish mowers?).

Good luck

Ob1Kioti · Mar 6, 2002

They do make 7 ft finish mowers. A 7ft mower really jumps up in weight, they also scalp or miss alot more unless you have really flat areas to cut. Kioti sells a 7ft rear discharge one as well as some other brands. The problem with King Kutter F-M's is they are very heavy for their size of cut, not bad mowers just heavy. You can buy a different brand mower and have just as good a mower but not as heavy, for about the same money. Weight is a killer on an F-M. It's hard on spindles etc.
Ob1

nicklan · Mar 6, 2002

I have a Woods 7' rear discharge mower and I couldn't be happier. I had a JD 216 lawn tractor w/46" deck, it cuts at least twice as well in addition to the almost double the cut. No streaks from the tractor tires crushing the grass, no scapling, (it rides on 4 wheels and has a roller in front) and it mulchs leaves like mad. If you have the hp and the room, I hardily recommend them.
Nick

Anonymous Poster · Mar 7, 2002

I currently run a King Kutter 6' deck. I moved up from a 5' and saves alot of time. I mow @ 8 acres of lawn and pasture. The KK is well made and priced pretty good compared to some others. I have been told that they do make a 7' model, and that will probably be my next one. To answer your questions; No big concerns moving from a 5' to a 6' model. Your horsepower should be able to handle all but real high or thick areas, but those can be done with a second pass. You'll save alot of time with the larger deck.

Molerj · Mar 7, 2002

Go with the 6', you'll be glad you did. What will you do with all your time now? I remember
those days of mowing the field with the 48" mower. Never seemed to get done. Have fun.

Anonymous Poster · Mar 7, 2002

Thanks to all in helping me make my decision... I have decided on the 6 FT rear discharge... Looks like the mower to go with based on the feedback and versatility compared to belly mount and the smaller 5 ft......... Appreciate the advice!!

Molerj · Mar 7, 2002

Hey Surge,
I didn't know you were considering a belly mower. That is what I have on my JD 955.
I really like it alot more than a rear mower. A rear mower may be better for you.

Anonymous Poster · Mar 7, 2002

Ron,

Belly mower was never really in serious running as of late as I have no mid-mount PTO.. and the cost is more for say a Woods... I would also have to jury-rig a power transfer off the rear PTO... Then again the ease of cleaning and removing the rear deck was very appealing ... However, that all being said, I still think a belly mount has more manuverability and easier to handle, at least in most open spaces... So, I think you are right, rear mower is probably more up my alley.... Thanks for the feedback .....

Mosey · Mar 8, 2002

I realize you've already made the decision to go with the 6' mower, but there is one more thing to consider that I didn't see mentioned. If your ground is fairly flat, then you should be fine with the 6' deck. But, if you have hills, you might have trouble handling a 6' deck and could even be a little short on HP going up hill. I have a TC29D and need 4WD in a couple places to make it up the hills with my 6’ mower.