Cheapest path to 72" mmm

[bigpinwheel]

What is the cheapest new tractor that can run a 72" mmm really well with enough power to go up a hill. I understand that cheapest is not always best but I'm trying to get a feel for what's out there before I settle on a 60" mmm. I don't really have many obstacles to mow around but since it's on a hill I feel the mmm will be more stable and safer. Thanks

I would be interested in name brands commonly discussed on this site.

 

[MESSMAKER]

cheapest would definitely be a rear mount mower. You can probably pick up a used Mahindra 35 horse tractor that is not too old for less than ten grand.

 

[beckmurph]

The smallest tractor in the Kubota line would be the B3200.
With a 72"mmm, turf tires and no loader valve, on the Kubota site, it is around $16,000 after a 15% discount. If this is the style of tractor you are looking at.
I have a 60" mmm and a 60" rfm. I have different uses for both mowers.
The mmm is not a suspended type mower. It runs directly on the ground with casters. It does a good job of cutting the grass in my Yard.
My back yard is not flat and I have no problem power wise with 60" mmm or 60" rfm going up hill.:2cents:

 

[bigpinwheel]

Thanks for the response. I'm going to crunch some numbers and see how bad I want to go 72". I'd need a loader as well so we're getting pricey.

 

[aczlan]

Cheapest path to a 72" mower would be a used front mount mower
Some examples:
lawn mower/tractor
hustler zero turn
cushman diesel 72 inch front mount mower for backhoe

Most like the Cushman (or similar Toro/Deere machines) run ~$3k

Aaron Z

 

[roush9799]

I run a 72" on my 2520 and it pulls hills just fine and is very stable. It depends if your looking for new or used. You could go back to an 855/955 with a 72" on it if you want.

 

[LD1]

Used commercial grade ZTR. @ or under $5k for a good one. And ZTR's, IMO, are better on slopes that tractors. Lower COG.

IF you are looking at new tractors, I think MMM are a 3000-4000 dollar option. Forget that and get a ZTR with that money.

 

[LD1]

PS: Where abouts in OH you located??

 

[bigpinwheel]

Thanks for all the input guys. I'm in the Tuscarawas County Area.

Since you kind of asked I'll explain the pickle I believe I am in. I've considered a ZTR but I really need a tractor for driveway maintenance about 1/4 mile long hill. I mow 4.5 acres also on a hill currently with a 54" Deere X500 it takes me 2.5 hours.

So I NEED a tractor for driveway maintenance. I WANT to expedite my mowing times. I NEED to keep the X500 for a steep area inside a 54" gate. I can't see owning the Deere, a driveway tractor, and a dedicated mower. I'm thinking B series sized as mowing will be the primary use. But the B3200 with the 72" Mower gets to be a little out of what I'm comfortable spending I guess with the loader etc. the Deere's are even more.. so I think I'll be going with a 60" mower deck on a small CUT.

 

[LD1]

I guess my next question would be what your budget is??

I dont know how many obsticals you mow around, or what the terrain is like, but considering going from the 54" x500 to a 72" MMM, I dont see you saving much time. Maybe shaving that 2.5 hours down to just under 2 at the most. The larger tractor w/MMM is going to be less maneuverable. And a 60" prolly wont save you any time at all IMO. So if a MMM is indeed what you want, and you opt for the 60", I think it is going to be $3500 wasted.

Now if the area is big and wide open, look for a used 72" mower. I see them all the time in the $800 price range, especially this time of year being late in the mowing season.

I totally understand not wanting an extra peice of equipment to maintain, but for 4.5 acres, if it is smooth and has obsticals, the only way to mow it in a timely manner IMO is a 72" ZTR. If it isnt bumpy enough to slow you down, it would take a tad over an hour with a ZTR.
And nothing wrong with a used tractor loader combination either. Lots of em out there for good prices.

 

[bigpinwheel]

Here's a picture of the property from the front porch. Property line follow tree lines and driveway.


I've been given a fairly long leash as far as budget goes with the understanding I won't spend more than needed. She'd be fine with 25k with the understanding that I better be **** happy with the purchase. The terrain is wide open, no obstacles, smoothish but there are some areas that I have to back off of the x500 to save my back and kidneys from jarring around.

 

[RoyJackson]

View attachment 333527

Here's a picture of the property from the front porch. Property line follow tree lines and driveway.


I've been given a fairly long leash as far as budget goes with the understanding I won't spend more than needed. She'd be fine with 25k with the understanding that I better be **** happy with the purchase. The terrain is wide open, no obstacles, smoothish but there are some areas that I have to back off of the x500 to save my back and kidneys from jarring around.

I'd go with the ZTR, if your primary concern is to reduce mowing time. With a CUT, you won't be mowing any faster then you are with your x500...maybe not as fast, in fact.
With a $25K budget, you could get a good used ZTR and a good used tractor (think early 2000's Deere 4000 series) with a loader for you drive work. I expect you could do it for considerably less then $25K, in fact.

BTW, I do suggest you stay off those slope when that grass is wet...

 

[LD1]

I'd go with the ZTR, if your primary concern is to reduce mowing time. With a CUT, you won't be mowing any faster then you are with your x500...maybe not as fast, in fact.
With a $25K budget, you could get a good used ZTR and a good used tractor (think early 2000's Deere 4000 series) with a loader for you drive work. I expect you could do it for considerably less then $25K, in fact.

BTW, I do suggest you stay off those slope when that grass is wet...

ditto.

$25k will buy a ZTR and a tractor

 

[beckmurph]

You might consider the Kubota F Series mowers.
4wd, 72" deck, and a front blade for your driveway.
They are not low budget, but are with in your suggested budget.
JOHNTHOMAS has owned a couple of these and his terrain is similar to yours.

 

[bigpinwheel]

I think the F series would be perfect if it was just snow removal but I need to move gravel and grade washouts etc.

LD1 and RoyJackson thanks for atleast setting my expectations straight. I'm beginning to see that mowing time is less about cutting width and more about cutting width + manueverability.

That said I'm not sure I can sell owning three machines for five acres to the wife even if it is under budget. I think I'm going to have to compromise greatly on a swiss army knife type machine.

 

[LD1]

Swiss-army type machines have their place. They can do alot of different things. But certainly arent the best at any of them.

If you only have room in your pocket for a swiss army knife, its fine. It can open cans, but not as good as a can opener. It can turn a screw, but not as good as a screwdriver. IT can pop a cork, but not as good as a corkscrew. You get the idea...

A ZTR, while a single purpose machine, it the best for mowing you acreage. And even if purchased new, maybe 8-9k for a good one that will last.

A tractor, with a loader and possibly a rear blade for doing your drive, something in the B-sized kubota, would run you maybe 16k new,

That puts you at your 25k budget. But, nothing at all wrong with used. A good commercial grade, low hour ZTR can be had for 4-5k, and a similar sized tractor used and lower hours, maybe 10k. So you could save 10k just by buying used if you so choose. But in the end, I think you will be far happier than with a swiss-army machine.

When I bought my place, I bought the kubota as a swiss army machine, cause it was all my budget would allow. I used a old lawnmower in close and a 3PH mower for everything else. I now own a ZTR. No comparison. If it is in your budget, get it now.

 

[LD1]

Swiss-army type machines have their place. They can do alot of different things. But certainly arent the best at any of them.

If you only have room in your pocket for a swiss army knife, its fine. It can open cans, but not as good as a can opener. It can turn a screw, but not as good as a screwdriver. IT can pop a cork, but not as good as a corkscrew. You get the idea...

A ZTR, while a single purpose machine, it the best for mowing you acreage. And even if purchased new, maybe 8-9k for a good one that will last.

A tractor, with a loader and possibly a rear blade for doing your drive, something in the B-sized kubota, would run you maybe 16k new,

That puts you at your 25k budget. But, nothing at all wrong with used. A good commercial grade, low hour ZTR can be had for 4-5k, and a similar sized tractor used and lower hours, maybe 10k. So you could save 10k just by buying used if you so choose. But in the end, I think you will be far happier than with a swiss-army machine.

When I bought my place, I bought the kubota as a swiss army machine, cause it was all my budget would allow. I used a old lawnmower in close and a 3PH mower for everything else. I now own a ZTR. No comparison. If it is in your budget, get it now.

 

[RoyJackson]

I think the F series would be perfect if it was just snow removal but I need to move gravel and grade washouts etc.

LD1 and RoyJackson thanks for atleast setting my expectations straight. I'm beginning to see that mowing time is less about cutting width and more about cutting width + manueverability.

That said I'm not sure I can sell owning three machines for five acres to the wife even if it is under budget. I think I'm going to have to compromise greatly on a swiss army knife type machine.

I was thinking you were going to sell the x500.

 

[bigpinwheel]

Well I have a half acre gated behind the house with a 54" entrance that I still need to mow, it is a steeper grade and would be unmowable without 4x4 or the locking rear diff on the x500

 

[aczlan]

How much would it be to widen the gate to 84"?

Aaron Z