Disc mowers

   / Disc mowers #1  

WEJ

Bronze Member
Joined
Jul 31, 2007
Messages
67
Location
Garrett County, Maryland
Tractor
Montana 4340
Hello,

I have a 4340c and am getting ready for a summer of mowing the fields around our farm. I do run an 8 foot rotary mower with no problems, but I have some ponds I want to mow around, plus I want to mow without running over tall grass, weeds and such with the tractor.... So I am considering a disc mower. My question is... is anyone using one with a 40 hp tractor and are there any recommendations out there. You know, like how big could I go... and as always money is an issue.

Thanks
 
   / Disc mowers #2  
With a 4340 you probably want to stay small, such as the 5.5' cut Massey Ferguson disc mower.

MF 1300 Series Mowers

Whatever you do, remember the disc mower is heavy and will tip you over in a minute on a pond bank. Always, always keep the cutterbar on the uphill side of the tractor.

For what you are doing, a drum mower might be a good choice, too.
 
   / Disc mowers #3  
A smaller model for sure. I run a 9' Krone on my T7074, 70 hp. Weight is as big a factor as hp. You might could go up to the next bigger one on the link posted, but I sure would not recommend above that. If money is a factor get ready for some sticker shock. New disc mowers do not come cheap. There was some discussion on prices in the Ag forum.
 
   / Disc mowers #4  
I would look for a cheaper sickle bar mower around 7ft. I used to have one a long time ago that was a 7ft massey ferguson(dont remember the model #) and it was perfect for mowing around the ponds. I ended up getting rid of that because I need money and picked up a 5ft ford 501 sicklebar mower a few years later. It worked alright but just didnt have the reach for around the ponds.

Best part about having a sickle bar mower as you dont have to have alot of horsepower. You will be able to run a 7ft or even an 8ft fine. They can be bought alot cheaper than a disc mower also.

Frontier(John Deere) makes a nice unit but I think it is only 6 1/2ft long and it calls for 25hp.

And whatever you get make sure you are careful around the ponds. Watch out for muskrat holes and such as I came close many times to rolling the tractor in the pond. That is where the extra length of the bar comes in handy.
 
   / Disc mowers
  • Thread Starter
#5  
Hey Guys,

Thanks for all the info... You told me what I already knew.... A sickle bar mower is the best tool for the job I am doing. As far as sticker shock goes... well you got that right. The used equipment is the worse... I have been looking for a sickle bar mower to replace the one I have. I want one that can mow up and down with a hydraulic lift.... as for used mowers... apparently under all the rust there is hidden 24 carat gold!! The prices for old rusty used equipment is outrageous and the new equipment..... will, I don't see how any farmer can make it.

But I do appreciate all the posters that responded.

Thanks
 

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