Mowing DK45 mowing sizes

[PA hayseed]

I have a 6', and I know I could go to 7' easily, but here is the question:

Is anyone on here running anything bigger than 91" finish mower on a 45 tractor? I was looking at some batwings, but wasn't sure. Not trying to pay that kind of loot for a 9' mower if it won't work.

I looked at the rating by the companies (mainly woods) for their 9' mowers, but I really wanted some real world feedback or dealer feedback. I would probably buy one at auction, and not new, as I don't have a money tree in my back yard.

For background, I cut 8 acres about as often as most people cut their lawns with their riding tractors. My field is normally kept to about to about a 2-3" height, unless we get alot of rain and I don't get any time to cut the grass. Yes, I want the biggest mower I can get. It takes me about 5.5 hours between the field, and the push mowing I have to do, with the push mowing lasting about .5 hours (good conditions). I want to cut that time down considerably. I might be one of the few on this site that actually want less seat time. For clarification, I cut in medium gear at top rpm (per kioti) with a 6' woods finish mower. I just got done grinding down and repainting (generous term applied there, more like spray bombed) the mower and shaprened the blades, replaced seals, and started thinking seriously about going much much bigger..

 

[BTI]

A dealer buddy of mine used to sell 11ft batwing grooming mowers to use behind KIOTI LK3054's.
It was a local golf course and a local school.
They were Sitrex if I remember right.
It depends alot on how they are built and how heavy they are.

If they say the PTO hp is enough I wouldn't think you'd have an issue running it.

BTI

 

[Gil Case]

Sitrex has a 12, 15 and 17 foot flex wing finish mowers. Have no idea of the cost.

 

[BTI]

He used to distribute and could order the decks separate.
He would run 3-4' mowers so everything was the same.
I don't remember all the details but I thought it was a good idea.

BTI

 

[MichiganIron]

You could easily run a BEFCO 12' Flex Wing Mower with your Dk45. We have even run them behind DK35's. We carry the BEFCO complete implement line. Flex Wing mowers are pricey, about $1k/Ft of cutting width.

 

[BTI]

Thank you MI it was Befco he was selling........couldn't remember the name been too long.

BTI

 

[PA hayseed]

Thank you for the help. I looked at the sitrex site and their mowers looked nice. Now I feel more comfortable about looking at 9 and 12 footers. I don't feel real comfortable with the 9-12 foot prices. I have to go to an auction, I can't see shelling out 9k for a new mower. Agri supply had a caroni 93" or 94" for about 1600 if you go to virginia to pick it up. I like the look of those sitrex multiple unit jobs.

 

[Kiotisooner]

I use a 90" cut Befco flail mower behind a DK50 and it doesn't have any problems at all.

 

[gkh7890]

Hey Hayseed,
Not sure how far you want to travel but there was a used Woods batwing (12ft??)in the KY area on Craigslist for like $2500 to $3500. I think it was just east of Lexington. This was a couple of months ago and it would be there for a while, drop off, then listed again. Not sure what condition it was in operationally but the pics looked okay... a little surface rust, etc.

I've been using a 6ft. brush cutter b/c I've not been able to afford the 84" or 90" finish mower I want. It does the job but I definitely understand wanting to go wider!!! I have 5.5 acres and occasionally mow it all and it takes a while. That 12 footer I mentioned is too big for me with the trees and turns I have to make.

Post some pics once you get something!!!

Best wishes!:thumbsup:

 

[PA hayseed]

I am looking at going to several equipment auctions over the winter. One positive aspect out of many of my flaws is that I am patient Thank you for the tip on the mower. Caroni make like a 91 or 93" finish mower that they sell at Agri supply for less than 2k brand new (if you go to them to pick it up). I may venture the 7 hour drive or so to get one if a deal doesn't happen by next mowing season.

One of the golden rules I was taught about buying things is to buy them out of season. People tend to sell them for less out of season, and there is a lot less action on items then. Unfortunately, it seems that the poeple that frequent equipment auctions know the same rule as me. I can't complain, I can outbid dealers on items I want most of the time, as they are limited because they need to make "x" amount of profit. I just want the item for about 1/2 to 1/3 the price of new, depending on condition. unless it is like brand new condition I never go over half of the new price when bidding. I am hoping 9' and 12' batwings are plentiful this off season.