Do I really need a finish mower?

[cphilip]

I would imagine it might. Particularly in heavy coarse grass initially.

However both these Land Prides are designed for 15 HP and up according to land pride. Specifically designed for CUT's they claim. The 16 series maxes at 30hp but the 25 series goes up to 50 HP. So its just got a bit heavier duty gear box not a rating for a bigger tractor. And its metal is a bit thicker too and it comes in at a tad over 800 pounds the 60 inch is 577 pounds. But the blade speeds are similar.

Would the 60" tend to scalp less than the 84" on my hilly property?

There is also a 6 footer in both models. So its 5 or 6 or 7 foot.

Given the same would you go for something in between or are you happy with 60" cut your getting?

 

[teg]

So again I cut fields with a 60" bush hog and follow up with a 72" finishing mower... the second cutting goes SO much faster. Get the largest that you can. I would say you could run a 72"... 84" might be pushing it (if the grass is high).

As for the third function, I assume you do not need a hydraulic top link nor side link? (good for box blade or rear blades)... I think you should be able to get it for less than $500... you might have to start a new thread about that.

I was able to install 3 spools/valves for $700, Grapple, top link and side link...

 

[cphilip]

Ill keep my eye out for a 72. Just missed one while thinking about this. Seller said it was used 3 times and it sure looked it. $1350 he was asking and it went pretty fast.

I do want true third on the joy stick. Seems like the W R Long is the best way to do it. But its not cheap.

I would of course like to have rear remotes for some day as well. Right now thats not a priority. But thats a cheap option anyway. And I would love to have one for the box scrape work some day.

 

[Wolfy]

A bigger mower will be faster but the smaller mower will follow the ground better.

 

[cphilip]

A bigger mower will be faster but the smaller mower will follow the ground better.

And perhaps better in my hillbilly plot...

Why don't I just offer this guy a bit less than $1300 for this 60" mower and see what happens... Ive already bought two things from him. A box scrape and a set of forks. Maybe he will consider it. Im thinking $1150?

 

[XSKIER]

I run a LandPride FDR2572 behind my JD 4310e, which may spec a little lighter in weight than your Kioti, but has around 24 PTO HP. I tried an 84 before I bought the 72. The 84 was too much, had to reduce travel speeds to maintain PTO RPM and maneuverability suffered. Trying to make a tight turn, and forward to backward changes were definitely felt. My thought is the 84 would be too much for you as well, no matter how good of deal it is. Probably best to wait for the 72" model to come along. The LandPride is a nice unit, and I can get parts for it from my local Stihl and Ferris dealer, because there is not a LandPride dealer in town. The rear discharge is really nice for mowing along side of items that can not be spayed by clippings.

 

[majorwager]

Wolfy,
I did have my 90" walco douglas on my 22 PTO Hp ford for years and it turned the blades ok, but required 2 passes in very heavy or wet grass ( thick). Bigger concern is tractor was slightly unstable on slopes due to weight. Unless 4 wd engaged, Mower would push tractor quickly down a steep slope.

 

[corl]

I have an 84 inch finish mower and use it on a 42 hp PTO. It works hard in heavy grass, does fine and is the largest mower recommended for my tractor.. My other mower is 60 inches and 21 hp. It will also work hard in heavy grass. I would be worried that the large mower would not work out for you as you describe. A 5 foot finish mower will not cut much more than your Toro. You may not be happy spending that money for little benefit.

 

[TractorGuy]

I sold my ZT last year and used the cash to buy a brand new 72" Ag Mate finish mower from Agri Supply. Had 20 bucks left over after adding the $10 adapter for using it with my quick hitch. I have a little 38" lawn tractor I use to trim around the edges. BEST thing I ever did. The AgMate is very smooth and quiet. The rear discharge keeps me out of the dust and minimizes windrows.

 

[cphilip]

I have an 84 inch finish mower and use it on a 42 hp PTO. It works hard in heavy grass, does fine and is the largest mower recommended for my tractor.. My other mower is 60 inches and 21 hp. It will also work hard in heavy grass. I would be worried that the large mower would not work out for you as you describe. A 5 foot finish mower will not cut much more than your Toro. You may not be happy spending that money for little benefit.

My very fear exactly. However the Toro doesn't go where a tractor would go either. There is a difference. How much... well.. I'd like to know.

What do y'all think about my offer on that one in the pictures?

 

[Msamt]

Well, that's a horse of a different color!!! You don't *have* to have a finishing mower... Get the grapple first, hands down!!!!

I like my finishing mower but I love my grapple...

Yeah, I agree, no mention was made of the grapple, that was my first purchase, used to pull the rocks out of the field before mowing!
Careful of the big ones...

 

[teg]

What do y'all think about my offer on that one in the pictures?

Shoot, go for it!!! (ain't my money!!!) Seriously, that doesn't look like it was used... Was the box scraper and forks also in like new condition?

 

[cphilip]

I suspect it wasn't used at all. Box scrape was also in very similar shape and was also with one of those traded in tractors with almost no hours on it. I suspect the box scrape came in one of those package deals and wasn't ever use. I'd bet this mower has a similar story.

The Forks however were brand new made by a local company.

I didn't get a chance today to try an offer. Still considering doing it though. Is that a decent offer?

 

[teg]

...Is that a decent offer?

I would just offer a take it or leave it at $1200... leave name or number, in case it doesn't sell. Seems like a good price for the condition... I normally wait until it is a bit more beat up (cheaper) to buy....

 

[Wolfy]

It looks like a good price to me. It is possible you could run a 72", Im just not familiar with your tractor. I will say there are times an extra 6" of overhang per side would be handy. The bigger mower actually lets you get closer to fences and trees.

 

[cphilip]

I forgot about this thread for a while...

I did buy the mower. He took $1200 for it. I looked around at a few more used ones and I was always disappointed. Lots of worn out junk out there. Projects mostly. So I kept coming back to this one. Not a bargain but a fair price for a nice unit.

Im playing around with it now. Nice cut. The mower turned out to be built 9/30/2014. Im fairly certain it was used maybe once or twice. Maybe just demo'd to see what it would do and put in a barn or garage. It had a coating of fine dry grass clippings stuck to the bottom that dropped off as soon as I used it. And the metal and paint under there was like new. The blades were fully intact like they had not been used.

And I have gone ahead with my install of the third function so I am preparing for a grapple as soon as funds allow. Im doing that in stages. Function first... then I'm ready to go when I can decide what grapple I want.

So far I am finding chores for the finish mower to do. Thanks for the advice and input.

Some related pictures attached.