field mowing with MMM

[prosperity]

I have a job to do on a 6 acre field. I've walked the whole field and find no obstructions anywhere and the ground is all even. The grass is about 8"-10" high and was mowed a few times last year with a rotary cutter. I'd like to do this with my MMM (JD2210/62"MMM). I would do it with the deck all the way up leaving about a 5" cut. Does anyone think I'm taking on too much for this set up? I realize that my MMM is supposed to be a finish mower, but I don't see much of a problem doing this field. Any thoughts?

 

[Anonymous Poster]

I use my MMM to mow a 2.5 acre field; same thing deck all the way up, discharge chute up (except anywhere near the road). I’m concerned this year because the grass is about 2 ft tall now – rain, rain, rain and yes it’s raining now. I think I’ll still be ok, I may have to cut it twice or just cut earlier for the next mow.

Dog

 

[JohnMiller3]

Is it the kind of field where kids can fall down and roll around in nice "gentle" grass, smooth ripple free ground... like an overgrown golf course?

If so... then I don't see a problem...

But, if it's a "typical field" and rough hardy field grass... all 6 acres worth... I wouldn't abuse an expensive mmm mower over it... the potential damage to your mower just isn't worth it...

 

[Chief]

I cut my pasture with a 72" MMM on my 4410. I just make sure it is way up high.

 

[BubbaJr]

Last spring I mowed a trail in one of my woods that had Joe Pie weeds about 10 feet tall. I had the 72"MMM all the way up, and went slow. It took 2 passes to get it even, but it worked fine. As long as you are sure there aren't any hidden obstructions, and you take it slow if you hear the engine bog down a little, you should be all right. I've also mowed 10-36" weeds several times with mine, and it works OK. One problem you may have is wet grass build-up under the deck.

 

[tdenny]

I use my RFM to mow areas that are not "real" lawn. It works well I just raise it close to the highest level and go.

 

[Anonymous Poster]

I've mowed about an acre of tall field grass with my 2210/62C and it worked fine. Just watch out for holes/high spots that can push the deck up against the tractor, get you potentially high centered, or damaging a mower blade.

 

[SethO]

Prosperity,

For that kind of "light duty", it may be better to get a cheap rotary cutter and save possible damage to your MMM.

SethO

 

[Mosey]

The last time I mowed my yard with my rear finish mower, the grass was well over 10" tall and thick (it's been raining so much I hadn't been able to mow for 2 weeks), so I don't see a problem, just go slow. I wouldn't make a habit of it, but once in a while should be OK. Watch out though, unless you've walked every square foot of it, don't be surprised if you hit something that will damage a finish mower but wouldn't hurt a bush hog.

 

[prosperity]

Thanks for all the replies and input. The more I read the posts, the more it went with my gut feeling to begin with. Agreed - for a small area once in a while would be OK. But this is nothing but a field with tough field grass (thanks JohnMiller3). This is definitely a job more suited for a rotary cutter (which I don't have yet). If I could have mowed it with a rotary cutter a few times, I then might turn it over to a finish mower after it was all down and chopped up.
Anyway, I turned down the job. My set up does such a fantastic job with finish mowing that I surely don't want to mess it up.
All your input is greatly appreciated - what a great forum we have here!