Finish Mowers

[TheMadOne]

So, I'm looking to get a finish mower as a backup for the zero turn/excuse to sit in the AC cab in hot weather.

A new 72" Landpride is 2500.

There's a used one for sale at 650. Doesn't look that bad, beside being purple for some reason. Front corners are bent in, but nothing a crescent wrench and cheater bar won't mostly correct.

There's a Woods RM90-2 for 500-looks not bad for something getting close to 30 years old.

New Bestco/farmer's helper 72"-1400

Used King Kutter 72" 700.

Help. I have no idea what would be the best/best value/best for the money out of these.

 

[dalola]

Not really relevant, but might make you feel better... I bought a used Woods RM48 a couple years ago for my BX for camp mowing, it's been great. I just put a new belt on it, sharpened the blades, keep it greased, no problems.

Moral of the story: I like the known quality brands, even if they look a little "rough"...

Good luck!

 

[rgr33]

First, let me say I知 envious of the used equipment prices in your area. Around here, used finish mowers in good condition sell for $1200 or more. Junk sells for 6 to $800.

I have been using a 2004 LandPride finish mower for the last several years. I keep it well greased, and clean it off after heavy use, and so far, the only work I had to do is replace a few grease zerks. I keep expecting a belt to go, but so far so good.

If I could find a good used Woods at a decent price, I would get one just to have it, but never see any used ones around this area. I do a lot of mowing, so I love a good mower of any kind.

 

[rangerfredbob]

rgr33, check the woodburn auctions, that's where I got my King Cutter FM60, have $150 in it I think... have seen some of those Woods models for $300 range...

I haven't heard great things about the King Kutter, I haven't had any issues with mine yet other than buying blades, blade bolts and a belt. I've only had mine for a season and only a few hours of use. The deck is beefy, I think 1/8" or 3/16" plate, apparently the spindles can't take abuse but they're available. The blades turn backwards like a brush hog since it has a brush hog gear box, held on by 1/2-20 left hand thread bolts just by friction so the bolts are the fuse.

 

[ns_in_tex]

Our finish mower story:
1982 bought new Woods side discharge 6' finish mower.
1992 bought new Bush Hog side discharge 6' finish mower.
2002 bought new First Choice (Sicma) GM35-84, 7' rear discharge finish mower.
I think some call them grooming mowers.
We expect this one to finish me off, but if we were to have to purchase another one, I would be hard pressed to purchase anything except one built by Sicma.
So I am told, they are sold under many brand names.

 

[DK35vince]

Our finish mower story:
1982 bought new Woods side discharge 6' finish mower.
1992 bought new Bush Hog side discharge 6' finish mower.
2002 bought new First Choice (Sicma) GM35-84, 7' rear discharge finish mower.
I think some call them grooming mowers.
We expect this one to finish me off, but if we were to have to purchase another one, I would be hard pressed to purchase anything except one built by Sicma.
So I am told, they are sold under many brand names.

I have the same mower- First Choice GM35-84 (7' rear discharge) Owned since 2005.
I also have a Land Pride AT 2572 (6' side discharge)
I just prefer the First Choice mower, rarely use the Land Pride.

 

[Gunny]

Like the last two posts, I like the Sicma brand - mine is branded Kioti (rear discharge), but still a Sicma, and I'll never own another side discharge after getting this one. Leaves a much cleaner appearance as you mow.

I was also concerned about repair parts, if needed so I looked up several brands before I purchased. I've had to get a few small items (spacers, clips, etc) and I bought them here - Parts For Sitrex, First Choice, Caroni, & Howse Mowers - Blades, Belts, And More

I've ordered twice and both times parts arrived in 3 days with no backorders

 

[daugen]

FDR25 Series Grooming Mowers | Land Pride

I have had the 84 inch version for about 6 years, runs beautifully. Broke one belt, surprisingly small serpentine belt, almost like
they use a smaller belt as a kind of shear pin for the driveline. I also wish the 84 model had solid tires, not pneumatic.
Other than that, the cut is 95 percent comparable to a traditional lawn mower, really excellent, and the rear discharge works beautifully and
doesn't lump much in tall wet grass. I mow roadsides with it, and get lots of compliments from neighbors.

The Italians sure do make nice tractor implements, mowers, tillers, etc.

 

[Turbys_1700]

I've only run Land Pride and Woods. Both have been excellent. We run a Bush Hog over the church grounds and it has been excellent also. Personally I am not scared of any of those or the Italian units either. Most all of the gearboxes are Chinese. I tend to prefer heavier decks.

 

[DK35vince]

Like the last two posts, I like the Sicma brand - mine is branded Kioti (rear discharge), but still a Sicma, and I'll never own another side discharge after getting this one. Leaves a much cleaner appearance as you mow.

I was also concerned about repair parts, if needed so I looked up several brands before I purchased. I've had to get a few small items (spacers, clips, etc) and I bought them here - Parts For Sitrex, First Choice, Caroni, & Howse Mowers - Blades, Belts, And More

I've ordered twice and both times parts arrived in 3 days with no backorders

Yes, parts are no problem at all for my First Choice mower>
I believe Sicma made the First Choice mowers, Phoenix, and certain Kioti finish mowers.