finishing mower size

   / finishing mower size #1  

jd2210

Silver Member
Joined
Aug 12, 2004
Messages
152
Location
Ontario
Tractor
2210 JD
I'm in need of a 3 point finishing mower fr my 2210. Should I stick with old adage of 5 hp for every foot or does someone know what size a 3 point finishing mower this baby can handle. I want to go as big as i can without being stupid about it and wrecking my drivetrain. Does anyone know the torque of the pto on a 2210 since that might be as important as the hp? /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif
 
   / finishing mower size #2  
The thing I have heard repeated, but don't know if it is anything better than a recommendation, is 3 to 5 PTO hp per 12" of cutting deck. PTO hp is typically several hp lower than engine hp.

Check out your PTO hp and see what that is. Then consider the lawn conditions.

The way it was explained to me regarding the 3 to 5 range is that in some areas of the country where there are arrid conditions, a larger deck can be used, consequently lower hp requirements, while in other areas lawns can grow pretty lush and pretty tall, consequently higher hp requirements.

I know I have bogged down my 24hp tractor (~19pto hp) with a 60" deck a couple times too often -largely because I don't like mowing and my lawn gets pretty thick in some spots. I usually know where I am going to get in trouble even before I pull out of the garage.
 
   / finishing mower size #3  
Early this summer I went shopping for a new mower and considered getting a rear finish mower. My dealer said I could go up to an 8 footer, behind my L3710, (30 hp at the PTO). If you have a hydro transmission you can slow down if the mower start to bog down, (I do this all the time with the brush hog).

After a few weeks of searching and debating I went with a zero turn. I should have gone that route years ago. I've cut my mow/trim time from 4 hours a week to less than 75 minutes. After 30 hours the zero turn is still a blast to drive.
 
   / finishing mower size #4  
you should be able to run a 5 footer OK regarding HP. I run a 5' MMM on my TC18 (18HP) and it does fine. I've also run a 5' rear finish mower and it too worked OK.

I'd be worried about weight. The front end can get light when you lift up the mower. Keep in mind that these things weigh ~400# and stick waaaaay back. You may want to consider front weights.
 
   / finishing mower size
  • Thread Starter
#5  
Thanks for the input guys. I think I'll go 60". As for the counter wieght I'll certainly keep that in mind.
Those zero turns are sweet too. My F935 is good for the tighter areas but a z turn is phenominal. When I worked for Deere we put one in the parade at our local fair and I got to drive it. The kids loved when I'd spin it around. My buddy has a Walker for his custom mowing business that is second to none. Unfortunately that isn't in my budget for the next couple of decades. Too bad. /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif
 
   / finishing mower size #6  
I had a 7 foot finish mower on my 4710, and you couldnt even feel it back there. Tractor never bogged down even in fairly high grass.
 
   / finishing mower size #7  
I had a 19 HP Yanman with a 5' finish mower and it work fine. I now have a Kubota B2910 and use a 7' Befco finish mower and it handles it OK. Sure did cut down on mowing time going from a 5' to 7' mower.
 
   / finishing mower size #8  
</font><font color="blue" class="small">( I'd be worried about weight. The front end can get light when you lift up the mower. Keep in mind that these things weigh ~400# and stick waaaaay back. You may want to consider front weights. )</font>

Good point. I have a Ford 1210 (w/ 2 suitcase weights) with a 5' Caroni RFM. The other tractor is a B7500 (FEL frame, but no weights) with a 5' LandprideRFM. These work fine with that matchup. I have swapped decks, and the Kubota makes the Caroni seem almost weightless. I'd bet the Kubota could handle a 6' Caroni.

On the other hand, with the 5' Landpride on the Ford, the front end of the tractor lifts pretty easily. It makes the tractor work too hard when mowing uphill, and the tractor manouvers sluggishly.................chim
 
 

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