Finishing Mower

Rastis · May 1, 2006

G'Day Diggers,
I have a Kubota B6200 4WD tractor which I use for inter-row spraying of Sugar cane. From memory this tractor has 15 hp at the motor and 12.5 PTO hp. Will this tractor run a 4 foot finishing mower. I have 3.5 acres to mow and it takes me 6 hours at the moment with the 30inch Greenfield ride-on. The Kubota is only used a few times a year for spraying, so if I can utilise it for mowing it will save me buying a new ride-on.
Have a nice day,
Rastis.

RoyJackson · May 1, 2006

There are 42" mowers available too, so you might want to consider that size.

Both Befco and Land Pride recommend a minimum of 15 HP to operate a 48" finishing mower. Your PTO HP is a bit less then the recommended HP. I'm also thinking that Kubota doesn't have adequate 3PH capacity to lift a 48" mower.

However, I ran a 60" rotary cutter with a tractor that had substantially less HP then recommended.

If your property is flat (reasonably) and you don't need to transport the mower (raised on the 3PH), I'd give a 42" or 48" unit a try. I think as long as you don't let the lawn get too out of control, you'll be OK

Bird · May 1, 2006

My personal opinion; I think you'll be just fine with a 48" finish mower.

GaryE · May 1, 2006

I ran a 60” woods rear mount mower on my B6000 for years. It did fine, even in tall wet grass.

Gary

RoyJackson · May 1, 2006

"My personal opinion; I think you'll be just fine with a 48" finish mower. "

The true voice of experience! So, looks like a 48" unit is the way to go.

KiotiJohn · May 1, 2006

You should be fine with a 48" finish mower. I run a 48" brush mower which is tougher to do with 15.5 and I can see that I could use it with less HP.

A finish mower should be a little easier if you're not having to cut extremely overgrown materials. You could take an even smaller bite the first time if it's high.
John

Rastis · May 2, 2006

Hi Chaps,
It seems that the 4 footer is the smallest mower available over hear in Oz. The local dealer said I can give it a test run so I will see how it goes. If it is a bit heavy I can put more weights on the front.
Thank You,
Rastis.