front anti-scalp roller

bigtiller · Jul 3, 2022

KennyG said:
I've never had a RFM, but I thought they always had all the weight on the four wheels, i.e. run with the three point all the way down. I would assume the anti scalp rollers only come into play when a wheel drops into a hole or hits an extremely unlevel area where the blades would hit the ground. It would make sense for them to be full width. Am I missing something?

Also, I'm getting used to any equipment accessories costing 3 or 4 times what I expected. Not sure if it's age or inflation.

LOL...I'm right there with ya on that.

loggin · Jul 3, 2022

bigtiller said:
I may buy a 72" rear finish mower (RFM) from Frontier GM4072. As a option, they offer a front anti-scalp roller but the dealer said the price is $140.

I can't imagine that kind of price for a roller. It must be something totally different than what my mind has pictured. Could span the entire front of the mower and not just an 8" roller?

Do RFM's need an anti-scalp roller in the front when mowing the average 3 acre farm yard?

Any idea what size this one is?

They offer a rear anti-scalp roller for $86.

Something seems off.

It all depends on how smooth your lawn is. If you have undulations, shallow ditches or small mounds that you mow over then you will benefit from having a roller. If your lawn is smooth then not so much. The roller simply prevents the edge from digging into the lawn. I have one on mine and it gets used quite often.

Smokeydog · Jul 3, 2022

bigtiller said:
I'm glad you talked about the chain guard. That is another option I hadn't decided on. Does it affect the clipping dispersal much?

Rear discharge so minimal clumps. Gravel driveways, parking areas and buildings with lots of glass so like the chain deflection. High suction OEM blades really throws the clippings.

Gator G5 mulching blades are an improvement over OEM in cut quality, power, speed and durability. Cost less too.

leonz · Jul 3, 2022

No KennyG you are not missing anything. The rollers are there to protect and support the mower deck especially the cheap stamped ones.

Accessories are more expensive because of inflation and price gouging and the need to keep profit margins high to keep making money.

Smokeydog · Jul 3, 2022

Yes, the rear finish mower runs with all the weight of the on the caster wheels floating behind the 3pt hitch. I have wore out and bent many caster wheel spindles and mounts on previous and current mower. Expensive to maintain. Lots of back and forth mowing over decades. Liberal with the grease. Finally replaced with 3500# trailer axle hubs and stub axles with real bearings. $200 upgrade VS $800 in OEM parts that don’t last. No more problem or maintenance for over 10 years.

No problem with wheel bearings. Solid rubber tires.