Help deciding which CUT is right for me

[Luke'sScreenName]

And spend at least as much time researching dealers as you do different manufacturers. Trust me, a subpar dealer is miserable. I drive 1.5hrs when I could drive 15min.
All of the manufacturers you mentioned make good tractors. In my area most of the Kioti dealers have carried that brand less than 5 years. Made me question their knowledge base.
Also I think two of my local dealers recently dropped Deere because of poor support/relationship with the Green Giant. Not sure if that is a true problem or just a one-of.

 

[Poopdeck Pappy]

As someone else said, I don' think you can get a MMM for the L3560. And even if you could, I wouldn't recommend it. You can easily run a 72" rear finish mower (RFM) with an L3560 (and could probably run an 84" one, but I'm not sure), and the RFM is MUCH easier to put on and take off than a MMM.

 

[DK35vince]

As someone else said, I don' think you can get a MMM for the L3560. And even if you could, I wouldn't recommend it. You can easily run a 72" rear finish mower (RFM) with an L3560 (and could probably run an 84" one, but I'm not sure), and the RFM is MUCH easier to put on and take off than a MMM.

The 3560 would run an 84".
I run an 84" rear discharge rear finish mower on my 35 HP tractor with no problem.

 

[DKCDKC]

I had many of the same criteria and ultimately went with the JD 3038e. I found the Kubota rocker pedal to be awkward after an extensive trial, and my wife has knee issues and couldn't use it at all. She also loved the ease mounting and operating the tractor. I've not heard of any engine issues around here, and have had no issues with mine at all - at about 300 hours. I don't like the narrow wheel-base in my hilly area, but almost everything else on the tractor seems good. I too would recommend avoiding a belly mower and go with a rear finish mower. You'll find you can get into most areas with it with experience. Of course I've worked recently to reduce the finish areas I have to pasture, and just bush hog them. My yard shrinks steadily with my advancing age.

 

[dragoneggs]

With that size property get a dedicated mower. I have both I can't imagine having to remove/install MMM regularly which was my original plan when I bought my BX. In the end, I bought a Z turn and glad I did. Jump on and start mowing. Jump on the tractor and not worry about ground clearance. I just don't want that hassle. Have fun with your research and decision... whatever the color.

 

[4570Man]

It would really suck to have to remove&install the mmm every time. To get the best performance out of the mmm you have to remove the fel and any 3pt implement.

 

[dragoneggs]

It would really suck to have to remove&install the mmm every time. To get the best performance out of the mmm you have to remove the fel and any 3pt implement.

Yep... There's that too. Don't compromise and fret about mowing because that is a regular chore.

 

[paulfun9]

With a relatively open yard I would also suggest going with a rear discharge 3 point finish mower.

 

[TSO]

The Massey 1739e is Massey's "budget" tractor ... Or the 1742 would be the premium line. The 1742 is a very nice tractor. The Massey compacts are built by Iseki and are very reliable, very few problems reported.

Don't worry about the electronic PTO. I've had plenty of them and they are fine. Massey has a "soft start" feature that feathers the PTO engagement for you.

I also agree ... If you can, get a nice 48-60" commercial grade zero turn mower. You can get one for around $5k new, financed for 0% @ 48mo. A ZTR will cut soooo much faster and more efficiently than a tractor, once you get one and use it, you'll wonder why you waited so long. You'll also find that you won't necessarily need a wider deck on a ZTR because of the increased productivity and efficiency.

Best of luck!

 

[gladehound]

One more vote for separate commercial ZTR and tractor.

1. Keeps the hours off your more expensive tractor (the reduced actual [no for tax purposes] depreciation will pay for the ZTR)
2. ZTR is much more fun to drive (as long as your yard isn't too bumpy)
3. ZTR always ready for it's dedicated task
4. Not much more money up front than a good mowing attachment (and in the long run probably cheaper [see depreciation above])
5. ZTR causes less compaction than tractor resulting in a healthier yard