I need help --- fast!!!!

[jcmseven]

Fellow Posters,

I need some quick advice. I have a 3720 and an RM 1060 Frontier RFM for my tractor. In a few previous posts, I have mentioned that I liked this mower a lot, but the cut was not wide enough for my current needs. I felt I could really benefit from a 72" RFM. I called my dealer (John Deere) who said he could probably sell my current mower and get me a 72" Frontier. Thus far, this has been hard to do. The 72" RD RFM in that brand apparently is slow shipping now, and he attempted to locate one for me, which he found. Apparently, it came from another dealer and was faded and partially rusted on the deck edges, so he would not take it. Knowing that I need a mower size upgrade soon, he offered to trade me for a Bush Hog brand in the same size (they are also a BH dealer.) My only concern was that I really like my I match hitch, but he said he was almost sure he could "make it work with the Bush Hog". He said the service dpt could adapt a chain top link apparatus and that would allow use of my existing hitch. Does this make sense?? Also, I have no experience with BH brand RFM. Are they as good as Frontier, and do they offer the same, or better quality of cut??? Would it still maje sense to go with the Bush Hog mower even if I have to take my I match hitch off?? I appreciate the help; I have to let them know by Saturday.

John M

 

[beenthere]

Not 100% sure what the chain fix would be like, but I have a chain on my rotary cutter to give it the flexibility I need when hooked to my iMatch.
I wouldn't shy away from the chain solution, as far as the chain goes. Using the iMatch would be the most important (although I would prefer to have the Frontier as well).

 

[Bird]

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( I have no experience with BH brand RFM. Are they as good as Frontier )</font>

I'm exactly opposite; no experience with the Frontier, but I sure did like my Bush Hog 60" rear discharge rear finish mower.

 

[steveinmo]

John,

I can't speak to the I-Match compatability since I don't have it on my 3320. But, I can speak to the Bush Hog RFM. I have the 72" rear discharge and love it. The cut is very good. I cut 2' fescue with it earlier this year and tractor and mower didn't flinch. I wouldn't recommend that, but circumstances dictate unusual actions sometimes. Make sure it is the rear discharge model or you'll end up with wind rows.

Steve

 

[trlong]

John,

Definitely go with 72" if you can. I can't speak for the Brush Hog but I do like my 1060E Frontier. J.D./Frontier does make an "I-Match" conversion kit for the 1048, 1060, and 1072. However, I'm not thoroughly impressed with mine. Line up of the rear support bars doesn't seem quite right, still. Also, there's a support, just abover the upper lift/swing arm that binds on the I-Match upper lift hook. Still works, just annoying. If you should go that route, beware that you will not be able to use the driveline from the 1060. It's way too short. Make sure you get the full length driveline with the 1072.

Good luck with it and let us know which way you go with it.

Tom

 

[tarious]

Well, I know its past Saturday, but I'll give you my two cents anyway...

I've a 3320 with a frontier 72 RFM and I love it. Before I purchased my tractor I borrowed a friends TC33 with a brush hog 72 RFM. I believe the 1072 woods/Frontier RFM is much studier than the brush hog and the cut is equal or better. However, I can only speak for the model I used. It is likely that Brush Hog sells more than one grade of mowers. I know Frontier does...It could be that I am comparing my commercial duty RFM to Brush Hogs economy line...

Good luck, I'm sure you'll be happy with either...in the 3000 series, 72 is the only way to go. A 60 inch RFM is just too small.