L3240 and 6' rotary cutter or go bigger?

[traderrik]

Yeah, you're certainly going to get some seat time PSD. I'm finishing up 17 acres of switchgrass/goldenrod with lots of saplings, choke cherry and other woody stuff mixed in...plus cattails where it's wet. Very heavy. Using the MX5000 teamed with a BB720. The combination works pretty good and the 720 is about the same width as the tractor. Need the FEL on to protect the tractor. So far I've got almost 17 hours tach time on this job. Last time I did it with the Ford 4000 and it came out right at 20 hours. It'll be almost the same this time.

I'd recommend an MX5000 or 5100 except rated PTO speed comes at 2700RPM, which is really howling. I can get by with 2200RPM and 440 at the PTO which isn't bad. But, for what you're cutting, you'll probably need to turn the full 540. If only doing it once every couple of years, you could probably stand it. But 3 or 4 times a year!!? For your sanity's sake, get the slower turning M5040.
FWIW
Bob

Good point about the RPMs, Bob. If it wasn't for my cab, I'm sure the required engine speed would drive me crazy, too. But as it is, i just have to crank-up the CD player louder

By the way, how do i join Sarah's fan club?

 

[RobJ]

Looks like the M with the bigger mower is the way to go. Then the next project is to kill off the Bahai Grass and put in some coastal if the land will support it. I trouble cutting BG with my RFM at pto speeds going slow!!

 

[PSDStu]

Just spoke with my dealer and I am going with the M5040!

I asked him if they could set the 16.9 rear wheels inside enough in order to use a 6ft rotary cutter rather then the 7ft cutter that I would have to use with they width they have the tires set now.

He went an looked, called back and said no problem, there was enough room to set the wheels a little further inside and allow me to use a 6ft cutter.

They are going to have to order the BB72 and looks like next Tue or Wed they will be set to deliver!

Stu

 

[john_bud]

Sounds good. But, for the difference of 600 bucks, I'd have popped for the wider cutter and kept the wheels the same width. Why not call the dealer and see if he will knock $1-200 off the deal if you go with in stock iron?

jb

 

[PSDStu]

Sounds good. But, for the difference of 600 bucks, I'd have popped for the wider cutter and kept the wheels the same width. Why not call the dealer and see if he will knock $1-200 off the deal if you go with in stock iron?

jb

Thanks John, the issue for me was that I only wanted to use a 6ft cutter, this is due mostly because of having to cut bahia grass, and even the dealer who has a 9540 with a 7' cutter says that at times his 9540 will bog down cutting bahia.

I like the 16.9's and moving them in a little to allow using a 6ft cutter seemed to be the best fit for me.

Stu

 

[PSDStu]

New M5040 and BB72 cutter will be delivered tomm afternoon!

I can't wait!

Pics to follow!

Stu

 

[john_bud]

That bahia must be some nasty stuff. Glad we don't have to deal with it. The roots, rocks, stumps, brush, trees and debris are enough!

So, where are the pictures of the new baby? Or haven't you gotten off the seat yet?

jb

 

[PSDStu]

That bahia must be some nasty stuff. Glad we don't have to deal with it. The roots, rocks, stumps, brush, trees and debris are enough!

So, where are the pictures of the new baby? Or haven't you gotten off the seat yet?

jb

John,

Cutting Bahia is like cutting rope....... nuff said!

Check out the link below for pics!

http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/kubota-buying-pricing/128915-pics-my-new-m5040.html

Stu