LX/MX cut quality difference?

[B8FISH]

Curious if anyone has experience with the cut quality of an LX compared to an MX. Specifically looking at "reclaimed" areas (were once brush/saplings, and are now weeds turning into field grass) and if the higher tip speed on the MX would make these field areas look more "mowed". I have found that the LX (have had a 4 and 5) does a good job, but the day after there is a row of somewhat higher stuff that pops up--guessing that is where the grass/weeds were compacted by the tires? I know that the MX will be better to clear brush/saplings with--wondering if it will help present a better looking finished area elsewhere. This will all be done behind a 3320 BTW--and specifically looking at an LX5 compared to an MX5.

 

[minimax]

How do you mow clockwise or counterclockwise.? If you mow clockwise the mower will pick up the downed grass of the right wheels on the next pass.

minimax

 

[B8FISH]

Usually go in two different directions to counteract this happening. I kinda do a big U shape, going in a different direction on each consecutive pass. With two areas next to each other I don't spend much extra time turning. I'm guessing that the higher grass/weeds that pop up after a day or two were either under a wheel or something, and that the cutters don't really have the ability to "suck it up" straight and then cut it like a lawnmower. Which is why I'm wondering if the higher speed of the MX will help with this problem
Thanks.

 

[dgl24087]

I doubt it will make any difference. The major difference in the two mowers lies more with the size of material to be cut, this is why the tip speed is greater, as well as heavier deck, gearbox, etc. The cutting blades are likely flat, instead of angled like a lawnmower, which creates the "sucking up" of the grass

 

[HillbillyFarmer]

Bait, All I know is that my MX6 is a monster. Almost anything in its path is going to get destroyed. It astounds me sometimes when I roll over stands of fairly large trees and scrubs. I've hit downed branches that were even bigger. Sometimes it makes some horrible noises when it hooks into a large piece of debris, but so far, it always wins.

 

[B8FISH]

Thanks for the feedback so far. I am looking at about a grand to jump from an LX5 to an MX5 when I get the 3320--just can't seem to find enough to justify the difference (OK, I could be convinced otherwise ;-) )

 

[Kahuna]

I have a 3320 that I use with a MX6. It seems to do fine. I looked at both the LX and MX models and for the difference in price, I would go with the heavier mower. You should be able to get a MX6 in the $2100 to $2200 range, the MX5 should be a few hundred cheaper.

The MX5 probably would be a better choice because the 3320 grunts in the really thick grass. I also farm and use the MX6 on a 65hp tractor. I can get the bigger tractor to pull down on the really tall weeds and grass (over 6 foot). The MX6 cuts it flat to the ground. I am really impressed with the cut. It is tough too. I had the occasion to accidenty run over a sheet of steel barn siding in the grass. It made a heck of a noise and I thought I tore up my mower. I stopped to check and there wasn't even a scratch. The bard siding was ripped apart and looked like a bunch of little metal baseballs.

 

[rmonio]

There are other threads discussing the merits of LX vs. MX models from Deere. I have an MX6 on my 4600 and as others have said, it really does the job. I looked at the LX, but the durability of the deck, the slip-clutch vs. shear pin configuration, etc., all led me to buying the MX (I didn't want to buy something less and realize it later).

For the few dollars more it's well worth the investment. You'll be glad you did.

-Bob

 

[NoMo]

If you don't need to cut trees and heavy brush, keep the LX5 and sharpen the blades. Grass is tough on the blades causing them to dull faster than one might think.

I've also found that moisture content affects the amount of uncut grass left by wheel compression. Grass with less moisture seems to be sucked back up (and cut) by the blades better than heavier "wet" grass. If possible, mow later in the day and wait several days after a rain.