MMM for 4200 or not? Value of used MMM

[Gary_in_Indiana]

I bought a used 2001 4200 MFWD with FEL and backhoe to take care of eleven acres I have. Most of it was pasture but some is just overgrowth I know a finish mower won't handle. I'm going to have to get a brush hog for that.

My question is regarding a finish mower, however. An area Kubota dealer has a used 4300 with a 72" Deere mid mount mower. I know they've broken up packages before and wondered if I should try to buy the MMM. I'm pretty sure I'll want a finish mower eventually. I was looking for opinions from some folks who'd used the MMM as to how they liked it, etc., and the ease of use and installation/removal. I'm especially interested in comparisons with rear finish mowers and brush hogs.

I'd also like to get some idea as to what something like that 72" Deere MMM might be worth so I have some idea what to offer if I do pursue this.

 

[Anonymous Poster]

Hi I have used the 72" mid mount mower on John deere 855,955, and 4300 if they are ajusted corectly- height,leval, caster wheels, blades are sharp,ETC they provide a cut that is unmatched by other mowers. If you raise them so their 5 or 6 " off the ground they will cut tall weeds also. I would only do that in areas that are clear of rocks, tree branches,ETC. They are not a brush hog that will take major stress from hiting stuff.My opinion is that John Deere Makes the best mid mower from atching/removing it from the tractor, some people say it takes to much time to remove the mower from the tractor I dont think that is true once you get all the linkedge ajusted corectly you be able to put it on in 10min and take it off in 5min. You cant beat it for finsh mowing and It is worth the money. Jonny

 

[GaryK]

Gary, there was a lengthy thread a while back on MMM that would be a benefit for you.

 

[TerryinMD]

Gary,

There are a couple of factors you need to consider.

1. Does your 4200 have a mid PTO - kinda important.
2. Will the Kubota dealer remove all of the necessary brackets, linkages, etc. required to support the MMM and will that stuff fit the 4200.

Here's another option.... trade in the 4200 for the 4300 and be done with it! /w3tcompact/icons/wink.gif/w3tcompact/icons/smile.gif No muss. No fuss (well, unless there are CFO issues! /w3tcompact/icons/hmm.gif)

Terry

 

[Anonymous Poster]

Here is somthing you might want to consider also before you buy the 72" mid mower is PTO POWER of your tractor. I test drove a 4200 when I was going to trade my 855 torwards a 4000 series tractor. The dealer had a used 4200 with a 60" mid mower he let me mow their lawn with it to see if I would like it One thing I noticed was that it seemed a bit under powered with the 60" deck so a 72" mmm might not be over kill for that tractor.

 

[Gary_in_Indiana]

"Here's another option.... trade in the 4200 for the 4300 and be done with it! No muss. No fuss (well, unless there are CFO issues! )"

Terry,

I'd actually prefer the 4300 but it's two years older with WAY more hours /w3tcompact/icons/sad.gif and looks like it's not been as babied as my baby. /w3tcompact/icons/love.gif

Fortunately, I never have CFO issues on anything like this. My business owns the tractor, /w3tcompact/icons/clever.gif so anything like this falls under "my business" /w3tcompact/icons/king.gif in more ways than one. /w3tcompact/icons/wink.gif/w3tcompact/icons/smile.gif/w3tcompact/icons/grin.gif/w3tcompact/icons/laugh.gif/w3tcompact/icons/laugh.gif/w3tcompact/icons/laugh.gif

 

[TerryinMD]

Ahhh... makes good sense.

As far as the business owning the tractor, I completely understand. That is how we justified purchasing one. Once the CFO understood the financing and depreciation, it was a go!! /w3tcompact/icons/smile.gif/w3tcompact/icons/smile.gif/w3tcompact/icons/smile.gif

I'm now working on Phase II of tractoritis - justifying the upgrade to a newer, bigger, better, unit. Maybe next year....... after we get year two of depreciation under our belts.

Terry

 

[Gary_in_Indiana]

<font color=blue>"Once the CFO understood the financing and depreciation, it was a go!! "</font color=blue>

My tractor is technically "inventory for sale" so financing and depreciation weren't considerations. I worked a deal and swapped a couple old trucks and some cash for my JD 4200 MFWD, FEL/BH and just toted it out to the farm. /w3tcompact/icons/smile.gif No questions or comments at all. She was just happy I'd be able to mow out there.

Of course, I then explained this wasn't a lawn mower, /w3tcompact/icons/sad.gif BUT... "I'll get a mower for it, honey/w3tcompact/icons/love.gif... just for you." /w3tcompact/icons/grin.gif I'm getting a box blade, too, just so I can level the driveway for her. /w3tcompact/icons/wink.gif/w3tcompact/icons/grin.gif