MMM vs. Rear Finishing Mower

[73jeep]

First of all, if this subject has been covered in past/earlier forums..I apologize. I am wanting some input on advantages/disadvantages on mid-mount vs. rear finishing mowers. Which one leaves best looking cut, maneuvers easiest, or mows the fastest, etc.
. Also, on a rear finishing mower, would like some opinions on side vs. rear discharge. I will have a few trees but not many obstacles to mow around, and reasonably flat terrain...(maybe 10-15 degree slope on the steepest section) Plans include a 60" width mower. Thanks....

 

[Inspector507]

73Jeep,
It's probably been discussed before but we can do it again /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif
I have both a RFM and a MMM. I prefer to use the MMM just for the ease of mowing around various trees and things. I think that they both give the same quality of cut. If I have neglected the mowing chore too long I will use the RFM and spend less time mowing than if I tried to use the MMM. It seems to bog down the tractor less but the MMM is easier to use because of the swing out behind you on the RFM. Maybe this gives you some insight?

 

[jcmseven]

I think a lot of which you choose depends on what the tasks will be. If you mow a lot, and do not need the extra ground clearance and have a mid PTO, the mid mount does a good job. It is also easier to haul on a shorter trailer, and can offer some good centered ballast when not in use. The downside is that the MMM are not as quick to attach and detach, and they are heavy, which makes them cumbersome to move. The RFM are certainly convenient to operate as they attach quickly. I can hook up my Frontier brand with the I match in less than two minutes and with no real effort. The drawback as stated is manuverability. My tractor/mower cannot easily fit into smaller spaces and even though it is manuverable, it is not as manuverable as a belly mower would be. Provided you get a RFM with high blade speed (16,000 fpm or greater), you will have an excellent cut. My 4000+ pound tractor cuts as well as my father's 335 JD garden tractor in most cases.

John M

 

[thcri]

I think Inspector and John hit it pretty good. I will add one more thing. My neighbor has had a rear finish mower for one year. He just got a MMM, why because of the way it trails and the constant looking back. I have to believe it is hard on your neck. Some say you don't have to look back but I guess I was just raised to constantly look at gauges and equipment all the time. Dad never allowed radios on any equipment because we would not be able to hear differences in the normal operation of equipment and anything attached to the back of the tractor if he was watching us we best hope he would catch us looking back also from time to time.

murph