mower conversion

robert23239 · Apr 5, 2009

I am interested in getting a finish mower to pull behind the tractor. Easier to unhook and have the tractor free to do other work with a deck hanging on it. I have MMM about 70 inches. Has one ever changed the mmm deck to a rear finishing deck by putting a 3 point on the existing deck?

Or should I sell the deck and start fresh?

Thanks

Robert

Thumper & Buttercup · Apr 5, 2009

Hey Robert,

I don't know about the hookup but on some tractors the mid pto runs a faster rpm than the 540 on the rear. That could be a problem.

I think it would take a lot of work to change that mower over, you would need the wheels front and back and the the 3pt hookup. I would think that you would want to pickup the unit from the front of the mower and your pto would be facing the back so you would have to turn it around.

Maybe one of the other guys has some better ideas than mine but I would look at a 3 pt mower. Hope this helps.

zzvyb6 · Apr 5, 2009

You will need a new gearbox if the MMM uses a mid PTO (2100 rpm). The MMM gears are usually 1:1 for this. If the MMM is rear pto driven, there may need to be a change in direction of the gearbox, too. Used parts on eBay.

It is worth doing if that's all you need done. There are driveline and bracket components also needed but these are easily made or borrowed from junk attachments.

If you have a FEL, a front mower conversion is a really neat and handy contraption. Go simple with a mechanical shaft from the mid or rear pto, (need a center bearing). Or, hydraulic drive. (may need a rear aux pump and mower hyd. motor).

If you just want tp buy one, I suggest 72 or 84" finish decks. They really don't take a lot of power.

Your MMM is not worth very much all by itself to sell. Too much specialty fixtures and many people appreciate they are a PITA to put on, work with and remove.

That's my opinion and I'm unanimous on that.

Oldmax · Apr 6, 2009

Most mid decks are driven at 2000 RPM . All you have to do is get the 540 RPM up to 2000 RPM up to, that is 3.60 to 1 . I used a jack shaft above the gear box then used sprocket I used a 42 tooth to drive A 12 tooth . Mower isn't here or I would take picture and send you . I changed a mid mower to rear using the brackets that were made to mount the mower and letting the mower float as under tractor. Mower is a kaobta older model built like a tank a friend gave it to me couldn't beat the price.

Soundguy · Apr 7, 2009

You will also have to deal with converting to use a 540 pto.. like a different gearbox or pulley setup..

soundguy

robert23239 said:
I am interested in getting a finish mower to pull behind the tractor. Easier to unhook and have the tractor free to do other work with a deck hanging on it. I have MMM about 70 inches. Has one ever changed the mmm deck to a rear finishing deck by putting a 3 point on the existing deck?

Or should I sell the deck and start fresh?

Thanks

Robert

sandman2234 · Apr 7, 2009

I would think this would depend on your mechanical skills, fabrication skills, and how much junk you have out back to pull parts from. If you have to buy the needed stuff, and pay somebody to modify it, then you will probably be in the hole, dispite the price that 3pt finish mowers usually bring on the new/used market.
I pulled a deck out from under a Gravely zero turn and have all intentions of making a Swisher style mower out of it, to pull behind a friends Cub Cadet mower, but I have enough junk around here that I probably won't have to buy much, and my labor is way too cheap.
David from jax

Bill_C · Apr 7, 2009

My Ford 1100 came with a Continental-Belton MMM that was driven by the rear PTO; a short shaft turned a gearbox, which drove a pulley which in turn drove a looong belt up to the blades.

I harbored ideas of converting it to a RFM, since the gearbox was already being driven at 540 rpm...but in the end, I found a cheap 5' RFM that just needed some minor refurbishment.

If the MMM to RFM conversion involves buying a new gearbox, plus new pulleys, belts, gage wheels, etc, then by the time all is said and done, it'd probably be more economical just to buy a RFM.