Mowing Mower Options?

scott@ipdusa.com · May 4, 2008

I am researching CUT's and am wondering what type of mower I should get.
I have 4 cleared acres (realtively flat horse pasture), with 1-2 horses on it, they don't quite keep up with the grass in the spring and I'd like to start mowing it and improving the appearance of it. For tractors I am in the 25 HP range, probabaly going to go with the 2250.

Mower options I am looking at include
the 62D for $2200 and my local Deere dealer also suggested a GM3060 60\" 3pt Grooming Mower-$2,495.00 .

Pros / cons on these and any thoughts on a flail mower?

I have a 48" Ariens ZTR for my yard.

Thanks!

Nuru · May 4, 2008

check out this thread for another option, i switched to a flail mower and will son be determining if I masde the right choice. I did not spend an arm and a leg for this unit BETST so I could have gotten a very good bargain.

http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/attachments/118882-lets-talk-flail-mowers.html

jdbower · May 4, 2008

Well, a rear finish mower (RFM) is a lot easier to hook up and unhook if you've got a tractor that gets used as a tractor. A mid mount mower like the 62D (MMM) is more maneuverable in tight corners, but it requires a mounting frame that could interfere with some other implements and will severely limit the ground clearance when it's installed. Both will get the job done over even ground, but the RFM would be a bit better if the land isn't very smooth. With a VTR in the garage I'd got with an RFM if the ZTR can't handle the job for some reason.

In addition to the flail mower mentioned above, I'd also consider a rotary cutter (sometimes incorrectly called a Bushhog, which is a name brand of rotary cutter, or even more incorrectly a Brushhog, which is just a corruption of a brand name

). It won't cut as nicely but it will keep the grasses down and you can use it to help clear more land. It's also typically cheaper than a RFM, both to purchase and to maintain.

Runner · May 5, 2008

I agree with all that jdbower said.

I have both a 62D and a Frontier GM1072R RFM (used with a 2520). Here's my list of likes and dislikes on each:

62D Likes:

decent mowing quality
compact dimensions of tractor/mower for storage in shed
fairly easy to maneuver
keeps weight on the tractor wheels (good for stability)

62D Dislikes:

windrows clippings when the grass is tall
mower noice/vibration, etc., right under operator
scalps when going around corners on hills
can't get into corners or under trees
very messy - gets grass clippings all over the tractor and fills the grill up. I have to stop and clean my grille off at least once per acre.
harder to use with three-point attachments or loader
harder to remove to use the backhoe (as compared to the RFM)

RFM Likes:

easy on/off (great for loader/three point attachment/backhoe use)
fabulous cut quality (better than the 62D, in my opinion)
more even distribution of clippings
no mess on me or the tractor
keeps the noise, vibration, etc., behind the operator
can be backed into corners and under trees
easy to service (you can get to the spindle grease zerks and to the top of the deck easy for cleaning)

RFM Dislikes:

weight is being towed and not contributing to the stability or traction of the tractor

As you can see, I've decided I like my RFM better and it will be my primary mower, even if it means using 4WD more often than I had to with the 62D.

Nuru · May 5, 2008

Runner, good points. I am running my Turf specials to provide a wide stance so that I resist the leaning on slopes of the cab when motor on the slopes

jsboening · May 6, 2008

Heres my 2 cents. I'm currently borrowing a Frontier 84" rmm from my dealer. The quality of the cut is pretty good on level surfaces. On any uneven terrain the quality drops. Mainly because the size off the deck. Also the four castor wheels seem to dig into the ground when going from forward to reverse and vise versa, so using it around trees really tears the grass up. Forget about using it to edge with, it just takes to long and is too imprecise. However if you just want to use it for mowing pasture with no trees I say go for it. It will mow a ton of grass in short order. As far as build quality of the frontier. It's build like a tank! Much heavier than my brush hog. Also I like how it hooks right up to my Imatch in just a couple of minutes. I really can't wait for my mmm to come so I can put the push mower away.

Runner · May 6, 2008

js,

What's the "receiver hitch" looking dealie on the back of that GM1084R? Is it used for hooking the mower up in a gang/batwing configuration or something?

jsboening · May 6, 2008

I asked my dealer about that too. He uses it to tow a roller behind the mower. Kills two birds with one stone type deal. He puts on a charity lawn mower race here at the Sparta airport in July. All proceeds go to help find a cure for Huntington's disease. I've volunteered to mow about 10 acres out there 4-5 times this season. I thought it was the least I could do for using his mower this season.

Fred Cowell · May 12, 2008

Scott,
Great points above. I suppose it all comes down to personal preference. Perhaps another thing to consider is if mowing will be your primary tractor use. If mowing is primary, changing out the deck won't be done as often or cause regular hassle. For me on the coffee farm, low CG is more important than cut quality or change out.

Haven't I ordered parts for my '84 245 from you? I miss the old brown brick, but I may someday go toll free (1800).

Aloha,

Nuru · May 13, 2008

jsboening said:
Heres my 2 cents. I'm currently borrowing a Frontier 84" rmm from my dealer. The quality of the cut is pretty good on level surfaces. On any uneven terrain the quality drops. Mainly because the size off the deck. Also the four castor wheels seem to dig into the ground when going from forward to reverse and vise versa, so using it around trees really tears the grass up. Forget about using it to edge with, it just takes to long and is too imprecise. However if you just want to use it for mowing pasture with no trees I say go for it. It will mow a ton of grass in short order. As far as build quality of the frontier. It's build like a tank! Much heavier than my brush hog. Also I like how it hooks right up to my Imatch in just a couple of minutes. I really can't wait for my mmm to come so I can put the push mower away.

In the past I have toyed with the idea of getting a RFM, but went with the flail sofar and will work with that for a while. I still kept the option open to get a MMM or an RFM too, but have not for the new unit.