Mower Question: RMM vs. MMM

[surfacewave]

I also went throug the same questions (MMM vs rear PTO mower). I have about 3 acres of yard, flower beds and some trees. In both cases rear or MMM you will still have use a push type mower to get into those hard to access areas (there are less of them with a MMM) or turn that area into new flower beds (wich I have done), I also mow the my 5 acre field with the MMM. The MMM is more expemsive but I am very pleased with the quality of the cut. As far as the removing and reattaching the rear mower is obviously easier but I takes me less than three minutes to change my MMM.
So I don't think attaching and removal of a MMM should be the deciding factor. Good Luck on your decision!

 

[Will_C]

To add to what others have said, your tractor choice should also help determine what mower you decide to choose. The best reason to get the BX is being able to use the excellent MMM. I can attach/disconnect mine as quickly as a RFM, and it does a wonderful job. If you decide on a RFM, then you might as well get the 7500 with the advantages the bigger tractor will give you.

 

[BigDave]

I would recommend a RFM for you, but let my give you some background fist. The BX2200 comes with a 60" MMM that weighs 250lbs. The B7500 comes with a 60" MMM that weighs 350lbs and is made frm 9.5 gauge steel. Since you are looking for a small chasis CUT, the heaviest MMM in this class belongs to NH TC18-24 models. The 60" MMM on these models come in rear and side discharge, weighing 425 and 475 lbs. These decks are made from 7 gauge steel. This is probably meaningless, since you probably wouldn't select a CUT based on its MMM. Your mower will probably be your highest wear attachment that you will own, so finding the heaviest duty mower available is what I recommend, and that's why I suggest a RFM. You will have a choice of brands and construction. Look how they are made. How much they weigh. How long is their warranty.

Personally, I have a midsize chassis NH with a MMM. I have a lot of trees, and consider the MMM the best way to go for me. Seven gauge steel is my minimum requirement, since have experienced cracks on thinner decks, and have had to weld and reweld them. To be fair, JD also has a 7 gauge steel MMM for their midsize CUTs. This MMM is actually stamped from a single piece of steel.

 

[MossRoad]

I went with a FMM (front mount mower) /w3tcompact/icons/laugh.gif/w3tcompact/icons/laugh.gif/w3tcompact/icons/laugh.gif

Excellent cut, greater visibility, can get closer than a MMM on tight radius curve changes on either side and into corners like a RMM. Removes or attaches in 30 seconds (that's no exageration, I've got films to prove it). Rear discharge blows under the tractor and leaves little windrow in heavy grass. Lifts over 3 feet off the ground for easy under deck cleaning too. Also, brush hogging with a front mount brush hog is much easier than a 3pt hitch.

But... since you have your heart set on the big K (excellent machines in my opinion) you might want to look at the Woods line of rear mount mowers. They appear to be very well built and give a very nice cut. Here's a clickable link to their website and the rear discharge mower page.<A target="_blank" HREF=http://www.woodsequipment.com/catalog/tg_finish8.html>http://www.woodsequipment.com/catalog/tg_finish8.html</A>

If I were going to buy a tractor with a 3pt hitch, this is the mower that I would buy. Let us know what you decide. /w3tcompact/icons/smile.gif

 

[snowman]

I have a B7500 with a MMM. Have never used a RDM on it, so I can't comment on that. However, on the ease of taking the MM off, it's not hard at all. Just need to raise the front end (either with FEL or blocks), unhook three pins, undo the PTO, and slide it out. Takes about five minutes on a concrete garage floor.

 

[theboman]

I have a 60" MMM on my B7500 and love it, I can trim close to stuff most the time and my weedeating is more along the ditches and banks than around trees.
Using a RFM you have to remember your mower is behind you so you have to drive past things to turn since it's turning wider than the tractor, on in other words your tractor is longer behind you and if you ain't careful you'll knock it against the car, house, wife or whatever.

 

[rdricks]

"To add to what others have said, your tractor choice should also help determine what mower you decide to choose."

I agree with the statement above. The BX has an excellent MMM that is very easy to install and remove. However, not having a lot of experience with a RFM, I would think that you would limit your self to some of the smaller units with the BX. If you decide on the RFM you may as well get the larger tractor as well.

 

[bnixon]

I have a 72" FC RFM that I use behind my New Holland TC33D (The Mid size chasis).

I bought it to maintain my 2 acres. But I have also use it to mow my yard at my current house. My whole front yard is about 40' by 25' with a lot of curved flowerbeds. I get some really strange looks form my neighbors but seat time is seat time/w3tcompact/icons/laugh.gif!

It makes my yard look better than when I use my 22" walk behind mower and manuvers around the free form curved beds with ease. I hardly have to even trim with the line trimmer al all.

I would sugest the RFM with the larger tractor. Can't go wrong with that combo IMO!