Mowers

[AHNC]

While I'm in the market for a tractor (20-25hp range) one of it chief purposes will be mowing. It's a small lot but pretty wide open. i understand the argument against the MMM for ground clearance when using other implements and mounting/dismounting hassle. That puts me into the Woods, Land Pride, Gear More rear PTO type units.

I'd rather have a smaller mower but want to be able to cover the track so 5' is max. If I needed a heavy duty machine I'd rent it to catch up, so I think a finish mower is better for me.

Never having operated one, I don't even know the questions to ask on these mowers. What is important? What to look for? What do you like/dislike about yours? Anything to stay away from?

 

[LBrown59]

While I'm in the market for a tractor (20-25hp range) one of it chief purposes will be mowing. It's a small lot but pretty wide open. i understand the argument against the MMM for ground clearance when using other implements and mounting/dismounting hassle. That puts me into the Woods, Land Pride, Gear More rear PTO type units.

I'd rather have a smaller mower but want to be able to cover the track so 5' is max. If I needed a heavy duty machine I'd rent it to catch up, so I think a finish mower is better for me.

Never having operated one, I don't even know the questions to ask on these mowers. What is important? What to look for? What do you like/dislike about yours? Anything to stay away from?

You need to write down all the task you want it to do.
Next determine if the task require a LAWN TRACTOR or garden tractor or would a subcompact or compact be better.

 

[WH401]

I have a Woods PRD7200 and I've been very pleased with it. It's definitely a heavily built mower, weighing in at around 719lbs. It leaves a very nice, manicured cut. The biggest differences between an RFM and a MMM is the ease of maintenance of the RFM and the movement, or swing, of the RFM. With the mower just hanging out back with no obstructions around it, it makes it much easier to get to everything. When mowing with the RFM, you have to watch the swing of the mower when turning. It's not as critical in the open, but you need to be more careful around buildings, trees, and other obstacles. I went from mowing with an older Woods MMM to this newer RFM and don't regret it one bit.

 

[Gizmo2]

While I'm in the market for a tractor (20-25hp range) one of it chief purposes will be mowing.

That would be PTO HP.

 

[AHNC]

You need to write down all the task you want it to do.
Next determine if the task require a LAWN TRACTOR or garden tractor or would a subcompact or compact be better.

I'll be mowing. The place is pretty rough as the PO didn't keep up with it. It won't be just cutting the grass except a small bit right in front of the house Large garden, building a deep, tall, 3 bay garage & an adjoining wood/metal shop. Material handling. I have a gravel driveway which will take some work. I won't need it for snow removal. I'm looking at a few acres of woods which will require a bit of thinning and clean-up. I think that once I get it, I will find all manner of "required" uses that I haven't anticipated. Some of those uses will likely have me feeling that one tractor is simply not enough. I think you have something there A lawn tractor may well be in my future, but I'm thinking a bit larger for now.

A BX 2360/2660 may be perfect but it looks like I can get a 2516/CK120 for not a lot more money and don't think them to large for the place or the jobs...but again, I haven't run a tractor much since I was a kid and that was a long time ago. I know that I don't want to go to small.