Mowing Weight

[lmreed]

I am very early in my search for a tractor that will fit my needs. I mow about 1-2 acres and am wondering if anyone has in mind a weight over which mowing is more difficult due to turf destruction. I think I would be OK getting a tractor that was light enough to mow and then add weights for the heavier tasks such as backhoe work, grading, etc.

I know that tire type is also important and have read lots about R1 vs. R4 and of course the benefit of turf tires for grass.

Thanks for any input. So far the posts I have read have been very informative and helpful. I can tell this will take a long time to sift through all the information necessary to make a good decision.

Lane

JD LX188 garden tractor

 

[JiminGa]

if you do the math on it, a 1500lb tractor won't put as much weight per square inch as a 250lb man...

 

[flusher]

I am very early in my search for a tractor that will fit my needs. I mow about 1-2 acres and am wondering if anyone has in mind a weight over which mowing is more difficult due to turf destruction. I think I would be OK getting a tractor that was light enough to mow and then add weights for the heavier tasks such as backhoe work, grading, etc.

I know that tire type is also important and have read lots about R1 vs. R4 and of course the benefit of turf tires for grass.

Thanks for any input. So far the posts I have read have been very informative and helpful. I can tell this will take a long time to sift through all the information necessary to make a good decision.

Lane

JD LX188 garden tractor

Are you mowing lawn, weeds or both?
Do you want a tractor with a backhoe for sure?
How much backhoe work are you planning compared to mowing, etc?
Do you want/need a FEL?

If you want the complete package, something like a BX-series Kubota with backhoe is a nice package. Add a 4 or 5-ft rotary mower for weeds and/or a finish mower for lawn work. Your total cost will be in the $20K range for all new equipment.

 

[RussMan]

If you are concerned w/ destruction of the lawn, another important factor is 2wd vs. 4wd. Most MMM can be supported by the hydraulics to take some of the weight off the wheels when the ground is soft. I have a Kubota 3030 w/ a 72" MMM and it seems to do fine on turf - I have the R4 tires as well. This MMM weighs about 450-500# but doesn't seem to be a problem. It has about 5-6 wheels that share in weight distribution.

 

[MossRoad]

I am very early in my search for a tractor that will fit my needs. I mow about 1-2 acres and am wondering if anyone has in mind a weight over which mowing is more difficult due to turf destruction. I think I would be OK getting a tractor that was light enough to mow and then add weights for the heavier tasks such as backhoe work, grading, etc.

I know that tire type is also important and have read lots about R1 vs. R4 and of course the benefit of turf tires for grass.

Thanks for any input. So far the posts I have read have been very informative and helpful. I can tell this will take a long time to sift through all the information necessary to make a good decision.

Lane

JD LX188 garden tractor

Welcome to TBN! Goshen is just 20 minutes away.

 

[bill6]

Hi Moss; when mowing and concerned about turf destruction, the issue is not total weight. It is weight per square inch, and tire tread type. For example, it wouldn't matter if you had a 30,000 lb machine mowing the lawn, as long as the weigth was spread out sufficiently. Anyway, here are some tips to avoid chewing up the grass:
1) Use 2wd while mowing, not 4wd
2) Definately get a set of turf tires
3) Mow when grass is dry, not wet
4) Be cautious, don't turn TOO sharp
5) Alternate directions each time you mow

Turf tires are generally a little wider, and are specifically designed to be more gentle on grass.

 

[Farmwithjunk]

Hi Moss; when mowing and concerned about turf destruction, the issue is not total weight. It is weight per square inch, and tire tread type. For example, it wouldn't matter if you had a 30,000 lb machine mowing the lawn, as long as the weigth was spread out sufficiently. Anyway, here are some tips to avoid chewing up the grass:
1) Use 2wd while mowing, not 4wd
2) Definately get a set of turf tires
3) Mow when grass is dry, not wet
4) Be cautious, don't turn TOO sharp
5) Alternate directions each time you mow

Turf tires are generally a little wider, and are specifically designed to be more gentle on grass.

Do you wax your tires too?

 

[bill6]

Hi Mr. Junk; No, but I wax the wheels (on both sides) to make them look shiny and protect from moisture & corrosion. For the tires, I use tire-shine, which makes them look "wet", but also helps keep the rubber soft & pliable for long life.......

 

[Rara Avis]

Hi Mr. Junk; No, but I wax the wheels (on both sides) to make them look shiny and protect from moisture & corrosion. For the tires, I use tire-shine, which makes them look "wet", but also helps keep the rubber soft & pliable for long life.......

I've got a 1970s JD2640 with the original rear tires without any treatments other than use and they still have lots of tread on them...

You need more land and more tractors to occupy your time...

 

[bill6]

Hi Paul; it's not a matter of tread life. In my example I'm referring to the sidewall. Some tractors, especially those sitting out in the sun, have tire sidewalls that become dry, light-colored, and very hard. They crack and look awful. Rubber dressing keeps them black & soft. Many trucks and tractors have sidewall failures far in advance of any tread issues..... Plus, it just looks nice.