MX5 vs LX5 ???

[RollTideRam]

I probably can't afford either one, but I have a question. Why does the mx5 require more pto hp than the lx5? I think it was 22 and 18hp. My 2520 has 20.5 pto hp. Also when looking for attatchments for the 2520, deere does not list a rotary cutter at all. JC

 

[ddivinia]

The MX-5 is much heavier. The extra weight has got to be the issue.

I am sure JD has a rotary cutter for yoru 2520.

D.

 

[BloomingtonMike]

I am contemplating a MX6 for my 3320 but Deere says min 30 PTO HP and the 3320 is 25hp. MX5 is what JD says I should use. Local Dealer has a MX6 cheap though.

 

[jeepinator]

Using my MX5 as a reference, I'd not recommend an MX6.
My MX5 is a tank and it puts a lot of mass way, way back there. You would likely be fine with the 3PH lift capacity, and even the PTO power, but the counterweight you would need would be substantial. On bumpy ground at any speed even my MX5 sets up some entertaining bronco action. I could see an MX6 being a handful, but workable with a load of gravel in the bucket and a few beers

 

[jeepinator]

I'd sure think an LX4 would be fine on a 2520?
I checked and indeed no JD documentation I could find indicates compatibility with any LX or MX.

 

[browns40]

Tough one...

How much clearance does the 2520 have? My impression was that this series was intended to offer all the extras you can get on a tractor, while still keeping finish mowing/maneuverability/light weight the primary focus of the machine, you know? Not quite enough PTO for a big tiller, winch or shredder... not quite enough loader to load truck over 8 feet sides... but more than enough for a homeowner with relatively finished property to take care of most any maintenance and improvements that came along.

I mean no offense for sure, just figure based on the close pricing to the 3120 & 3203 that the intended niche was meant to be a bit different than the larger framed/weighted machines.

The MX5 weighs 728 #'s, which IF I recall is 35-40% of the total weight of the 2520 (???)... also that weight center of gravity is about 4 feet back from your 3pt hitch.

Improperly ballasted that thing would be wagging your tractor all over the place... even if you had proper front ballast, your tractor would be using a lot of power just to move, and have so much weight on the structure of the tractor. I think it would be too much stress on the tractor... too tough to use, let alone use it effectively.

MX5 also recommends a minimum of 25 PTO hp... the 3320 HST is just at the lower limit, but turns it fine.

Mike, regarding the MX6, I guess it depends on your intentions... In the field, I wish I'd opted for the MX6 for efficiency & that extra 10-15% blade tip speed... in the woods, realistically, the MX5 is plenty of shredder for my tractor... more maneuverable (like the 3x20 vs. 4x20), still able to take a full bite of alders, makes a path the same size at the footprint of the machine... but can't bite off so much that the loadmatch can't compensate for the material... gets close, but works through it.

That said, how good a deal is your MX6? Cheaper than the MX5?

Back on point, the LX5 is quite a bit lighter cutter, but is not much more of a cutter than the off brands are... very thin steel.

Just reread your post--I'm a horses *****... the LX gearbox carries less than half the rating of the MX5, blades are smaller & thinner, don't even know if they have a stump jumper (???). You need more to turn the MX because there's a lot more steel to move via PTO (and tractor).

 

[unreconstructed]

I have an MX6 for my 5203. It is, of course, no problem for the 5203. But I can definitely tell its "back there". Don't have a 2520, but can't visualize the MX6 on that light of a tractor.

 

[jeffinsgf]

Hmmm. I think there's an oversight on the JD web site. No rotary cutters are indicated for the 2520, but the LX-4 is indicated for the 2210, 2305, and 2320.

That is all I would put on a 2520. JD makes those recomendations for a reason.

 

[rockyridgefarm]

MX6 owner here. I use one on a 4310. It isn't perfect. But not nearly as bad as "needing a load of gravel and several beers" to use... My only real requirements are that I must have the loader in place and on really bumpy ground I may have to slow down a bit when transporting.

I actually would not rule out the MX5. The LX is just too lightly made for anything too rough for a finish mower. The skirt thinness is my bigget concern. Swing a little too wide and clip a post, or snag a rock and it may be all over.

My dealer talked me into trying the MX before going to an LX; maybe you could do the same. At least be able to mount one and travel your property without actully cutting.

Better gearbox, reasonable skirt thickness, heavier frame, double deck, higher tip speed, thicker blades, real stumpjumper, Made in America, MX vs. flimsy LX. I guess there is a lot to consider...

 

[Houndsman]

JD does recommend the LX4 and LX5 for the 2520. JD does not recommend the LX 6 for a 2520. Owners manuals for the LX4/5 also confirm this.
In the 3X20 series, JD does not start recommending the MX series until the 3320. This leaves the 3120 out. Our 3120 owners may have a different perspective. Per JD literature, the 990 is rated for LX4/5/6 and MX5.
v/r mark