MX6 and 3720 and 990

[jcmseven]

I do not have one, but I have first hand knowledge from those that do. The 3720 I know will power an MX6 cutter. I think from a power perspective you would have no problem. My only concern is your terrain. If it is relatively flat, the mid frame JD would do fine. But, on hills you might encounter some stability issues. I have had both a 4520 and a 3720 and the one big advantage of the larger framed deere's is their stability on lateral hills. You could invert the tires and that would help some, but I still think the MX6 weight wise is a load on uneven terrain for a 3000 series machine. That said, Mike here runs an MX6 well on his machine, so you could to. But, a 4000 series tractor would not notice an MX 6 where either of the machines you mention certainly would.

John M

 

[jcmseven]

I do not have one, but I have first hand knowledge from those that do. The 3720 I know will power an MX6 cutter. I think from a power perspective you would have no problem. My only concern is your terrain. If it is relatively flat, the mid frame JD would do fine. But, on hills you might encounter some stability issues. I have had both a 4520 and a 3720 and the one big advantage of the larger framed deere's is their stability on lateral hills. You could invert the tires and that would help some, but I still think the MX6 weight wise is a load on uneven terrain for a 3000 series machine. That said, Mike here runs an MX6 well on his machine, so you could to. But, a 4000 series tractor would not notice an MX 6 where either of the machines you mention certainly would.

John M

 

[RoyJackson]

"I currently have a 990 with an MX-6. I would recommend that you try the combination before you purchase it. The horsepower of the 990 is marginal for that cutter. I don't know if it would lift it without a loader either. "

You really want front weights on the tractor if you're going to transport a heavy implement. Even if it doesn't lift the front end off the ground, your steering (without front weights) would be marginal.

As an example on a smaller scale, I can easily transport my 60" RFM without front weights and maintain good steering control. That mower weighs around 450#. I tried lift my 600 (plus) pound cutter (also a 60' unit). It did it, but was so unstable I thought I was going to roll over just setting there.

So, get yourself some front weights...I'd say 200# ought to do the job.

 

[RoyJackson]

"I currently have a 990 with an MX-6. I would recommend that you try the combination before you purchase it. The horsepower of the 990 is marginal for that cutter. I don't know if it would lift it without a loader either. "

You really want front weights on the tractor if you're going to transport a heavy implement. Even if it doesn't lift the front end off the ground, your steering (without front weights) would be marginal.

As an example on a smaller scale, I can easily transport my 60" RFM without front weights and maintain good steering control. That mower weighs around 450#. I tried lift my 600 (plus) pound cutter (also a 60' unit). It did it, but was so unstable I thought I was going to roll over just setting there.

So, get yourself some front weights...I'd say 200# ought to do the job.

 

[farmlegend]

Gentlemen, thanks for the replies.

As far as cutters go, I don't want anything less than 6', I mow a lot of clover plots, and a 5 footer would slow me down. Also would like to take out some brush, so a medium duty would be nice, whether it's an MX6, Woods, BushHog, etc. I run into rocks now and then, too.

I found the 990 to be a compelling machine; I like its simplicity, its look, and especially the price. Going to a 4000 series machine could run an additional 8 grand or so in my area, which ain't chicken feed. Not to offend anyone here, but, for me to take that big a leap, I might have to consider a different color, much as I'd like the machine to be a green one. The 4000 series tractors are pretty neat, but, hereabouts, I can buy a similar NH and use the thousands of dollars of savings to buy all of my implements. I'm never going to put many hours on any tractor, and will likely keep it for life, so resale isn't a big factor for me.

I'm thinking about more about maybe sticking with the 990, and perhaps another brand 6' medium-duty cutter a little lighter weight than the MX6.

 

[farmlegend]

Gentlemen, thanks for the replies.

As far as cutters go, I don't want anything less than 6', I mow a lot of clover plots, and a 5 footer would slow me down. Also would like to take out some brush, so a medium duty would be nice, whether it's an MX6, Woods, BushHog, etc. I run into rocks now and then, too.

I found the 990 to be a compelling machine; I like its simplicity, its look, and especially the price. Going to a 4000 series machine could run an additional 8 grand or so in my area, which ain't chicken feed. Not to offend anyone here, but, for me to take that big a leap, I might have to consider a different color, much as I'd like the machine to be a green one. The 4000 series tractors are pretty neat, but, hereabouts, I can buy a similar NH and use the thousands of dollars of savings to buy all of my implements. I'm never going to put many hours on any tractor, and will likely keep it for life, so resale isn't a big factor for me.

I'm thinking about more about maybe sticking with the 990, and perhaps another brand 6' medium-duty cutter a little lighter weight than the MX6.

 

[therebarely]

The reasons you explained is exactly why I bought a 990. It is an excellent value in today's market. This is my third yanmar/JD, and they are without a doubt the best built tractor for the money. Just wish it had a cab with air conditioning.

 

[therebarely]

The reasons you explained is exactly why I bought a 990. It is an excellent value in today's market. This is my third yanmar/JD, and they are without a doubt the best built tractor for the money. Just wish it had a cab with air conditioning.

 

[gizmo]

I have looked at a number of the higher end JDs and still have never regretted getting the 990. I have a JD lawn tractor with a HST, but I still like shifting the gears on the 990.

I run a 6' finish mower and a 4' cutter like they're not even there, but I would be interested in hearing how the 6' cutter works out.

 

[gizmo]

I have looked at a number of the higher end JDs and still have never regretted getting the 990. I have a JD lawn tractor with a HST, but I still like shifting the gears on the 990.

I run a 6' finish mower and a 4' cutter like they're not even there, but I would be interested in hearing how the 6' cutter works out.