mx8 or mx 6 on a 4710

[green4710]

Hello, this is my first post here. I have a 4710, with a 7 foot finish mower. I need to trade it in and get a rotary cutter. I have about 15 acres that need mowed, mostly pastures, ex alfalfa fields, and a little lawn grass, etc. I'm also looking at doing mowing for hire for other people. My question is would an MX8 rotary cutter work on a 4710? I’m looking at a semi mount setup, as a direct 3 point would pull the front end off the ground. My dealer says an mx6 may be better, but time is money, so the extra two feet would be a big plus. Any thoughts or opinions would be most helpful. I just don’t want to buy a mower and it not work out.
Once again, thanks in advance

 

[beenthere]

I would expect from what you say that the MX8 will work, but I would first inquire more into the comment by the dealer. After all, he may have some previous experience there with former customers. He will try to keep you happy as that is good for all concerned.

 

[JerryG]

The dealer is right, the 6' is about the size that you need to use. Anything larger and the tractor will not be able to handle it in thick, tall grass or brush. The size and weight of a 8', would also be to much on slopes.

 

[cowboydoc]

I run an 8' on my 4600 so I think it would be fine on the 4710. If I have to go up hills I have to shift down but on the flats it's fine.

 

[JerryG]

Richard,
Is the mx8, that light of a cutter?

 

[cowboydoc]

Mine is a Woods. It's not that light but the 4600 handles it ok. Uphill I have to shift down to B range 1st gear. On the flats I can go B range 4th gear.

 

[green4710]

JD's page shows the mx8 weighs 1670 lbs. Id like a semi mount setup, as that is way to much for a 3 point mower, I couldnt even add enough weight to the front end. My biggest question is will the 4710 have enough power to run this thing. Im not mowing 5 foot tall weeds, small trees, etc, just grass in pastures, smaller weeds in fields, old alfalfa fields, where you have a few plants still growing, etc. I could almost do it with a finish mower, but not quite.

 

[timb]

Deere always listed the MX8 (semi or pull, not 3ph) as compatible with the 4710 (but not 4610 or smaller). Since they seem pretty conservative in their recommendations - I'd expect you'd have enough tractor to handle it under most conditions as you've described.

Check the implement code for the semi-mount against the chart in your owner's manual. With a 3ph mount even an MX6 just about maxes out the front weight requirement.

There are other brands of 7 and 8 foot rotaries that run two blades and might be a bit lighter if you want to stay with a 3ph mount and that wide of a mower.

An alternative for the conditions you've described might be a flail mower - someone on here runs a 390 (I think) with their 4710. They're expensive but so is an MX8.
Tim

 

[cowboydoc]

I really don't see how you would have any problems at all running it. If you were mowing alot of hills I wouldn't recommend it. Do you have gear or hydro? Mine is a gear.

 

[green4710]

My 4710 is a hydro. So i could easily slow down, etc. As far as hills, I dont plan on doing many hills. Around where I live its pretty flat, and I plan on doing pastures (flat), fields (flat) and small acerage mowing.