New finish mower needed

[GPintheMitten]

I havent used a landpride. About 10 years ago I bought a new rear mount finish mower from TSC. I used it behind my Ford 2N for about 3 summers and it worked fine. I sold it when I divorced.

I cant really remember the fine details. It was side discharge. I dont recall a problem with the clippings. I suppose it depends on whether it was allowed to grow too tall or not.

It was my only finish mower at the time. I do remember thinking the deck was quite sturdy. But I think it prudent to look closely at how both brans are made.

Regardless of brand, it wont be very convenient to mow with a rear mower once you have your orchard established. But I suppose you are prepared for that.

 

[tow653]

Woods makes good finish mowers,I cut about 7 acres with mine after it has been baled for hay,side discharge so it does windrow if i let it get to tall or my wife moves and tries to cut it like a golf green,short. Currently looking at a 5' Caroni Flail mower.

 

[leonz]

If you are worried about price purchase a used JD25A finish cut flailmower
and you will never want to go back to cutting at a seven inch height again.

There are lot of good used ones available on tractor house/auction time etc.

 

[GPintheMitten]

I think mine was king kutter.

 

[Larro Darro]

Hey Drew. I had to decide on a RFM a while back. Here is the thread I started at the time. http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/buying-pricing-comparisons/285903-600-difference-between-land-pride.html It has some good info and might be a help to you. I ended up buying the 6' Countyline {TSC}, and have been satisfied with it. But not sure if it can be adjusted as high as 7". Or any of them, for that matter.

Good luck in your hunt.

Larro

 

[Turbys_1700]

I've been mowing with a rear finish mower now going on 23 years...
15 years with a light duty 5' Land Pride and 8 years with a heavy duty 6' Woods...
In that time I have replaced a couple of wheels, 1 drive belt, and some blades...
That's it...
Mowing 32 to 36 weeks per year at 3 plus acres per week on rougher than normal ground...
I would not be afraid at all of any of the Land Pride, Woods, or Bush Hog products...
I have no experience with the Italian mowers but I tend to stick with what I know is going to last and be a good value...

 

[RoyJackson]

I've had two BEFCO mowers (one a 60" unit, the other an 84" mower). Both came with the tractors I was buying (at the time) and were great. The only downside of the 84" RFM was the difficulty in backing it into my garage (~7'6" door width).
I sold the 84" BEFCO and bought a Deere Frontier unit 72" wide. the Frontier is made by Woods and it's a very good mower.

I recommend both BEFCO and Woods...with a slight advantage for the Woods.

 

[Rocky Hoffler]

Have you looked at everything attachments.

 

[Dale_Alan]

I have a Bush Hog 72" rear discharge with about 300 hours or so. I would not recommend this mower!!!!! The swivel wheels do not have roller bearings, it is a bushing and a pipe and is slap worn out at 100 hours. It costs about $50 for all four wheels, to replace this P--s Poor set up for a small wheel that turns so much and takes such a beating. Other than that it has been okay, but roller bearings on the wheels are a must, the swivel is just a shaft going through a pipe with a zerk, which in my mind is okay and shows little wear for the hours.
I realize the bearings will add cost to the original cost but as my Dad used to say, "Pay now or pay later".

Dale

 

[daugen]

good to know Dale, thanks, I'll look at that for sure. Pretty sure both my LandPrides have bearings back there.
I am waiting for prices on Land Prides' lightest mower, the FDR1672 plus a price on the heavier FDR2584

It seems the "good" companies all have their regular heavy duty mowers, but to increase market share, have all dipped their toes into lighter weight mowers. Wonder how that has done for them, reputation, warranty claims, etc. My lighter weight mower on my smaller tractor, which I just gave to my church, was a Land Pride, definitely lighter weight than the other heavier larger one, but it mowed beautifully; better than the larger one. Just a great field grass mower and it was swinging blade. Just hoping a regular finish mower will leave a better cut appearance.