Runner
Elite Member
- Joined
- May 12, 2007
- Messages
- 2,979
- Location
- Missouri
- Tractor
- 2024 Cub Cadet Ultima ZTXS5 54, 2007 John Deere 2520, 1989 John Deere 185, 1960 Panzer T70B
Hi all. New member from Missouri here making an introduction. I have recently moved to six acres of rolling hills that need to be finish mowed (2 acres) and rough cut (4 acres). Slopes in some areas are fairly steep (up to 17 degrees) but for the most part, it is just lawn and pasture grass on fairly gentle slopes. Some of the ground is a little rough, but no stumps or rocks to speak of.
I'm on the verge of making a decision on a compact utility (or maybe even sub compact?), however, I'm somewhat torn. As you can see from my avatar, I'm doing the whole thing now with a 1989 JD185 (38 inch mower deck). It is a tough little lawn mower for sure, but won't last much longer under this pressure.
To the point, I'm thinking of a 2520, but have some reservations that lead me to also considering the 2305. I really like the idea of staying small for the maneuverability and finish mowing ability, but am aware that it would take forever to mow the 4 acres with a 4 foot cutter. I will also be buying a 200CX, rear blade, box blade, 60 inch rotary cutter and snow blade. Maybe pallet forks and snow blower just for fun in the future.
Questions:
1. The stories of the 62D mower wheels have turned me off on that deck (maybe unnecessarily?) so I'm considering going with a RFM. However, the dealer pointed out that running the wheels wide side out(necessary for the side slopes?) would not leave much trimming ability with a 60 RFM. Does anyone here run a 72 inch RFM on a 2520 and does it handle it OK? (I'm thinking of a Frontier GM2072R).
2. On the slopes I mentioned, does everyone agree that the rear wheels must be run wide side out? I would rather stay away from weighted tires if possible.
If it works, I tried to attach pics showing the front yard and the 17 degree side slope (to the left of the driveway in the snow picture).
I really enjoy reading what the group has to say and have been lurking for quite some time, trying to gather information.
Thanks to all.
I'm on the verge of making a decision on a compact utility (or maybe even sub compact?), however, I'm somewhat torn. As you can see from my avatar, I'm doing the whole thing now with a 1989 JD185 (38 inch mower deck). It is a tough little lawn mower for sure, but won't last much longer under this pressure.
To the point, I'm thinking of a 2520, but have some reservations that lead me to also considering the 2305. I really like the idea of staying small for the maneuverability and finish mowing ability, but am aware that it would take forever to mow the 4 acres with a 4 foot cutter. I will also be buying a 200CX, rear blade, box blade, 60 inch rotary cutter and snow blade. Maybe pallet forks and snow blower just for fun in the future.
Questions:
1. The stories of the 62D mower wheels have turned me off on that deck (maybe unnecessarily?) so I'm considering going with a RFM. However, the dealer pointed out that running the wheels wide side out(necessary for the side slopes?) would not leave much trimming ability with a 60 RFM. Does anyone here run a 72 inch RFM on a 2520 and does it handle it OK? (I'm thinking of a Frontier GM2072R).
2. On the slopes I mentioned, does everyone agree that the rear wheels must be run wide side out? I would rather stay away from weighted tires if possible.
If it works, I tried to attach pics showing the front yard and the 17 degree side slope (to the left of the driveway in the snow picture).
I really enjoy reading what the group has to say and have been lurking for quite some time, trying to gather information.
Thanks to all.