Well, I've been read all the posts for about a year now and finally took delivery of my Jinma 224LX w/fel a few weeks ago. It's been great! I've added a few mod's and I'm planning more. Found the "floating ground" on the fuel gauge. I've got 16 hrs so far. I've changed the engine oil and purchased new Hyd. fluid and gear oil and hope to get that done next weekend. I've got a question concerning rotary cutters/brushogs. My property is pretty flat, just a gentle slope. I think my 224 should work ok with a 5 ft mower cutting mostly grass, weeds, some berry bushes and some other brush, nothing too big. Do you think 22 hp is enough?
Mowing New owner mower question
- Thread starter Jvilljoe
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greg_g
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For a finish mower? Probably.
For a rotary cutter? Maybe, if you go slow enough.
My 24hp Yanmar did a great job with a 5 foot finish mower. But a pair of 25hp Jinmas struggled up some of my hillsides in front of a 5 rotary cutter. Had to drop into low range for the worst of them. You're 3hp less.
//greg//
For a rotary cutter? Maybe, if you go slow enough.
My 24hp Yanmar did a great job with a 5 foot finish mower. But a pair of 25hp Jinmas struggled up some of my hillsides in front of a 5 rotary cutter. Had to drop into low range for the worst of them. You're 3hp less.
//greg//
JINMA224XR
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Hey Greg,
I respect your opinion Greg, and besides that, you have a bigger tractor than I do. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif
Are there any rotary cutters that will give a satisfactory cut on a 3 acre lawn, that you know of?
I have heard that there are some that give a better cut than others, but don't know if this is true or not. I was wondering if there are different type blades that are available for rotary cutters.
Have a nice day,
Joe /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif
I respect your opinion Greg, and besides that, you have a bigger tractor than I do. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif
Are there any rotary cutters that will give a satisfactory cut on a 3 acre lawn, that you know of?
I have heard that there are some that give a better cut than others, but don't know if this is true or not. I was wondering if there are different type blades that are available for rotary cutters.
Have a nice day,
Joe /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif
greg_g
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</font><font color="blue" class="small">( Are there any rotary cutters that will give a satisfactory cut on a 3 acre lawn, that you know of?)</font>
None that I know of Joe. Sorry. Turf damage notwithstanding, that's sorta like using a 3 pound sledge on a finishing nail. First consider the (narrow) R1 tires on a 224, then consider cornering damage from a single tail wheel. At an hourly rate, the time invested in turf repair would probably be better spent on an decent finish mower. And - compared to finish mower blades, rotary cutters are blunt instruments.
Now. Having said that, some finish mowers are stouter than others. My Yanmar mower for example; I didn't hesitate breaking through light brush and saplings up to about 3/4" or so (takes horsepower though). And I've known others who put good money into a strong finish mower, and made it double as a light duty bush hog. But I don't know of a rotary cutter myself, that would double as a good finish mower.
Or, consider a flail mower. But whatever the choice, remember your R1 tires.
//greg//
None that I know of Joe. Sorry. Turf damage notwithstanding, that's sorta like using a 3 pound sledge on a finishing nail. First consider the (narrow) R1 tires on a 224, then consider cornering damage from a single tail wheel. At an hourly rate, the time invested in turf repair would probably be better spent on an decent finish mower. And - compared to finish mower blades, rotary cutters are blunt instruments.
Now. Having said that, some finish mowers are stouter than others. My Yanmar mower for example; I didn't hesitate breaking through light brush and saplings up to about 3/4" or so (takes horsepower though). And I've known others who put good money into a strong finish mower, and made it double as a light duty bush hog. But I don't know of a rotary cutter myself, that would double as a good finish mower.
Or, consider a flail mower. But whatever the choice, remember your R1 tires.
//greg//
Soundguy
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</font><font color="blue" class="small">( Are there any rotary cutters that will give a satisfactory cut on a 3 acre lawn, that you know of?
I have heard that there are some that give a better cut than others, b )</font>
Depending on your soil and grass conditions, You can pull off a half-way decent cut with some rotary cutters. Many guys will sharpen their blades, and run the deck low. Course.. only certian models can run the deck low without making contact.
This gives you a slightly shaggy lawn.
If you are looking for the golf course look.. or have a 10,000$ st-augustine lawn.. I'd avoid this route.
Some grasses and lawns print pretty badly on narrow front tr-rib tires, and narrow r-1 tires. If you have a pasture/front lawn.. you should do ok.
Also.. those sharpened rotary cutter blades.. they don't do good going back and forth from grass to brush cutting. While they need to be sharp for grass cutting.. they are actually designed to be run more or less 'dull' for cutting 2" green, and some woody.. rocks, and ant mounts. most guys don't take the edge past 3/32 or 1/16.
Perhaps a KK 4' XB mower might do ya double duty.. it has dual tail wheels. Still Like Greg said. If you want manicured lawn.. you will need a finish mower.. or a dedicated lawnmower.
One idea is to get a dedicated lawnmower and mow.. say.. 1 ac as lawn. This can be a 4' finish mower ( 9xx$ and up ) for your tractor.. or could be a rider mower ( 800$ and up ) and then get yourself a cheaper 4' rough cutter.. like a KK or howse. And mow the 'outskirts' with that. 3ac cutting on a regular lawnmower will eventually kill it. Even the HD ones. Both my neighbors are on at least their second mower since I've been there. ( 5.5 years ). One neighbor wore out a JD rider, and is on his second one. The other neighbor wore out a huskie and is now on a cub cadet... both mowing 3 ac lawns.
Soundguy
I have heard that there are some that give a better cut than others, b )</font>
Depending on your soil and grass conditions, You can pull off a half-way decent cut with some rotary cutters. Many guys will sharpen their blades, and run the deck low. Course.. only certian models can run the deck low without making contact.
This gives you a slightly shaggy lawn.
If you are looking for the golf course look.. or have a 10,000$ st-augustine lawn.. I'd avoid this route.
Some grasses and lawns print pretty badly on narrow front tr-rib tires, and narrow r-1 tires. If you have a pasture/front lawn.. you should do ok.
Also.. those sharpened rotary cutter blades.. they don't do good going back and forth from grass to brush cutting. While they need to be sharp for grass cutting.. they are actually designed to be run more or less 'dull' for cutting 2" green, and some woody.. rocks, and ant mounts. most guys don't take the edge past 3/32 or 1/16.
Perhaps a KK 4' XB mower might do ya double duty.. it has dual tail wheels. Still Like Greg said. If you want manicured lawn.. you will need a finish mower.. or a dedicated lawnmower.
One idea is to get a dedicated lawnmower and mow.. say.. 1 ac as lawn. This can be a 4' finish mower ( 9xx$ and up ) for your tractor.. or could be a rider mower ( 800$ and up ) and then get yourself a cheaper 4' rough cutter.. like a KK or howse. And mow the 'outskirts' with that. 3ac cutting on a regular lawnmower will eventually kill it. Even the HD ones. Both my neighbors are on at least their second mower since I've been there. ( 5.5 years ). One neighbor wore out a JD rider, and is on his second one. The other neighbor wore out a huskie and is now on a cub cadet... both mowing 3 ac lawns.
Soundguy
bluechip
Veteran Member
Big Bee makes an "estate" mower, which is essentially a brush mower with guide wheels so it can cut lower. Blade considerations are probably consistant with Soundguys advice. but the guide wheels (2 rear and anti scalp front) help prevent the other problem with using a brush hog to finish mow, and that is constant scalping at the slightes ineveness of the ground, when you are close cutting.
JINMA224XR
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Thanks Guys,
Thanks Greg, Soundguy, and Bluechip.
That was a good comeback, and really useful information.
I'm just starting to seed my lawn now. I haven't gotten anykind of cutter yet for the little 224. I still have my 1988 12HP MTD, and it is still running, believe it or not! I've lost count on the # of batteries that I have put in it. When I bought it new back in 1988, all my neighbors pointed and laughed at me and said, that thing is not any good and won't last long at all. The first thing that I did, was to get a special grease fitting for my grease gun and put grease in the rear transaxle, until the grease came out somewhere. It took about 5 or 6 full size grease refills to fill up the transaxle. They didn't put much grease in the transaxle on mine. I wonder why!? /forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif Over the years I have put new spindles in the deck and replaced the belts several times, and replaced the worn out seat. Those Briggs and Stratton motors are ok as far as I'm concerned. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif I'll continue to mow with it for a while and then probably sell it and put the money's on a finish mower or rotary cutter.
It's amazing how long you can make something last if you give it the proper lubrication, a little painting once in a while and some tender care.
Have a nice day,
Joe /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif
Thanks Greg, Soundguy, and Bluechip.
That was a good comeback, and really useful information.
I'm just starting to seed my lawn now. I haven't gotten anykind of cutter yet for the little 224. I still have my 1988 12HP MTD, and it is still running, believe it or not! I've lost count on the # of batteries that I have put in it. When I bought it new back in 1988, all my neighbors pointed and laughed at me and said, that thing is not any good and won't last long at all. The first thing that I did, was to get a special grease fitting for my grease gun and put grease in the rear transaxle, until the grease came out somewhere. It took about 5 or 6 full size grease refills to fill up the transaxle. They didn't put much grease in the transaxle on mine. I wonder why!? /forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif Over the years I have put new spindles in the deck and replaced the belts several times, and replaced the worn out seat. Those Briggs and Stratton motors are ok as far as I'm concerned. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif I'll continue to mow with it for a while and then probably sell it and put the money's on a finish mower or rotary cutter.
It's amazing how long you can make something last if you give it the proper lubrication, a little painting once in a while and some tender care.
Have a nice day,
Joe /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif
SPIKER
Elite Member
hey there:
Ive got a 284 and have a 5' finish mower, it pulls it pretty good and even mows up 40 degree+ incline. I mow what was one plowed field and have had some gouges and such. I want/need a rotary cutter though as well as I have 22 acres and mow probaly 5 or more after figuring in the paths. I have 6+ more I would like to brush hog 1~2 times a year to keep weeds down... anyohw I would get a 4' finish mower for the 3pt and mow with that. makeing sure it has good heavy blades not one of the lesser brands and make sure it has heavy deck too. it MAY/MIGHT be able to pull a 5' on low range 3rd gear on flat/level ground but it would be pushing it some. anyhow several ways to go... all good advice above.
MarkM
Ive got a 284 and have a 5' finish mower, it pulls it pretty good and even mows up 40 degree+ incline. I mow what was one plowed field and have had some gouges and such. I want/need a rotary cutter though as well as I have 22 acres and mow probaly 5 or more after figuring in the paths. I have 6+ more I would like to brush hog 1~2 times a year to keep weeds down... anyohw I would get a 4' finish mower for the 3pt and mow with that. makeing sure it has good heavy blades not one of the lesser brands and make sure it has heavy deck too. it MAY/MIGHT be able to pull a 5' on low range 3rd gear on flat/level ground but it would be pushing it some. anyhow several ways to go... all good advice above.
MarkM
Dwight44
New member
How do the members feel about a Jinma 284 with a FEL, and my need to alternate a belly mower with the backhoe running off the 3PH?
My most frequent task is mowing, should I really be looking at a belly mower at all? Everyone seems to be running finishing mowers.
I have a 2 acre estate with a lot of tight turns, and rises.
My most frequent task is mowing, should I really be looking at a belly mower at all? Everyone seems to be running finishing mowers.
I have a 2 acre estate with a lot of tight turns, and rises.
bluechip
Veteran Member
The finish mower behind the tractor will float over your yard's irregularities much better than the belly mower, because the belly mower is very limited in side to side float by the way it attaches to the 3 pt in the rear. On failry flat or gradual rolling surfaces the belly mower will work OK, some find them easier to use, more like a big riding lawn mower, but the rear is easier to take on and off when you wan to use the tractor for other things...
I think the mounting brackets for the loader might also interfere with the mid mount mower, especially if it th Jinma loader with the provision for the backhoe subframe.
I think the mounting brackets for the loader might also interfere with the mid mount mower, especially if it th Jinma loader with the provision for the backhoe subframe.