Rear Finish Mower New Woods RD990X

[rbargeron]

I noticed the new Woods Finish Mower Brochure (April 2012) shows an RD990X model that apparently replaces the RM990. Anybody seen one up close?

From the pics it seems slightly less beefy - castor arms and lower links don't look as rugged. They are recommending a 45-75 hp tractor. But backing up close to an obstacle with that much tractor risks folding the rear castors like a cheap suit. Compare pics of RD990X and former RM990.

 

[pacerron]

I noticed the new Woods Finish Mower Brochure (April 2012) shows an RD990X model that apparently replaces the RM990. Anybody seen one up close?

From the pics it seems slightly less beefy - castor arms and lower links don't look as rugged. They are recommending a 45-75 hp tractor. But backing up close to a tree with that much tractor risks folding the rear castors like a cheap suit. Compare pics of RD990X and former RM990.

According to the specs it is actually heavier, 1300+ pounds.
I wouldn't care for the spacer washers for height adjustment. Probably loose them. http://www.woodsequipment.com/uploadedFiles/Products/Manuals/MAN0845.pdf

 

[schmism]

Cant imagine trying to use a Finish mower with a 90" cut flat deck unless your intended use was to mow golf course fairways or sod farms.

my property has enough unevenness that even my 72" MMM will cut funky if im not carefull on transition areas.

 

[rbargeron]

According to the specs it is actually heavier, 1300+ pounds....... http://www.woodsequipment.com/uploadedFiles/Products/Manuals/MAN0845.pdf

It sure looks lighter - maybe the 1300+ lb includes the chain plates (about 250 lb) ? Those height adjuster washers are retained by a regular snap hitch pin at the top. I used a Bush Hog 6' with those and the pin got knocked loose by vegetation, allowing the whole castor to fall off.

Woods has always done a good job on their 90" heavy duty finish mower - I should probably not criticize the new model based only on pictures. It's just that whenever a product is really rugged, some fresh little MBA genius thinks they can take the money out of it and they just screw it up. Oops, showing my age here...