pto hp needed for mowing

[Soundguy]

I would like opinions on what pto hp is need for 6', 7' 8' and 10' rotary cutter style mowers.

I see there is a brand called iron king down here in florida that advertises 8' and 10' pull type mowers for decent prices.

I'm considering trading my NH 1920 in at the dealer for a bigger machine.. but want some ideas first.. It may be cheaper for me to just find a mid sized agg tractor and used mower for cheaper than the make up difference in my trade in / up idea.

I'm just rying to come up with ways to cut my grass faster... I'm working 6 days a week now.. and a few of those are double shifts.... 6:30am to 11pm is a bit rough on the body after a while. That leaves me sunday to do the bulk of my farm chores..Heck.. tomorrow is the first day I've had off in 2 weeks as I worked last sunday... and mowing ties up about 7 hours of it right now.. not to mention the wife is looking to buy another pasture...( with who's money?!? )

Soundguy

 

[yellowsocks93]

In my experence with 4 different Deere's used for mowing: 970, 990, 790, and the 4300 the 990 cuts the best with the largest motor then the 970. 35 PTO hp is great for the 6' rear finish mower. I know on my mower the max hp is 40. If you are looking at getting a big pull behind such as a Frontier, they can range from 5'-15' or about there. I think and the big ones require like 45-50 hp to run since I figured I needed the 5320 to run some. I know the largest Frontier I could get was the 90''. I almost bought that mower. I could not decide between Deere and Fronteir we also sell. I chose Deere since the deck design is better in my opinion like a mid mount type deck. You would need a ag tractor or high horse compact to run the bigger mower. I could probably handle a 10' with the 990 but I still could handle more power with the 6'. I would want like 45 pto hp for the larger 8 & 10 foot mowers if not a tad higher from there.

 

[BobG_in_VA]

SoundGuy: Assuming you have relatively flat pastures (Fla.), I think its time you got a Farmall/International (Super M with an M&W clutch or a later "7" wide front. Based on the tractors you now have, you understand what I'm saying; For about $4-7K you can pick up the tractor, then get an 8-10ft pull (for the M or equiv) or anything you can afford for the bigger Intl. For $10K you'd have more than you could ever use IMO. I like the later Intl diesels for brute power and longevity. There's still a bunch of them out there and parts are readily avail if needed. Or you can spend $25-40K for new....BobG in VA

 

[755inNY]

Soundguy,

Is your current heavy work schedule a temporary thing? If so, it may be lower cost in the long run to hire the mowing out. I know it goes against the grain for us guys to not do it ourselves but you are looking at spending a lot of money to do the job in the limited time you have available. What if it rains for most of Sunday? Also, with just one day off, wouldn't it be nice to be able to relax a little.

Is ther someone you trust that can use your current equipment to do the mowing for you. Might find someone that wants to earn a few extra bucks.

Jeff

 

[Soundguy]

Yellow - Thnaks.. I'll keep those #'s in mind.


Bob - I agree. In fact.. I looked ayt a large IH in an equipment magazine.. had an 8 or 10' mower with it.. fairly older model.. 6XX model.. ( CRS setting in.. )
I know of a very used ford 8000 and a also very used case 1070 that are in the 4-5K range also.. as well as a mint completely refurbed ford 5000.. ..but alas.. for 8500 /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif

I don't really want to go to the expense of new.. but I have thought about trading in the NH 1920 on a tn55 or 65.. but get the idea that I'll owe as much as buying a second used agg tractor.. and still won't have that much hp eaither.. so ...

I see our local dealer took in a 3930 on trade.. has shuttle shift and a fel.. for 10k.. Again.. I think I would still be shy on hp with that machine..

Decisions.. decisions..

755- I have thought about the hireing out stuff. And have come to the conclusion that in the long run It may be cheaper for me to do it... And if we do get a second pasture.. I think I'll probably be living ( and working ) the rest of my life here. I do however sub out some of the big one time stuff.. like discing.. etc...

Up untill january we had a neighbor who had a highshooler.. good kid.. and they had just bought a nice new kubota. I was gonna pay the kid to either mow it for me on odd months.. or help me mow on the weekends.. but his familly moved closer to town for a better school district... The rest of the kids out here are too young...

Oh well..somehting to think about. I'm keeping an open mind still and havn't ruled anything out yet.

I appreciate ALL you guys for helping me think this out..

Soundguy

 

[AndyMA]

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( I don't really want to go to the expense of new.. but I have thought about trading in the NH 1920 on a tn55 or 65.. but get the idea that I'll owe as much as buying a second used agg tractor.. and still won't have that much hp eaither.. so ... )</font>

Soundguy, if you do go TN route, skip the 55. too low hp and a lighter front axle.

Andy

 

[Woodbeef]

I'd look for a late 70s to early 90s 60-80 hp utility tractor with a factory cab. Something like a:
MF 275,285,375,390,690,698
Ford 5600/6600/7600/5610/6610/7610
AC 6060,6070,6080
Zetor 6211-45,7211-45,7711-45,6320-40,7320-40
Case 1210,1390,1394,1494
IH 684,784,884
CIH 1394,1494,685,885
These should be cheap enough to not break the bank but do what you want them to do dependably. How about getting the wife to do the cutting if you can't?

 

[Soundguy]

Thanks for the ideas on the tractors. I know where there is a case 1070 and a 1210 I may have to go 'smell' them.

The wife? Aside from the fact that she likes animals.. she's not an outdoor person. I pretty much am 'stuck' with everything that occours past the threshold on the house.

I would -LOVE- to get her outside to help.. even with the light stuff. It would give me an excuse to buy a second rotary mower.. say a 6' one.. as my NH 1920 should handle a 6' cutter. I currently have a 5' one so that my other tractors can use it ( 2n, 8n, NAA ) I could put her on the nice newer Nh 1920 ( rops/seatbelt ) and me on the NAA and that would cut my mowing time by half or more...

No go.. She won't even let me show her how to start the tractor...

Oh well... she cleans cooks does laundry and works so I'm not complaining... Pretty easy on the eye's too....

Soundguy

 

[oliver28472]

My brother uses a Ford 4410 diesel. I think it is the industrial version of a 4000 and has a generator so that will give you some hint as to the age. Maybe late 60's. Has non adjustable cast iron front axle and after market turbo. He pulls a new Landpride 8' bushog on his pastures and is well pleased.

 

[Charlie_in_TX]

The number I have heard is 5hp per foot. So an 8fter would need 40hp and 10fter would need 50

My step-dad has a 65hp JD with a 8ft hog. The tractor cant tell its is there.