Renting an JD 445 to cut a tall grass - advice

[rogerius]

Hello,
I really appreciate any input here: we are planing to cut the tall grass and weeds on our 3 acres front land and we are thinking to rent a small tractor. There is not too many rentals around (Grey County Ontario), but I found one dealer which has an JD 445, 22hp with 60" deck available. So I'm wondering if this will do the job?
p.s.: I attached some pictures of the grass for reference.

Thank you

 

[JackIL]

Given the apparent height of the growth from the photos, the 445 might be able to take it down in 2 or 3 passes, but it won't be easy and the final result won't be pretty. The mower deck on the 445 is intended for "finish" mowing--not taking down tall growth. I suggest you try to rent a tractor with a 3-point hitch mounted rotary cutter sometimes called a "brush hog" or "bush hog." After it has rough cut the tall growth, you can mow it with a finish mower.

JackIL

 

[doall]

dealer may have issues if he sees what his lawn mower is beeing used for. Bushhog.

 

[arrabil]

That'll take two or three passes. First one with the deck in the raised position. Second one with the deck lowered but at its highest setting. Third one where you want it. Put it on cruise and mow real slow. The 445 will handle it fine. The middle pass might not even be necessary.

 

[VitaBene]

That'll take two or three passes. First one with the deck in the raised position. Second one with the deck lowered but at its highest setting. Third one where you want it. Put it on cruise and mow real slow. The 445 will handle it fine. The middle pass might not even be necessary.

Agreed- while I cut my fields every other week with a RFM, my neighbor refuses to cut his so I do it once a month or so and have no problem.

Even though our properties are contiguous, his grows much faster and thicker (my fields look like they were stripped of topsoil at some time).

 

[rogerius]

That'll take two or three passes. First one with the deck in the raised position. Second one with the deck lowered but at its highest setting. Third one where you want it. Put it on cruise and mow real slow. The 445 will handle it fine. The middle pass might not even be necessary.

Thanks to all for advice. The next question is about time: do you think 8 ours will be enough to cut 3.5 acres with this method?

 

[Gittyup]

I'd think 4 to 4.5 for the first cut, and 2.5 to 3 hours thereafter, depending on how rough it is. Have you looked into paying someone to cut it for you?

 

[deere4320]

You should also look at a compact tractor or even a sub compact tractor, with a brushhog or flail mower and compare the prices. If a compact tractor is more, it might be worth it because it would take alot less time. Now if you go slow as suggested it might take more than one day. For example if you were to rent a 30HP Compact tractor with a brushhog you could be done in about 4 hours probably.

 

[The Baron]

I think you will be surprised at what a 445 will do. I have a 455 and did exactly what you are going to do although it looks like mine was much thicker and taller - Goldenrod and milkweed. I would raise the deck all the way for the first pass and as said mow slow The second pass drop the deck to medium height and mow the opposite direction. With the 445 take plenty of extra gas though! Remember also to check the radiator screen between passes and be watchful for things that could damage the mower the second time around, ie rocks stumps etc. I don't know how long it wil take but 8 hrs will be close. Good luck, Tim

 

[beenthere]

I agree that the 445 will do the job, and not ruin anything. Just take it steady, as the engine rpm will tell you what is going on.

Watch the discharge chute (remove the plastic deflector as it just collects cut grass) and when there is nothing coming out, back up to clear out the deck. If the grass is succulent (shouldn't be this time of year), then it may hang up in the deck. I just turn off the PTO when over a mown area, let things settle down a bit under the deck, engage the PTO and throw out the slug. Works great.
The first pass with deck raised should give you the chance to take less than full width cuts as you see fit. A few trips and you will know what to do.
I've have the 425, had a 445, and also have a 455. All will do the job and have done that job over the last 15 years. However, I also have the rotary cutter, and will use that if convenient.
As mentioned, it will take the fuel to keep the 445 going.
Also, the 445 has good air filtering with the side and rear pre-screens in the side panels. Keep those clean by wiping off the accumulation that builds up. Know how to clean the radiator screen before starting the job and an air hose to blow out any dust and excess dirt back through the radiator is a plus.

And I think 8 hours of steady work will get your job done. Watch the temp., don't abuse the tractor, and have fun.

Those pics with someone standing in them would be real helpful to see what height and thickness your job is going to be. Also some pics of the cutting in progress would be helpful.