RFM: 72" or 84"/90" ???

[Neophyte]

RFM: 72\" or 84\"/90\" ???

More and more I'm thinking about going with an RFM over an MMM for various reasons. Among the reasons include ease of removal and mostly open field with very few trees or other obstacles to mow around. Also, the 84" MMM on the TC series costs around $4000! I have a hard time justifying this when I can buy a quality RFM for less than $2000 and save over $2000 to buy other implements or more HP. I also figure that it is easier to change my mind and go from RFM to MMM then it is to go from MMM to RFM. Easier to sell an RFM than a make/model specific MMM.

Assuming I go with an RFM, should I go with a 72" or an 84"/90" unit?

I'm currently looking at the following tractors:
* NH TC33D or TC35D
* JD 4310 or 4410
* Kubota L3130 or L3430

Can these tractors handle an 84" or 90" RFM and can they handle it well (i.e., without bogging down)?

Also, who makes a quality 84"/90" RFM and about what do they cost? I have heard that Land Pride makes a nice unit. What about some of the others: Woods, First Choice, etc.?

I appreciate your help.

 

[sweettractors]

Re: RFM: 72\" or 84\"/90\" ???

Judging the response from our customers, Most are preferring the RFM because of lower cost and easy on and off--The Sicma (Same as First Choice) shown in picture is doing a good job for our customers with around 35 HP + --Ken Sweet

Sweet Farm Equipment Co.

 

[DMERILLAT]

Re: RFM: 72\" or 84\"/90\" ???

I purchased a 72" Frontier RFM (which is made by Woods) to pull behind a JD 4310 and it works great. Frontier markets two models; a light and heavy version. I opted for the heavy version. I debated getting an 84" but am glad I didn't due to the problem of scalping on uneven ground.

 

[Neophyte]

Re: RFM: 72\" or 84\"/90\" ???

Thanks for the info on the 72" RFMs.

Has anyone out there had any experience with an 84" or 90" RFM (rear discharge) on a 32-35HP range tractor similar to the ones I mentioned above?

If so, could you please answer the questions I had in the original post above? /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif

Thank you.

 

[Radiopoor]

Re: RFM: 72\" or 84\"/90\" ???

Hi there,
I have a DX33 with a 72" Landpride. I have a neighbor with a TC33D and an 84" Woods.
When I was ready to buy mine I talked with my neighbor and he suggested I go with the 72" because of the hills I have to mow on. His handles the 84" without any problem on the flats but he has to slow down on the hills.
Hope this helps.

Ron /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

 

[ns_in_tex]

Re: RFM: 72\" or 84\"/90\" ???

I have a 84" First Choice finish mower, but use it on an L4610 Kubota. I have previously had 72" RFM's. My thinking is that a smaller tractor would handle it as far as mowing is concerned. the mower is pretty heavy & might shake a smaller tractor some.

 

[yellowsocks93]

Re: RFM: 72\" or 84\"/90\" ???

Hi, I have a JD 990 and I use the JD 272 RFM and it works great. On Sunday I installed the optional front gauge wheels and could not get the trimming side of the mower to cut the turf going up and down hills. I did have some problems with this at first. It does a good job on uneven terrain. I was looking at the Frontier RFMs but decided to get the JD because we have a 970 with a 72 JD deck that is basically the same as the 272 and it has been a very good deck for us. I also like the side discharge and the shape of the deck over other brands. One piece stamped steel and it cuts really nice. The same quality cut as our MM 72 JD deck on the 970. If you get a JD tractor get the JD deck. My 2 cents.

Nick
990 4x4 turf, 272 RFM, 430 loader, 25A flail

 

[Neophyte]

Re: RFM: 72\" or 84\"/90\" ???

If I have the FEL off while mowing using an RFM, will I need front weights?

My guess would be no. With that said, I always see catalog pictures of tractors with an RFM attached and weights on the front rack (no FEL). I would think you would not need them since the RFM's weight is resting on the ground and not hanging off the 3-point hitch (at least not completely). I suppose you might need them when you go to lift the 500lb+ implement off the ground ... maybe? /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif

 

[_RaT_]

Re: RFM: 72\" or 84\"/90\" ???

I use a 84" on a Kubota L3830HST loader off and no problems or light front end. My L3830 will slow down somw going up hill but then, it would do that with a 72". Don't worry about this scalping thing, if the extra 6" on each side of a 84" scalps, the 72" will probably do it also. I would rather have a mower that at times requires me to slow down a little then to have a mower thats not as big as I could be using. I think my L3830 HST would operate a 96" and if I had it to do over, I'd be getting it. All my mowing is on hills and pasture grass. The first cut or long periods of time between mowings will always slow me down a little, but very little. The HST is so incredible, especially for mowing that rarely a week goes by that I'm not out mowing something. My place has never looked better since using my current setup, it's a blast to use. Rat... /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif

 

[slowrev]

Re: RFM: 72\" or 84\"/90\" ???

I would think about 6 ft finish mower or a 5 ft rotary cutter would be the upper limit for that HP tractor. Sorry I don't have experience with your particular choice of tractors. A 5 ft rotary cutter is pretty heavy and can be about all a 35 HP CUT can handle on some hills, especially when going sideways.
Good Luck.