Mowing Rough vs. Finish MMM Differences

[MoreCowbell]

I know there are other posts on the rough vs. finish mower topic, but this is a different twist. Anyway, here it goes ...

I'm starting to regret buying the 60" rough MMM with my new BX this past spring. I should have gotten the finish cut model since I'm just cutting a regular lawn - no heavy brush. The rough model just doesn't cut as nicely as my old Craftsman riding mower (which I just sold).

Anyway, I'm trying to figure out what exactly is the design differences between the two types so that maybe I can make a mod or two to get mine cutting nicer. Based on pictues in the sales brochure and owner's manual it seems like: 1) the baffles on the finish cut MMM surround each blade more completely, and 2) the top of the front section of the rough cut MMM is raised (I assume to allow more flow from the blades to the discharge chute).

Does anyone know of other differences between these two Kubota models? If this is it, I may consider fabbing a supplemental baffle to get a better cut. Thanks.

 

[TheFlatlander]

I know there are other posts on the rough vs. finish mower topic, but this is a different twist. Anyway, here it goes ...

I'm starting to regret buying the 60" rough MMM with my new BX this past spring. I should have gotten the finish cut model since I'm just cutting a regular lawn - no heavy brush. The rough model just doesn't cut as nicely as my old Craftsman riding mower (which I just sold).

Anyway, I'm trying to figure out what exactly is the design differences between the two types so that maybe I can make a mod or two to get mine cutting nicer. Based on pictures in the sales brochure and owner's manual it seems like: 1) the baffles on the finish cut MMM surround each blade more completely, and 2) the top of the front section of the rough cut MMM is raised (I assume to allow more flow from the blades to the discharge chute).

Does anyone know of other differences between these two Kubota models? If this is it, I may consider fabbing a supplemental baffle to get a better cut. Thanks.

This is confusing to me as I thought all MMM's on a BX were finish cut mowers and not rough cut. Now if you are confusing this with the Fine Cut Decks that are offered -Which I think you are. I am not familiar with the fine cut as most dealers steer folks away from them. You don't list the problem that you are having but proper deck set-up is most likely to cure your concern as BX Kubota's are designed primarily as grass cutting machines.

 

[bikerdib]

Wow, this is a new one to me. Like Flatlander said; I've never heard of a rough cut MMM.

Maybe all you need is higher vac blades on the deck you have now. If the MMM you have now is in fact for rough cutting that means the blades are made to cut thicker brush and taller grass and blades made for cutting rough growth usually are zero to very little vacuum (in other words they have no upturn to the back edge of the blade). A "regular" mower deck on a lawn tractor has blades with quite a lot of vacuum edge built in. This causes the grass to get pulled up straight from the ground and that makes a much more even cut. You might check if higher vac blades are made for the deck you have.

 

[kennyd]

Are you cutting at the full rated PTO RPM?

 

[TripleR]

I have owned two BX's with "regular cut" 60" MMM decks and both have given as good of finish as my previous pure lawn mowers including a John Deere 425. A "fine cut" deck is offered, but I have rarely seen them addressed on the forums.

You might want to check with mow4fun as he has a 54" "fine cut" deck.

 

[timswi]

I also have a standard cut 54"...Cuts better than anything else I've ever owned.

The dealer told me I didn't need the fine cut.

What's the model number of your deck?

 

[art]

I would have to agree with the boy's above that that is a good cutting deck you have!

To high of ground speed and too low of engine speed could be the culprit.

 

[rswyan]

The rough model just doesn't cut as nicely as my old Craftsman riding mower (which I just sold).

Examine the blades - you might want to sharpen them up.

FWIW, the blades on the 72" MMM for our B2910 had probably a 1/16" or better flat on the edge when new (safety, mfg. liability, etc.)

 

[rdsaustintx]

Well, OP ain't posting. No more cowbell

There is no such thing as a "rough cut" MMM, nor has he described how his cut is inferior.

But I wonder how much attention he has paid to the mower setup. I have tried two methods, both are hit or miss.

(And once I get it set perfect, I invariably slam it into something)

 

[MoreCowbell]

Wow - I really botched my post. My terminology was all over the place. You guys are right - I have the standard cut deck and the one that I was wondering about is the "fine" cut. Sorry for the confusion.

I make sure to cut at about 3050 RPMs which I believe results in the proper PTO speed. My usual ground speed is about 3/4 speed in low gear so I don't think I'm going too fast. I've had gators on it for a while now (mounted right-side up).

I took another look at what I'm getting and it may be the result of having a lot of varying terrain. Maybe 60" is just too wide for having so many dips and peaks.

Anyway, thanks for all the input. I really appreciate it.

 

[OrangeRidge]

Maybe 60" is just too wide for having so many dips and peaks.

This was why I chose the 54" , and even that digs or misses
here and there on the cambers . Running the tyres at 12lb rear
and at 18lb front makes it "sit" better on the lawn ........

 

[BigD23]

54" on mine...Has done a very nice job.

Don

 

[rdsaustintx]

I've had gators on it for a while now (mounted right-side up).

How long did you use stock blades? I bought a set of gators when they first came out, people were raving about them. But before blade-changing time came, saw enough complaints here to stay stock. People seem to either LOVE or HATE them.

It's true that stock blades come with a blunt cutting edge. They seem to cut fine out of the box, but maybe even a little better after a winter sharpening.

For sale: one set of gator blades. new in packaging

 

[rdsaustintx]

I've had gators on it for a while now (mounted right-side up).

How long did you use stock blades? I bought a set of gators when they first came out, people were raving about them. But before blade-changing time came, saw enough complaints here to stay stock. People seem to either LOVE or HATE them.

It's true that stock blades come with a blunt cutting edge. They seem to cut fine out of the box, but maybe even a little better after a winter sharpening.

For sale: one set of gator blades. new in packaging

 

[rswyan]

It's true that stock blades come with a blunt cutting edge. They seem to cut fine out of the box, but maybe even a little better after a winter sharpening.

Yup - I thought that my 72" MMM cut pretty darn good when it was new - inspite of the blades not being razor sharp.

 

[zzvyb6]

In my equipment inventory (I have both), a finnish cut mower (or even the Swedish version), is SIDE discharge. a 'finnish cut' type mower with a REAR discharge produces a rougher cut, but can handle higher volume per second and taller grass conditions. Me thinks the grass and weeds spend more time in the side discharge whirlwind, so that means longer multching action maybe??

 

[timswi]

In my equipment inventory (I have both), a finnish cut mower (or even the Swedish version), is SIDE discharge. a 'finnish cut' type mower with a REAR discharge produces a rougher cut, but can handle higher volume per second and taller grass conditions. Me thinks the grass and weeds spend more time in the side discharge whirlwind, so that means longer multching action maybe??

You may be right...The side discharge does get clogged a bit in less than perfectly dry grass.

 

[radioman]

I am somewhat confused on how you seem to think there is a quality issue in the cutting with the regular deck?

One thing I have noticed is that when comparing how much the grass gets blown out of the chute is NOT the same as those box stores mowers which rpm speeds are much higher and it blows grass to the next kingdom come.

As long your deck is in nearly complete suspended stage at your desired mowing hieght, and you have sharpened your blades within 2 weeks, the grass behind you should be nicely cut at or near MMM pto rated speeds. I tend to mow at 2800 rpms and its cuts nice unless its high and thick, I'd bump it up to 3100-3200.

On a side note- This summer , I noticed that grass came out the side chute better after I painted my MMM deck last fall and I sprayed MO-deck in the spring before first cutting. I have no idea if it the new paint job or the mo deck spray did the trick.

 

[Superduty]

I agree with you . The cut is less than any mower I have owned and I cut with sharp blades and 3000 rpms. A finish mower was listed but the dealer didnt have one and said not needed. Other than cutting grass I love the BX

 

[MoreCowbell]

How long did you use stock blades? I bought a set of gators when they first came out, people were raving about them. But before blade-changing time came, saw enough complaints here to stay stock. People seem to either LOVE or HATE them. ...

That's an interesting point. I used the stock blades only on my first mow after buying the tractor, and they cut about that same as the Gators do now. However, the deck was badly out of adjustment at the time (nose way too high). Maybe now that the deck is adjusted well, they will cut better. I'll give it a shot.

Also, I'm assuming the deck should be adjusted nose down. The manual says to adjust the deck so "A is 0 to 5mm where A=Y-X" with Y and X being the rear and front blade height respectively. This suggests that the rear height be the same or slightly greater than the front. I hope I'm reading that right. Its so confusing. I wonder if Rosetta Stone has a course on deceiphering Kubota manuals. :confused2: