RTV 1100, why don't they offer a mower ?

[KentT]

I'm sure this isnt the answer, but just throwing it out there anyways. Use the hydraulic system of the rtv to power a hydraulic motor to run the belt. In fact, kubota offers a kit to do just that, run a hydraulic motor. Thats why that little black knob ,that runs the throttle, has a little detent in it. If you installed that, then you could still use your valve to raise and lower the deck. have the whole thing plug into your front reciever hitch. If someone made something like that work, i'd buy one. It will all depends how many gpm of oil the pump can supply, the more the better.

It would take about 8GPM at 1500 PSI to drive a mower wide enough to cut the track-width (such as a 48" brushcutter or 60" finish mower). And this only equates to about 8 HP at the hydraulic motor. Not much compared to a CUT/SCUT.

1. I doubt the RTV has that much surplus hydraulic capacity.

2. I'd bet that it certainly doesn't have the hydraulic cooling capacity to handle the heat that would be generated. Remember that hydraulics are only about 80%-85% efficient in transmitting power -- the rest of that lost power is given off as heat...

This coming from an all-hydraulic machine owner, a Power Trac...

Your best bet might be to modify a self-powered mower, like a Swisher trail mower, and simply use the front controls to raise and lower it. Also note that those controls would need a "float" position or use something like chains instead of fixed arms-- dunno if the RTV has that...

 

[joes_427_vette]

I knew hydraulic power was out.... that is why I specified PTO.

 

[Ttech87]

Get A tractor with a cab if you want air radio and a pto

 

[johns_dmax]

Bobcat has the 3450 with front hydraulics for bucket, 60" mower, snow blade, pallet forks. No AC though.

 

[joes_427_vette]

The RTV has a nice cab, alot of glass, and the dog would love to ride along while cutting the " fields ". I don't think it is out of the question adding a turbo along with some type of PTO arrangement. I can see the 6' front mounted mower in my future. After I get it figured out they will offer it from the factory.

 

[timswi]

The RTV has a nice cab, alot of glass, and the dog would love to ride along while cutting the " fields ". I don't think it is out of the question adding a turbo along with some type of PTO arrangement. I can see the 6' front mounted mower in my future. After I get it figured out they will offer it from the factory.

You're probably right about that..

A front mount mower would be nice when its 100 degrees outside (A/C, woo hoo)...Something like a self powered DR might be adaptable using a winch or other lift setup, pricey though.

Under normal circumstances my BX covers the job for me, although I am getting sick of removing the BH and FEL everytime I want to cut grass.

 

[ecoslik]

There is a local business with a 5 acre "front yard" where I have seen them finish mowing with a rtv (not sure brand) pulling a 60" mower deck with a gas powered B&S engine. It was parked near the ROw one day during lunch, and I stopped to inspect. The B&S is in the 8 hp range with pull-type starter and throttle screwed to a bracket on the sheet metal. Apparently, they start the engine and drag it around. Since the throttle would be set at a constant (high) once started, although it appears home made, it is perfectly functional; I really can't imagine anything a factory would do differently for a similar configuration other than a lift.

 

[SpudHauler]

I think you are looking for one of these:

Swisher Products : Products: UTV Accessories

But really, you buy a side by side/utv for going out to woods down a long trail, where no other vehicle would/should go, to get to your favorite fishing hole and peacefully while away the day.

The lawn thing is for lawn mowers. That mundane task where you dream about that fishing hole while driving a mower endlessly around you house with earphones on so you can't hear mower or wife.

 

[joes_427_vette]

You're probably right about that..

Under normal circumstances my BX covers the job for me, although I am getting sick of removing the BH and FEL everytime I want to cut grass.

I have a 4110 John Deere, 60" MMM and loader. Don't have to remove loader for mowing but the machine is able to get in tighter places without it. I have about 6 acres of grass to cut and I KNOW the RTV would be more comfortable. When I was younger plain was ok. Now the more options the better... just X the order sheet
I want the mower up front and look like it belongs..... not some after thought. Just like the old Corvettes, run they may, but shine they must !

 

[techwrtr2]

i wouldn't want the mower up front. I ran a mower attached to the front of an ATV for many years. Trying to maneuver the whole thing around was a real pain in the tail. might be ok if you don't have to turn but trying to mow around a tree for example requires many passes.

I'd try a trail mower first if I had to do it again.

the single advantage I found to the front mount mower is it's sort of like a big push mower. you can shove it down small banks or well under trees. Nice.

But back to the problems... when you turn it's like dragging a three blade push mower sideways.

Oh, mine had a 10hp B&S vertical shaft engine on it. We used a quick disconnect to allow the electric start to work but not have it hard wired to the quad.