Mowing single vs dual spindle mower differences?

[mpeterson]

Considering a MX7 or MX8 mower, have a lot of pasture to mow and didn't know if there was any differences in quality of these two mowers, or does one mow any better/faster than the other.

Biggest difference; MX7 is a single spindle/blades and MX8 is dual spindle/blades. Is there any advantage of one over the other? MX8 wider but also about a foot shorter.

If anyone has opinions on one vs the other please let me know.

Thanks

 

[rockyridgefarm]

Simple rule:

7 foot single spindle mowers are the hardest to run of ANY. You are swinging a 7' single swath versus two 4' swaths with the 8'. Any gearbox losses are insignificant compared to the forces placed on the blade tips.

You don't mention any other variables, like the lay of your land, how many acres, whether you have animals, model and Hp of tractor. So this is very general.

 

[mpeterson]

65 hp tractor, approx 70 acres to mow, fairly flat, some pretty nasty weeds (russian thistle). Mostly weeds the cows don't eat, and some can get pretty thick and woody. Do some mowing along fences, roads, around barn etc.

The tip speed on the 7 ft is higher, but didn't know if the smaller radius on the two 4 ft would cut as well. I have run the 5 ft, and to be honest it takes way too long.

 

[rockyridgefarm]

In our area the proper tools for russian thistle are an atv, shovel, accellerant and a lighter. They are dug out and burned on the spot. You can't win any other way...

 

[mpeterson]

I hear you about the thistle. I just purchased this parcel, and have been applying large quanties of chemicals and it is helping. My plan is to hit it hard mowing the rest of the year, and next spring put on a bunch of 2-4D. It seemed to help this year, most was dead prior to flowering but missed some patches. I don't like broadleaf sprays as it also kills the clover, but this place has not been maintained and I need to get things under control.
Also looking for a good 3-point sprayer, with about a 12-16ft or so boom. Something with about 100 gals capacity, and pto pump. something that I can cover fairly rough terrain fairly quickly, and often.

 

[rockyridgefarm]

One other big thing on 7' vs. 8' is the length. A 7' had to hang back there to cover that 7' swath, the 8' is only covering 4'.

Also resale should be better on an 8' as it is a much more popular size.

I have 80 acres, and do just fine with an MX6. It cuts faster than other shredders and I have horses and goats helping.