Switching to NH MMM for a TC24D, any suggestions?

Bob_Skurka · Jun 4, 2004

I've been using a 60" Befco RFM with my TC24D but because of a small garage (only 3.5 car) and too many toys (the lovely wife's opinion) I have decided to get rid of the Befco RFM and switch to a NH MMM, I figure it will gain me about 30+ square feet of usuable floor space by switching.

I've always been happy with the RFM and consider it to have several advantages on my property becuase it allows me to back down to the creek and back under some of the small trees to mow right up to the trunk.

My question is are there any particular things to worry about with the 60" NH MMM? I got the side discharge model, is there an advantage to ordering high lift blades or gator blades or does the side discharge NH deck do a fine job as it is?

Also, is there any trick to adjusting the deck, I've read about the rear discharge deck leaving clumps unless the deck is adjusted properly. With side discharge there should be no clumping, but is there anything else to worry about?

hazmat · Jun 4, 2004

Bob,

I've got three letters of advice for you

RTM - Read The Manual! /forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif

Seriously, it goes into great detail regarding how to install and level the deck.

Be sure to check & adjust your tire pressure as appropriate before you level the deck.

My dealer set mine up, but when I got the turf tires, some adjustments were in order. I found it was eaiser to get the front/back adjustment dialed in first before messing with left/right.

There are two adjutable linkages per side - one from the three point arms to the rear of the mower. Adjust left side vs. right side here. The other one goes from the rear of the mower to the front. This levels the deck front to back. Adjust this one first!

1. Place mower wheels at desired cutting height.

2. Drop mower to ground on hard level surface

3. Disconnect linkage(s) at front of mower.

4. Adjust fitting untill linkage pin slips back into place.

5. Tighten up jam nuts

6. Done with the front to back.

If the mower is un even left to right, play around with the rear linkages. Sorry not too many details here, I haven't had to adjust it.

Happy mowing.

Bob_Skurka · Jun 4, 2004

HAZMAT

Do you take your MMM off or leave it on?

How hard/easy is it to remove and reinstall?

Do you find you have to remove it to do light duty loader work?

TCBoomer · Jun 5, 2004

<font color="blue"> I've read about the rear discharge deck leaving clumps unless the deck is adjusted properly </font>

Bob
Did you find that info here at TBN? Any chance you have a link? My deck is adjusted correctly, yet sometimes it would still dump clumps... /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif

I have the 60" MMM, but it's a rear discharge. Works great, but having just put a set of Gators on...the finish cut is now amazing. Plus, NO CLUMPS! I was really surprised at how good of a job the Gators cut. Not sure how they would work on a side discharge, but most likely just as good. However...there are a few here that don't think the Gators are worth using.

I usually leave my MMM on most of the time. The only hassle when doing FEL work is the top of the deck seems to collect whatever material your playing with. As far as removing/installing it...piece of cake. Disconnect the driveshaft and pull 4 pins, and out it comes. I use the FEL to raise the front end of the tractor and slide the deck out the side.

Bob

thcri · Jun 5, 2004

Bob,

I have a 72" side discharge that I was not happy with. Until I purchased the Gator blades. Now I am very happy. There is a major difference in the cut. Others have stated they were not happy with the Gators but it seems the common link to them was they did not have the New Holland mower. Everyone that I know of that is happy has the New Holland mower. I wouldn't trade mine for nothing.

murph

AndyM · Jun 5, 2004

<font color="blue"> I've been using a 60" Befco RFM with my TC24D but because of a small garage (only 3.5 car) and too many toys (the lovely wife's opinion) I have decided to get rid of the Befco RFM and switch to a NH MMM, I figure it will gain me about 30+ square feet of usuable floor space by switching.

I've always been happy with the RFM and consider it to have several advantages on my property becuase it allows me to back down to the creek and back under some of the small trees to mow right up to the trunk. </font>

Bob, I'm going to take a different angle on this one than the other respondents.

I have a similar tractor and RFM, and I love the combination! The best part is how easy it is to remove and install it, and ease of adjustments. You just said you're happy with yours, so why change it? /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif

Space is an issue for you. You said you would gain 30 square feet in the garage by eliminating the RFM. I suggest that you keep the RFM, and instead of spending $2000 on a New Holland MMM, put the $2000 into building a 12 x 20 storage barn for miscellaneous this and that from your garage...

By doing this, you get to keep a setup that you like (why mess with success) and you gain 240 square feet /forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif of storage space while you're at it! /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif It also gives you a fun project to work on while the wife's out of town.

Bob_Skurka · Jun 5, 2004

AndyM . . . I live in a private neighborhood with building covenants that would not allow a $2000 shed of that size. For $2000 you could comply with the covenants and get an 8' by 10' shed! But to get what I wanted to build (before the lovely wife started with her wish list, we were up over $30,000 for a 18x24 shed. When she got done with the increase in size to accomodate the guest room, the price got pretty scary. So I figured I would stay out of debt and try a different approach and switch out the RFM for a MMM.

One of these days I will get MY small barn. But until then I have to find space where I can.

hazmat · Jun 6, 2004

I leave it on unless I'm doing major dirt work, or bringing it up to Maine to mow the field.

With practice <5min off, <10 minutes back on. There have been a couple of threads here about tips & tricks to getting it on & off. I think steelfan & I discussed it in detail a while back. I tried a couple searches, but couldn't find it.

For removal.

1, MMM on ground at 2.5" setting
2. Pull all pins & shaft.
I pull both pins & the bellcrank bracket off the front ( the instructions only tell you to remove the large pin)
3. Pin the lift arms up out of the way (same as if you wanted to use the three point with the MMM installed)
4. Lift front end up with FEL or floor jack
5. Turn front wheels all the way right
6. Slide MMM out to left

For install

1. slide MMM back under machine
2. Drop Front end
3. Connect rear pins first
4. Connect front pins (can be "helped" along by lifting deck up with free hand)
5. Don't forget to re-attach PTO shaft (I always do)