Test Drive Error

forestcreature · Jan 4, 2002

terry,

the added weight and width of the 60" gave me a more stable ride on the sideways slopes.

the control was referring to the rear mounted mowers.

forestcreature · Jan 4, 2002

yes, the 60" is mulch-able. and you can even use that vacuum trailer thing.

bigpete · Jan 4, 2002

<font color=blue>JD mechanics are saying it is just overall much more rugged in nature than the 54"</font color=blue>

The 60 truly is. I guess that's what I was trying to indicate with my previous epistle-length post. I'm sure the same is true for the 'Bota decks. You should look at the two decks side-by-side. The guide wheels (8" vs 5"), guide wheel supports, gear box support, etc., on the 60 are so much more solid and heavy, I'm certain you will be convinced of the added value for the added expense. I'm guessing that's why you went with the 4100 over a smaller tractor in the first place. Tres is right-on with the versatility. You might think the 54 was easier to handle, but it puts a lot of obstacles closer to your tractor. The 60 is for the JD 400 series and up, exclusiveley. The 300 series can carry the same 54.

I know you are saving your poker change for your deck. Have you looked for an "experienced" 60 to save a few bucks? Like other commercial-grade decks, the spindles and guide wheel bearings will wear first. Barring rust or abuse, I wouldn't be afraid to buy one that was well maintained. Could save you up to $1,000. /w3tcompact/icons/wink.gif

Have a great weekend.

Nuru · Jan 4, 2002

BigPete, oh yes I am looking for an "experienced" 60" MMM. I just have not had any good leades locally or non-locally. i guess I will have to try a littel harder.

Nuru

Nuru · Jan 4, 2002

That is good on the mulch attachment. The rear bagger/vacuum attachment is just too expensive for the single use.

Nuru

bigpete · Jan 4, 2002

You might try http://jplan.com/tractor/index.sht . I vaguely remember seeing a couple of JD 60" decks on ironsearch when I was ramming around looking for a sprayer awhile back.

forestcreature · Jan 5, 2002

Mulch thing is called a 'tricycler mulching attachment".
This is 3 blades and a chute cover. [no prices listed]
In case you do not have one, I would recommend getting a copy of the jd 'grounds care equipment purchasing guide'. Lots of toys listed here, several tractor models and walk behind stuff too.

bigpete · Jan 5, 2002

There are three baffles that come with the kit also. Along with the double-cut blades and chute plate, they change the airflow to keep clippings suspended under the deck so they can be cut and re-cut. On the 60, there is inly one hole that needs to be drilled. The only downside to using the Tri-Cycler is that it takes five extra minutes each time you cut to remove clippings from the baffles, especially if the grass is a little wet. The Grounds Care Purchasing Guide is a fun wish book and casual reading. I have already pestered my dealer for the 2002 copy, whenever it comes out. I posted some deck specs from the Guide earlier in this thread.

Nuru · Jan 5, 2002

ForestCreature, thanks for the info, I am aware of the correct name for the mulch kit, as I bought them for each of my previous units.. I will get a copy of the "grounds care equipment purchasing guide'", as you are correct that it is a good source of information.

Nuru

Nuru · Jan 5, 2002

BigPete, thanks for the advice and info. I take all the knowledge I an can get on this!

Nuru

GaryK · Jan 9, 2002

I went through the same problem, trying to decide between the 60 and 54" deck, went with the 60, it gets me closer to trees, heavier and built better than the 54". also got the rear power bagger(my wife uses the mulch in her garden) Its a bit expensive, but what the hell, I deserve it! I run r4 tires and they do not tear up the grass unless I take a sharp turn at high speed. you might want to see if your wheels are on the widest setting, if not flip them, one side to the other and that will give you a little more width and make your 4100 a little more stable on slopes. as ar as mulching, I have heard of buying after market mulching blades and then just blocking the chute opening, don't know good that works though.

Nuru · Jan 9, 2002

GaryK, I think you are correct on the after market mulching blades and blocking the opening will do pretty good. The JD setup may be overpriced overkill.

Nuru

duanet · Jan 13, 2002

Nuru, your question about Superflex got me thinking, so I checked it out. To make a longer story shorter, I'm heading to Syracuse this week with my JD 4100 wheels and tires to have it installed. My new 4 acres I'm planning on clearing this year is loaded with several varieties of thorn trees, and I figure the protection from the possibility of flats (been there - done that with my old 2N) will be worth the money. Also that will give me a little more weight but not so much as to be a problem with R4 tires, I don't think, especially since I don't mow the lawn with it.

Duane

Nuru · Jan 14, 2002

Duanet; that sould about right. If you are not mowing with those tires you should be fine, as the Superflex rep told me. Should add approximately 500 or so pounds to the 4100. How do you plan to move the rear wheels around once the superflex is installed? - Very Heavy!

Nuru

Nuru · Jan 14, 2002

OBTW, plowed 10 driveways full of snow yesterday in less than an hour. Real fun

Nuru

duanet · Jan 14, 2002

Nuru, I'll let you know when I pick the tires up - er, uh, when I bring them back from Syracuse Wednesday. I did see a Superflex load that had been removed from a tire. Amazing stuff. And heavy, as you said.

Duane

Nuru · Jan 15, 2002

Ok Duanet! Hey BTW, I just finally figured out that I have to figure a way to get my tractor on my trailer without having to remove the mower deck each time. The trailer is 63 or so inches, and the 54 deck is 65" wide, and the the 60" is 72" wide.

Anyone got any ideas?

Nuru

duanet · Jan 15, 2002

Nuru

I have used a couple of pallets in the bed of my Ford Ranger to raise my 12 HP Wheel Horse and 42" mower above the fender wells inside the box. But probably your situation is not that simple. I assume it's the fenders that are your way. If they aren't too tall, maybe you could build an extended ramp to bring it high enough to clear? That's the best I can come up with for starters.

Oh, yes, I remember my old Wheel Horse with a 48" deck and I raised the discharge end over the wheel well in the F-150 I had at the time. I don't know if your MMM floats enough to allow the discharge end to tip up high enough to clear the fender or not.

Duane

TresCrows · Jan 16, 2002

Yes, get a bigger trailer--something perhaps like this old girl, 16 foot bed and about 7,500 or so capacity--if you can get one with a folding rear ramp so much the better. Dog for scale. J