What size finish mower on 1540?

ratter · May 5, 2007

Hey all you 1540 owners out there, what size finish mower are you able to get away with, and under what conditions? I'm assuming 6 and even 7 feet would be no problem under normal mowing conditions. But maybe even larger?

CDsdad · May 5, 2007

I'm running a 6' Landpride with my 1533. It turns it well, lifts it well, no problems. With the extra 5 pto hp on a 1540 you should have no problem with a 7' if you wanted.

I will say the 6' I have scalps occasionally. I don't have the front roller, and my yard is not flat, but I ran a 5' in the past and had no scalping problem. I don't know what a 7' would do.

ratter · May 6, 2007

Yeah, that's actually my biggest fear. I have lots of bumpy/rolling areas to mow that, if I can't use a large deck on them without scalping, really lessens the value of a large deck for me.

Thanks for the reply!

jacobweaver32 · May 10, 2007

I run a HD woods 7' on the back of my 1533 with no problem. I cut down some weeds up to 4' high on my first use of it (hadn't brushed the 12 acres for 2 years) and the 7'er took um down no problem(sharp blades played a role I'm sure). However, I did run the deck about 5 inches off the ground... but still not bad. I'll have to post some pics it looks good. I can lift the deck with ease so that wont be a problem for you.

On the scalping issue... I do run into this now that I am on my second pass of the yard since ownership. I cut last night down to about 2 inches and in bumpy spots I do scalp a little. But to help that situation I drop the fel and run it alont the ground to knock off the anthills and such.

I guess a 7' will cover your wheels which is nice.... a 6' just seems way to small for that size tractor.

Good luck!

ratter · May 14, 2007

jacobweaver32 said:
I run a HD woods 7' on the back of my 1533 with no problem. I cut down some weeds up to 4' high on my first use of it (hadn't brushed the 12 acres for 2 years) and the 7'er took um down no problem(sharp blades played a role I'm sure). However, I did run the deck about 5 inches off the ground... but still not bad. I'll have to post some pics it looks good. I can lift the deck with ease so that wont be a problem for you.

On the scalping issue... I do run into this now that I am on my second pass of the yard since ownership. I cut last night down to about 2 inches and in bumpy spots I do scalp a little. But to help that situation I drop the fel and run it alont the ground to knock off the anthills and such.

I guess a 7' will cover your wheels which is nice.... a 6' just seems way to small for that size tractor.

Good luck!

Thanks guys, it sounds like it won't be too much to go for a 7 or 8 footer. That's what I was hoping. I have a 6' rotary cutter, so if the weeds get out of control I can knock it down with that first. Thanks!

jacobweaver32 · May 30, 2007

I just wanted to update on my posting before as I got my 3rd pass on my yard with the 7' mower. I tried to slow the deck down below 540rpms to save some fuel and my ears but it didnt like it.
It appears that now since the grass has come in full and quite thick when I try to pick up speed the 1533 does need the extra juice.
I have 12 acres and try to get through it quick so I do try to hustle it... but I need the 540RPMS to do it.

I do have the deck set all the way down to the mower wheels so I am cutting it as short as possible.

Just wanted to give you an update..... still a 7' would be fine for you.... not sure about an 8'er though.