What size RFM for a JD2320

[Klepper]

Hello!

I have a JD 2320, and I am shopping for a rear finish mower. I already have a rotary cutter (Frontier 2048). I found a used Land Pride FDR1648 on criagslist for $500 OBO (so I could pick it for under $500 I am sure). It looks like it is in great shape.

It seems like a great deal, but my question is, is a 48" RFM really too small for my 2320? I have about 2 acres to mow.

Thanks!

 

[RoyJackson]

As long as it's as wide or a bit wider then your rear tires, that 48" mower should do fine. A few inches wider would be preferable, especially if you have to mow near a fence, house or outbuilding.
You could run a 60" mower though, if you miss this one.
But, for 2 acres and again, wider then the tractor's rear wheels..the 48 mower will do fine.

 

[JeffinNE]

60" is the ideal size for the 2320, however, you have found such an incredible deal on the 48". For your 2 acres, the 60" would save you maybe 20-25 minutes each time you mow. Is that time savings worth spending probably another $800-$1000 to get the 60" unit?

 

[Klepper]

It does seem like a great deal. I measured the rear wheels last night, and they are pretty much 48" exactly. I don't mind a little extra seat time each mow, but I also don't want to get caught up in the "it's a great deal" mindset if it's really too small.

 

[RoyJackson]

It does seem like a great deal. I measured the rear wheels last night, and they are pretty much 48" exactly. I don't mind a little extra seat time each mow, but I also don't want to get caught up in the "it's a great deal" mindset if it's really too small.

Not really too small, but I think you'd have to do more trim work after mowing...
One thing to consider...48" RFM's aren't as common as 60" mowers, but there are a lot of subCUTs (older Deeres and Kubotas) out there that would require a smaller RFM. I don't think you'd have a tough time selling it, if you decide you want bigger.
When I was looking for a replacement RFM, the majority of used ones I saw on Craigslist were 60" or 72". Occasionally I'd see a bigger (84"-96") or a smaller one (42"-48").
I'd buy it and see how it works for you.

 

[Klepper]

Thanks for the replies. I like the idea of buying it and trying it out. If I can get it for $400, probably won't lose much if any on a resale later if I decide I want to go bigger.

 

[bp fick]

I run a 48" on my Orange 2320, which is not substantially different than it's Green counterpart. I had it. It was paid for. I saw no reason to spend more money to "upgrade". No doubt, a 60" would cut a wider path, but also be a bit more fussy about tight spots.

I've never regretted keeping it.

 

[Klepper]

I went to take a look at it this afternoon. It didn't look as good as I had hoped. He was asking $500. I ended up getting it for $250. It needs a little TLC for sure.

 

[RoyJackson]

I went to take a look at it this afternoon. It didn't look as good as I had hoped. He was asking $500. I ended up getting it for $250. It needs a little TLC for sure.

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That's just surface rust...if you want "pretty", you'll have some work to do...if you want servicable, just hit the rusted areas and use Rustoleam to prime.
Definitely pull the gearbox plugs and see how the lubricant looks...you'l likely have to change it.

I should have suggested this in my first response, but did you have the seller demo it for you (hook it up to one of his tractors) so you could see how it cuts and hear it?
If not, too late to worry about it...but Woods does make good quality equipment (my chipper and RFM are both Woods).

Don't forget to order that manual!!!

 

[catdozer]

I went to take a look at it this afternoon. It didn't look as good as I had hoped. He was asking $500. I ended up getting it for $250. It needs a little TLC for sure.

The body looks decent just the wheels, I wonder if you could put bushings in to get the slop gone. I bet you can have that looking new with blades for $200