Woods Finish Mowers

tcrider33d · May 20, 2005

Tractor Aficionados.....

To start, I am the proud owner of a New Holland TC33D. I am in the market to purchase a finish mower, and I have come up with some pricing. I do have a few questions that I would love to hear some opinions on.

The dealer has priced the RD7200 at $2100, and the RD8400 at $2300. First question, are these good prices? I live in western NY if that helps. I have done some calling around and it seems decent.

Second, does anyone have any comment about the job the Woods RD series mower does? Is it a good cut?

Third, and last, will my machine handle the 84" deck? Is anyone using the TC33D and RD8400 combination? All the dealers I have talked to seem to think the 84" is no problem for the machine. I do have about 3 acres of grass, heading for a total of 5 acres in a few years, so I would like to cut as much as possible per pass.

I think there is some great info on this board. I'm sure you will all bless me with valuable information.

Thank you.
Rider

tractrguy · May 20, 2005

First off, I would like to say hello to everyone on the TBN. I think this site is great. I have been hanging around gathering up as much info from you guys as I can. I recently purchased a smaller version (RD6000) of the mower that you are looking at. I love the job that is does on my lawn. Seems to be a well built finish mower. As for price I paid 1425.00 for a 60" inch mower that had been sitting on the lot for 2 years.If I remember correctly I could have got a new one for around 2000.00 so your price seems to be in line with what I found.

Mike

jcmseven · May 21, 2005

TC,

I have a Frontier RFM for my 3720 JD. It is made by Woods. It is one of the best cutting mowers I have ever used, in any size. I was concerned about cut quality as I had never used a RFM before. I had heard in the past they did not cut too well, but this has not been the case here. Mine is a side discharge which I prefer over the rear. Well worth strongly considering the Woods brand. As for the 84" RFM on your tractor: could you? YES; should you? probably not. Go with the 72". It cuts smoother, is easier to store and transport, and would be within a few minutes as fast as the 84" on your property without the compromise.

John M

sweettractors · May 21, 2005

It will be hard to beat the price, quality, features and product support in the "First Choice" machine. 6 ft Currently $1395 and the 7 ft $1595 + shipping fully assembled-anti scalp is in stock if mowing rough lawn--Ken Sweet

Sweet Farm Equipment LLC *New First Choice Roto tillers and Grooming mowers in stock today*

sweet@scrtc.com

450EXC · May 21, 2005

I have th RD7200 and it seems to work great. I am a newbi though. Finish cut is great and it runs smooth.

Mine was 1,900 w/ chain guard in package deal with tractor. This was the last one my dealer had in stock and his next order would be more $ due to steel $ increase.

I am south of Wampsville if you want to stop in and check it out.

Larry

Henro · May 21, 2005

I had a Woods RD6000 for a summer (1 year actually) and I honestly think that on my yard it cut as good as my BX2200 with MMM does now.

This is not to say that other RFMs do not do as well. But my experience is with the RD6000 and I had no complaints with the performance at all...

Still for my needs the MMM is better though. Even if the cut is about the same... /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

djradz · May 23, 2005

The 6 ft RD7200 seems to me to be a good fit for the TC33. Although it could handle a 7 ft unit, I think there will be several times you will have to take it easy or overlap passes so the tractor doesn't bog down too much. I'm using a 6 ft Woods behind my TC 40D, and although it could handle something bigger, I find the 6 ft as pretty easy to handle and a nice fit. As the 33 is a whole tractor size smaller, I'd go with the 6 ft. You pay a little more for the Woods unit, but it is built incredibly strong, and parts are generally available everywhere.