Woods vs LandPride Finish Mower

[CaptPat]

I appreciate the replies, to address some of the concerns raised:

Both have nearly identical warranties, Woods has one year more on the gearbox, but those don't seem to be a failure point anyway. Both have solid rubber tires. I don't think either has a slip clutch.

I'm not interested in other brands at this point, brands like BEFCO, Bush Hog, Carini, etc. were considered and didn't make the final cut. Woods and LandPride have dealers that are local to me so I expect that parts availability would be about equal.

Woods has an "independent" study on their website that compares cut quality among four different finish mowers. Woods comes in first but LandPride is second and is not far behind.

I've been watching Facebook Marketplace, and most of what I see within driving distance is way overpriced for the condition. I'm not interested in a fixer-upper.

I'm still not seeing a justification for the large price difference.

 

[Runner]

I have been using a Frontier GM1072R (which is a Woods RD1072 painted green) for the last 17 years with no problems. Still on the original blades even. It is fairly heavy at 675lbs.

I have heard that Woods products don't have the best paint quality, but since mine has the Frontier treatment, can't comment on that. I wouldn't hesitate to buy another Woods mower.

You might also want to compare the thickness of the steel used in the decks.

 

[Smokeydog]

We use our Woods RD7200 to maintain our rough hillside farm lawns. 26 years it sure can take a beating. Had to replace the first bearings in a blade spindle this spring. Two bolt blade bars. Just a well made mower, heavy in the right places. Center anti-scalp roller and rear chain guard. One belt and about a dozen sets of blades.

Spindle gauge wheel shafts are weak and wear. Same problem with other brands. Lot of back and forth with 4wd tractor. Finally replaced with sealed trailer bearing axles and hubs for maintenance free solution.

 

[John0829]

Spindle gauge wheel shafts are weak and wear. Same problem with other brands. Lot of back and forth with 4wd tractor. Finally replaced with sealed trailer bearing axles and hubs for maintenance free solution.

Show some pics of what you did...

I checked mine a few weeks back (RD8400), the wheel axle bolts are grade 5 showing no wear at all and the bearings felt good for a low speed application. But then I grease the gauge wheels each time I use the mower.

On another note, I do not think you will find a finish mower with a slip clutch unless you add it yourself. Not one that is equipped with a belt anyway.

 

[bdhsfz6]

I had an earlier version of the Woods TKP72 but needed something larger. I traded it for a Landpride FDR2584. Both cut well and have rear discharge, which I like. I often mow in reverse in an open environment where a guard isn't necessary. The Woods cut better in reverse due to the fact the rear guard is removeable and does a better job of dispersing the clippings. The Landpride has a sloping deck to deflect the discharge downward which causes clumping when mowing backward.

It's a minor issue though, and only shows up when I mow wet grass.

 

[Smokeydog]

Show some pics of what you did...

I checked mine a few weeks back (RD8400), the wheel axle bolts are grade 5 showing no wear at all and the bearings felt good for a low speed application. But then I grease the gauge wheels each time I use the mower.

On another note, I do not think you will find a finish mower with a slip clutch unless you add it yourself. Not one that is equipped with a belt anyway.

Not had a problem with any wheel bolts or bearings. The adjustable height spindle and tube do wear then are prone to bend dragging a wheel even with lots of grease. Must be from our obstacle course we call our lawn.

 

[loggin]

I appreciate the replies, to address some of the concerns raised:

Both have nearly identical warranties, Woods has one year more on the gearbox, but those don't seem to be a failure point anyway. Both have solid rubber tires. I don't think either has a slip clutch.

I'm not interested in other brands at this point, brands like BEFCO, Bush Hog, Carini, etc. were considered and didn't make the final cut. Woods and LandPride have dealers that are local to me so I expect that parts availability would be about equal.

Woods has an "independent" study on their website that compares cut quality among four different finish mowers. Woods comes in first but LandPride is second and is not far behind.

I've been watching Facebook Marketplace, and most of what I see within driving distance is way overpriced for the condition. I'm not interested in a fixer-upper.

I'm still not seeing a justification for the large price difference.

Perhaps not a justification for the large price difference but the two mowers you have mentioned have slightly different horsepower ratings. Landpride 15-40 hp and Woods 20-50 hp, thus the Woods is slightly heavier. Given that your tractor is almost 40 hp you are towards the maximum of the Landpride. I tend to prefer not being near the maximum an implement can handle to promote longevity and durability. If it were me and I could afford it I would go with the Woods. Perhaps you should also consider the Landpride FDR2572 which is also just over 700 pounds and rated to 60 hp, this would be a better comparison than the FDR1672. You could also likely find a good used FDR2572 for cheaper.

Just my 2 cents.

 

[chim]

In addition to the three Caroni RFM's, I've had three LandPride RFM's One 5' side discharge, one 6' rear discharge and one 6' rear discharge. My BIL* next door had a Woods (990RDX?) that is beefier than any of the LandPrides I've owned. His deck has larger hardware for the casters. Casters have been the one weak point on ALL the decks I owned. I've made a jig for straightening the yokes, but this past Saturday I ordered replacement yoke/wheel assemblies for a fresh start.

That said, out of the bunch I prefer the 7-1/2' Caroni on the L4200. The Caroni decks aren't as robust. They are lighter and that makes a big difference when approaching the width-to-horsepower limit.

* [EDIT TO ADD- HE RUNS AN L4740]

 

[Mike1955]

I appreciate the replies, to address some of the concerns raised:

Both have nearly identical warranties, Woods has one year more on the gearbox, but those don't seem to be a failure point anyway. Both have solid rubber tires. I don't think either has a slip clutch.

I'm not interested in other brands at this point, brands like BEFCO, Bush Hog, Carini, etc. were considered and didn't make the final cut. Woods and LandPride have dealers that are local to me so I expect that parts availability would be about equal.

Woods has an "independent" study on their website that compares cut quality among four different finish mowers. Woods comes in first but LandPride is second and is not far behind.

I've been watching Facebook Marketplace, and most of what I see within driving distance is way overpriced for the condition. I'm not interested in a fixer-upper.

I'm still not seeing a justification for the large price difference.

Capt either one would probably serve you well. My older woods does have a slip clutch. It’s a 10 footer so it has some really heavy duty pivot wheels on the back. And this is some really heavy metal for a deck. I think the decision is a preference thing. Woods is a little better if you will allow my humble opinion. But it may not be that much better.

 

[jyoutz]

Capt either one would probably serve you well. My older woods does have a slip clutch. It’s a 10 footer so it has some really heavy duty pivot wheels on the back. And this is some really heavy metal for a deck. I think the decision is a preference thing. Woods is a little better if you will allow my humble opinion. But it may not be that much better.

I have owned both. They are both excellent. I wouldn’t hesitate to buy either brand, but they both offer light and heavy duty models, so keep that in mind while comparing.