Zero turn vs. 4X4 tractor for mowing

[ETD66SS]

Hey @ETD66SS, mind posting a link to that sod cutter attachment? I’ve been meaning to find something very similar to that.

Also, how well does it work?

I could not find one, so designed this myself. My original design had a concrete filled roller attached right above the cutting edge, but the sod just kept getting wedged between the two. Once I removed the roller and used weightlifting plates it works much better.

 

[WinterDeere]

I could not find one, so designed this myself. My original design had a concrete filled roller attached right above the cutting edge, but the sod just kept getting wedged between the two. Once I removed the roller and used weightlifting plates it works much better.

That’s funny, as I designed one myself as well, and also used a conveyor roller in that design. But I never completed the build.

Did you weld up the frame from scratch, or modify it from something existing?

 

[ETD66SS]

That’s funny, as I designed one myself as well, and also used a conveyor roller in that design. But I never completed the build.

Did you weld up the frame from scratch, or modify it from something existing?

See attached. I started with a 3pt hitch middle buster. (old one, much better than the crap you can buy these days).

The roller and the center support needed to be removed in order for the sod to not get jamed up. Having enough weight is the key to it working.

 

[Sawguy50]

To the OP... Fwiw, I use a 6' king kutter finish mower behind my cc/yanmar ex3200. Right at 14 yrs now mowing 4 acres. A lot of rough and bumpy spots, hills and slow going spots, ( especially a 20' cliff overlooking the lake). Takes me 2 1/2 hrs. When you get to know how to use your mower you can mow around objects quickly. I've had very little maintenance on the mower. 1 belt and a couple sets of new blades. I actually look forward to the mow because of the way the lawn looks after.

 

[WinterDeere]

See attached. I started with a 3pt hitch middle buster. (old one, much better than the crap you can buy these days).

The roller and the center support needed to be removed in order for the sod to not get jamed up. Having enough weight is the key to it working.

Thanks! I'd think that varying the blade angle would also help keep it planted. Always figured the hydraulic top link would be key to this working well.

 

[Aquabird]

I had a 1520 ford with a 72" land pride finish
mower that I mowed with for years. I know about the 5hp/ft thing, but that combo did just fine. I liked the comment about tbe flail mower. Is it grass you are mowing or just field growth?

 

[rockncreek]

This. The 4x4 Deeres are pretty strong ....

Or you can look at an Altoz. This is the ride-on but they make a stand-on too (standing might be good for along the pond banks):

Altoz TRX Series | The World's First Tracked Zero Turn Mower

The Altoz TRX has big features and even bigger benefits. Get the most from your tracked, all terrain zero turn mower. Explore the lineup!

altoz.com

Or if you have a big checkbook look into a Ventrac or Steiner (also branded as the Bobcat AT450 since they now own them). You can get them with dual wheels and can even add remote control so you don't need to ride it on the banks!

Have a dual wheel Ventrac that is an amazing machine which is used primarily with Toughcut attachment to cut steep dams on my property. The only piece of equipment I have that will safely handle the job. Previous the dams had to be cut with string trimmer over two days. Job now done in a couple of hours! Pricey but worth every penny penny.

 

[Deanes]

That's good information to have!

For a nice ride. Consider a Bad Boy. Although they recently dropped the nice rubber suspension, the dealer said the new spring suspension seat makes up for it.

 

[WinterDeere]

See attached. I started with a 3pt hitch middle buster. (old one, much better than the crap you can buy these days).

The roller and the center support needed to be removed in order for the sod to not get jamed up. Having enough weight is the key to it working.

Just found these "bed lifters", which might serve the purpose with minimal mods to add some weight. Just need to be sure it's sturdy enough to not bend when dragged thru thickly-rooted turf.

Tilmor - Undercutters / Bed Lifters

The Tilmor Thiessen Undercutters/Bed lifters are ideal for loosening the soil for harvesting carrots, garlic, parsnips and other root crops. Can also be used for lifting and loosening plastic covered beds to aid in the removal of the mulch and drip tape. Support leg for storage and the weight...

www.tilmor.com

 

[remco]

For the past ~10 years I have been using my Ford 1620 HST 4x4 with 60" 914 deck to mow about 7 acres. I'm at the point now where I don't look forward to mowing due to many mower deck breakdowns (tractor is great) along with the the time required to mow all 7 acres. It basically kills one whole day of my weekend. I think the top speed of the 1620 in MED gear (fastest I can go due to blade speed and cutting) is something like 1.5 mph.

I have been hesitant to get a zero turn due to the fact I have a decent strech of mowing along ditches & pond banks (~1200ft of pond banks, ~ 1000ft of ditches), where sometimes it can be a bit wet. I have never gotten my 1620 stuck to the point I needed another piece of equipment to pull it out. The rest of the mowing is very flat.

I have been looking at thie Ferris mower: Ferris 5902073

I assume my cutting time will decrease, but it also seems like I am going to not be able to cut some areas, especially on the steep ditches?

Look into a flail mower. You can get one that tilts, so its easier to mow banks. Also, you can go faster if terain permits.