RFM on a 3720

[nmu98]

I need some help with a decision I will be making in the next 24 hours.

I have a 3720 cab tractor that I use to maintain 20 acres of nursury. The bucket gets removed all the time, but the loader stays attached. I have a 2 acres yard without a lot of trees and I have a 445 with a 60 inch deck to do the cutting.

The idea of a RFM has been in the back of my head, knowing that no matter if I could or not, I would not use it to cut my front yard over the septic system.

I have stumbled upon 2 RFM's, both a good brand, both at a pretty good price.
My choice is:
A 3 year old 60" that has been stored inside and is supposed to be in great shape without a scratch. It has an extra set of blades and is set up for the I match.

A 3 year old 72" that has been stored outside. It was missing one of the tires and it was replaces with a new one. Not set up for I match. Nothing extra.

The difference is 250 for the mowers, and the 72 would need the i match set up. The 60 would just be an inch or two over the tire width...

I guess I keep second guessing the fact that I really need this. And I dont, its a toy.... So I would use it once and a while on hot days to sit in the AC and rock out on the radio. I think the 60 would be fine, since it seems to be a much better deal. Both items cost under 1000.00.

What do you think.

 

[nmu98]

Here is a pick of the 72"

You can see the new tire and mount. The paint is bad... And I store all my stuff inside...

 

[radman1]

I think you would be better with the 72" mower for that tractor. The 60" mower will cover your tracks. However, you will not be satisified in the long term if you have to do any mowing next to objects. The 15-20% more width will also make the mowing that much faster. I have 60" that I use mostly with my DX29 Case-Ih which has width of 59". It works but there are better options. (I already had the mower when I used it on a Kubota B7100.)
The Sitrex appears to be in very good condtion in the picture but pictures often makes things appear better than what they are IMHO. I would go with the Sitrex, IF the mower can be adapted for the I-match. It seems a little strange that a mower that new is still not Cat I compliant. Can the bottom pins be reversed to the inside to match? I use a Spee-co/Harbor Freight type quick hitch with an adapter link on the top so the mower can flex over the ground contour. I don't like the JD I match because it doesn't have the adjustability like other similar style quick hitches. Even my JD dealer also sells different quick hitches other than the I-match.
I have used a 72" and now 84" rhino and 60" TSC finish mowers. Both seemed to cut good and maybe the TSC a little better. I use the 84" on my Jd 3720 and power is no issue. I once get the mower going to deep in grass. Started smoking the belt. Tractor has a cab and I didn't know it until saw the smoke outside the window. Never affected the tractor rpm. Your 3720 has lots of power for almost any finish mower. Heck, you could even run a 3 gang mower!

Your other option is to keep looking. 72" mowers are common.

 

[nmu98]

Thanks for the reply. The sitrex is cat 1 compliant. Just the 60 has all the stuff needed. (bushings and floating top connector)

The 72 looks bad in the picture compared to the 60. You could put the 60 back on the showroom floor. Plus, you see the leaks in the 72"er's gear box...

Don't know...

Im not worried about power at all... Just use..... Seems the 60 would be easy to mow around stuff since its right in line with the tires.. or close.

 

[jsboening]

I think the 60" is to narrow for a 3720. I'm using a 84' Frontier on my 3720. I would think having a narrower one would make it harder to edge around stuff. The 3720 has no problem with running the 84". If your not happy with either of these just keep waiting until something else comes up. Don't rush into buying equipment that has compromises especially if you don't need it right now. My $.02.

 

[nmu98]

Price is my motivating factor. I guess I need to take a back seat and see what comes up. I just need to be ready to spend double...

 

[kennyd]

The 60" is definitely to small for your machine, no doubt about it...

 

[Nuru]

Price is my motivating factor. I guess I need to take a back seat and see what comes up. I just need to be ready to spend double...

Nee-go-she-ate!

With the issues you noticed, use those to get the 72 down in price. Then refurb it and repaint it!

 

[nmu98]

Yeah... But I have been thinking alot.... I know...

When cutting a small tree nusury, I like the fact that if the tires don't hit it, it does not get mowed.... My MX5 is great for this. Long of it, this would not be for my lawn. I might mow an acre of it, but not much more due to not wanting the weight or the tracks on the "nice" part.

So..... Yes the 72 would be nice..... but for the price difference, and the fact that I would have to look back more often, I think the 60 might work better.

 

[radman1]

I don't think you will be happy in the long run with the 60". You will have to almost rub the trees with the tractor to even get the 60" close. Cab tractor will even be worse because you will be so close to objects. Your money ....

 

[Nuru]

Yeah... But I have been thinking alot.... I know...

When cutting a small tree nusury, I like the fact that if the tires don't hit it, it does not get mowed.... My MX5 is great for this. Long of it, this would not be for my lawn. I might mow an acre of it, but not much more due to not wanting the weight or the tracks on the "nice" part.

So..... Yes the 72 would be nice..... but for the price difference, and the fact that I would have to look back more often, I think the 60 might work better.

Hmmm, you know you will get used to the 72" pretty quickly and it probably won't be as much of an issue as you might think. I got a 72"MMM and it seems that my tires run over stuff and my mower misses it! LOL! But either RFM, you gotta be careful when turning

 

[nmu98]

I don't think you will be happy in the long run with the 60". You will have to almost rub the trees with the tractor to even get the 60" close. Cab tractor will even be worse because you will be so close to objects. Your money ....

I agree, but right now it would be 1.5 times what I am paying for the 60 to get a 72. I guess what i am saying is when you can get a 60 for a little over 500, it would be a good start...

I have not bought it yet... so....

 

[Nuru]

I agree, but right now it would be 1.5 times what I am paying for the 60 to get a 72. I guess what i am saying is when you can get a 60 for a little over 500, it would be a good start...

I have not bought it yet... so....

another thread discussion on this topic

http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/attachments/39562-rfm-60-v-72-a-2.html


Yeah the price is pretty good, seems like you might be able to find a used 72" for

USED King Kutter 72", 3pt, Rear Discharge Finish Mower - eBay (item 150158366569 end time Aug-30-08 09:13:14 PDT)

USED Ferris IS5000Z - 72" Rear Discharge Mowing Deck !! - eBay (item 150043589979 end time Aug-26-08 10:13:52 PDT)

This might be a decent unit with a new paint job and refurbed gearbox?

at one point I thought about trying out this unit

Finish Mower, 72" Rear Discharge ON SALE, FREE SHIPPING - eBay (item 180280088639 end time Aug-31-08 05:26:53 PDT)

 

[nmu98]

I did a test tonight. I ran around the side grass with the brush hog to see how it felt for width... I will not be getting the 60. 72 might even be small. 80 to 90 is where my sights are now.

 

[kennyd]

I did a test tonight. I ran around the side grass with the brush hog to see how it felt for width... I will not be getting the 60. 72 might even be small. 80 to 90 is where my sights are now.

We all tried to tell you

 

[nmu98]

We all tried to tell you

All I could think about was "very cheap implement, must buy, must buy"

It was this thread that held me off from buying right away. So I was listening to you guys....

 

[JasonMac]

I totally agree with Radman. I would want a mower that overlapped my tire tracks at least six inches on both sides of the tractor. You also have to remember when you turn the machine, just the slightest turn will make your mower not cover your tire tracks. That is why you want something that will overlap. Besides you have the HP to run well over 60"....72"....84"....96" so take advantage of it. Don't sell yourself short and regret it.

 

[Nuru]

Yep, if I had flatter lawn, I would go for a 90 RFM too.