JD MX6 Brush Hog? Should I Go For It?

[wirlybird]

I have a newer MX6 with the "revised" gearbox. No issues with it. It is a nice cutter that is sturdier than the light duty units like the RC2072. But at almost 1100 pounds it is probably too much weight for a 3E to handle, it's a better match for a heavier machine. If you are cutting grassy fields, I would look at a light duty cutter, and probably only look at a 6' cutter with the 3038E, stick with a 5'er on the 3032E.

Thanks, I've pretty much dropped the MX6 idea!
I have 5 footers but want a 6 for those big open areas of straight up mowing. Just have to test it out to see how it does, a 6 footer that is.
I have a few areas that will tell me how it will do time wise vs. a 5. The areas are a little bumpy so speed with a 5 is limited to the terrain. I am hoping I can reduce overall time with a little large hog.
Doesn't need to be heavy duty by any means.

 

[wirlybird]

I own an MX6. Used it for years behind my JD5203. Never had an issue with the gear box, however, didn't like the angled deck. Hit a rock, stump or something and the blades came up and sliced through the deck like butter. I know that your supposed top avoid those things, but life happens. Here is RI, all we seem to do is grow rocks. I also had a Woods BB 60, and I thought that it was a better built unit. Never had the blade issue.

I've got a BB60 for the heavier stuff. Haven't used it yet as I got it a few months ago. The deals are popping up in winter!

 

[Dave Pic]

Thanks, I've pretty much dropped the MX6 idea!
I have 5 footers but want a 6 for those big open areas of straight up mowing. Just have to test it out to see how it does, a 6 footer that is.
I have a few areas that will tell me how it will do time wise vs. a 5. The areas are a little bumpy so speed with a 5 is limited to the terrain. I am hoping I can reduce overall time with a little large hog.
Doesn't need to be heavy duty by any means.

Ive always wanted to try a flail mower. Maybe you should give that a look

 

[wirlybird]

Ive always wanted to try a flail mower. Maybe you should give that a look

I have three of them! They are nice but higher maintenance and cost. They are good for certain stuff but for other areas a rotary cutter is a better choice.

 

[Ledgemere Farm]

There is a John Deere MX6 brush hog locally for $1600. Looks to be in decent shape.
It would be used on a 3032E or a 3038E. JD says minimum HP is 30 so it is in line for the 3038E but I image it would do ok on the 3032E for general field grass cutting.
I am looking for a 6 foot rotary cutter and have been holding out for an RC 2072 since its stated PTO HP range starts at 25. These are hard to come by in decent shape.

What do you guys think? Anyone with experience with the MX6?

John Deere rotary mowers are renowned for catastrophic gearbox failure. One implement I’d avoid buying used is a rotary mower unless you know the history. Those things get the snot beat out of them.

 

[cathy liebchen]

There is a John Deere MX6 brush hog locally for $1600. Looks to be in decent shape.
It would be used on a 3032E or a 3038E. JD says minimum HP is 30 so it is in line for the 3038E but I image it would do ok on the 3032E for general field grass cutting.
I am looking for a 6 foot rotary cutter and have been holding out for an RC 2072 since its stated PTO HP range starts at 25. These are hard to come by in decent shape.

What do you guys think? Anyone with experience with the MX6?

Get a Brown 415

 

[LD1]

Get a Brown 415

Guy wants a 6' mower because he already has a heavy 5' mower. And all he wants is to clip pasture grass. Yet you insist on pushing a 5' heavy duty mower? I just dont get your line of thinking and posting that is unhelpful.

 

[LD1]

Thanks, I've pretty much dropped the MX6 idea!
I have 5 footers but want a 6 for those big open areas of straight up mowing. Just have to test it out to see how it does, a 6 footer that is.
I have a few areas that will tell me how it will do time wise vs. a 5. The areas are a little bumpy so speed with a 5 is limited to the terrain. I am hoping I can reduce overall time with a little large hog.
Doesn't need to be heavy duty by any means.

PRobably a good idea to drop the MX6.

But either the 3032 or 3038 will do fine with a 6' cutter.

The issue with the MX isnt that 6' is too much. Its the weight. A cutter that heavy (if 1100lbs is accurate) would require a loader be left on all the time. And sometimes that isnt exactly convenient.

Look for a 6' cutter in the 750-800lb range and I think you will be happy.

And if you opt for the 3038 with its increase in power....if all you are doing is pasture grass I'd also consider a 7' twin. They are more money new....but never know when you look used. You might get lucky and find something

 

[wirlybird]

PRobably a good idea to drop the MX6.

But either the 3032 or 3038 will do fine with a 6' cutter.

The issue with the MX isnt that 6' is too much. Its the weight. A cutter that heavy (if 1100lbs is accurate) would require a loader be left on all the time. And sometimes that isnt exactly convenient.

Look for a 6' cutter in the 750-800lb range and I think you will be happy.

And if you opt for the 3038 with its increase in power....if all you are doing is pasture grass I'd also consider a 7' twin. They are more money new....but never know when you look used. You might get lucky and find something

It's dropped! JD says it weighs in at 1040Lbs and I agree that I'd rather not have the loader bucket on while mowing. Too easy to clip fence posts.
Looking at a couple land pride 6 footers but pricey.
RCR 1272 or RCR 1872. Rather have the 1872 which is still in the range for both the 3032E & the 3038E. Both in "new" condition for $2000.

I don't want to get too crazy on price before I know if the 6 footer will be worth the potential time saved over the 5 footer.
I'm sure I won't over think that last statement!

 

[wirlybird]

PRobably a good idea to drop the MX6.

But either the 3032 or 3038 will do fine with a 6' cutter.

The issue with the MX isnt that 6' is too much. Its the weight. A cutter that heavy (if 1100lbs is accurate) would require a loader be left on all the time. And sometimes that isnt exactly convenient.

Look for a 6' cutter in the 750-800lb range and I think you will be happy.

And if you opt for the 3038 with its increase in power....if all you are doing is pasture grass I'd also consider a 7' twin. They are more money new....but never know when you look used. You might get lucky and find something

Any particular brand of 7 twin I might want to keep an eye out for?
Ones that would be acceptable on a 3038E that is.