72" MMM or small rider

ktm250rider · May 13, 2006

72\" MMM or small rider

I got a 4510 with R4 tires right now. New house with no grass. At some point, I will/would like to have approximately 2 acres of lawn. I stopped by the JD dealer to get a quote on a 72" MMM and mid PTO kit. The total was about 4 grand. He then showed me an x300 with a 42" deck for about $2700. He said it would be a better cut and no compaction of the grass. Obviously, it will take longer with the smaller deck to cut.
Im not out to get the perfect lawn. Is compaction really going to be a problem? My soil is really dense/clay type soild that gets pretty hard when it dries up. I think the dealer has some good advice but I dont want to make 2 passes to cut what I could with the MMM.
I have also thought about finding a used rider with a larger 50+" deck.

RoyJackson · May 13, 2006

Re: 72\" MMM or small rider

Four thousand is a lot to spend to cut 2 acres. I'm assuming you bought that 4510 for other purposes and just want to extend that tractor's use to mowing.

First, unless you have many obstacles (trees, bushes and such), I'd suggest going for a rear mount mower. I think you could handle a 72" unit with no problem...meybe even an 84" RFM.

The 4510 is a pretty heavy tractor. Are you sure use want to use it on your lawn? What tires do you have? If R-1 Ags, mowing a lawn isn't a good option. R-3 Turfs or R-4 Industrial would be OK..but you've still got a lot of weight on those tires.

As an example, I mow an acre with a Deere 790 and 60" RFM. My tractor weighs 2200 pounds. Adding the ballast in the tires, I'm up to about 2800-3000 lbs. Although I normally drop the loader off, if I do leave it on when mowing, now the tractor weight is hitting 3500-3600 lbs. Your 4510 is at least 1000 lbs heavier then my 790. Something to think about, especially if you have a septic tank and drain field.

All that said, I'd look for a used lawn tractor in your circumstances.

KB9UDE · May 13, 2006

Re: 72\" MMM or small rider

If you have very many objects to go around I dont think you would be happy with the 4510 on 2 acres. You will spend more time getting around things with it than if you bought a garden tractor.
I would look for a used 325, 345, etc. or even a good used 425 would be really nice.

John

JohnSinVA · May 15, 2006

Re: 72\" MMM or small rider

I may be wrong but by suggesting the X300 the dealer stands to make less money than by selling you and installing the MMM/PTO kit for your 4510. In this situation I tend the think the dealer has your best interest in mind, rather than his bottom line.

Growing grass in clay is not for the faint of heart. It is fantastic at becoming nearly rock hard all on its own, without the help of nearly 2 tons of tractor + implements to compact it further. Compacted clay won't let your grass roots get very deep and when that happens you have thatch-o-rama as soon as you have an extented period without rain. I would suggest getting the X300 and taking the difference to spend on a nice aerator for your 4510. You'll want to aerate your lawn every spring and fall.

If you want mowing speed perhaps a ztr would be a good solution?

JohnSinVA · May 15, 2006

Re: 72\" MMM or small rider

I may be wrong but by suggesting the X300 the dealer stands to make less money than by selling you and installing the MMM/PTO kit for your 4510. In this situation I tend the think the dealer has your best interest in mind, rather than his bottom line.

Growing grass in clay is not for the faint of heart. It is fantastic at becoming nearly rock hard all on its own, without the help of nearly 2 tons of tractor + implements to compact it further. Compacted clay won't let your grass roots get very deep and when that happens you have thatch-o-rama as soon as you have an extented period without rain. I would suggest getting the X300 and taking the difference to spend on a nice aerator for your 4510. You'll want to aerate your lawn every spring and fall.

If you want mowing speed perhaps a ztr would be a good solution?

ktm250rider · May 15, 2006

Re: 72\" MMM or small rider

I guess it depends on the profit margine on both set ups. I appreciated the fact that he gave me another option that, I actually, didnt think of. Yeah, it gets rock hard. However, after the 11" of rain over the past 2 days, its gotten really soupy. I plan on spreading loam over the clay to hopefully help the growth.
I think im gonna start looking for a larger rider with a 50" deck. I dont want to be taking the mower off every time i want to do trail work with the FEL.

ktm250rider · May 15, 2006

Re: 72\" MMM or small rider

I guess it depends on the profit margine on both set ups. I appreciated the fact that he gave me another option that, I actually, didnt think of. Yeah, it gets rock hard. However, after the 11" of rain over the past 2 days, its gotten really soupy. I plan on spreading loam over the clay to hopefully help the growth.
I think im gonna start looking for a larger rider with a 50" deck. I dont want to be taking the mower off every time i want to do trail work with the FEL.

Joe1 · May 15, 2006

Re: 72\" MMM or small rider

Before it gets too dry again, it might be good to spread some gypsum and other soil ammenities and then rototill it into the clay, then if necessary spread a top layer of loam and soil ammenities. Your local nurserys should be able to tell you what you need for your area.

For a $4,000.00 budget, you can get many very good lawn or garden tractors with 48" or 54" decks. If you're looking at the Craftsman 50" deck you should be aware that they were of lighter material than their 48" and 54" decks. You could also look into some homeowner grade new or commercial grade used Zero Turn mowers.

Joe1 · May 15, 2006

Re: 72\" MMM or small rider

Before it gets too dry again, it might be good to spread some gypsum and other soil ammenities and then rototill it into the clay, then if necessary spread a top layer of loam and soil ammenities. Your local nurserys should be able to tell you what you need for your area.

For a $4,000.00 budget, you can get many very good lawn or garden tractors with 48" or 54" decks. If you're looking at the Craftsman 50" deck you should be aware that they were of lighter material than their 48" and 54" decks. You could also look into some homeowner grade new or commercial grade used Zero Turn mowers.

jeepinator · May 15, 2006

Re: 72\" MMM or small rider

Save a grand and still get a Deere with a 54" deck.
I am no riding lawn mower expert, but I truly don't understand spending up to over 3x this amount on on those fancy X series.
I own a lowly 100 series and beat the living crap out of it. I mean literally. And it purrs like the day I bought it, is comfortable, and will cut pretty tall grass at full tilt boogey. What more do you need? /forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif