Mowing Advice as to mowing machine?

[CurtisB]

I was wanting to get people's oppinions on mowers for large lawns. I currently own a Kubota B7610 which is a 24HP machine with a 60" deck, loader and R4 tires. I bought this when I lived in the Chicagoland area to maintain my 2 acre lot.

Last fall we moved back up to Northern Minnesota where I purchased 24 acres on the river. 5-6 acres of that being finish mowing and another 13 or so being pasture and the remainder woods. I plan on either raising small amounts of cattle on the pasture or turning it into a vegetable/fruit orchard. I like my lawn to look well manicured although that is difficult with this much lawn.

So, anyway on to my question. I am tossed as to what to do with the mowing and tractor that I have. I realize that the tractor I have is a really nice size for overall chores but is small for snow blowing and big for lawn mowing, especially around all my Oaks. I had debated purchasing a Kubota 60" diesel ZTR to use for mowing which I think would really speed up the process. There are also certain chores that I think having a bigger tractor with bigger loader capacity would be a nice thing. Although this is going to be a rather expensive decision...

Help me decide and spend my $$$$.

Thanks.
Curtis

 

[ccsial]

Congratulations on the move to the country. What river? My wife is from Duluth. I'm from Cicero and lived in Arlington Heights at one time. Moving to the country was the best thing I ever did. I would get the ZTR, sell the MMM and get a blower, and keep the 7610. With that much property you can justify both. It is probably inevitable anyway.

A 60" blower would work you just have to drive slower until you get a bigger tractor.

 

[VABlue]

The ZTR is the best option to finish 5 acres of lawn in a reasonable time. The other option is to get a bigger tractor with a 6' RFM and a removable FEL. Myself? I'd go with the bigger tractor and RFM combo...

 

[jcmseven]

Curtis,

I believe you have a few options here. First, if you really plan on needing a dedicated mower, a ZTR is a nice choice. They are fast and efficient. I bought one for my dad and he really likes it for large volume mowing. That said I do not really like them that much. I have never been much for spending that much money on a single purpose machine. I like the Kubota ZTR, but the additional cost of the expensive diesel is really not worth it unless one mows commercially. Many companies are making ZTR's with gas engines these days that have over 30 horsepower and will go 1000-2000 hours before overhaul. I really like mowing with my tractor and RFM. My 3720 JD with a 6 foot RFM will cut almost as fast as my dad's ZTR and cuts better. It also is higher so I am not constantly running through the airborne clippings and and kinder to my allergies. This could be a nice opportunity to enlarge your tractor and update your finish mower at the same time. Six acres is nothing for a larger tractor RFM combination and you could use your tractor more. Many have said to me, "well I have lots of trees" and yes, the ZTR is faster, but my father has several trees on his property and I have little problem mowing around them. Having had both machines (and still having both machines) unless you just must have a ZTR I would spring for a larger tractor to meet your other needs and use it for everything. This way you do not have a $10,000+ machine sitting all winter.

John M

 

[CurtisB]

Ccsial:

I am located on the Red Lake River. I am originally from this area and lived in your neck of the woods for quite some time. I lived in Spring Grove just to the north of you. I really like being back in the country and having space.

jcmseven:

The main reason I was looking at the Kubota ZTR was for the diesel engine, I refuse to purchase a gasser just due to fuel economy alone. I can mow my entire yard with my 7610 and use a total of 2 gallons of diesel. That is cheap running and I figured that the Kubota ZTR would be similiar.

Alot of people have told me that getting a bigger tractor with RFM would probably be the best solution. Any of you experience issues with the big tractor and weight on the yard? Next I guess would be determining the color to purchase if I go that route.

Thanks.
Curtis

 

[ccsial]

Curtis,

I know Spring Grove. I am about 35 miles north and west of Rockford. Right on the Wis border. If it were not for my business I would probably move up North too. I lived in Superior for two years. We go ATV'ing up North a lot.

I mow my larger areas with an L3400, 72" Woods RFM, and R4 tires. I have not had a problem with it hurting the grass. However my property if fairly dry.

I agree with JCMseven about grass clippings blowing on you. That is one reason I don't run a ZTR. I don't like using both hands either.

As for colors, first, be sure you have a good dealer that will support you if the worst happens and you have trouble. I think that is as important as the brand.

Good luck, Al

 

[Soundguy]

Here's my 'bigger is better' idea.

I also mow with a 7610.. but its a Nh 7610s. and a 15' mower... gets er' done fast!

Soundguy

I was wanting to get people's oppinions on mowers for large lawns. I currently own a Kubota B7610 which is a 24HP machine with a 60" deck, loader and R4 tires. I bought this when I lived in the Chicagoland area to maintain my 2 acre lot.

Last fall we moved back up to Northern Minnesota where I purchased 24 acres on the river. 5-6 acres of that being finish mowing and another 13 or so being pasture and the remainder woods. I plan on either raising small amounts of cattle on the pasture or turning it into a vegetable/fruit orchard. I like my lawn to look well manicured although that is difficult with this much lawn.

So, anyway on to my question. I am tossed as to what to do with the mowing and tractor that I have. I realize that the tractor I have is a really nice size for overall chores but is small for snow blowing and big for lawn mowing, especially around all my Oaks. I had debated purchasing a Kubota 60" diesel ZTR to use for mowing which I think would really speed up the process. There are also certain chores that I think having a bigger tractor with bigger loader capacity would be a nice thing. Although this is going to be a rather expensive decision...

Help me decide and spend my $$$$.

Thanks.
Curtis

 

[beersngars]

I am new to larger tractors, only had small lawn stuff in the past, but am as happy as could be with my 61" Ferris ZTR. A ZTR will mow faster, make better lines and stripes, have less impact on the lawn and in most cases produce a higher cut quality.

Keep in mind, I have no RFM experiance but take care of my home lawn of 1.25 acres and on occassion my elderly neighbors lawns particuarly in the spring when they can't afford to have their pro cut it 3 times a week that it may need to stay looking nice.

 

[Rara Avis]

NOW...you need a SECOND tractor...

Feel free to show this to your boss...(i.e. wife, s/o, girl friend...)...for purchase justification...

 

[jcmseven]

Curtis,

I have mowed with my current machine a JD 3720 and my previous machine a 4520. The 4520 is a BIG tractor for cutting the grass and it did not leave a mark. The RFM's cut as well as a ZTR, a fact which I did not believe until I saw it myself. They are not as manuverable and will lose some time to a ZTR, but not much time. As for the diesel Kubota ZTR, if you like them, consider them. They are very good machines. As for me, the JD diesel ZTR was over $5K more expensive than was the 757 I bought for my dad and I did not feel that was warranted.

John M

 

[Brent C.]

Curtis, I am seriously considering moving into a Kubota GL3940 w/ FEL and 72" mmm. I mow roughly 4 acres and have an additional 2 acres to bushhog. I was also concerned that the wieght of the tractor would be to much for the lawn but I don't believe so. The tractor will also allow you to do all the other necessary chores, maintain drive, tilling, etc. I presently have a Kubota B2710 and am just looking at moving up to a larger tractor.
JCMSEVEN, I would be interested in hearing more about what tasks you perform with your JD 3720. Your insight would be helpful to moving forward with a larger tractor purchase. Many thanks.

 

[jcmseven]

Brent,

I use my 3720 for finish mowing, loader work, grading and smoothing my long driveway and light duty landscaping. I have a RFM, front boom mounted snow blade for winter, a box blade, FEL, and landscape rake for my machine. It is a powerhouse of a tractor. It is not too big, but not too small and has the PTO horsepower to run some real attachments. I have had two 3720's over the years, in fact, I got the first one delivered to NC when they first were released. I really feel it to be an excellent machine. One thing I really like about the 3720 is although a large heavy machine it is surprisingly manuverable and compact enough to fit into spaces one thinks it would not go. It also is light enough to be reasonable to trailer. This is one reason I sold my 4520. It was a great tractor, but with a 4/1 bucket, large R4 tires which were loaded front and rear and a 72" box blade and multiple hydraulic ports and hardware it was a LOAD, even for a 3/4 ton truck. This machine rides pretty as you please on a trailer, which makes me feel more comfortable transporting it places.

John M

 

[Brent C.]

John, is your JD 3720 your primary lawn mower for your 4 acres? I currently have a 72" mmm and think I would prefer the mmm on a new tractor vs. rfm due to not having to look back all the time. My wife thinks I am crazy wanting to move into a much larger tractor. Maybe so?? But, I like the idea of additional HP when needed! I will be utilizing this tractor primarily for mowing. I will also maintain a 400' driveway, bushhoging, tilling, and some landscaping. As always, comments are appreciated. Brent.

 

[DuaneW]

Haven't seen this suggestion so far so I will. I would consider trading the current tractor on a ZTR, brand, fuel used is up to you, me I would go diesel, then look around at dealers in your area an try to find an old 50 to 60 hp tractor to rough mow with and do any other chores. You can usually pick up older farm tractors fairly cheap. brand doesnt matter unless you have a preference, dealers for parts do matter.

DuaneW.

 

[jcmseven]

Brent,

Yes my 3720 is my primary mower. I do not have that much grass but I mow and common area for our neighborhood and for my dad. My neighbor, who is in marginal health, has a large yard and I also mow for him. I prefer the RFM because most of my mowing is more open and I have to change attachments often, so the convenience of the RFM makes it the choice for me. The mid mount mower for the JD mid frame compacts is a great mower and rivals the cut of any mower out there. It is also a snap to use for one who prefers a mid mount. If mowing is the primary task (for me it is not) a mid mount is a good choice. But, if one is planning to change attachments a lot going mid mount is a bad idea. These mowers weigh a ton and are difficult to mount and dismount, no matter what the consensus might be. If your tasks can allow your tractor to retain the mid mount mower than go that way, if you are to be switching over a lot, I would recommend the RFM over it.

John M