Belly Mower vs. 3pt Finish Mower

dfeck · Jan 23, 2006

I'm looking at a tractor that doesn't have a mower and would like to ask a question regarding finish mowers. What is the benefits of a belly mower vs. a pull behind 3pt finish mower? Is the the cutting quality better/worst from one to another?

My lot has NO trees but will be planting many in the future. I'm cutting around 4 acres currently with a 61" ZTR. I looking to sell the ZTR and adding a mower to the tractor (Kubota B2710). The only differences that comes to mind is cost and maneuverability between the two.

Soundguy · Jan 23, 2006

A 3pt finsih mower will protrude from the back o f the tractor.. so be mindfull in a tight turn. a belly mower may be easier around trees.. I'm not sure of the price.. but would guess a bely mower is more due to the subframe and / or mid pto, or rear to mid pto linkages needed to operate the mower.

The belly mower may also interfere with other implements.. possibly loaders.. or units neeidng a subframe.. like a backhoe.. and you have reduced ground clearance using a belly mower.. etc.

They both should produce a similar cut.

Soundguy

LAXPatrick · Jan 23, 2006

I run a 72" Frontier RFM and only have a couple of trees or other obstacles I need to negotiate. I really like the ability to switch implements in seconds - that's a real benefit of the RFM. It does swing wide on the turns, but you get used to that quickly. It's actually nice to be able to back the mower in under the horse trailer, into corners, etc. - couldn't do that with a mid mount.

I've found the overall quality of cut to be excellent.

billbill1 · Jan 23, 2006

My 72" rear finish mower is a J-Bar and the cost was $1200 when I bought my tractor. I wish I would have bought a better quality mower when I bought. Mine is simular to the KK brand sold at TSC and uses the same blades. In one summer, I went through 2 belts, one idler sheave, and lost one of the blades (that I hope I don't find with one of the rear tires on the tractor) It does a good job of mowing, equally as good as either my Wheelhorse or TSC tractor, one is 36" and the other is 46". I have the rear discharge and I like that feature. Mid mounts are a pain to install and remove in most cases but allow you to mow closer to objects. That's my .02 FWIW.

KubotaSteve · Jan 23, 2006

I have been using the 60" belly mower on my B-7800 and I love it. It is quite easy to take on and off. I can take it off in less than 5 minutes and install it in about 10 minutes. It works great with getting close to objects. I can mow so close to my fence line that I don't have to go back and push mow the fence line. The same with the trees in the yard. They do cost more than a rear finish mower, but it has been worth it to me.
The two downsides to the belly mower are:
1. It will only work with a few tractors where as the rear mower will work with virtually any tractor.
2. If you want to use the 3pt hitch you have to pin the mower deck up or remove it for the belly mower. I usually just take it off as it is just as easy and it's not in your way.
Good luck

755inNY · Jan 23, 2006

I don't think you will find any difference in the quality of cut.

The mid mount mower (MMM) can be easier to use around obstacles.

The 3PH mower is easier to attach and remove although the quick attach of many MMMs makes this task fairly easy but not as quick as a 3PH.

The lift mechanism and height adjustment for the MMM varies among manufacturer's. Some are linked to the 3PH others are independent of the 3PH.

MMM requires a mid PTO. For some tractors this is an option.

The MMM is pretty much dedicated to a particular tractor model/brand. The 3PH mower will go on just about any appropriately sized tractor.

The MMM is much more expensive.

The 3PH mower can be easy to sell independent of the tractor. The MMM pretty much stays with the tractor.

Jeff

5030tinkerer · Jan 23, 2006

Curious as to why you are looking to get rid of the ZTR mower. Those seem awesome. My wife is concerned about getting on my Kubota L3830 and will be more concerned I am sure about using the new L5030 when that deal is finalized (she likes to do the mowing). I was considering getting her a ZTR instead of getting a 72" rear finish mower and do maintain an active concern about the possibility of leaving ruts in the yard with the 5030, especially with the loader left attached since I don't have turf tires to fit it (unless my current 3830 turf tires would fit - don't know on that one).

dfeck · Jan 24, 2006

I'm considering getting riid of the ZTR to offset the cost of the tractor. I spent $7500 to purchase the ZTR and figured I could sell it for ~5k and buy a finish mower for ~1300. I think this is an easier sell for the wife to accept me purchasing a tractor. The ZTR works great but since I have very little obstacles to cut around I figured I can cut my loses on the ZTR and sell it while I could get a good price for it.

Soundguy · Jan 24, 2006

( I'm considering getting riid of the ZTR to offset the cost of the tractor. I spent $7500 to purchase the ZTR )

Shazam! that's an expensive lawn mower... For that money you could have got a chinese tractor or used tractor, and brand name rear finish mower.. or possibly a belly mower!! and been ahead of the game!

Soundguy