Calling all JD 3x20 owners who use the MMM:

[FRIZ]

The other day I test drove the Kubota B3030 with cab. It was not a satisfying experience. Therefore I am reconsidering the John Deere 3720 cab with 72in mid-mount mower. (I know that the B3030 and JD3720 have not only different price points but also have different weight.)

The task for the John Deere 3720 cab with 72in mid-mount mower would be to mow around the three ponds (1.5 acre, 1+ acre and 0.5 acre). Also I would order a PTO driven leaf blower to get the leaves away from the ponds.

My questions are:

Are you satisfied with your John Deere 3x20 with 72in mid-mount mower?

Would you recommend your John Deere 3x20 with 72in mid-mount mower?

Please help by sharing your experiences.

Thank you,
Regards,
FRIZ

 

[sunnyside360]

The other day I test drove the Kubota B3030 with cab. It was not a satisfying experience. Therefore I am reconsidering the John Deere 3720 cab with 72in mid-mount mower. (I know that the B3030 and JD3720 have not only different price points but also have different weight.)

The task for the John Deere 3720 cab with 72in mid-mount mower would be to mow around the three ponds (1.5 acre, 1+ acre and 0.5 acre). Also I would order a PTO driven leaf blower to get the leaves away from the ponds.

My questions are:

Are you satisfied with your John Deere 3x20 with 72in mid-mount mower?

Would you recommend your John Deere 3x20 with 72in mid-mount mower?

Please help by sharing your experiences.

Thank you,
Regards,
FRIZ

I'm quite happy with my 3720 Cab with 7 Iron 72" mmm which I use primarily for cutting about 6 acres of lawn in summer. In winter, it is used with JD 59 front mount snow blower for clearing about 1/2 mile of driveway and it works very well for that.

My only gripe is that I have to mount a very heavy support bracket for the front hitch when installing the snow blower after removing the mmm and then remove the support bracket when installing the mmm all due to the front mower arms contacting the front hitch bracket. Also, the 72" mmm is very heavy and is a tight fit under the tractor and between the front & rear wheels. I'm told all of the above is resolved with the new drive-over mmm deck.

PS: I'm very interested in any PTO driven leaf blower you find.

 

[kennyd]

PS: I'm very interested in any PTO driven leaf blower you find.

Take a look at these links:

Agrimetal

Giant Vac

Buffalo Turbine

 

[vic654]

I have the 72" mmm drive over deck and it is quite easy to install.I also made two axles and and 10" wheels to move the mower for storage.This was a huge help because of the weight of deck.I also retro fit my old trac-vac 854 which i had on bx2350.I just needed to buy a new boot for deck and a longer pto shaft for blower.

As mentioned the only pain in the *** is having to take on and off mid pto when changing to the front blower or mmm.Heres a couple pics of the vac

 

[sunnyside360]

Take a look at these links:

Agrimetal

Giant Vac

Buffalo Turbine

kennyd, many thanks for the info.

 

[radman1]

There has been prior posts of low deck clearance when raised on the 3000 series. Could get hung up on hills, ditches, loading on trailer ect.

 

[kennyd]

kennyd, many thanks for the info.

My pleasure...there is another brand that my local dealer sells (Finch Services) But I cannot remember what it is or find it with a Google search of the term "pto blowers.

 

[CinderSchnauzer]

Yes I would recommend JD 3320 with 7 Iron MMM. Didn't have drive over / auto connect when I ordered - so can't comment. So far the MMM goes on in spring and comes off in fall - on concrete floor - so not really that big a deal. Have approx 2.5 acres. Main use is mowing and snow work with FEL. Didn't really see any difference in cut with BH & FEL removed so they stay on most of the time. Turf Tires seem relatively easy on grass, except maybe sharp turns in 4x4. Area has few hills so mostly use high range for everything. Traction in snow has not been a problem in my application.

Also have riding tractor with deck for close areas and under trees.

Some people say the 3x20's feel tippy. Rear wheels are set wide and fronts set narrow - fronts rub on deck in wide. On exact same spots where uphill wheel of rider comes up the 3320 feels glued to the ground. Only experiencce is on own land so can't comment on how they handle on larger hills.

 

[orlo]

Hi:

I have a 3720 cab with a 72"MMM and also I use primarily an 84" RFM. I also have 6" (Each side) Unverferth wheel extensions and run R3's.

The mower cut quality is superb and I'm sure you'd be happy with it. My gripe (I no longer use mine except for leaf collection) is not with the deck itself, but rather the pain it is to take on and off (May be a moot point with the new auto-connect deck).

If you are just mowing you'll be more than happy. If you want to do interspersed 'tractor stuff' you'll be cursing frequently as the deck is too low to realistically do much without taking it off and removing it and putting it on is worlds more difficult than on the 2305 I have.
So much so I gave up on it and now use an 84" RFM exclusively except for leave collection (I use the 72" MMM and a Cyclone rake for that).

So My recommendation would be that if you will be doing anything other than mowing or 'light' tractor duties (no rough terrain) don't do it. Either get a RFM or figure out another mowing solution. For the 3K+ the deck is going to cost you you can get a pretty nice mower if you need to. Your acreage seems like a 3720 is overkill. I mow 5-6 acres with mine and it's overkill for that. (My 2305 was more than enough for that but didn't have the cab.

As for stability. I have a tilt meter on mine and once you get used to it you'll be fine. I have extended my wheels a foot so I feel pretty stable on slopes. The only time I've actually tilted it is with the grapple hook on the front carrying unstable loads. I've never had a 'pucker' moment just mowing.

 

[MessickFarmEqu]

if your going to look at the 3X20, you could also consider the next larger Kubota as well. The L40's and the B3030 are very different tractors.

 

[sunnyside360]

Installing rear wheel weights or liquid ballast in the rear tires greatly improves tractor stability and traction. My 3720 Cab has liquid ballast in the rears and I've had no problems with stability or handling snow in the winter. Also, the dealer will likely recommend extra rear weight if you get a front end loader regardless of what tractor you decide on.

 

[OhioKyle]

I have the 72 in. AutoConnect deck and would recommend it. It was leveled at the dealer but didn't cut level; I was able to adjust it enough to get a good cut with it. Although it does hang low when raised I no longer concider that an issue. I can drop or install the deck in under 2 minutes with no real heavy lifting.

 

[Malvern]

I have a 3120 with a 72 mmm and cut 5 acres every weekend, I would recommend it, it cuts very well and will leave strips in your yard.
I really don't have any problems removing the deck back on once you learn the tricks like turning and moving the gauge wheels to the highest point, turn the deck height adjustment knob all the way out, drop the deck, remove the attachment points and pull the deck from the side. Works best and fastest on a smooth surface. Best a 5 minute job.

Malvern

 

[Tritonman]

I have a 4400 with the 72 inch mid mount and it think it is fantastic and is a mowing beast. It definately helps having a loader on the tractor to lift it up and move the deck under it easier. Takes 5 minutes to unhook it and 15 minutes to hook it up with another person helping.

 

[FRIZ]

if your going to look at the 3X20, you could also consider the next larger Kubota as well. The L40's and the B3030 are very different tractors.

The issue is that the John Deere dealer is 8 miles away and is very attentive to me (I have been talking with them since last November and bought the JD4720 there in June.) The Kubota dealer is more than 30 miles away and I just cannot connect with anybody there.

 

[Killer_B]

I have a 3320 with the 72" mmm and have used it for two seasons.

1. It's beefy.
2. It has a nice cut.
3. It only takes 6 minutes to remove or reinstall. However, as time has gone on, I have to admit that I have come to dislike the task. If I had it to do over again, I would get an RFM.

KB

 

[soulasphil]

I use a 3520 with a 60D Autoconnect MMM and am very happy with the set up. As I have Ag tires, the mower doesn't lift very high, but I don't hesitate to drop the deck and pick it up again when there is some more mowing to do.
Installing or removing the deck is quick and easy once you've memorized the sequence and implies no physical effort. It cuts beautifully. My only criticism is the noise level, but I now wear ear protection when mowing.

 

[Nuru]

I have a 7 Iron 72" MMM and it works fine. I tend to leave it on no matter what. I have gotten a bit lazy lately. I run Turf Special tires on my unit and I run them with the Turf Specials installed. Even though the Deere Manuals say they won't work due to rubbing. Mine do not rub at all.