Cheapest path to 72" mmm

[bigpinwheel]

What is the cheapest new tractor that can run a 72" mmm really well with enough power to go up a hill. I understand that cheapest is not always best but I'm trying to get a feel for what's out there before I settle on a 60" mmm. I don't really have many obstacles to mow around but since it's on a hill I feel the mmm will be more stable and safer. Thanks

I would be interested in name brands commonly discussed on this site.

 

[MESSMAKER]

cheapest would definitely be a rear mount mower. You can probably pick up a used Mahindra 35 horse tractor that is not too old for less than ten grand.

 

[beckmurph]

The smallest tractor in the Kubota line would be the B3200.
With a 72"mmm, turf tires and no loader valve, on the Kubota site, it is around $16,000 after a 15% discount. If this is the style of tractor you are looking at.
I have a 60" mmm and a 60" rfm. I have different uses for both mowers.
The mmm is not a suspended type mower. It runs directly on the ground with casters. It does a good job of cutting the grass in my Yard.
My back yard is not flat and I have no problem power wise with 60" mmm or 60" rfm going up hill.:2cents:

 

[bigpinwheel]

Thanks for the response. I'm going to crunch some numbers and see how bad I want to go 72". I'd need a loader as well so we're getting pricey.

 

[aczlan]

Cheapest path to a 72" mower would be a used front mount mower
Some examples:
lawn mower/tractor
hustler zero turn
cushman diesel 72 inch front mount mower for backhoe

Most like the Cushman (or similar Toro/Deere machines) run ~$3k

Aaron Z

 

[roush9799]

I run a 72" on my 2520 and it pulls hills just fine and is very stable. It depends if your looking for new or used. You could go back to an 855/955 with a 72" on it if you want.

 

[LD1]

Used commercial grade ZTR. @ or under $5k for a good one. And ZTR's, IMO, are better on slopes that tractors. Lower COG.

IF you are looking at new tractors, I think MMM are a 3000-4000 dollar option. Forget that and get a ZTR with that money.

 

[LD1]

PS: Where abouts in OH you located??

 

[bigpinwheel]

Thanks for all the input guys. I'm in the Tuscarawas County Area.

Since you kind of asked I'll explain the pickle I believe I am in. I've considered a ZTR but I really need a tractor for driveway maintenance about 1/4 mile long hill. I mow 4.5 acres also on a hill currently with a 54" Deere X500 it takes me 2.5 hours.

So I NEED a tractor for driveway maintenance. I WANT to expedite my mowing times. I NEED to keep the X500 for a steep area inside a 54" gate. I can't see owning the Deere, a driveway tractor, and a dedicated mower. I'm thinking B series sized as mowing will be the primary use. But the B3200 with the 72" Mower gets to be a little out of what I'm comfortable spending I guess with the loader etc. the Deere's are even more.. so I think I'll be going with a 60" mower deck on a small CUT.

 

[LD1]

I guess my next question would be what your budget is??

I dont know how many obsticals you mow around, or what the terrain is like, but considering going from the 54" x500 to a 72" MMM, I dont see you saving much time. Maybe shaving that 2.5 hours down to just under 2 at the most. The larger tractor w/MMM is going to be less maneuverable. And a 60" prolly wont save you any time at all IMO. So if a MMM is indeed what you want, and you opt for the 60", I think it is going to be $3500 wasted.

Now if the area is big and wide open, look for a used 72" mower. I see them all the time in the $800 price range, especially this time of year being late in the mowing season.

I totally understand not wanting an extra peice of equipment to maintain, but for 4.5 acres, if it is smooth and has obsticals, the only way to mow it in a timely manner IMO is a 72" ZTR. If it isnt bumpy enough to slow you down, it would take a tad over an hour with a ZTR.
And nothing wrong with a used tractor loader combination either. Lots of em out there for good prices.