Class III CUT's suitable for lawn work??

[Pacesetter300]

Class III CUT\'s suitable for lawn work??

Hi Group,
I have a Century 3045 with R4's that I bought in May. I absolutely love this tractor for the tasks I have used it for. It is great for 85% of my 20 acres. I can't imagine myself with less of a tractor.

Looking forward to next year, I would like to cut down the time I need for cutting the 3 acres of lawn I presently don't use it for. I mow about twice a week on average and time required is about 3+ hours each time. Equipment for that is a '91 Honda 4518 with 38" deck. Every few weeks I hook up the Cyclone Rake.

Running the Century over the lawn, even when dry, does a number on the grass. When wet, it really tears things up. I'd like to get a 72" or 84" RFM, but am afraid that after a while I won't have any grass to cut! Before I forget the idea and end up trading the Honda for a larger garden tractor has anybody solved such a problem or have any ideas?

Thanks

Pacesetter

 

[CMunger]

Re: Class III CUT\'s suitable for lawn work??

Is it the tires that tear up the grass, or the weight of the tractor, or probably both? Would R3's and no water or weights help, remove loader? I'm sure you have thought of these things.
Chuck M.

 

[markie61]

Re: Class III CUT\'s suitable for lawn work??

I mow two field of similar size (1 is the lowest point on the property - almost always wet) and the only time I have a problem tearing up is when I turn relatively tight at relatively high speed IF:

I remove the loader
I remove the wheel weights
Keep my loaded rears to their lowest recommended pressure
Keep my fronts near their lowest pressure
Use 2WD

3 acres takes 30-40 minutes with my 72" around lots of obstacles (trees, fences, old wall, etc.)

Mark

 

[bigpete]

Re: Class III CUT\'s suitable for lawn work??

By the time you price out that 7-8' finish mower, you may be able to buy a second dedicated mower with a 54" or 60" deck. Maybe a solid garden tractor or ZTR.

I used to mow my 4+/- acres with a 60" deck on a JD garden tractor in under 2 hours. The lighter weight and turf tires will eliminate your turf quality worries.

 

[Pacesetter300]

Re: Class III CUT\'s suitable for lawn work??

Hi Pete,

That's pretty much what I've been thinking. The cost of the RFM plus the value of the Honda is probably about $3k~ #4k. Certainly a good start on a nice garden tractor. Of course, downside to everything and going to the bigger machine, I loose manuverability around the house and garage. Never seems to be a perfect solution /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif

Pacesetter

 

[jackd]

Re: Class III CUT\'s suitable for lawn work??

For manuverability(sp?) around the house & stuff, I went with a zero turn Gravely...great machine. FWIW...

JackD

 

[bigpete]

Re: Class III CUT\'s suitable for lawn work??

The mid to high-end garden tractors will offer a hydrostatic tranny and power steering. The JD 445 I traded had a 23 HP fuel injected Kawasaki V-Twin with a 60" deck. It took any finish mowing conditions I could throw at it. With the wheels turned tight, it left an uncut circle radius of 24". I got a little over $6 grand on trade-in with 300 hours on the clock.

On the other hand, I REALLY like the Gravely ZTRs, too.

 

[BenderKC]

Re: Class III CUT\'s suitable for lawn work??

ZTR mower if you want a quality cut with no damage, no question.

 

[art]

Re: Class III CUT\'s suitable for lawn work??

It is important to remember when looking at tractors as to the purpose they are being purchased. When looking for a farm traactor 90 lbs per horsepower is great. Lawn mowers don't need half that. It really depends on you!

 

[Pacesetter300]

Re: Class III CUT\'s suitable for lawn work??

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( It is important to remember when looking at tractors as to the purpose they are being purchased. When looking for a farm traactor 90 lbs per horsepower is great. Lawn mowers don't need half that. It really depends on you! )</font>

Only looking at grass cutting as a secondary use. I wouldn't want a 180 lb per HP tractor for the loader and other work I need to do.

Looks like I should start looking at ZTR's /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

Pacesetter