Flex Wing Finish Mowers

[CLinton_in_FL]

I am thinking about getting a flex wing finish mower. I have 7 flat, clear acres to mow, and do not want to spend all day mowing it. I do not currently have a finish mower. I look at new zero turn mowers, but they are equally as expensive for a large cut. Any disadvantages of getting a used flex wing mower? Are they worth it for my small acreage, and if you would get one, would you pull it with a small CUT such as mine in my signature. I know my PTO HP rating is not very high, but was thinking a could get away with it if they grass was not to high and/or I go slow. Opinions welcomed.

Thanks

 

[RickB]

I think you are no less then 15 HP short.

Edit: that would be to run any flex wing finish mower I am familiar with. a 6' RFM should be no problem.

 

[Poopdeck Pappy]

You could probably mow 7 flat, clear acres with a 72" ZTR in less than 1.5 - 2 hours depending on how bumpy the ground is. Sounds like a better idea than buying a finish mower that will stress your tractor if it will handle it at all.

I'd suggest looking for a gently used commercial grade ZTR with low hours.

 

[chim]

You have plenty of HP to run a 6' RFM. I do 3-1/2 acres of grass with some hills, trees, sheds and a creek in 1-1/4 hours with a Landpride rear discharge 6 footer. You should be able to handle the 7 acres in about 2-1/2 hours.

 

[EddieWalker]

I have a 35 hp tractor that easily cuts grass with a 7 ft finish mower. If I kept up with it and did it at least once a month, I wouldn't hesitate to go even bigger. The biggest issue that I have with my mower is how heavy it is. I can pick it up with the 3 pt arms, but the front end gets real light and I feel that I'm straining the lift arms.

I also have a Scag 60 inch zero turn mower. Between the two, I will ALWAYS chose the tractor and finish mower for mowing big open areas. It's more comfortable and relaxing. I don't know which is faster because I just use the zero turn for those hard to get to areas and those places where I want the perfect finish. The zero turn will only cut grass that is already short. The finish mower is fine when the grass is four to six inches tall.

Eddie

 

[CLinton_in_FL]

I think you are no less then 15 HP short.

Edit: that would be to run any flex wing finish mower I am familiar with. a 6' RFM should be no problem.

I have seen minimum PTO HP be 30hp on a smaller 11-12' ones. Problem is, only used ones around here are the big 17' ones...

 

[leonz]

I have seen minimum PTO HP be 30hp on a smaller 11-12' ones. Problem is, only used ones around here are the big 17' ones...

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Is there any reason you would not consider 7 foot finish cut flail mower?

My father used a Ford Jubilee with a 7 foot JD25A flail mower and it tackled
everything from 12-15 foot golden rod to very thick underbrush.

The fastest way to mow is to mow in a spiral where you are running the
tractor at the 540 RPM engine speed and letting the mower work where
the mule is not stopping to brake and to turn around and or have a
cigar, beer, coffee break, roll over to have a belly rub, go to the groomer
to get a bath, have its mane trimmed and braided, hooves waxed etc.


By mowing in spiral pattern you save a lot of time and fuel.

 

[Industrial Toys]

I have an Alamo forteen foot. It is a real plessure to use. You are nicely away from the dust and pollen and cutting that kind of swath makes you smile. I used it to cut around 50 acres that no farmer was interested in any more. Now with the popularity of cash cropping, that has changed and I have been trying to sell the mower as it takes up too much valuable indoor space. That has been harder then I thought it would be. I thought there would be more folks that value their time!

There are basically two types of machine. Standard driveline with gearboxes and hydraulic. Each has their own advantages and disadvantages.

 

[Eric C]

I have a 15' Rhino flex wing finish mower. I use a Deere 3720 to pull it. It is 44 HP at engine, with not much power to spare. I think earlier post is correct, you may not have enough HP. A 7ft mower might be the better choice with your tractor and acreage. You mention an 11' mower. That might work, but I would try it with your tractor first if possible.