Rear Finish Mower How big is too big? rear finish mower 7',8',9'+

[BrentEarl]

How big is too big? rear finish mower 7\',8\',9\'+

How big is too big? rear finish mower 7',8',9'+

I have 5 mowable acres (2.0 with trees, 3.0 wide open). I have a NH 45D. KK, Woods, LP, Befco are all options but what width is too much? Considering a Befco 110" rear discharge with all the bells and whistles. What are the down sides to a wider mower besides the obvious distance to fit between trees.

 

[KiotiJohn]

Re: How big is too big? rear finish mower 7\',8\',9\'+

One problem can be on slopes if you try going side to side, which you shouldn't anyway. Make sure the PTO HP requirement for whatever mower you want is sufficient on your tractor. Mowing can be one of the most taxing exercises you can do with your tractor, depending on whether it's thick grass or just sparce, so bigger makes it harder in thick stuff as the blades would be in almost constant contact.
For a tractor the size of yours, I think a 72" mower would be as much as you'd really want both because of weight and because of the PTO HP. Just my opinion. John

 

[frank_f15]

Re: How big is too big? rear finish mower 7\',8\',9\'+

IN MOST cases u have plenty of power to use any of them, but my suggestion is to go with the one that just exceeds the width of your rear wheels, if and when the gras gets a bit tall or wet u will be happier not overdoing it. This is MHO

BTW i like the Befco very well made!

 

[OkieG]

Re: How big is too big? rear finish mower 7\',8\',9\'+

There is a recent thread asking the same question re: a 72" midmount mower for a 24hp tractor, like mine. I have the "dealer recommended" 60" deck and find there's some bogging in thick grass, and mentioned that in my response to the poster's question. Several small tractor owners replied at how much they like their 72" decks and would not go smaller.

I think John and Frank are giving you good advice, but your 45hp tractor could possibly handle a larger deck, too. Can't tell you how much is too much, though.

OkieG

 

[RichNJKubota]

Re: How big is too big? rear finish mower 7\',8\',9\'+

I have a 7ft rear discharge mower on my 43hp Kubota. The mower is a little wider than the rear tires. Don't think I'd want smaller or larger. It's just right.

Rich

 

[Larry_Van_Horn]

Re: How big is too big? rear finish mower 7\',8\',9\'+

I have a NH TC40D, and I run a 84" First Choice rear discharge from Corriher. Love the deck and the price. Great unit. On nice flat ground, I can move along in High range and(turtle setting) through pretty heavy grass and not bog down. Great cut. I mow five acres plus every week and do it in under 2 hours.

 

[OrangeGuy]

Re: How big is too big? rear finish mower 7\',8\',9\'+

See attached. I have a 90" RFM mower on my 35 HP tractor. On level, smooth terrain cutting at finish mower heights (3 1/2"), I can easily cut at 5 MPH. However, I usually cut at 3 1/2 to 4 MPH in order to keep the guage wheels from falling apart. Make sure any unit over 84" has at least 5 guage wheels and several "anti-scalping" rollers.

The other thing you have to concerned about with the wider units is scalping. If you are truly cutting at finish mower heights, the wider the mower, the more exaggerated bumps and ridges become.

Get rear discharge so you do not windrow the grass clippings.

Good luck on your purchase!

OrangeGuy

 

[OrangeGuy]

Re: How big is too big? rear finish mower 7\',8\',9\'+

Sorry, wrong picture

 

[grandad]

Re: How big is too big? rear finish mower 7\',8\',9\'+

Depends somewhat on what kind of lawn you are trying to maintain. If it's a very smooth, fairway type of lawn you want, you would need to mow it often to keep that quality of finish. A larger mower will get you done quicker, which would mean a lot if you have to mow every week. One of those gang units of 10' or more could get your 5 acres done in maybe 2 hrs. if you don't have a lot of trim work. All you need is about $8-9K for the mower.

On the other hand, if it's more "rough" - not quite pasture but close to it - and you will be keeping it cut taller, you won't need to mow it so often, and you could get by with a smaller mower that only costs maybe $2-3K. Sure it will take you longer when you do mow it, but if it's only once a month, it's no big deal if it takes you an extra 2 hours.

Other considerations: storage space and ability to transport.

 

[yellowsocks93]

Re: How big is too big? rear finish mower 7\',8\',9\'+

Do you have 35 PTO hp or engine? I've got 35 PTO and run the 72'' real easily. You also have a Walco Douglas finish mower right? We sell those and they look well built. I would love to try a rear finish mower and compare it to my side discharge which does a fine job. Also what did the mower of your cost? Thanks.