Mowing How much can the MMM take?

Rusty4242 · Apr 29, 2010

Hi, I wonder how much rough stuff the 54 inch mmm for the BX23 can take?

I use it for lawn grass but would like to take on the orchard grass, sumac and brambles in the back field without mounting the rotary cutter. With the highest position, full throttle and sharp blades it seems like it can handle anything I can get under it. What's you experience doing this? Thanks, Rusty

JOHNTHOMAS · Apr 30, 2010

Rusty4242 said:
Hi, I wonder how much rough stuff the 54 inch mmm for the BX23 can take?

I use it for lawn grass but would like to take on the orchard grass, sumac and brambles in the back field without mounting the rotary cutter. With the highest position, full throttle and sharp blades it seems like it can handle anything I can get under it. What's you experience doing this? Thanks, Rusty

I've used my mowing decks as bush hog on the high setting. I try to make sure there is nothing but small pines, briars and tall grass and I'm sure there are alot of reasons why it shouldn't be done but I have and do.

TripleR · Apr 30, 2010

They will take an almost unimaginable amount of very rough use without any damage. I mowed some pretty tough stuff including briers, tall grass, weeds and such. We also have an old John Deere 265 48" deck that we used for "rough cutting" for years after buying a new model for the lawn; basically decided to use it till it tore up and it is still going strong.

dodge man · Apr 30, 2010

Yeah me too. I've used mine like a bursh hog at times, doesn't seem to hurt it. It doesn't work as well as a brush hog, but it gets the job done.

SPYDERLK · Apr 30, 2010

There is a pot metal bracket that holds one side

of the gearbox. It will finally break in ruf usage and let the box move and damage the oil seal and the gears if you dont catch it immediately. Keep your mounting bolts tight for sure. I went thru 2 of those brackets and some gearbox parts before I made one out of steel.
larry

chiefchicken · Apr 30, 2010

It sounds like you already own a rotary cutter. My guess is that it would take less time to mount the rotary cutter than it would to repair your MMM if you should hit something unexpected in the field. Just because the MMM will survive a good bit of abuse, why risk it if you already own the proper tool for the job?

Rusty4242 · Apr 30, 2010

Thanks for all the comments. It's great being able to take advantage of every ones combined knowledge and experience. Too bad you can't hold onto the computer monitor and have all that wisdom just flow right into your brain!
I do have a brush hog, but have to drop the pins this weekend before I try it out. It's an old one and the hitch pin frame has been welded up a lot. Guess it's seen some seal rough service. We'll see how she does. I will spare the mmm of all goes well. I'll level things out with the hog and keep them down with the mower( with the Bro-tek skid plate on). Thanks, again, all.

BigD23 · May 1, 2010

Don't forget Rusty, it's a MMM...Not a mid mount bush hog...I've had very good luck with my 54" MMM in some pretty tall grass, but don't want to push it beyond that...I have a 3pt bush hog for that use.

Don