I have a new tractor, now, Which Mower?

[Sarge1951]

OK. Just bought a Montasna 5740 w/FEL. 57HP Tractor w/53HP PTO.

Now I want a heavy duty 6' mower. Is the Brush Hog the end-all brand? Is there any other out there that will do the job, last the years, and cost less?
Or is this a case of buy the best and never look back?

What then is the best?

 

[deere5105]

I run a John Deere MX6 and have been very pleased with it. Has a dome deck that keeps debris from staying on top of it and the deck is double walled to help keep it from getting dented on the outside from debris slung under the deck. This unit is comparable in specifications to the Woods and BushHog brands and I believe will cut a little closer to the ground.

 

[Bird]

What then is the best?

Isn't that like asking which pickup, Ford, Chevrolet, GMC, or Dodge, is the best? Certainly Bush Hog is good, but so is Woods, Landpride, John Deere, and probably some others. When you say you want a heavy duty mower, do you mean you want to cut big thick saplings or small trees, or are you only going to mow weeds and brush, but want a "heavy duty" meaning that it'll hold up well.

King Kutter and Howse mowers are cheaper and may or may not be good enough for your purposes.

I've owned both Bush Hog and Howse and was satisfied with both, although I do believe the Bush Hog was a little better. But both of mine were "light duty" models. Neither one ever required any repairs though.

 

[Sarge1951]

Bird.

You're right: "Ford, Chevrolet, GMC, or Dodge". But since this is all brand new to me I had to ask. Pretty much I want it to hold up well. Only occasionly will I be cutting any big stuff so I guess you answered my question. I just need to do my homework and get quotes and go from there. There are just so many brands I have never heard of before.

Thanks for the reply.

 

[Bird]

I certainly did not mean to insinuate that you shouldn't have asked. It was a logical question, but the answer is a matter of opinion, and opinions vary. I'd just look at:
1. gauge of metal used in the deck,
2. horsepower rating of the gearbox
3. width and thickness of the blades
4. blade tip speed
5. chain guard included or not. If not, how much for that option
6. shape of the top of the deck, especially if it'll be stored outdoors (will rain run off or will it puddle?)
7. How hard is it to remove blades for replacement or sharpening. Some have a hole in the deck through which you can insert a socket wrench.
8, overall weight. That may not be important, but you'd like one your tractor can easily lift with the 3-point. However, heavier usually means more or better steel.
9. Rated to cut what size; grass & weeds only, 1", 2", 3" or 4" saplings.
10. Type of rear wheel - solid or laminated?
11. Price - possibly the most important feature for some of us.

Have fun shopping.

 

[LoneCowboy]

There are two people on this board who bushhog/shred/rough cut mow more than probably everyone else combined.

Me and FarmWithJunk (and him about 4x times me)

We both run BushHog brand cutters despite being on completely different sides of the continent with completely different growing conditions/plants.

I think that says something.

 

[PSDStu]

Many good rotary cutter brands out there, but the key cost consideration will be just what your cutting, and how often?

Pasture cutting can usually be handled with a light duty cutter.

The medium and heavy duty cutters could/would be overkill for just normal pasture mowing.

Wait till you start to see the cost and weight difference in medium and heavy duty cutters.

Most of the really heavy duty cutters around this area are Brown rotary cutters........but they are heavy, and pretty pricey.

Stu

 

[Uncle Wayne]

I run a John Deere MX6 and have been very pleased with it. Has a dome deck that keeps debris from staying on top of it and the deck is double walled to help keep it from getting dented on the outside from debris slung under the deck.

With all other things being about the same, I looked for one easy to clean off without external bracing that would hold debris and water. The MX6 fits that bill very well. I have been very pleased with mine.

 

[wny770]

There's a reason Woods have been making mowers for 50+ years.

 

[Bird]

There's a reason Woods have been making mowers for 50+ years.

Yep, and I think Bush Hog has been around just a little bit longer.