install mid mower or switch to larger 3pt?

must8657 · Dec 9, 2010

I recently sold my 855 and purchased a 4310 (sold the 855 for more than i paid for the 4310). I kept the 6' belly mower from the 855. The 4310 doesn't have a mid pto but i found the kit (along with 3rd scv, power beyond, lift kit) and have them sitting here. It will still cost me about 1k to get the rest of the items to install the belly mower (attachment pts, lift cylinder, misc hardware).

should i just purchase a larger (7 or 7.5') 3pt finish mower?

i have about 5 acres to mow and it took 2-2.5 hours with the 855 belly mower. I do have a few trees to go around, but the 3pt mower would make it easier to mow under the pine trees.

How much time do you think i could save with a 7 or 7.5 vs the 6'?

jason

KB9UDE · Dec 9, 2010

If you have wide open areas I would go for a rear finish mower. It will be easy to hook\unhook so you can use other implements. Get the JD quick hitch (Imatch) and a Frontier finish mower with the quick hitch compatible brackets and you will love it!!

LD1 · Dec 9, 2010

A 7 footer is about 16% bigger than a 6 footer. So if power is not an issue and you are able to maintain the same groundspeed and not let things get overgrown, you will be looking at about 16% LESS mowing time. So if it took 2.5 hours before, you will save about 24 minutes.

Another thing to consider is the cost of a 3PH mower. Are you buying new or used. It may be worth looking into a used commercial grade ZTR for around $3k. That would cut your mowing time down even more.

must8657 · Dec 9, 2010

I will probably be looking into a used 3pt. I would sell my belly mower and possibly trade in my mx5 if i find the 3pt finish mower at a dealer. The mx5 came with the new tractor and i don't use a rotary mower much. I have no interest in getting a zero turn. i already have to many vehicles to take care of.
jason

KB9UDE · Dec 9, 2010

Where are you located? My dealer (Sloan Imp) has alot of used equipment moving through their lots. They may have something you like.

must8657 · Dec 10, 2010

i live in bethalto and use Sloan in Hamel for my parts. I used to use Nobbe, but they don't seem interested in selling parts to the little guy and have screwed up several of my rush orders. I plan on running down to Sloan to see what they might have when i get the chance.
jason