John Deere HD rotary mower - 09 series?

[AKfish]

If I recall correctly - John Deere still offers the 09 series of rotary mowers - brush hog type.

My question is this: Is the 609-709 a heavier duty mower than say the MX-6 or the MX-7, etc? I want to think that they are, but I'm not certain that's the case.

I want to rennovate some old hay fields that have gone back to Spruce trees in the past 4-5 years. The trees are all less than about 3 feet (most smaller) and less than 3"-4" inches in diameter. 'Course they're "thicker than hair on a dog's back", too!!!

Thinking of mowing, raking up the debris, burning and then turning the ground over with a Meri-Crusher or HD rototiller.

Thanks for info and feedback.

AKfish

 

[Zebrafive]

Yes the 609 & 709. Have 100HP gear boxes and rated to cut 4" diameter
609 weighs 1131lbs, 709 weighs 1325lbs

MX6 & MX7 Have 54HP gear boxes, and rated to cut 2" diameter.
MX6 weighs 1053lbs, MX7 weighs 1332lbs

 

[dusty3030]

I just went from a 709 to mx6. Haven't mowed much with the 6 yet but the 709 was heavier duty, just doesn't cut as pretty IMO
The 709 would mow up fire hydrants if you wanted too.

 

[AKfish]

I just went from a 709 to mx6. Haven't mowed much with the 6 yet but the 709 was heavier duty, just doesn't cut as pretty IMO
The 709 would mow up fire hydrants if you wanted too.

What Hp tractor did you have on the 709? Why did you drop down to the MX-6? Just nicer cut..? Thanks.

AKfish

 

[dusty3030]

2355 on the 709. About 55 hp on it. Sold that tractor and cutter and downsized to a 4120 and mx6. My old tractor and cutter were showing their age but the whipped our place into shape.

 

[AKfish]

2355 on the 709. About 55 hp on it. Sold that tractor and cutter and downsized to a 4120 and mx6. My old tractor and cutter were showing their age but the whipped our place into shape.

Ok, that would be in the ballpark for me - tractorwise.

How about any problems, concerns with spindle lag on startup? Some folk's have voiced concerns with the size, weight of the blades on the 7' mowers (MX-7, mostly) and the jolt, lag time on the pto with the tractor trying to spin up the added weight of the bigger spindle, blades, etc.

Stated that the MX-8 is easier to power up than the 7-foot, MX-7. Guessing that the 709 might be worse with the overall mass of the drive system.

Any thoughts? Thanks.

AKfish

 

[dusty3030]

My 709 was very smooth. When those heavy blades swing out they stay out.

 

[jenkinsph]

The 709 is a heavy duty model but is not that much of an improvement over the MX 7. The MX7 has a 75hp continuous rated gear box and 100 hp peak.

Other differences, the 709 is an older style single layer deck 7 ga. while the MX7 has two 10 ga layers with the domed top.

The heavier single layer 709 is rated for up to 4" material, hard to know which one is the better choice if the vast majority of your work will be normal cutting.

 

[Zebrafive]

Two reasons I am looking for an 8' cutter.
My tractor is a little over 7' wide.
8' Twin spindle cutter is shorter length than 7' Single spindle cutter.

I don't know which will give the better looking cut, but I will not be using it as finish mower.

 

[AKfish]

I don't think whatever model of mower I buy will ever see "grass"... very much. It's really gonna be for heavy brush.

Might do some clean up work along field borders, too. Where wild roses, willows, etc. have started to creep in on the margins. Guess I'd cut some grass doing that... :laughing:

Still pretty undecided... lead mechanic - shop foreman - at the local JD dealer voted against the MX-8. He didn't favor the mult-gear box, spindle configuration. Concerned about cost to repair - rebuild with "doubles of everything"!

Hmmm... went out to one of the fields yesterday and the trees are bigger than I remembered! Fair number are in the 6' range! I'd sure hate to start busting my way thru that field and notice that the mower deck is startin' to look like Godzilla is trapped inside and is just about to punch his way out!! :shocked:

AKfish