LX5 verses MX5

[KentP]

First of all, thanks to everyone for all of the information that they have posted. I have scoured the boards during my purchase decision and now my JD4310 is scheduled for a 7/16 delivery.

I have one decision that has been haunting me. Whether to stay with the LX5 that I have on order or upgrade to an MX5.

I have read all the posts I could find on opinions between the two and I am aware of the pros and cons. Many of the posts have a lot to do with widths but I am set on an 60" width.

I was looking for some feedback on members personal biases regarding the MX verses LX. I don't want to spend extra money on overkill.

I will be using the cutter in my woods. I plan on "conservative" use but we all know how plans go.

I have lots of large (12-36") rocks that I should be able to navigate. I "plan" to scour areas for small rocks before cutting but again, we all know how "plans" go.

Am I being too optimistic in my "conservative" approach and is the LX destined to be dented and torn to pieces?

Thank you in advance for your opinions...

Kent

Soon to be the proud owner of
JD4310 ehydro
430 loader
1060 boxblade
Bear Cat 3 point chipper
LX5 (or maybe MX5)

 

[beenthere]

I have the Deere 513 rotary cutter, which I believe is the LX5 equivalent. I bent it up pretty good with just 'woods' work. Backing into brush was something it wasn't meant to do.

I had the rear skirts of the deck reinforced with 1 1/2" square tubing (after straightening out the skirt) on each of the 3 "side's" and it has been like a tank ever since. The 5' is an ideal size for my Deere 4300 (soon to be 4410, I hope). I don't have the stump jumper (and think I should) but this deck handles anything I can get under it, and I am quite satisfied with its performance (absolutely no trouble at all, knock on wood).

Enjoy and good luck with your decision. The MX5 is already like a tank, and it may be the way to go initially. It cost me about $200 to upgrade my RC 513 at the local welder's shop.

 

[hared1112]

The MX5 is considerably heavier duty than the LX5. I was able to compare the two of them by seeing them standing on end in the dealer's backlot. There is really no comparison if you are concerned about being able to withstand abuse. The double decking on the MX5 will obviously hold up better. After comparing them side-by-side, it made my decision really easy.

 

[Kyle_in_Tex]

Congrats on your tractor selection, you won't regret it.

I have an LX5 and it has pro's and con's

Pro's
1)It is relatively light weight and my tractor doesn't even know its back there until I get in the deep grass. This makes it easy to fling it around between the trees w/o the FEL installed I can lift it fast if I see an obstacle I drive over. I can back it down and out over my pond to trim the shoreline easy enough.
2)Price is much better

Con's
1) I have ran over rocks and such and it does have "dings" along the sides. I am on my 2nd set of blades ($35/both) and could honestly use another new set.
2)Even though I have and recommend a slipper clutch model, it still has a shear bolt which I have to replace every 5-10 hours of mowing thick brush with hidden rocks and other obstacles.

I look at it this way, if you buy an LX5 for about $1000 less money, use it for however long you can manage to keep it patched together. Maybe 10 years?

Otherwise, if you really need to cut down 2-3" trees, you might be better off with an MX5.

 

[rockyridgefarm]

MX!!

 

[zuiko]

I would get the MX. The difference in cost is not that great between a LX5 and MX5. I got the MX6. If I was going to go cheap I would go with something really cheap like a King Kutter ($500 for a 5 footer) myself. I never even considered the LX.

 

[KentP]

Thanks for the advice!

I called an upgraded from the lx5 to the mx5. I am sure I will be happier in the long run.

Kent

 

[JDNineNinety]

If I were you I would get the MX5. It is built much better
than the LX5. It has two decks and is rounded off on top
to shed debris. The extra money will be well spent.