May Be Rethinking My Needs, Little Help, Please

[robertwhite]

RW: Played around with the numbers a little and did some math. Assumming only a 6" overlap w/ your 66" deck, mowing your area in 2 hours means a mowing speed in excess of 9mph- pretty quick. Going to a 7' finish mower increases the theoretical cutting capacity by 27%. I say theoretical because I don't know the lay of your land including trimming. FYI

I have no reservations that a CUT will work, just about how long it will take and at what cost. A 7" RFM is big bucks unless it happens to come with a used tractor, and I really don't want to buy used. (I would by used implements, just not the tractor) A ZTR a full speed may also not be a smooth ride. The property is not a golf course, it is wide open land, ruts and all. (I could picture a cartoon character being tossed from the seat )

One of the main concerns is weight. An L series tractor may be a bit much for my clay soil, especially after it rains. Heck, a couple of weeks ago it rained for a few hours and it got swampy just walking around. Could it be due to the ground being saturated from the winter cold/rain? Sure, but I don't weigh anywhere near what a tractor does.

It really is going to come down to rent/demo/borrow both a ZTR and a tractor to see what will work. Problem with that is there is no nearby ZTR dealer (Dixie) and the local tractor guy acts like he could care less about getting new business and cares more about sitting in his shop with all the dust covered parts. (if you know what I mean)

 

[jenkinsph]

I would not develop a fixation for Dixie Choppers, while they may be good mowers they are not the only ones. From what I have seen there are alot of ztr mowers to choose from. The biggest concern I would have is the Generac engines, I don't think these will hold up near as long as the Deere, Kubota, New Holland and others with diesels whether they be in a ztr or compact tractor. The amount of fuel used is another big factor.


Right now I have a cheap Deere riding mower, sooner or later I will replace it with a better unit. If I had to maintain eleven acres at home I would do something else. One important thing to mention is I have spent the time to plane and smooth everything so that I can mow at full speed. This would make a huge difference in how much time it takes to mow a large lawn. It also makes a huge difference in how long the mower will last without falling apart.

 

[bdeboer]

I have both a compact tractor with a finish mower and a mid 90's Lesco zero turn. In the spring I have to be careful where I mow with the zero turn or it buries itself. The zero turn is nice around trees etc., but rides rough compared to the tractor. Having both, I would get rid of the zero turn long before the tractor.

 

[IslandTractor]

A 7" RFM is big bucks unless it happens to come with a used tractor, and I really don't want to buy used.

Depends what you mean by "big bucks". Caroni makes a 93 inch 5 blade rear discharge mower that costs about $2000 delivered. Caroni is not as well known as Landpride, Woods, and Rhino but is a well respected Italian brand of comperable quality. AgriSupply sells them (Store price for the mower is $1730 now and sometimes total price is less as shipping is cheaper if you call them too.)

93 ESTATE MOWER LIFT TYPE 5 BLADE REAR DISCHARGE - Agri Supply

 

[DGS]

I thought the same thing too. The other thing I came up with is maybe pulling a used gang reel with either my Kawi Mule or my pick 'em up truck. Still in the thinking stage.

Like whistlepig said, I like mowing, but don't want to spend all day once a week doing it.

Unless your terrain is golf course flat a gang reel mower will be a nightmare to maintain (sharpening, lapping blades ect.)
It's not fun work, I know from old experiences.
Regards
DGS

 

[TripleR]

Depends what you mean by "big bucks". Caroni makes a 93 inch 5 blade rear discharge mower that costs about $2000 delivered. Caroni is not as well known as Landpride, Woods, and Rhino but is a well respected Italian brand of comperable quality. AgriSupply sells them (Store price for the mower is $1730 now and sometimes total price is less as shipping is cheaper if you call them too.)

We have had two Caroni Finish Mowers for over fifteen years and both are going strong with only having had to change belts and put new blades on when they wear out. Our "newest" one has swinging type cutters on the blades like on bigger rotary mowers and will cut some pretty tough vegetation.

I like Land Pride, but my next finish mower will be another Caroni if these ever wear out.

 

[forester2]

Couple of points
First to DGS- The RIGHT gang mower can handle very rough terrain and high grass. The one to get is the Jacobsen Blitzer mower. Was designed to mow runways during WWII. Many schools and parks still use them (including our school). Can easily cut 10-12" grass and has no roller to maintain. On your acreage, if you adjust them properly, you should only have to sharpen them every 3-4 years.

Second- I had a Ferris Zero turn and when I decided I wanted another tractor with a cab to blow snow, I got rid of it to have the tractor do double duty- mowing as well. Haven't missed it a lick especially when the ground is wet (we too have heavy clay soils). Instead of rutting or gettings stuck in wet wether, the 4 wheel drive is actually less damaging on the grass. Plus I don't have to skip mowings ending up with too tall grass and clumpy clippings left after I can finally get out there. (Having air conditioning doesn't stink either).

 

[robertwhite]

Very interesting about the Caroni's but I see that the 7'+ RFM needs at least 45hp to run it. That would kick the tractor budget way up there. Nice idea if I can make it work, but time will tell.

I really appreciate all the different opinions and real life use feedback in this thread. It is really giving me a lot more insight into this issue.

 

[IslandTractor]

Very interesting about the Caroni's but I see that the 7'+ RFM needs at least 45hp to run it. That would kick the tractor budget way up there. Nice idea if I can make it work, but time will tell.

I really appreciate all the different opinions and real life use feedback in this thread. It is really giving me a lot more insight into this issue.

All these power calculations need to be taken with a grain of salt. The Caroni 7ft RFM should require no more power than any other 7ft finish mower. I would not hesitate to put it on a 35hp tractor and just go slow if the grass is tall or lush.

 

[robertwhite]

just go slow if the grass is tall or lush.

Neither lush nor tall are words I would use to describe this lawn. Crabgrass and clover are actually better words

 

[medicshawn]

I lucked out and bought my RFM used, actually I traded and it was a good deal for both. I have Agri-Supply relatively locally. My concern with the Caroni is it runs 5 blades instead of the usual 3. I'm guessing thats where some of the extra Hp requirement comes from.

If you can't Demo a ZTR you could see if someone would cut it for you with a ZTR. That would give you a best case time for comparison.

 

[Gittyup]

I understand being budget conscience. But, have you priced good quality ZTRs? A new one will set you back just as much as a tractor. Sure, there are "low cost" units out there. But, with that much grass, they won't last or perform like you will need them to.

Any way you cut it (punn intended), mowing 11 acres will not come cheap.

Your best bang for the buck is to go used. There are a lot of good machines out there that would work for you and still be reliable. Something like a BX or a JD455 for the "finished" yard, and and older Ford or Deere for the other field and loader work.

Want to save even more, consider refurbished Yanmars. Small ones, that are prefect for mowing can be found really cheap.

BTW, one steep bank brand ZTR that would work for you is the Kut Kwik. But finding a used one that is still affordable might be hard. I saw one locally here about a year ago for $7K. I think it had a 7' mower on it. It was a steal at that price.

When the ground is saturated everything will tear it up, even you as you point out. I would also think that, given such conditions exist, the affect of whatever machine would be far less important to your decision processs, since they all would cause unacceptable damage. Doesn't that mean the only recourse is to stay off of it completely when it's like that?

 

[robertwhite]

A new one will set you back just as much as a tractor.

A brand new X series Dixie Chopper can be had for $10K. Even a well used "L" series tractor will be nowhere near that price. (not saying that I am getting a ZTR, just sayin')

Your best bang for the buck is to go used. Something like a BX or a JD455 for the "finished" yard, and and older Ford or Deere for the other field and loader work.

While used is an option, a BX is never, ever going to be big enough for 11 acres of mowing. Actually, I take that back, it would do it, it will just take all the daylight hours in a single day.

At this point I am kind of leaning towards a hardly used L series or something similar as I surely don't want to spend all day mowing and even a B series will likely be too small to get it done in any reasonable time.

 

[Gittyup]

I was suggesting 2 TRACTORS! The second time you missed this point. The BX will mow circles around the L-series in tight spots or around landscaping - a compromise to the ZTR thing (sounded like something you wanted), and will be easier on the "lawn" - something you seemed to be sensitive to. The L-series would be good for the field and loader work. But, there are better values out there, if cost is a real issue.

A Dixie Chopper is mediocre at best. Not a Ferris or industrial bota ZTR. You would not be happy with a DC. Perhaps you should consider some goats, cheaper yet.

However, I think Mr. Fowler was right.

Anyway, who wants to mow 11 acres on a regular basis?. Short of a big batwing, you will be all day and then some, even on a grand L. Enjoy spending your retirement mowing grass. Wow!

 

[robertwhite]

I was suggesting 2 TRACTORS! The second time you missed this point. The BX will mow circles around the L-series in tight spots or around landscaping - a compromise to the ZTR thing (sounded like something you wanted), and will be easier on the "lawn" - something you seemed to be sensitive to. The L-series would be good for the field and loader work. But, there are better values out there, if cost is a real issue.

OK, ummmmm, why would I want 2 tractors AND a TLB? That makes absolutely no sense money wise or storage wise. Lightly used L for $16-19K, a lightly used BX for $10-12K and a used TLB for $6-8K. Then add brush hog, RFM, etc. Now we are talking abou close to $50K of equipment. Expalin how that makes sense, please.

A Dixie Chopper is mediocre at best. Not a Ferris or industrial bota ZTR. You would not be happy with a DC. Perhaps you should consider some goats, cheaper yet.

You are the absolute 1st person on this site I have heard say a DC is mediocre. An all stainless decked machine that is guaranteed for life? Come on. Check the thread in Lawn & Garden and see if they are mediocre from the mouths of actual owners. Not saying I will be buying one, but saying they are not right up at the top of the price point is outright funny.

Anyway, who wants to mow 11 acres on a regular basis?. Short of a big batwing, you will be all day and then some, even on a grand L. Enjoy spending your retirement mowing grass. Wow!

It will not take all day and then some and some people enjoy being in the outdoors just hanging out, cutting the grass. Cut the grass for a while, then go down the road and get on my boat and hang out on the river for a while, come home and hang out on the porch and watch the sunset. Yes, thank you, I will be enjoying the he!! out of my retirement.

 

[IslandTractor]

Neither lush nor tall are words I would use to describe this lawn. Crabgrass and clover are actually better words

In that case you could probably use a 30hp tractor. Just don't spread any fertilizer.

 

[aczlan]

I would reccommend one of three options (assuming that you have mostly open spaces):

1. Tractor and Bushhog style batwing mower
   • Tractor: Something like a Ford 5000. $7-10k, replace the seat with one that has good suspension.
   • Mower: Bushhog style Batwing: You can get a used 12-15 foot batwing mower for $5-10k and as long as you keep the blades sharp you will get a cut that is close to a finish cut. If the grass isn't too thick you should be able to handle a 12-15 foot batwing with a 50ish PTO hp tractor.
2. Tractor and "Finish" or "Turf" batwing
   • Tractor: Something like a Ford 2110, a Kubota L3650 (or any other 35-40 HP tractor). $7-10k, replace the seat with one that has good suspension.
   • Finish Batwing: a "Turf Batwing" is harder to find but they look like this: Turf Batwing Used ones range from $14k to $2400
3. WAM (Wide Area Mower): A third option would be one of these: Howard Price Hydro Power 180, 16 Ft Turf Batwing Mower, I have seen several in the $5-10k range

We have 5ish acres that we mow and that takes a full day in a 60" mid mount ZTR or a BX2660 but the BX does not beat you up like the ZTR does

If I was in your shoes and did not want to spend 2 days per week on a ZTR, I would go for a tractor and a batwing. Then you can go slower (thus not getting jostled and bumped around as much) and get the job done faster

Aaron Z

 

[bw_wis]

Have you considered Kubota's TLB series or a John Deere like 110? They will give you better loader and backhoe specs and a 3ph option for a mower, BB, etc.

And I'll admit I didn't read everything posted, scimmed it, so if I missed something. Sorry.

 

[aczlan]

If you are at all thinking of going with a tractor/batwing, this is a good thread to read: http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/attachments/121642-10-pull-type-mower.html

Aaron Z