Pros/cons pull type v. 3 pt mowers

[Builder]

Other than the actual weight afforded by a pull-type mower what are the adv/disadv of pull type versus 3 pt mowers.

Worst disadvantage I can think of on pull-type is you can't raise mower for cleaning or clearing obstacles?

Anything else

 

[MikeInEburg]

Advantages of pull-type include:
Minimal 3-point lift capacity is required
Easier to hook up to tractor.
Doesn't apply leverage to tractor or change the center of gravity making bumps less noticeable.

Cons include:
Can't lift and back into brush - we do this regularly.
Can't easily get into square corners
As you noted, can't lift over stumps/rocks/other obstructions

For mowing wide-open pastures, pull type is great. Big mowers are usually pull-type. For close quarters a three-point type is generally better suited.

Mike

 

[MarkLeininger]

There are two pull types, I assume you mean a reel type where the ground wheels drive the mower blades, like the kind golf courses use to get a real fine cut. I have a Swisher 5' mower with a gas engine on it that I pull behind and next to my 5' 3pt bush hog to do the pasture. That gives me almost a 10' wide cut on each pass but I can drop the Swisher to use the bush hog alone to back in around overhanging trees and get in tighter places.

 

[Builder]

There are two pull types, I assume you mean a reel type where the ground wheels drive the mower blades, like the kind golf courses use to get a real fine cut. I have a Swisher 5' mower with a gas engine on it that I pull behind and next to my 5' 3pt bush hog to do the pasture. That gives me almost a 10' wide cut on each pass but I can drop the Swisher to use the bush hog alone to back in around overhanging trees and get in tighter places.

I should have been more clear-I meant the PTO driven pull-type.

 

[LBrown59]

Advantages of pull-type include:
Minimal 3-point lift capacity is required
Easier to hook up to tractor.
Doesn't apply leverage to tractor or change the center of gravity making bumps less noticeable.

Cons include:
Can't lift and back into brush - we do this regularly.
Can't easily get into square corners
As you noted, can't lift over stumps/rocks/other obstructions

For mowing wide-open pastures, pull type is great. Big mowers are usually pull-type. For close quarters a three-point type is generally better suited.

Mike

I just leave the MM Mowers hooked up on of 2 of my tractors .
A rear mower would mean more adding and removing of attachments for me .

 

[coobie]

Other than the actual weight afforded by a pull-type mower what are the adv/disadv of pull type versus 3 pt mowers.

Worst disadvantage I can think of on pull-type is you can't raise mower for cleaning or clearing obstacles?

Anything else

The 3 point would be easier to load on a trailer if you had to mow in another location verses the pull type.coobie

 

[JoeinTX]

"For mowing wide-open pastures, pull type is great. Big mowers are usually pull-type. For close quarters a three-point type is generally better suited....."


I would say that goes a long to summing it up. Pull-type mowers are better for larger plots and following the contour of the ground. Three-point types are better for smaller acreages, close quarters, utility cutting or where you need more maneuvering.

What size were you thinking about?

 

[Robert_in_NY]

To point out what Joe said, one of the main advantages of the pull type is its ability to follow the ground contour. One disadvantage of 3pt mowers is that when you go over a ridge the mower lifts up then drops on the ridge so you get long and short grass from a 3pt mower unless you design it to float by using a chain which is a whole different thread.

Are you talking rotary cutters or finish mowers though?

 

[Builder]

My plan was a 7' rotary twin spindle 3 pt mower, but I wanted hydraulic height adjustment.

Only one I can find is made by woods and costs $6,500

Just a "Tad" more than I want to spend by about $4,000

 

[JoeinTX]

There are several that make 7' mounted rigs..........and for less than $6500.


7' M.H.D. CUTTER W/2 WHEELS W/CH [MH72TC] - $3,023.00 : Howse Implement Company, Your source for tractor and farm equipment parts and supplies

Heavy Duty Rotary Cutters



And if you're not absolutely set on a twin-spindle rig there a scad of others out there that will sell you a 7' cutter for less.........Kodiak, Mohawk, Taylor-Pittsburgh, Modern Mfg, King Kutter, Big Bee, etc.