rotary mower vs. finish mower

[bear]

I own a 4 acre field to be converted to horse pasture. It still needs to be seeded etc. There is currently grass there but it is a mix of all kinds of stuff (the stuff that grows when a previously farmed field is let go). I also need to mow another 3 acres at an adjacent property that is like a huge flat lawn. What type of mower should I get. What shouldn't I use a finish mower for? Can it handle a coarse/rough pasture?
Bye the way, I just bought a MF1428V. Should I go with 60" or 72"?
Thanks.

 

[RoyJackson]

As long as it's just grasses and you don't mind setting the mower higher for the rough lot, I'd go with the finishing mower.
If it's more brush then grass, you'll tear the finishing mower up pretty quickly. I ruined a Wheelhorse lawn tractor trying to do something it wasn't designed to do... Don't repeat my mistake.
Finishing mowers are more expensive then rotary cutters, so make sure you use good judgement.

 

[B2400]

If your main purpose is to just cut the growth, then I would recommend a rotary cutter, but if you are looking for a smooth finished looking cut then the finish mower raised up may be your best choice as previously stated. Bear in mind that heavy thick grass could be hard on the finish mower as they often use belts to turn the outboard blades. Rotary mowers are gear driven and tend to take the abuse better.

 

[KiotiJohn]

Were I in your shoes, I would buy a rotary/brush mower because it will handle that pasture without any trouble, setting the front a little lower than the back. For the more lawn area, set the rear just slightly lower than the front, and you'll get a better cut than in the pasture. Keep in mind though, that with the front a little higher, you need to be extra careful as that will allow for more debris to come out the front. If you get the rotary cutter, buy chain guards or heavy rubber guards to help protect you. John

 

[Alan L.]

I'd go with the rotary cutter. Unless you plan on mowing it often just like a lawn, the finish mower won't be of much use. The rotary cutter will do a good enough job cutting it, unless you want it to look like a golf course up close.

 

[greg_g]

Forget about appearance, think about the horses. This might help you narrow down your mower selection.

//greg//

 

[To20Chris]

Like any other mower, a lot will depend on how you set it. If you keep it sharp, and if the terrain is reasonably flat, you can get a very nice cut with a brush (rotary) mower. The biggest difference when trying to get a nice cut with a brush cutter is that it is one big blade instead of multiple smaller ones, and that if it is not flat, it will scalp easier. If you are moving quickly you can leave uncut patches (especially when you turn), as the blade on one side is moving the opposite direction from your tractor, and the blade can slow down (relative to the grass) to the point where it doesn't cut.

Get a 4" grinder to dress the blade regularly - you can almost hear it when it's dull! I've cut some fields very nicely with a brush cutter.

 

[Soundguy]

A pasture is going to eat a finish mower up eventually. Horse's paw up dirt mounds, and make wallows.. maneuer hardens.. etc. No matter how well you rentovate it.. nuisance weeds will grow.. some have woody stems.. etc. Sometimes you get a rainy week and the grass shoots up a foot.. all hard on finish mowers. A rotary mower would be my choice if I had to buy only one. Besides.. you can get a near finish 'shaggy' lawn look from a well maintained rotary cutter, and mowed as ofen as you would with a finish mower.

Soundguy

 

[bear]

Thanks for the help. Sounds like it's the rotary mower. Now the next question...is there any advantage to buying a same brand rotary cutter, meaning if I have a MF tractor is it better to buy a MF rotary?

 

[Gatorboy]

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( is there any advantage to buying a same brand rotary cutter, meaning if I have a MF tractor is it better to buy a MF rotary? )</font>

There is no advantage -- they are independent pieces of equipment.