Sensible sized topper for a MF35?

[Chris Wilson]

I want to buy a topper fro my MF35. It will have to deal with some scrub and brambles in woodland, and general grass topping, mainly on a 3/4 mile grass walkway I share with a neighbour. The deal is I cut the grass, and he allows us access to his lovely lake

So nothing too big, but as a newbie not sure what "too big" is. I was thinking a 5 footer? Would it pull and operate a 6 footer? What should i look for in one? Availability of replacement parts, especially cutting blades comes to mind, as it'll probably be a used one.

Finally, what's a chain topper? I presume it thrashes the **** out of the undergrowth, rather than cuts it, so of limited use cutting rough grass tracks?

Thanks. Specific make recommendations may be of limited use as I am in the UK, although Votex seems popular amongst farmers here.

 

[rbargeron]

If you could find a lightweight 6-footer your MF35 would probably handle it ok. Might need front weights to help steering traction. I'm guessing that a "chain topper" might be what we call a "flail" in the U.S. They need more hp per foot of width so a 5-footer might be better suited to the MF35. They do a nice job - maybe a little nicer cut with smaller leftover cuttings than the rotary cutter type. How wide are your rear wheels set? It's nice to have a mower a little wider than the tractor. For a garden path, the best cut would be from a finish mower - high-speed, multi-spindle rotary cutters - 2 or 3 depending on brand and size. The MF35 would handle a 6 footer on grass. Whatever kind you choose, inspect the gearbox for bearing play, any oil leaks, etc. check the deck for cracks, weld repairs. Mowers sometimes have had a hard life. Good luck - Dick B

 

[Chris Wilson]

Thanks for that, a five footer seems the size to aim for, I know a friend has cut this pathway, and our field with a MF135 and a five footer topper, so I'll play safe. Cheers