The Advice We Give

[jjp8182]

Rear mount mowers are terrible if you have to do any sort of turning. Rear mount doesn't do anything mid mount can't do. I was really on the fence with my kubota 60" zero turn, until I got used to it. Now I won't do anything else. If you have tree's or do a lot of turning, rear mount is really squirly. If you go strait all day and make a single u-turn and then go strait some more, maybe rear mount isn't bad. But for mine, it's not suitable.

Guess this is one of those differences in preferences and uses that arise. In my case I much prefer a 3pt mower over a mid-mount as I actually find it easier to mow around (or under -- or over) obstacles & water-filled spots. Granted it requires some different mowing techniques (e.g. mowing around trees like a stream would flow around an obstacle rather than driving a circle around each tree, and backing up to swing the mower into really small spots, or mow in tight turns), but I can't see myself ever going back to a mid-mount mower arrangement. Especially since some parts of my property I'd rather not drive through during certain parts of the year when mowing as some spots will need to be mowed while being under a few inches of standing water for days/weeks.

Of course, from what I've seen beyond a certain size a 3pt mower also becomes the cheaper option when compared to a mid-mount mower (if a mid-mount is even offered as option) as a stand-alone implement on a tractor.

...so I guess this would be a great example of different tools for different methods and different situations.

 

[airbiscuit]

My additions would be:

• Had Turfs, R4s and R1s - prefer the traction of R1s
• Find a place for a chain and a toolbox
• SSQA
• Rear Remote(s)
• Few people wish they'd purchased a smaller tractor
• Buy a pony grader if you can find one
• Add a mirror and LED worklights

 

[metalbender]

Tractors are not good lawn mowers. They do excell at the heavy duty cutting with a bush hog and flail. ZT mowers rule, leaps and bounds ahead of the riding tractor type mowers. For any medium sized property, at least 40 hp. A cab is a must, especially for us older members, whose bones collect the cold when snow business is required. Pallet forks, grapple, land plane, the list of "toys" grows as needs arise. All tools to make life easier on the property. Usually we are working alone on many different jobs so must be careful and more cautious to prevent injury or worse. Being a city boy all my life, moving to the country at age 65 has been an eye opener. My opinions come from personal experience in my situation. All things considered, the information presented on this forum covers a vast area of knowledge, and I am grateful to be a part of it.

 

[Industrial Toys]

NOTHING cuts grass as well as a small push mower. Little ground pressure or weight to flatten grass and follows the terrain well. The wider a single deck is, the worse the cut quality. So really, something you can often find for free in a garbage, does the best job!

 

[rScotty]

NOTHING cuts grass as well as a small push mower. Little ground pressure or weight to flatten grass and follows the terrain well. The wider a single deck is, the worse the cut quality. So really, something you can often find for free in a garbage, does the best job!

I've noticed the same thing. Last year I spent some time finding a good reel-type push mower for a friend that wanted that type and no other.
I wonder if they cut so well because they actually cut through the grass blade with a shearing cutter instead of jthe helicopter type that keeps slashing at it until it tears.
What do golf courses use?
rScotty

 

[Industrial Toys]

I did mean a little gas job, but it is possible the reel mowers do a better job still. It's one thing I have never owned.

 

[4570Man]

I’ll take the 95 percent as good and 10x times faster job of my Grasshopper.

 

[Industrial Toys]

Can you show your work (math? lol

 

[4570Man]

Can you show your work (math? lol

Well I’ve never mowed an area with a push mower and then mowed it again with the Grasshopper. What time difference would you rate a 21” push mower vs a 72” ZTR?

 

[Industrial Toys]

You would have to factor in the age of the operator and some variable for laziness or lack therof.