Outdoor Power Equipment (Lawn Mowers, Snow Blowers, Chain Saws and more) Discussions

Hi...

2 1/2+ acres to mow... flat... few obstacles... 25 PTO HP compact tractor... mow every three weeks or more... 6-8" tall sometinmes 24"... wet or dry... previous hay field... gotta' mow when I'm there... it's out-of-state... go there for the weekend...

Looking for advice/opinions/knowledge of 3-point-hitch rear-discharge finish mower decks... got prices on Deere/Frontier... Woods... Landpride... so far... have not seen any of 'em...

Some are "residential" use... more $$$ for non-residential... I like to over-buy and under-use... if the price difference isn't too much...

I'll guess they are fairly similar in performance... but wonder on price differences...

Residential...   Landpride     Woods      Deere/Frontier(made by Woods)

Model

$$$        ...out of time !

Dave...

Dave___in___CT wrote:
Dave,

We used this just as it was intended, a 6 ft. lawnmower.  We cut when it was dry, or we didn't cut. (Wanting to achieve a nice finished look).  We used it on large commercial lots and large church yards.  If it had rained or was heavy with dew, we waited until it dried out.  We used either our old 8N or a 30+ HP Kubota to power it. They both did just fine with it.

Not having any heavy wet experience with it, sorry I can't be of more help.

On our farm  we had a Woods rotary cutter that we used to mow along side our lane (3/4 of a mile long) and also used it along the creek banks and other rough terrain areas of the farm. Now this was the beast that would tackle anything, wet., dry or six foot high. Maybe you don't really want a finish mower but a bush hog type mower. Just depends on how tall and thick your field/yard is as well as how manicured you want it to look when you are done.

HTH.

If it was me, I would wait until future employment was established before I went and spent a bunch of money. But only you know what you have to deal with.

Thanks...

I mow out-of-state... and mow whatever the grass conditions are when I get there for the weekend... damp... dry... wet... tall... whatever...

I agree Marshall... that's why I'm  hesitant about a purchase right now... my current work contract has two months to go...  but I'm expecting a job offer from a consulting company any time now... may not be a good offer... may be great... may not take it either way since that jobs require a commitment to travel 100% of the time to the client's site... anywhere in the US... it will depend on all the relavant details and of course... the $$$...    ...may not be able to mow if I'm away all the time... !

Dave...

Hi again...

Update...

Got and accepted the full-time job offer... possibly travel 100% on a week-to-week basis...   didn't start yet... August 1st... think this one was "meant" for me... will see... I hope it is !

Mower decision is still in the works... now with more possibilities for equipment...   Kubota BX2230 diesel sub-compact with 60" mid-mower... Kubota GR2100 diesel with 54" deck... rear 3-point finish mower... maybe just a rotarty 3-point cutter... ...and most unlikely... a Z-turn...

...and I need to find out how I might possibly get to VT to mow if I travel each week... while still keeping a good home life with my "girlfriend"...

...may have to hire the mowing out... and loose my quality seat time !  ...while spending $$$ on that instead of new OPE !    

Maybe... I'll just "hay" the lot twice a year... ?

Dave...

Dave___in___CT wrote:
Congratulations Dave.

Can you muddle through this season until you have a better idea of what kind of time you will have?

It really seems like a lot of machines get stolen from vacation homes. Even with the insurance it must be a PITA. My uncle used to buy stuff brand new, hit it with a hammer a bunch of times, and spray paint it real ugly. Them he could just leave it in an unlocked, open pole barn.

If you are willing to travel 100% of the time and you are even half competent, they should kiss your feet and pay you a bunch of money. Just buy a place at the beach, and skip the mowing.

Great to hear you are getting a job you look forward to.  I would have the equipment on hand to hay, and some to mow when you need to.  It depends on your situation.  Something will work out.  

Dave, I am very happy to hear that! Good things come to good people and you fit the bill! 

Hmm, Looking for somebody to House Sit up in VT..

And excersise the tractor.....

Interesting and good tips robmints !

Thanks guys...

MM.. no house to sit... but a small self-contained camper is there.. complete with cooler and grill !  ...and yeah... two tractors to have fun with !

Yeah... will wait to see where I'll be on the 1st assignment before buying anything... there's a chance it will be in CT commutable from home !

Doing research... analysis and thinking now... The Gravely can finish out the season... and probably 10 more... just got the "new OPE" bug...

Dave...

Hey DAVE, maybe we should have a Campout in VT, all the New England members can pitch tents out in your Field, drink beer, and have tractor races

LOL, that could be mighty interesting.............