Advice for evaluating models of used finish mowers

[nondem]

I'm shopping for a used finish mower for my L2502HST tractor. Are there brands, designs or configurations I should avoid or look for? I don't have a lot of control over what I'll run across so I'm hoping to get some advice that will steer me in the right direction and save me wasted time and energy looking at stuff I don't want. I think I know what to look for as far as wear and problems with a specific one. I believe a 60" deck would be adequate and is slightly wider than my tractor. I'm mowing about 4 acres of lawn that I've been doing with a riding mower. Any advice or tips would be welcome.

 

[old and tired]

It doesn't take much power to run a finishing mower, I got 22.5 pto hp and it doesn't even know it's back there. If I were mowing 4 acres, I would get a 72". I have a Bush Hog RTDH72, it's a tank!!! Got it for $750, 15 years ago... still going strong. On my 3rd belt and just bought replacement wheels and yokes... just because... need to install them soon!

Got the wheels from here: https://precisioncountryparts.com/s...mower-wheel-assembly-with-needle-bearings-2pk

 

[Elliott in GA]

I am sure there are more than several good brands; I have a Land Pride 60 inch. I would recommend getting a rear discharge design. If you ever cut grass that is high, you will not see the clippings the next day.

 

[Flintknapper]

Provided you intend to 'maintain' the lawn and not let grass grow too high, a 60" will certainly work, even a 72" at your PTO horsepower.

BUT....if you intend to mow only when the grass has gotten 8-10" high, I'd recommend you stick with the 60".

Rear discharge is my preference. I mow with a 72" finish mower and 20 PTO hp. Keep your blades sharp, the under deck clean and go at a reasonable speed.

 

[Mitjam]

I know it may seem irrelevant, but solid wheels are awesome Different tire pressures can really affect the cut. I prefer spindles that are greasable. And quick hitch is also a nice feature to save time

 

[hodge]

The first thing that I look at is the shell. If it is bent up, shows rock hits, torn skirts, etc., I keep walking. How the mower was used will give me my first clue in how they maintained it. Used is fine. Abused, no.

 

[biketopia]

All real good advice here. I used a 72" behind my B2650 for our 5 acres for almost 2 years. It worked great, I picked it up for about $400 4 years ago. The seller said he didn't like how it performed, I just needed something to cut grass with. Turned out PO had the belt run wrong and was spinning a blade the wrong way. Fixed the belt issue and it's been a great cutter ever since. If I could be choosy, a rear discharge would be my preference but sharp blades, a clean deck, and keeping up with the grass will go a long way in avoiding windrows in the yard. If you're handy with a welder you can convert a side discharge to a rear discharge as well.

 

[mikester]

I'd buy one with no-flat tires, greaseable fittings everywhere, no plastic bearings anywhere, HD fabricated (not stamped) deck.

I have and I'd buy another Landpride RFM.

 

[SDT]

I'm shopping for a used finish mower for my L2502HST tractor. Are there brands, designs or configurations I should avoid or look for? I don't have a lot of control over what I'll run across so I'm hoping to get some advice that will steer me in the right direction and save me wasted time and energy looking at stuff I don't want. I think I know what to look for as far as wear and problems with a specific one. I believe a 60" deck would be adequate and is slightly wider than my tractor. I'm mowing about 4 acres of lawn that I've been doing with a riding mower. Any advice or tips would be welcome.

No magic bullets regarding brands, but inexpensive brands generally do not hold up as well as more expensive brands.

I would be most concerned with parts availability of brands not well known and/or inexpensive.

Be advised that quality 72" finish mowers can be quite heavy. You may need front weights and may well be power limited depending upon conditions.

 

[Old Machinist]

I have only owned the china made estate mowers from Agri Supply and they have served me well. One thing I like about their design is the belt tensioning setup. It only has two belts and NO idler pulleys to worry with. Both belts tension at the same time by an adjustment on the gearbox. I have never had to readjust one. The spindles have plain sealed bearings and I quit greasing those. My current 7 footer doesn't even have grease fittings on the spindles. I just fill the void between the bearings when I replace them and let it rip. I have only had to replace the bearings once and that was right after I bought it used. You can buy 10 packs of sealed bearings off eBay for less than $50.

One thing I don't like about almost all finish mowers is the caster wheel and deck height setup. They should use a sealed bearing pivot like most zero turns instead of the post with spacers. They also need better sealed wheel bearings. I had to grease all those points almost every mowing and no less than every other mowing to keep that stuff from wearing out. The pivots are bound to wear since you are putting grease in an area that will attract dirt.

 

[chim]

Good info above. I've had LandPride (60" and 72") and Caroni (59" and 90"). Right now I run the two Caroni decks, mostly the big one on the L4240. They are quite a bit lighter than the LandPrides. Replacement parts are cheap from Agrisupply. I prefer rear discharge.

 

[mikester]

Good info above. I've had LandPride (60" and 72") and Caroni (59" and 90"). Right now I run the two Caroni decks, mostly the big one on the L4240. They are quite a bit lighter than the LandPrides. Replacement parts are cheap from Agrisupply. I prefer rear discharge.

I broke a spindle on my 30 year old Landpride RFM last year after hitting some buried metal. I had a replacement spindle in hand the next day. I can't complain.

 

[biketopia]

Mine is a landpride and parts have been easy to find, and reasonable if I need them.

 

[BBFarmer]

I've put our landpride 1672 through some pretty bad stuff the first couple years of its life. These days it maintains several acres and has always done a fantastic job.

Our 3301 ran it for years without issue.

Shes got probably 350ish hours now, on her 2nd belt, and stays well greased. Good luck!

 

[Flintknapper]

Be advised that quality 72" finish mowers can be quite heavy. You may need front weights and may well be power limited depending upon conditions.

^^^^^
Not a bad point to consider if a person is right on the 'cusp' with respect to PTO hp. My LandPride 72" mower weighs a hefty 620 lbs. So I always keep my FEL attached for ballast.

I have some areas I cut that are on an incline and I can definitely feel the difference when going uphill.

 

[nondem]

Thanks guys! Those are some REALLY helpful things to keep in mind. Rear discharge, known brand, non-stamped deck, no flat tires, adjustments...greasability...tip after tip. I don't plan on clearing any more land so the yard I have is doable with a 60" and it'll mean less sticking out passed the tires. Having said that, I may find the perfect deal on a 72" so I won't rule that out. I'm graduating up from a 42" John Deere lawn tractor to 60" will certainly still be a time saver.