What can my tractor handle as finish mowers go??

[kemosabe]

So, fairly new to the tractor scene... Bought a L2501HST, nice compact tractor, looking to purchase a finish mower to pull behind it. I know that the fdr1660 is recommended. After looking at the specs of the 1672 and 1660 it doesn't appear to be that much difference between the two.

Here's what I currently use to cut 20-25 acres. I've got a 61" Scag Tiger Cat. I typically cut at +/- 2", don't mind cutting a little higher if need be. I cut 5 acres at 2" that I cut weekly so it doesn't get high, bermudagrass. I would say 5 acres gets to be about 8-12" that I cut at about 3-4", mostly bahia/dallisgrass. There's another 8-10 acres that doesn't have dense grass/weeds that gets mowed down to 2-2.5" on a monthly basis.

Been using zero turns to mow these areas for decades. Looking to utilize my tractor more. Land is relatively flat. Scag bogs down in the high/thicker areas. I can definitely use less time on the Scag .

Any advice, thoughts, concerns would be appreciated. Price is not a problem.

 

[SDT]

So, fairly new to the tractor scene... Bought a L2501HST, nice compact tractor, looking to purchase a finish mower to pull behind it. I know that the fdr1660 is recommended. After looking at the specs of the 1672 and 1660 it doesn't appear to be that much difference between the two.

Here's what I currently use to cut 20-25 acres. I've got a 61" Scag Tiger Cat. I typically cut at +/- 2", don't mind cutting a little higher if need be. I cut 5 acres at 2" that I cut weekly so it doesn't get high, bermudagrass. I would say 5 acres gets to be about 8-12" that I cut at about 3-4", mostly bahia/dallisgrass. There's another 8-10 acres that doesn't have dense grass/weeds that gets mowed down to 2-2.5" on a monthly basis.

Been using zero turns to mow these areas for decades. Looking to utilize my tractor more. Land is relatively flat. Scag bogs down in the high/thicker areas. I can definitely use less time on the Scag .

Any advice, thoughts, concerns would be appreciated. Price is not a problem.

Firstly, finish mowers are not designed to cut grass 8"-12" tall and will not do so well. Use a rough cut (bush hog type) for such chores. A 48" rough cut mower is enough for your 2501, though you could get by with a very light weight 60" if conditions are not too bad. (12" of heavy grass IS bad.)

Stick with the 60" finish mower with your 2501. The 72" is too wide and too heavy.

SDT

 

[kemosabe]

Would the tractor/finish mower combination reduce my mowing time vs the Scag at a slow pace?

Also the 8-12" was exaggerated a bit...worse case scenario...high stuff is typically 4-8"

 

[SDT]

Would the tractor/finish mower combination reduce my mowing time vs the Scag at a slow pace?

Also the 8-12" was exaggerated a bit...worse case scenario...high stuff is typically 4-8"

I've never used a ZT so cannot say with certainty but do know that they are designed to travel fast when conditions are good.

25 acres is a lot of ground. One would think a larger tractor/mower combination is in order unless conditions, e.g., obstacles, terrain, etc., prohibit.

SDT

 

[D2Cat]

For the acreage you describe it sounds like you need a larger tractor if you want to reduce seat time.

I'd suggest looking at a flail mower. I mow a 10 acre patch with a 60 HP tractor and 7' flail. I can lower the mower and make it as smooth as a lawn, or raise it up and mow the weeds and leave leaves for grazing.

You are going the right direction in looking for a 3pt mower, not a belly.

If your field is smooth enough for a zero turn you could probably use a 6' finish, and if the grass got too tall at any particular time you could simple not take a full swath.... just cut 5 ft. (or less).

Be nice if you knew someone who would let you use their mower for a few days! You could run a field test.

 

[Dunbar]

I'm in Tomball and just got my L2501 last Thursday. I have a used FDR1660 and some real grass to boot. Your welcome to come take a spin with mine and won't have to transport anything. I also have a RCR1860 rotary cutter you can test in the emerging jungle. Shoot me a PM if interested. Got my tractor from Landsdowne Moody in Hockley.

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[kemosabe]

I'm in Tomball and just got my L2501 last Thursday. I have a used FDR1660 and some real grass to boot. Your welcome to come take a spin with mine and won't have to transport anything. I also have a RCR1860 rotary cutter you can test in the emerging jungle. Shoot me a PM if interested. Got my tractor from Landsdowne Moody in Hockley.

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Thanks Dunbar, I might have to take you up on your offer. Just got off the phone with the Sealy Kubota dealer, since they are the only ones that have any finish mowers in stock around Houston at the moment. He and one of the guys from Landsdowne SW think that as long as the grass/weeds don't get too bad I shouldn't have an issue since I've been using a ZT that has way less torque. Since specs are almost identical between the fdr1660 and fdr1672 only differences being 42 lbs heavier, 12" wider and only 65 FPM blade tip speed difference. The tractor should be able to handle it. I can always raise the height or overlap in the thicker stuff.

The FDR2572 is probably past the limits of the tractor because of the weight difference.

....

 

[kemosabe]

https://www.landpride.com/ari/attach/lp/public/specs/310-366s.pdf

 

[hodge]

For a number of years, I ran an RM59 behind my B7100 (16 hp). It mowed anything in its path, grass-wise. Your tractor will power a 6 ft, fine. Because you are looking at making time, I would definitely consider the bigger mower. The suggestion for a flail is also a good one- that's my next major purchase.

 

[chim]

Dunbar's offer would bring me running. There's more than width to consider with RFM's. My experience has been with 5 footers (Caroni, LandPride) and a 6' LandPride 1672. Weight is something to take a serious look at.

Right now I have the 5' Caroni I bought back around 92.It weighs a tad over 400# and my Ford 1210 makes it feel like it's half that weight. It'll drag it uphill and down cutting like a champ.

When I had the B7500, it was paired with a LandPride (1560?) that weighed closer to 600#. The B7500 handled it well, but there was no HP to spare. I once wondered how much the difference in weight mattered, so I swapped decks between the Ford and Kubota. The Ford had a lot of trouble dragging the LandPride deck, and the Kubota felt like there was nothing on the 3PH.

The current setup is an L3200 and a LandPride 1672. It feels well matched and handles nicely. There are some horses left and with the exception of going up some fairly good slopes, I can mow in high range.

I've been looking for something wider to play with so I just bought a used Caroni 93" RFM. It needs blades, paint and a good going-over. It's been neglected but worth the $650 I paid for it. The plan is to totally disassemble, check, fix and paint it. I parked it at the shop at work and it could be a winter project there. The super heavy duty steel tables and 5T overhead cranes there make it a more desirable place to work on it.

The L3200 might handle the bigger deck. But there's another facet to this. Since Wifey has been convinced that due to my advancing years it would be best if we had a tractor with A/C, there may be a bigger tractor for it.

 

[Freeheeler]

If price is not a problem I'd suggest a Ferris IS Z mower. You can get a 62" cut and it will mow much faster than your tractor could dream of. My 2650 would have a hard time mowing even shorter grass at 6 mph. My Ferris IS2100Z can run 14+ mph and mow fairly tall grass at 10-12 mph. Add that speed differential up over 10 acres and that's a huge time savings. Lot's of commercial ZT mowers can mow that fast, but I went with the Ferris because I broke my back years ago and the suspension system on their IS mowers if fantastic and allows for those faster mow speeds without getting bounced around. Only reason I would opt for mowing that much acreage with a tractor is if I had a cab with A/C and a nice stereo. Of course, I rarely have to mow anything over 6-8" tall.

 

[D2Cat]

The man owns a zero turn, just bought a tractor and ask for advise on size of mower for his tractor.....and you suggest he buy another zero turn.

But then you started out with, "If price is not problem..." . In that case....

 

[southernboy]

My L2501 HST handles a rcr1260 no problem. No doubt it could run a 60 in finish mower and I would think it could handle a 72 in.


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[Freeheeler]

The man owns a zero turn, just bought a tractor and ask for advise on size of mower for his tractor.....and you suggest he buy another zero turn.

But then you started out with, "If price is not problem..." . In that case....

The wife says my advice is often bassackwards. If his goal is to spend more time on his tractor, then he's on the right track by all means

 

[kemosabe]

I'm going to go by my Kubota dealer tomorrow. They have a FDR1672 coming in from factory either tomorrow or Monday. So I'm probably going to go put my name on it. Plus they got a Kubota Field Day and free BBQ

 

[degoniaorange82]

Free bbq? I'm in! I now have a full season in with my 2501hst using a New Holland 930b [60in.] I am impressed to the point that I would like to try a 72in. deck. Also, I would not think a 72in. deck would be to heavy, My only concern was enough hp to get thru the grass if I cant cut it when it needs it.

 

[kemosabe]

Free bbq? I'm in! I now have a full season in with my 2501hst using a New Holland 930b [60in.] I am impressed to the point that I would like to try a 72in. deck. Also, I would not think a 72in. deck would be to heavy, My only concern was enough hp to get thru the grass if I cant cut it when it needs it.

Yes they gave away some nice slabs of brisket. Got enough to feed my wife and I for dinner. It was good. Yes, suppose to get delivery tomorrow I believe. The fdr 1672 only weighs 40ish lbs more than the 60” and only 60ish fpm slower blade tip speed.

Will let y’all know how it goes.

 

[CapnDean]

I have a Land Pride 2572RD that I use behind my L3901. When the grass is thick it will make my L3901 run hotter than normal, but the lil machine handles it all day.

L3901 has a light (E) had to look it up.... Means too hot for emissions system and to take steps to reduce operating temp. Oddly enough it is NOT in the red zone on the temp gage when this occurs.

 

[SDT]

I'm going to go by my Kubota dealer tomorrow. They have a FDR1672 coming in from factory either tomorrow or Monday. So I'm probably going to go put my name on it. Plus they got a Kubota Field Day and free BBQ

If you do not already know, attendance at the field day entitles you to a coupon for an additional $300 incentive on some models. This coupon can be combined with any other Kubota incentive. I use mine toward my B3350.

SDT

 

[kemosabe]

If you do not already know, attendance at the field day entitles you to a coupon for an additional $300 incentive on some models. This coupon can be combined with any other Kubota incentive. I use mine toward my B3350.

SDT

I think the coupon is only good for tractors themselves.