finish mower???

[MHindman]

Im looking for a 3 point hitch type finish mower. 48 inch would be best. if anyone can help at all i would be thankful.

Mike

 

[Alan Reagan]

I have a 72 inch Woods finishing mower (three blade configuation). I think they make a 48, 60 and 72. I bought it new in 1984 and just replaced the belt for the first time last year after I hit a sawed off fence post that a fence builder threw in my back yard. I replaced the blades at the same time. I mow 5 acres once a week (from April to October) with the mower and the only failure (besides the belt) I've had was one of the wheel bushings came out. The wheel/tire is replaced as an assembly. I would buy another Woods brand in a minute. When I wanted a 72" harrow, I bought a Woods. Parts are readily available if you need them, they come with good documentation and service books and they are really built well.



Whatever you buy, get the solid (hard) tires. My brother in law bought a finishing mower (not a Woods) with inflatables the same time I bought mine and has replaced the tires twice already. A big problem he has is on a sharp turnaround, if the inflatables hit something, they will dislodge from the rim and go flat. That's a PITA.



Also, make sure the three point hitch allows enough setback from the wheels so that you can get hooked up without being cramped in behind the tractor. My BILs has short connecting points and he struggles to hook up and disconnect his.



I really like the Woods. Good lube points for all bearing assemblies and PTO shaft, heavy steel construction, and even with all my use over the years, no rust at all on the mower. The newer ones have a gear drive versus the big belt driven flywheel that mine has. The gear drive is a much better design IMHO. Good luck.

 

[illflem]

Alan, your brother in law should get his tire foamed filled, most Ag tire dealers offer the service. I guarantee he will never have another flat. It is the best of both worlds, the tire still has the cushion of a pneumatic tire but is really a solid tire. I have this done to all my tractor front tires for long life and extra weight up front, heavier than calcium filled. Have even had it done to wheelbarrow tires. Only problem is when you need to replace the tire you have to cut it off with a sawzall.



Woods 80" offset mowers are the brand of choice in the apple growing country of eastern Washington. With many growers going bankrupt there are lots for sale cheap. If anyone is interested I can get some links to sources, just PM. They generally go for around $1000.

 

[QRTRHRS]

Pricey but check it out.

These mowers have a "swing arm" that cuts around or under obstacles such as trees, etc. The 220 model runs about $6500. I have over 1000 pressure treated fence posts to maintain. My choices are either trim by hand or spray or spend the bucks for one of these. It's on my wish list.



You may want to check out Land Pride. I have three pieces of Land Pride and all are well made in America. The prices are reasonable.



My 6' brush cutter has the solid laminate tire and bouces a lot. I have a Woods 3180 with the pnumatic airplane tires, that rides well. No flats with them, I think they are 14 ply or something?



http://www.agtecsprayers.com/Page. cfm?Choice=%20%20%20%20%20%20Perfect%20Mowers&menu=156

 

[DieselDoghouse]

Got a 60" Sitrex couple of years ago and am generally pleased. Price was very good. I've always heards that side-discharge will cut more evenly due to the better suction on the grass than rear discharge. It is an Italian-made mower but parts are readily available through places like J. M. Woodhouse in NY state.

 

[illflem]

QRTRHRS, these guys have a unit for trimming around posts that is much cheaper, you can attach it to most any mower. There's no pictures of it on their website but is called a Dyna-Trim. Just ask for info on it. All their stuff is high quality.

http://www.edwards-equip.com/index.html



BTW you don't want a Perfect brand mower. They're great on golf courses and lawns, but can't handle rocks, sticks or horse pies very well without damage.

 

[QRTRHRS]

illflem,



Thanks for the info. I will check that out. I can do about 25 acres in five hours with the batwing but the trimming kills me. I don't like to use Round Up around pregant mares and foals.

Originally posted by illflem

BTW you don't want a Perfect brand mower. They're great on golf courses and lawns, but can't handle rocks, sticks or horse pies very well without damage.

I figure a couple more years with the "hog" and all the humps will be leveled and the stones much smaller

 

[Alan Reagan]

Illflem, My brother in law owns a PHHHord. Actually, two of them. You can't tell him anything. He reminds of the quote from Yogi Bera when his teacher told him "You don't know a thing, do you?"

"Nope" he replied, "I don't even suspect a thing. " :--)



You guys get off the computer and go mow some grass.



BTW, that's a good tip on the foam filled tires. I'm leaving the solids on my mower cause the springs are just right and I don't have a bounce problem any way. But I'd love to have one on my planter. Later.