Post by: Bunyip on May 28, 2018, 02:12:22 PM
We are moving onto our 10 acres this Friday :cup: :cup:
This will mean a substantial increase in the amount of green stuff that will need a haircut on a regular basis. Not the whole 10 acres, but I am thinking around 2.5 acres (200m x 50m) is currently grass that needs to be cut.
As I am lazy I am thinking this warrants a ride on mower of some description. I would love a compact tractor with a centre PTO mounted deck, but that isn't going to happen at the moment.
The land is gently to moderately sloped, the real steep bits I will do with a normal mower.
I know it sounds like asking the bleeding obvious but:
1. What size deck would be the minimum you would use?
2. Is there a maximum deck size before it gets too difficult to manoeuvre around objects?
3. What would be the minimum HP engine I should be looking at?
Basically I have a limited budget so will be looking at second hand units around the $2K mark, unless that is totally unreasonable then we will have to re-evaluate.
This may be silly "how long is piece of string?" type questions but I have never owned this much land before so have never had to worry about mowing that much.
Post by: Bunyip on May 28, 2018, 02:16:04 PM
Post by: Jeepers Creepers on May 28, 2018, 03:46:26 PM
Don't know the brand, just know its red with only 40 hours on it.
We'll also have the old work ride-on, a 42 inch husky with 1,250 hours on it.
The slasher, only has a 3 and half foot cut, just a little bloke, but fine for our 12 acres.
BUUUUUT, its way too small for most acreages, so maybe look around for a slightly smaller slasher than a normal one, as they will be keen to sell it and it won't have much use.
When our tenant bought this one i'm getting, it was 3 years old and brand new still and he did a pearler of a deal to move it.
Hope that helps.... :cheers:
Post by: Bunyip on May 28, 2018, 04:22:08 PM
So maybe a slasher rather than a mower. I will have a look.
Post by: Jeepers Creepers on May 28, 2018, 04:34:06 PM
Thanks JC,A mower will always give a nicer finish..... I'd have both, but i'm a bit of a mental case too.
So maybe a slasher rather than a mower. I will have a look.
The back 6 acres of our place, I would zip over with the slasher, but the front half, I would still always do when I could, with the ride-on.
Even though it's acreage, I want it to look pretty trick. (our place... not yours.)
Slashers sort of bash the grass up a bit compared to a mower, but if done on a regular basis, can still cut the mustard.
This done with a ride-on....
https://i2.au.reastatic.net/1383x697-resize,extend,r=33,g=40,b=46/5decd6783b2b849c2bfefc8219253a99b9f305a6c52463edd9c7d4dd6cb1e3e2/image12.jpg
https://i2.au.reastatic.net/1383x697-resize,extend,r=33,g=40,b=46/f03be5ad48bb82a1f59a10a8de44159518ae84d411cc8e9ea8c9423959afe16a/image14.jpg
Post by: BC66 on May 28, 2018, 04:40:16 PM
We have 1 1/2 acres and use a John Deere L110 ride on. It has a 42 inch deck and takes around 2 hours to mow it inc around the house and gardens etc.
Greenfield are faster but have a smaller deck.
Mowers will cut neater than a slasher.
Mowers are best in the house yard and slashers for the back blocks
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Post by: Spada on May 28, 2018, 04:41:39 PM
If you can, get one with a fabricated deck instead of a stamped deck. They are just a lot stronger.
Post by: Jeepers Creepers on May 28, 2018, 04:50:38 PM
If ya buy a husky, make sure they brace the diff mounts before delivery.
Good mowers, but the diffs break off the mounts. Once braced.... all good.
Post by: Hoyks on May 28, 2018, 05:44:43 PM
It has a hydraulic drive that works well at my place because it it reasonably flat. On the steepish bit out the front it has a tendency to lift a wheel, spin that tyre and get stuck. Husquavana had a diff lock on some of their models.
If you have hills, then get a transmission with gears. They are slightly less convenient, but I have heard about mowers similar to mine that have been worked a bit harder and the transmission wearing out. The transmission is also the whole rear axle and is 1/2 the price of a new mower (although, rebuild kits are available for a lot less).
If you want to get it done quicker, then a zero turn mower is the go, usually a bit more $$, but so much faster for getting around the trees and turns at the end of a run. I think they would go close to cutting the mowing time in 1/2.
Post by: Jeepers Creepers on May 28, 2018, 05:47:59 PM
Post by: rags on May 28, 2018, 05:57:25 PM
Try half filling the rear wheels with water.... gives way better traction on hilly stuff.
Every time my dog goes down to the shed he tries to do that to my ride on, only problem is he just wets the outside of the tyre and always to rear right.
Post by: lloydus67 on May 28, 2018, 06:13:39 PM
I would give second hand hydrostatic mowers a wide berth, they are very costly to repair
If you want all 10 acres cut get a slasher, if you only want 1-2 a mower will give a much nicer job
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Post by: Paddy16 on May 28, 2018, 09:58:45 PM
Post by: tryagain on May 28, 2018, 10:56:22 PM
Post by: muzza01 on May 29, 2018, 04:54:12 AM
I used to have a 42inch 20hp twin cylinder lawn tractor. Did a great job on my 1acre block. I have had a 50inch zero turn for the last 6 years, it cut heeps of time of my mowing as it is a much quicker machine, larger cut and turns on a dime. Mowed my lawn yesterday, 45 mins. My 1 acre minus sheds, house, gardens and pool area would equal about 2500 m2 of lawn to mow. The same area took about 65 mins in the lawn tractor.
Post by: terravista on May 29, 2018, 09:52:10 AM
and that takes 100 minutes on average, but I don't mow as often as I should so tend to use it more as a slasher than mower. More acres obviously equals more time.
For 2 years I bagged the crap out of the machine, cutting belts only lasting 3 hours at $70 each, lousy cutting as long grass just bent over and sprang back up after passing.
These machines sell in good condition from $1200 to $1800 quite often because of that.
I have never had a problem with the engine or drive, and it has over 170 hours on it now.
The big problem was the cutting blades are mounted to be around 25mm above the bottom of the cutting deck.
If you where prepared to get after market blades (about $100) that drop down level with the bottom of the deck, or do the poor mans conversion like I did and cut the bottom off the deck and weld back on higher, that problem is fixed.
Go full revs all the time cutting, and keep the deck raised until you get to full revs before lowering and cutting and you end up with a half decent machine and a finished job with a newer machine than a 10 year old Husky or JD and the like.
Unless the slope is under 10 to 12 degrees the weight factor of the operator does not matter.
If the slope is 30 degrees cut downhill only and don't lean back going uphill, these things back flip and it hurts.
Another fix required that is cheaper is to swap the drink holder for a deeper one if you have bumpy ground.
Post by: achjimmy on May 29, 2018, 10:05:52 AM
But for my place a tractor mower was always going to be 70% forward and 30% reversing so upped the budget and bought a zero turn :cheers:
Never knew mowing could be soooo much fun and fast .
Only gripe is the beer in the cup holder goes flat quick due to the vibrations
Post by: EagleBoy on May 29, 2018, 10:17:05 AM
Only gripe is the beer in the cup holder goes flat quick due to the vibrations
Haha, I discovered this very early on too. Now it's either knock it back quickly or sit back after with a cold frothy and enjoy the smell of freshly cut grass. Although we are so dry I don't have any grass to mow at the moment, need the beer to wash the dust down.
Post by: BC66 on May 29, 2018, 10:23:25 AM
Recently someone in our area got busted for drink driving while mowing his nature strip.
We bought our JD new for $3600 on their no interest finance. Put down $500 deposit and pay it off over 2 years without any interest.
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Post by: paul.o on May 29, 2018, 10:33:34 AM
We're on a bit over an acre with house, shed and small above ground pool and it takes me the best part of 2 hours to mow with a 40 inch cut ride on. I would definitely be looking at a zero turn mower next, if for nothing other than the time saved.
Post by: GGV8Cruza on May 29, 2018, 10:36:11 AM
https://www.hustlerturf.com/products/super-z (https://www.hustlerturf.com/products/super-z)
I had a small ride on ready for the property before the final settlement but am happy that I am not tied to the lawn all weekend long doing laps.
GG
Post by: muzza01 on May 29, 2018, 01:02:39 PM
I have 4 acres to look after, when we purchased the place we bought the Hustler Super Z zero turn from the owner as he had no need for it, best thing I ever did. Probably a bit of an overkill but I can mow the 2 acres that is our house paddock in 40 mins when needed and not need to get off, with a 60 inch deck its quick.
https://www.hustlerturf.com/products/super-z (https://www.hustlerturf.com/products/super-z)
GG
40 minutes. That’s Gold :cup:
I don’t hate mowing but saving 25 mins going from the lawn tractor to the zero turn has been awesome. As we get over 2 meters of rain per year I mow every 5 days in the wet season and every 7 or 8 days in the dry. I have a fabricated deck with mulching blades and I like having a nice lawn.
(http://i895.photobucket.com/albums/ac155/muzza01/home/871CD118-804F-4353-AE6D-85DD371DD141_zpsky0dxirl.jpeg~original)
(http://i895.photobucket.com/albums/ac155/muzza01/Mobile%20Uploads/image_zpse4a7bd91.jpg~original)
Post by: Hoyks on May 29, 2018, 04:07:39 PM
Only gripe is the beer in the cup holder goes flat quick due to the vibrations
Don't try cider then.
I got 1/2 a carton in a raffle and gave it a go.
Imagine what cider does if you take the bottle and shake it up... now imagine the contents of that bottle inside you and then bouncing along the back fence on the broken ground where the horses walked when it was wet.
Had a throat full of foam and almost vented several times. It took a while before I could face the rest of the bottles, and only then when stationary on the veranda.
Recently someone in our area got busted for drink driving while mowing his nature strip.Yeah, my Father in Law got a stern talking to after chasing down the Mr Whippy van on the ride-on with XXXX can in hand :-[.
Post by: Jeepers Creepers on May 29, 2018, 04:18:29 PM
3/4 full of JD, and in she went. A bloke driving past saw it and helped me drag it out again.
Once we had it out, he just looked at as I staggered around.
Got back on and finished the job.
Wife wasn't very happy when she heard about it through a third party.
Post by: tryagain on May 29, 2018, 04:20:37 PM
I have 4 acres to look after, when we purchased the place we bought the Hustler Super Z zero turn from the owner as he had no need for it, best thing I ever did. Probably a bit of an overkill but I can mow the 2 acres that is our house paddock in 40 mins when needed and not need to get off, with a 60 inch deck its quick.
https://www.hustlerturf.com/products/super-z (https://www.hustlerturf.com/products/super-z)
I had a small ride on ready for the property before the final settlement but am happy that I am not tied to the lawn all weekend long doing laps.
GG
And now you will never be able to go back to a traditional style ride on after using a decent zero turn, it would drive you insane.
Post by: Bunyip on May 29, 2018, 07:05:29 PM
Sounds like size matters, went out to have a look this afternoon and it looked quite uneven and hilly. Think I will start with the largest deck and motor I can.
I am not mechanically minded so will stay away from hydrostatics for the time being. Also sounds like gears would be the go.
Post by: Jeepers Creepers on May 30, 2018, 03:45:25 AM
Goes good, never have an issue with fly's or mossies' when mowing.
Extra tray on the back for the esky. (small one)
It does use a tiny bit of oil once in a while.
We've been approached many times to sell this ol girl, but for you, i'd let it go.
(http://i64.photobucket.com/albums/h200/figjam007/Lockyer/Picture036.jpg~original) (http://s64.photobucket.com/user/figjam007/media/Lockyer/Picture036.jpg.html)
(http://i64.photobucket.com/albums/h200/figjam007/Lockyer/Picture035.jpg~original) (http://s64.photobucket.com/user/figjam007/media/Lockyer/Picture035.jpg.html)
Post by: jclures on May 30, 2018, 06:36:46 AM
Post by: Cruiser 105Tvan on May 30, 2018, 08:02:14 AM
Post by: jwb on May 30, 2018, 08:15:31 AM
Did you mix citronella with the petrol
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Post by: Paddler Ed on May 30, 2018, 09:54:38 AM
Needed a new tube, spark plug and fuel to get it going (using a screw driver and jump leads) but other that it's fine... about a 42" cutting deck on it, and a decent size old Briggs and Stratton motor in it.
Post by: Bunyip on May 30, 2018, 04:32:08 PM
Maaaate, I could sell you this one for $2,000 at a pinch.
Goes good, never have an issue with fly's or mossies' when mowing.
Extra tray on the back for the esky. (small one)
It does use a tiny bit of oil once in a while.
We've been approached many times to sell this ol girl, but for you, i'd let it go.
(http://i64.photobucket.com/albums/h200/figjam007/Lockyer/Picture036.jpg~original) (http://s64.photobucket.com/user/figjam007/media/Lockyer/Picture036.jpg.html)
Your offer is so kind but I could not deprive you of such a wonder for such little coin.
:cheers:
(http://i64.photobucket.com/albums/h200/figjam007/Lockyer/Picture035.jpg~original) (http://s64.photobucket.com/user/figjam007/media/Lockyer/Picture035.jpg.html)
Post by: Jeepers Creepers on May 30, 2018, 05:16:19 PM
Post by: Steffo1 on May 30, 2018, 07:18:00 PM
Thank you so much all for your advice and suggestions.
Sounds like size matters, went out to have a look this afternoon and it looked quite uneven and hilly. Think I will start with the largest deck and motor I can.
I am not mechanically minded so will stay away from hydrostatics for the time being. Also sounds like gears would be the go.
Just be aware that most zero turn i.e. rear wheel steer mowers are not too flash on steep slopes. If the rear drive/steer wheels lose traction then you have no steering, the front wheels are just like a shopping trolley.
Post by: oldblade on May 30, 2018, 08:55:54 PM
Just be aware that most zero turn i.e. rear wheel steer mowers are not too flash on steep slopes. If the rear drive/steer wheels lose traction then you have no steering, the front wheels are just like a shopping trolley.
we ended up getting a lawn tractor with a 52" cut for that exact reason
also the lawn tractors you can buy for 7k to buy a zero turn with the same motor is 13k it was an easy choose
we use a slasher for the rough work and bought the fastest 25hp lawn tractor i could find and after a little mode the thing flies