[andybull]

I have about 9 acres of property that requires a good cut. As you can see, there is a bit of an incline in some areas. I was considering a John Deere 1545 72' Flex Deck Rotary Mower


What do you say?

 

[Mark777]

Congratulations of your upcoming retirement, Andybull !

I couldn't begin to say which is the best, or most appropriate mower for your property other than one with a pressurized oil system, low center of gravity...and perhaps a diesel powered machine (for durability and longevity).

Have you investigated what others are using in your area, that have hills and slopes like yours? It's often the neighbors that have already done all the leg work that provide better leads than visiting the dealers.

Beautiful property btw.

Mark

 

[ryork]

It certainly looks well maintained..find out what the folks that have been doing the mowing used.

I use an 2n with a 7' Landmark finish mower on my 10 acres, but I don't have quite the slopes that you have.

The 2N needs about an hour of tinkering for every ten or so hours of use. The larger newer ZTR mowers would probably be more hassle free.

 

[mrbeal]

Anything with a cup holder (and a cooler holder )

 

[Kingwood990]

Have you considered the John Deere X500 series,

I mow 8 acres weekly with my X520.
You should be able to get some killer deals on this series soon because the new lineup of equipment is coming out for next year.
BTW congrats on your retirement.

 

[Brad]

Yes, as the others have said, very nice looking property. Depending on the texture of the lawn, you might want to consider a power unit pulling a gang mower.

On another thought, take a trip over to a nearby golf course that has similar terrain as you have. See what they are using and how it works out for them. (Ask the guys cutting the grass if what they have works good or if they would change anything. The boss might not know the whole story.) I would definitely have 2 or 3 actual candidates before you make a final decision. Then go to the dealers and ask for a "test drive" on your property. Should be no problem at all. Be sure to put the machines thru their paces. Keep in mind any attachments you might be considering in the future, such as a snow blower, tiller, etc.

Good Luck, and keep us updated with your search.

 

[badbart]

I use a JD 997 Diesel w/72 inch deck and it does fine on hills like that. Where are you located. The orange clay makes me think you're in the southeast, but I see your trees are nearly bare...or is this a picture from last year?

 

[ME2]

congrats ...I have 20 years to go ....Not sure what to pick for a mower as there is so many good choices out there

 

[andybull]

I have a Steiner 430 Max with Dual tires that goes anywhere, it is slowwwwwwww. My lawn guy had to buy a 4 wheel drive John Deere to mow my lawn as his Zero turn didn't want to climb the hill. I always notice that there is scalping and high, low lines (cuts) on the lawn where the land undulates.

I also have a 15' bat wing, ;-0 it's a bit of an overkill.

The property is located in NW South Carolina.

The retirement is partially due to the economy, thus the need for me to consider full time lawn maintenance on the property.

This is a picture I just took with the surveillance camera. Maybe it shows the detail of the cuts with a solid mowing deck.

 

[andybull]

One more pic:

 

[daytime dave]

That is some beautiful real estate. You may want to look at a diesel 4x4 subcompact or compact tractor. You could do a lot of other things with one of those. Maybe you can see what dealers are in your area. If the money is there, look at the John Deere offerings. They retain value and are some of the best for service. That's a lot to mow.
Enjoy your retirement.

 

[andybull]

Ive got an L2800 Kubota with a front end loader. That's as small a tractor as I want. I've gone the tractor with a belly mower before and after seeing the lawn guys using Zero turn mowers, or the like, I want to have my mowing deck up front and a low to the ground unit.

 

[Gil]

Lot of good advice here. A couple of things to add based on personal experience. Also retired to a farm and about 4 acres to mow. Started with a 42 inch cut, then a 54 inch John Deere mowers. Now have a 60 inch cut ZeroTurn. Object of upgrades to cut mowing time. Thus get a large mower to start to keep mowing time low. With your rolling terrain a zero turn may not work as slopes can be a problem with them. Many of the dealers in our area will let you "test drive" on your property any unit you are considering buying. Check to see if dealers in your area offer a "test drive". Regardless of the good advice here, its what works best for YOU. Good luck and let us know what you decide.
Regards, Gil

 

[Mickeymotormount]

Andybull, congrats on your retirement. I wish I could recommend a tractor to handle your grass cutting chores. There are probably many that will suffice. I think I would lean toward a Gravely 18 or 20G with a 6'(72") mowing deck.

I will say though that you have a very nice property with a heck of a view. Best of luck whatever you decide.

 

[kungdrew]

Hey there,

Have you looked at Ingersoll? You can't go wrong with one of those, even 30+ year old ones (made by Case) are still mowing every week. used ones can be had for a modest investment and will be very at home taking care of a property like yours.

Also, if you can find one, research the Simplicity 9020, the guy down the road from me has one and it is a beast, older but still an industrial machine and made to last.

You definitely want to stay away from any stamped or box store machines. They won't hold up long with the work you have to do.

 

[kungdrew]

Here are some links for your research.
New Ingersoll products.
INGERSOLL

Used ingersoll and case can be found on evilbay or Craig's, or through any Garden Tractor enthusiast forums.

Simplicity link for the Big 9020 powermax,
Google Image Result for http://www.simpletractors.com/images/new_in_1978/powrmax.jpg

Hope you can find a good commercial machine to suit your needs,

any one of these will do very nicely. IF you can find one in decent or better shape. Good luck!

I don't know if any of today's "ZTR's" will still be mowing in 30 or more years, but these I have listed were made to last forever.

 

[andybull]

I'm leaning towards using my Steiner 430 with a 60" deck, I wish it was a 72" (pictured here) for the real steep hill side.

As I stated before it is slow, so I've been online looking at the large Badboy, Gravely, John Deere ZTR's with a 72" deck. I'd love to find an auction with newer machines.

 

[Mark / Ohio]

I'm leaning towards using my Steiner 430 with a 60" deck, I wish it was a 72" (pictured here) for the real steep hill side. ....

That's probably your safest ride anyway on the slopes. Your retired now, take time to enjoy the scenery of your achievements while mowing.

I watched a pro one day on a ZTR with a sudden handful mowing on a slope up to a road in wet grass. It started sliding down hill and she spun it around a couple of times before getting it stopped. With the swivels on the front and one or both rear wheels break loose you have little control until they grab again.

Everytime I use a Wright Stander at work I end up wishing I had my Deere or any other standard tractor instead. For some reason I just can't get used to fiddling with two controls just to mow a straight line. I prefer to lean back and relax using only one hand on my suicide knob instead.

 

[Orangedotfever]

I just can't get used to fiddling with two controls just to mow a straight line. I prefer to lean back and relax using only one hand on my suicide knob instead.

That's why you need to look at Country Clipper ZTR's with their single joystick control. I love mine. Makes pushing limbs and bushes out of your face an easy task.

 

[tackit]

It says it's good for mowing undulating properties. It has a low center of gravity, a 36 HP diesel for power, economy and longevity. Set up for your property it could make the high bared spots a thing of the past.

Hustler Turf Products - Golf - 7700 Fairway Mower