Go BottomMid-mount Mower vs Lawn Tractor
 | Bill H
Join Date: Posts: 1 
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1999-11-05 9452
I have a 4200 with bush hog. I always planned to add a 60" mid mount mower after getting my place smoothed out. The cost will be around $2500 which includes the mid pto set-up. Now that the time is near I am debating on using that money to buy a lawn tractor instead - more maneuverable, friendlier for wife and kid, etc. For $2500 I can get a decent riding lawn tractor with a 42 to 50" cut. I am not trying to start a debate on Craftsman vs MTD etc. That belongs on a different board. Just wanted suggestions from compact owners on how to spend my money. I would still use bush hog away from house. Probably about an acre needs finishing mower. Thanks.
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| DougH
Join Date: Posts: 1
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1999-11-05 9453
I have a 4300 with the 72" belly mower as well as an MTD 18HP with 46" mower. The big mower on the tractor really cuts down on time [pun intended]. I can do the trails through the property in one pass instead of two and move along faster. Cutting other areas goes faster also. But then it comes to the area where my wife planted about 100 pine trees. While I can rough cut quickly with the tractor, I wind up finish up with the riding mower. So if the area you cut is largely clear, the tractor should work great. If there are a lot of things to manuver around, the lawn tractor seems a better choice. The lawn tractor also works better if you have to cut under tree brances, etc and feels a bit safer on slopes. I am assuming that it is areas of lawn that are being smoothed out. If it is field or prairie,you bush hog is the right implement. IMHO ....
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| MichaelSnyder
Join Date: Jun 1999 Posts: 0
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1999-11-05 9455
Not knowing: Your yard layout(trees,ect),Storage facilities, and only having one acre. I would head for the $899 mower, for a few reasons. Obviously price, and secondly, can you honestly say that your wife/kids are capable of "safely" handling the 4200 w/60" mower?? Only you can answer these questions. Next, what kind of tires are on your unit? Using this setup will also allow you to bushhog and do other things while your kids mow the lawn. From a weight standpoint, our old AC w/42" deck showed less turf compaction and tracks. But the 4100 does it much faster,easier, and most of all, it allows us to perform many tasks the AC wasn't capable of doing. We have 2 acres, and I can honestly say I wouldn't want anything larger than the 4100 for mowing. ....
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| rm
Join Date: Posts: 1
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1999-11-05 9460
I was in a similar situation this summer. After much consideration I opted for a 60" rear finish mower. I do not regret my decision. The deck rides on 4 adjustable height pneumatic tires so it never gouges. It is not quite as nimble as having a mid-mount, but I don't have the headache of it always being in the way either. KK brand set me back about $1000 and does a fine job for me. I'm certain it will outlast any $1000 riding mower. Just another avenue you may wish to explore. FWIW, I have HST and I don't think I would have chosen this route if I had a gear tranny. ....
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| Mike
Join Date: Posts: 1
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1999-11-05 9463
Bill,if you decide to go with either mid-mount or rear-mount mower decks over the lawn/garden tractor,do yourself a favor and get a 72" deck.The 4200 has got to have more than enough power to operate either deck,and will get the mowing done that much quicker.That extra foot width makes a BIG differance. ....
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| Craig
Join Date: Posts: 1
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1999-11-05 9466
I have a 4100 with a 60" rear finishing mower that I use for a half of acre. It makes quick work of the yard but I still get out the push mower and weedwacker. If I am careful I can get close enough to only need the weed wacker when I am done. ....
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| brad
Join Date: Posts: 1
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1999-11-06 9469
Keep the tractor for tractor chores. For finish mowing, buy a machine that was designed for finish mowing. That would be a used zero turn commercial unit, scag etc. A "lawn tractor" is neither a lawn mower nor a tractor. ....
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| Ray
Join Date: Posts: 1
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1999-11-08 9512
I'm another vote for getiing a finishing mower. I've got 3 acres and use a JD755 for my tractor chores and a JD425 for my mowing chores.Your property layout can be a factor, but on most situations the tractor will not be able to get in all the areas you need cut, the lawn tractor will. I'm a firm believer in the right tool for the job, and it sounds to me you need two tools to do the jobs you need done. ....
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