[Thowle]

So, I just ordered 4" spacers (x2) for the new JD 3520 Cab I have. This should add, of course 4" to each rear wheel stance.

I've got an MX5 bush-hog, which just barely now cuts over the tracks of my rear wheels.

What options do I have? Would this thing pull any type of SMALL foldable bat-wing type mower? I'd like to have something that will cut and cover my tracks, maybe further. It will make it hard to get up close to crops or a pond..

 

[Brian]

When I traded in my 3720 and went to my 4520, I also traded my MX5 for an MX6. My dealer let me keep the tractor (3720) while I waited for my 4520, so for about 5 months I had an MX6 with my 3720. That was the absolute best. I had room outside the tires that was cut and I could get close to trees.

It was not overly happy in the very thick stuff. I had to slow up, but it worked well. The trade cost me nearly nothing. You might want to look at trading up.

 

[Thowle]

What do you think the chances are that the MX8 would be able to be run on the 3520? It weighs ~1,000 more than the MX5. But is still under the 2200# capacity of the 3520's lift capacity.

I'm not going to be cutting "brush", I'm going to be cutting fescue that's going to be probably 12" tall -- with a final height of about 5".

 

[Brian]

Deere has a minimum PTO HP on that at 40. You have an engine HP of 37 and a PTO HP of 30. Beyond that, the MX8 is a cat 2 implement.

I say you have next to no chance with it.

If you want something a bit larger, you could look into a flail mower. They do not stick out the rear of the tractor like a rotary cutter and they are good for cutting grass. They are slightly more money, but very nice!

 

[Thowle]

Deere has a minimum PTO HP on that at 40. You have an engine HP of 37 and a PTO HP of 30. Beyond that, the MX8 is a cat 2 implement.

I say you have next to no chance with it.

If you want something a bit larger, you could look into a flail mower. They do not stick out the rear of the tractor like a rotary cutter and they are good for cutting grass. They are slightly more money, but very nice!

Hmm! Wonder if Land Pride or Bushog makes anything that would be around the 8' mark, Cat 1, and work with my rig. I'm not so sure that even the MX6 would stick out far enough with these 4" spacers on each side..

 

[Kennyd]

I think a Flail Mower may be a great choice, some can also be offset to stick out on one side further. A 8' RC is to big for your machine I think.

Here is a 73": Flail Mower, Caroni, Flail Mowers, Caroni Flail Mower | Agri Supply, 30837

There are many other choices if you Google "flail mowers"

 

[Thowle]

Those flail mowers seem pretty awesome in almost every way! Smaller footprint; better cut; less HP requirements; less danger. I just looked up the price of a John Deere 390 -- book was $6k! Jeez! For that I think I'll just get two goats and tie to each side of the MX5 and let them chomp away at what's left over!

 

[Fran_K]

How much did you expect a mini bat wing mower to cost?
The mx8 could be a pull type and not category anything. Actually that is what calls for the least horsepower in the manual. Of course they are hooking it (or the mx 10 which share the same manual) to 7000 series stuff in the pictures. A 3000 series tractor wouldn't have the ballasting number to do a three point or semi mount mx 8. Th pull type really stick out in back and while the wheels (I have 3 on mx 10) stick out the farthest you can back it under trees and into some spaces pretty far from the tires.

An offset flail mower will allow you to mow wider on one side and only squash uncut stuff with one set of wheels if you go round and round mowing an area. They do use more horsepower and in some cases just can't be set too low or else will start slipping the slip clutch or the drive belt.

If you are grass/lawn oriented I have drove by a university with a tractor in your size class mowing quite wide swaths. I think it was a kubota and don't know if or how much stuff came off a mid pto.

 

[Thowle]

Those flex-wing grooming mowers are awesome! But quite expensive

I don't know what a good solution is for my "width" problem... I guess just get over it and keep the MX5 and .. well, that will make getting close to obstacles near impossible.

 

[56FordGuy]

I'm guessing you bought the wheel spacers for stability. Have you tried wheel weights? I know you considered filling the tires, that wouldn't be a bad idea either. I'm not much help with the mower question, am I? :laugh: :flag_of_truce:

 

[Thowle]

I read on another forum of a guy who had a 3720 and ran a 15' bushog flex finishing mower! Wow! And he said it pulled awesome and had plenty of power.

What d you think of the Bushog TD1100 11' flex finish mower?

I suppose as long as I ow often, I can make it work without a rotary cutter..

 

[saxamc2]

I looked at the J.D. website to see what the capacity is on the MX-5. Found nothing on the width of cut. If it's like I have a hunch and it is 5' ? That equates to 60" of cut. I think...Math...skills...lacking...And it is just barely clearing your wheels now. If you add another 4" roughly to the width of your tractor, then let's just say for arguments sake you want something that will cut an extra foot to the sides of your tires for getting close to trees and other obstacles. So you are looking for something say 72" or so. I would suggest perhaps a MMM or a rear mount 72 " finish mower. We have a 72" MMM on our 4720 that clears our wheels nicely. (not sure on the width of our wheels compared to the ones on your machine. But it may be something to look at.

Also, Woods makes a few even wider finish mowers at 80 and 90 " respectively. Might be worth looking at.
:thumbup1gif:

 

[saxamc2]

PRD8400 Finish Mowers This mower here starts at 24 h.p.

 

[Thowle]

I'm really looking into the John Deere 390 flail mower. Everything I see seems to make it look far superior to the rotary cutters. However, I have never seen one around here in West KY and am wondering if there is perhaps a reason for that... Any ideas?

All I would use it for is cutting fescue on a regular basis, on uneven hilly terrain.

I did read a "horror" story about the roller being basically run over when backing up or dropping into a ditch.

Is there anything special I need to consider based on my terrain or intended usage that may drive me away from buying the 390, or flail mower in general?