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 Bat-Masterson
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Posted: 8/9/2012 11:49:26 AM
THE IMAGE ABOVE IS A PAID ADVERTISEMENT Have about 5 acres on my property that needs to be mowed, whats the best Deere out there to handle this. I have looked online and they have around 5 models that handle up to 5 and a couple that handle up to 7 acres before moving into the small utility tractor category. |
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RIO-lover
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Posted: 8/9/2012 11:51:29 AM
Buy a Dixie Chopper.
Cry once. 
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k12lts
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Posted: 8/9/2012 11:54:30 AM
Hire a neighbor with a tractor to mow it a couple of times per year.
Five acres doesn't justify the ownrship expense of a tractor and mower. |
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GIJoe
12 inch with Kung-Fu grip
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Posted: 8/9/2012 11:54:40 AM
[Last Edit: 8/9/2012 11:55:47 AM by GIJoe]
Terrain? You want a strong HST if you've got hills. And are you talking 5 acres of lawn or knocking down weeds and such?
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rob78
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Posted: 8/9/2012 11:57:22 AM
Originally Posted By RIO-lover:
Buy a Dixie Chopper. Cry once. Dixie Chopper is a shit mower. Most of the commercial guys are using X-mark now. The Dixie's spend more time in the shop than out in the field. To the OP, I'm mowing with a JDF725 w/ Kawasaki engine (54" deck). It's ancient, but it really cuts the grass well. |
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phil3333
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Posted: 8/9/2012 11:58:04 AM
Originally Posted By k12lts: Hire a neighbor with a tractor to mow it a couple of times per year. Five acres doesn't justify the ownrship expense of a tractor and mower. what 
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jeepnstein
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Posted: 8/9/2012 11:58:09 AM
I'd buy an old Ford 8N and a pull-behind mower.
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Kalahnikid
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Posted: 8/9/2012 12:00:02 PM
I do 5 acres with a John Deere 520 and 6ft flail mower.
Its more for love of the tractor than anything though. |
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GIJoe
12 inch with Kung-Fu grip
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Posted: 8/9/2012 12:02:47 PM
Originally Posted By jeepnstein:
I'd buy an old Ford 8N and a pull-behind mower. That would get the job done, but non-live PTO is a pain. |
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Posted: 8/9/2012 12:05:11 PM
Originally Posted By jeepnstein:
I'd buy an old Ford 8N and a pull-behind mower. 8N's have that odd pto thing - I have an IH 340 and it works well for mowing |
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LongueCarabine
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Posted: 8/9/2012 12:05:23 PM
I have about 3 acres and use a JD 870 and a Howse 5 foot rear finishing mower.
So far, so good. This is yard cutting, not bush hogging. The grass is usually no more than 5-6 inches tall when I cut it. I have to say the RFM cuts very well. LC |
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stutzcattle
This far...And no farther.
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Posted: 8/9/2012 12:13:02 PM
You definitely need an 8320 and a 20' batwing mower.
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jeepnstein
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Posted: 8/9/2012 12:16:48 PM
Originally Posted By GIJoe: Originally Posted By jeepnstein: I'd buy an old Ford 8N and a pull-behind mower. That would get the job done, but non-live PTO is a pain. For simple driving around in a circle using it as a glorified lawn mower it would get the job done. They don't sell for much. Your point about the non-live PTO is very good, though. We had an overrun clutch on our finish mower that kept it from pushing the tractor when the clutch was depressed. I've known of people who have run through fences, buildings, into cars, into ponds, all sorts of hilarity because of the push from the PTO. A live or independent PTO is safer and easier but drives up the cost of the tractor. I miss my old 8N. One of these days I'll get another one, just for the pure heck of it. |
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Posted: 8/9/2012 12:52:44 PM
Originally Posted By k12lts:
Hire a neighbor with a tractor to mow it a couple of times per year. Five acres doesn't justify the ownrship expense of a tractor and mower. Correct answer. I hired friends son for $50.00. He did in 2 hours with skidsteer and front attachment. I went through couple of used tractors before settling on this. |
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Posted: 8/9/2012 12:53:14 PM
Orange is where it's at!
Kubota diesel, baby!  |
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GIJoe
12 inch with Kung-Fu grip
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Posted: 8/9/2012 1:02:31 PM
[Last Edit: 8/9/2012 1:03:38 PM by GIJoe]
Originally Posted By SuperJanitor:
Orange is where it's at! Kubota diesel, baby! I've got a BX2360....and a JD lawn mower from Home Depot (L118). My new place is hilly and the JD struggles up the hills with my fat ass on it. The JD dealership version has a beefier HST that would probably have no problems.
Oh and I don't have to "Justify" having any of them! I'm always looking for an 8N or other old tractor just because. |
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Engineer5
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Posted: 8/9/2012 1:08:06 PM
I would recommend checking out Grasshopper and Exmark. I used both brands for years and would lean towards the Grasshopper.
<––––––––––––-ex lawn jockey. |
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Posted: 8/9/2012 1:12:50 PM
Not quite as much land as you OP but we do just about everything with our JD.
 Mow, till, dig, blow snow. I really like it. |
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DoberDude
Carbine based life formâ„¢
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Posted: 8/9/2012 1:20:44 PM
I maintain 6 acres with a John D 4110 tractor with a mid PTO 54" belly mower and a John D 130 riding mower for the 2 1/2 acres around the house.
I used a 48" brush hog behind the tractor at first until I had the rougher areas under control and completely grass. Your final decision is going to have to consider terrain and vegetation. A regular rider probably won't cut it on rough, overgrown terrain. And contrary to popular belief, 5 acres is a fair amount of mowing and will keep you busy. Especially in spring. |
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DoberDude
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Posted: 8/9/2012 1:25:19 PM
Originally Posted By jungp: If you want it to look good and give the grass a chance against the weeds, you have to mow it a lot.Originally Posted By k12lts: Hire a neighbor with a tractor to mow it a couple of times per year. Five acres doesn't justify the ownrship expense of a tractor and mower. Correct answer. I hired friends son for $50.00. He did in 2 hours with skidsteer and front attachment. I went through couple of used tractors before settling on this. I had a couple of customers who had me mow their large properties once or twice a year and they always looked like shit. Before and after. It looks like shit overgrown and it looks like shit with tons of hacked up vegetation rotting everywhere. YMMV |
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Posted: 8/9/2012 1:32:29 PM
1st fucking post, yet again.
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kallnojoy
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Posted: 8/9/2012 1:42:22 PM
Are you just mowing 5 acres of established lawn or is there maintenance chores as well (non-lawn fields to hog, gravel drive, garden beds, planned landscaping, rock/tree moves, etc)
Just mowing = a quality zero turn mower. Maintenance chores = a CUT of some flavor, preferably orange (like a B26 or B30) |
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joemama74
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Posted: 8/9/2012 1:42:33 PM
A few years ago I had an old John Deere 50 (2 cylinder, manufactured 1954) with a 5 ft bush hog. After we did our property, I mowed small lots for other folks, always had pocket money.
2000 series John Deere is really going to grunt and complain if you try to pull a 5ft bush hog. We use our 3000 or 4000 series to bush hog. A regular lawn mower will cut it, but you'd have to stay after it, not ever let it get out of hand. |
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Rick_NE
The storm is brewing...
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Joined: Feb 2003 NE, USA
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Posted: 8/9/2012 1:42:40 PM
Originally Posted By Engineer5:
I would recommend checking out Grasshopper and Exmark. I used both brands for years and would lean towards the Grasshopper. <––––––––––––-ex lawn jockey. I own a Grasshopper. I would not recommend one. Hydro's are goofy and need rebuilding every few years. Most lawn guys around here use Exmarks. Depends on your terrain and what kind of grass you have. Is this a yard or a pasture? |
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Danner130
Fort Worth, TX
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Posted: 8/9/2012 1:45:18 PM
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k12lts
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Posted: 8/9/2012 1:49:37 PM
Originally Posted By DoberDude:
Originally Posted By jungp:
If you want it to look good and give the grass a chance against the weeds, you have to mow it a lot.
Originally Posted By k12lts:
Hire a neighbor with a tractor to mow it a couple of times per year. Five acres doesn't justify the ownrship expense of a tractor and mower. Correct answer. I hired friends son for $50.00. He did in 2 hours with skidsteer and front attachment. I went through couple of used tractors before settling on this. I had a couple of customers who had me mow their large properties once or twice a year and they always looked like shit. Before and after. It looks like shit overgrown and it looks like shit with tons of hacked up vegetation rotting everywhere. YMMV The OP is in Florida. Unless it all irrigated lawn I'm thinking he needs to knock the weeds down a couple of time a year and it's good. If it's lawn, I have an Exmark and would recommend one. |
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kallnojoy
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Posted: 8/9/2012 1:50:24 PM
Originally Posted By Danner130:
Nice. Or if you want to be done in time for the first pitch: 
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PanzerOfDoom
Was ist das Scheisse
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Joined: Mar 2004 GA, USA
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Posted: 8/9/2012 2:00:09 PM
Plant it in corn, you'll be a gazzillionaire next year.
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Posted: 8/9/2012 2:08:36 PM
If you are looking to get a mower (not a multipurpose tractor) highly recommend a SCAG turf tiger. I have used exmarks, toro's, john deers, and Scag's and the best quality by far is a Scag.
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Posted: 8/9/2012 2:12:04 PM
I have a 36" John Deere belt drive walk behind, want to borrow it?
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Posted: 8/9/2012 2:15:48 PM
Originally Posted By RIO-lover: Buy a Dixie Chopper. Cry once. |
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chadjetlag
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Posted: 8/9/2012 2:22:24 PM
3-4 grand will buy you a very nice used 20-30hp tractor with a bush hog.
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Posted: 8/9/2012 2:33:10 PM
Originally Posted By SuperJanitor:
Orange is where it's at! Kubota diesel, baby! And have ut sitting in a grasshopper with a 62in de k for the WIN |
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GIJoe
12 inch with Kung-Fu grip
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Posted: 8/9/2012 3:18:03 PM
Originally Posted By Danner130:
http://images1.showmethead.com/nlarge/2011_kubota_bx2360_21577155.jpg That's it! Mine has the turf tires. 60"MMM, back blade, FEL, Box blade, roto-tiller, bush hog and a carry all. I love it. |
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Win_88
Insanity We Trust.
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Posted: 8/9/2012 3:23:27 PM
Too many problems with JD. Ask the repair shops in your area.
If you get a JD buy a min. of a garden tractor. At that price your entering a 4x4 Kubota that you can use year round for other projects. |
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Win_88
Insanity We Trust.
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Posted: 8/9/2012 3:24:18 PM
[Last Edit: 8/9/2012 3:25:02 PM by Win_88]
Originally Posted By Danner130:
http://images1.showmethead.com/nlarge/2011_kubota_bx2360_21577155.jpg This  |
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Engineer5
First in, Last out
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Posted: 8/9/2012 3:27:30 PM
[Last Edit: 8/9/2012 3:28:19 PM by Engineer5]
Originally Posted By Rick_NE:
Originally Posted By Engineer5:
I would recommend checking out Grasshopper and Exmark. I used both brands for years and would lean towards the Grasshopper. <––––––––––––-ex lawn jockey. I own a Grasshopper. I would not recommend one. Hydro's are goofy and need rebuilding every few years. Most lawn guys around here use Exmarks. Depends on your terrain and what kind of grass you have. Is this a yard or a pasture? On several Grasshoppers with 1000's of hours between them I've only seen one hydro unit go bad. |
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Posted: 8/9/2012 3:29:07 PM
SCAG TURF TIGER.
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Posted: 8/9/2012 3:38:04 PM
I mow a 5 acre plot with a JD X324. It damn near takes all day, but the cut is kickass, and it gives me a chance to get pretty shitfaced. I generally only do it when I've got my dad (Hank Hill) coming to visit.
When I need it cut fast, or I let it get too long, I mow it with my JD 5603/6' bush hog. I can get it done in a few hours, since I've got a good amount of trees to deal with. Also, since it's got a cab, my little one can ride with me. |
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Bob243
Mean and Disagreeable
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Posted: 8/9/2012 3:39:02 PM
Gravely
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BillythePoet
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Posted: 8/10/2012 11:23:52 AM
I'm in a similar situation, I've got 7ac that are covered in mesquite and goatweed. We want to build out there this year, so I need to get it under control. I'm having a hard time finding someone to shred and plow it, due to the mesquite thorns. I've found one guy that has a skidsteer with a shredder attachment, but I will still need to plow it after he is done. After I get the place halfway cleaned up, I want to buy an older tractor and keep it lowes, so the bermuda will come back.
Posted Via AR15.Com Mobile |
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Disintegr8or
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Posted: 8/10/2012 11:37:16 AM
[Last Edit: 8/10/2012 11:39:00 AM by Disintegr8or]
I have been using a 60" Dixie Chopper on my 5 acres for the last 5 years w/o incident.
My sister down the road has a JD 60" and that pos is in the shop 1 or 2 times a season. |
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RIO-lover
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Posted: 8/10/2012 11:43:50 AM
Originally Posted By Disintegr8or: I bet the Dixie cuts those 5 acres in half the time as the JD also.I have been using a 60" Dixie Chopper on my 5 acres for the last 5 years w/o incident. My sister down the road has a JD 60" and that pos is in the shop 1 or 2 times a season. |
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Disintegr8or
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Posted: 8/10/2012 1:41:02 PM
Originally Posted By RIO-lover: Originally Posted By Disintegr8or: I bet the Dixie cuts those 5 acres in half the time as the JD also.I have been using a 60" Dixie Chopper on my 5 acres for the last 5 years w/o incident. My sister down the road has a JD 60" and that pos is in the shop 1 or 2 times a season. Well of course. Indiana, huh? How far from Coatesville are you? |
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RIO-lover
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Posted: 8/10/2012 5:21:34 PM
Originally Posted By Disintegr8or: Originally Posted By RIO-lover: Originally Posted By Disintegr8or: I bet the Dixie cuts those 5 acres in half the time as the JD also.I have been using a 60" Dixie Chopper on my 5 acres for the last 5 years w/o incident. My sister down the road has a JD 60" and that pos is in the shop 1 or 2 times a season. Well of course. Indiana, huh? How far from Coatesville are you? Half hour drive. |
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DS11M
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Posted: 8/10/2012 5:35:51 PM
Originally Posted By BillythePoet:
I'm in a similar situation, I've got 7ac that are covered in mesquite and goatweed. We want to build out there this year, so I need to get it under control. I'm having a hard time finding someone to shred and plow it, due to the mesquite thorns. I've found one guy that has a skidsteer with a shredder attachment, but I will still need to plow it after he is done. After I get the place halfway cleaned up, I want to buy an older tractor and keep it lowes, so the bermuda will come back. Posted Via AR15.Com Mobile Where in TX are you? I Have a Ford 8N I will sell ya.... |
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IMHerDad
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Posted: 8/10/2012 5:43:10 PM
we have 5 acres and we first bought a JD 2320. it was OK but I ended up selling it and going to a Bobcat Zero Turn and haven't looked back.
and there are times we mow 2 x a week. yard looks pretty damn good.
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BillythePoet
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Posted: 8/12/2012 12:16:56 PM
Originally Posted By DS11M:
Originally Posted By BillythePoet:
I'm in a similar situation, I've got 7ac that are covered in mesquite and goatweed. We want to build out there this year, so I need to get it under control. I'm having a hard time finding someone to shred and plow it, due to the mesquite thorns. I've found one guy that has a skidsteer with a shredder attachment, but I will still need to plow it after he is done. After I get the place halfway cleaned up, I want to buy an older tractor and keep it lowes, so the bermuda will come back. Posted Via AR15.Com Mobile Where in TX are you? I Have a Ford 8N I will sell ya.... Near College Station. I'm looking for something a little newer, but I have a friend in the market for a nice 8N. He has a Flathead V8, that's looking for a home... |
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slappomatt
Elevator constructor
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Posted: 8/12/2012 12:29:37 PM
Originally Posted By IMHerDad: we have 5 acres and we first bought a JD 2320. it was OK but I ended up selling it and going to a Bobcat Zero Turn and haven't looked back. and there are times we mow 2 x a week. yard looks pretty damn good.
These kinda things are what the park maintenance guys use to cut lotsa grass. They HAUL ASS doing it too. |
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