Tractor size for disc mower?

[B&M Farms]

I am shopping for a disc mower before my next cutting and need a little help. I have a Kubota M5640 tractor with a FEL and water in the tires. Its 56hp. I was using a 7' Kuhn that just isn't worth fixing anymore and had to finish with my sickle. I stopped by the local tractor dealer to price some cutters today and they carry Krone cutters. I was looking at a AM 243 S that is 7'11" and 1146lbs. The salesman that sold me the tractor last year is trying to tell me I can pull a AM 283 S that is 9'2" and 1333lbs. (Maybe because he has them there already). The advertised HP requirements are 55. I could handle the 7' Kuhn no problems but I'm not sure about the 9' Krone. I will be cutting Bermuda and Bahia grass and it isn't super hilly here. Any advice on which you would go with?

 

[fitz]

Wonder if he would bring it out and let you try it on your tractor? I know it's not much help to you but I cut with an 8' disc mower on a 7040. Lots of hills here. I don't think I would want to drag the 9' in real thick stuff here. I think my tractor would feel kinda light with the 9'.


fitz

 

[bse]

i have a TN 65 NH about the same size as yours. I use a 8ft kuhn but its all it wants i wouldnt want a 9ft for mine it would be to much it may do it but id think on hilly ground the 9ft would slow you down.

 

[B&M Farms]

Wonder if he would bring it out and let you try it on your tractor? I know it's not much help to you but I cut with an 8' disc mower on a 7040. Lots of hills here. I don't think I would want to drag the 9' in real thick stuff here. I think my tractor would feel kinda light with the 9'.


fitz

You are helping. Your tractor is heavier than mine.

 

[B&M Farms]

i have a TN 65 NH about the same size as yours. I use a 8ft kuhn but its all it wants i wouldnt want a 9ft for mine it would be to much it may do it but id think on hilly ground the 9ft would slow you down.

It may work but I was thinking the same thing. If I have to slow down the extra foot isn't helping.

 

[fitz]

i have a TN 65 NH about the same size as yours. I use a 8ft kuhn but its all it wants i wouldnt want a 9ft for mine it would be to much it may do it but id think on hilly ground the 9ft would slow you down.

Friend has a cabbed TN75 with fluid and weights on rears. He is running a 9'. That tractor is a lot heavier than the Kubota.
I remember the dealer suggested he bring the mower home and try it 1st to make sure the tractor would handle it. I think I would go with the 8'.


fitz

 

[thommoos]

Had a 70 horse ford that would slow down with my 8ft old model krone in thick grass, my 9540 would not blink , I would stick with the 8ft.

 

[Rowdy]

That tractor must have been worn out. My 5000 pulls same size Gehl disc mower just fine.

 

[denvermartinfarms]

I run a 9ft disc cutter with a 80hp tractor and don't think I would pull it with any less than a 70hp tractor.

 

[Red Bull Breeder]

A caddy makes a lot of difference.

 

[bigbull338]

ive got the MX5100 HST wich is about the same as your kubota.an i to thought about getting a disc mower for it.an i decided if i did the 8ft would be all it wanted.now with a caddy itll be easier to pull as the weights on the caddy.

 

[Phil in Tupelo]

Don't know about Texas, but in Mississippi bermuda cuts easy and bahia cuts really hard. Have to drop at least one gear.

 

[B&M Farms]

Thanks for all the replies. I am going to go with the 8 footer. I would rather be informed by some folks with experience than a salesman.