Info on wide area mower

[outdoor]

Anyone know anything on the john deere? I looked at the toros but for 85k kinda out of my range i got a contract on some big acreage.It's all cut very nice well 75 % of it. It's cut every two weeks year round Trying to figure out if a wide are mower will be my better choice to go with than to run 3or 4 unit's I figure 1 man is better than 3 or 4.

[mdlwn1]

Try leasing one from a golf course supply company.

[1993lx172]

Or a demo from your dealer.

[deereequipment]

I know someone that had a Deere WAM, after a while, he had major problems.
Deere got involved, and they gave him a new one after totally rebuilding every hydraulic item on the machine, and still not fixing the problem.
Now, he's back mowing again.

Deere's $50K is cheaper than $85K. Deere is only a 12' cut, and is a rear discharge. I am not sure how well it disperses the clippings.

[txgrassguy]

Do you own a 40 hp tractor?
If so forget the dedicated wide area mower and simply acquire a Lastec pto powered pull behind mower.
Toro, Jake, Ransomes all make decent w.a.m. - I know nothing of the Deere.
Look at http://www.usedturfequipment.com/ for equipment. Jim is a good guy to deal with and if doesn't have what you need he will get it.

[johndeereguy]

Do NOT buy a Deere!! Iam a Deere lover but their 1600 wams are junk. Like he said, just get a pull type mower, you can get a new one for around 10 to 15 grand, and still ahve the tractor. A new WAM is around 60 grand.

[David Haggerty]

Buy used. Golf courses turn them over on a regular basis.

I've found a good used Toro is better than a new "piece of crap".

[howierd3866]

just my .02 we do alot of large area mowing. What I found if there trees or alot of turning I can put 2 72inch Huslter and beat the 75hp 12ft finish mower plus there are easlier to haul than a tractor.But if its long runs I take the tractor over the zero turn its faster then plus a/c. good luck

[lawnproslawncare]

Toro and jacobson are all I have experience with. They seem to be the better choices. John Deere threw something together and it hasn't changed much. Try finding a mower from the southeast coast with few hours. They usually go for a reasonable price