6ft Grass.................

[pinnacle]

OK do yous think a 52'' 25hp combo on a GD charriot could mow 6ft (moderate thickness) grass with ease or would it strugle a little.

[cclllc]

How big of an area?
You may have to make several passes.Cut it as high as possible.

[pinnacle]

5-6 acres

I know I'll have to double cut.

But you think It'll handle it OK or will be hearing that strugling sound through out the cut.

I really havn't cut much stuff like this with the Charriot before.

Thanks for ya thoughts .

[Mark P]

:) Five to six acers with a ztr? Don't be foolish take good care of your equipment, thats a job for a tractor and bushog.....Marks Mowing Service

[kels]

Is this a real scenario? 6' grass with a rotary mower! This is why they have bush hogs.

[Pecker]

One word - BUSHHOG. I'm with Mark - don't tear up a good Z doing somebody's cheap work. If they let it get that high they need to take the money they saved on it and hire a bushog to do it.

[MacLawnCo]

i dont recommend this, but saw this recently. its a xf2600efi

[MacLawnCo]

.

[Pro Prop Care]

WOW!

[pinnacle]

FIVE words, I don't got no bushhog

Why would that mess up the mower ??

I not intrested in an apinion from guys that just do finish mowing.
I don't need a lecture on keeping my Z in good condition either.

Back to the orriginal question "OK do yous think a 52'' 25hp combo on a GD charriot could mow 6ft (moderate thickness) grass with ease or would it strugle a little."

BTW: Whats this cheap work stuff??
I make better money on Slashing than I do finish mowing.
I'll be making $45 - $75 an hour cutting long grass and when the Z is tierd I'll trade it in for a new one.

[pinnacle]

MACLAWNCO : Thanks mate, those pics are great.

Why would you not recomend it??

[Albemarle Lawn]

You should make $45-$75 per hour cutting regular grass.

Take it on if you are super slow for work, or consider helping them find a bushog person, and offer to take it on as a mowing job when it is normal height.

Ken

[pinnacle]

I think pricing structure in AUSTRALIA is a little different to the states.

This is good money for me.

I don't charge by the hour for finish mowing I'll quote the job on a flat rate.

[HighGrass]

Originally posted by Albemarle Lawn
You should make $45-$75 per hour cutting regular grass.

Take it on if you are super slow for work, or consider helping them find a bushog person, and offer to take it on as a mowing job when it is normal height.

Ken

I'd double that and/or go to a CAT store and rent a tractor and brush hog!

[promower]

tell him 200 an acre and explain that its real hard on equipment.

[gogetter]

Originally posted by pinnacle
FIVE words, I don't got no bushhog


Three words, rent one duh.

[cclllc]

Have someone cut it for hay.

[pinnacle]

"Three words, rent one duh."

Mate, you should have read my original question.

[doublesharp]

Piece a cake. Go for it.

[KirbysLawn]

Since I owned one for 3 years I will go with "strugle a little".

I also wonder the same as asked above, but since you don't "apinion from guys that just do finish mowing" I guess you don't care.

It's your stuff, have at it, destroy it, trade it in and keep the bills rolling makes no difference to me. If I was doing the job I would rent a bush hog, charge what you plan on charging, do the job faster, and keep my equipment good. But...I like my equipment so who cares??:confused:

[pinnacle]

Kirbys Lawn: Thanks for answering my question :)
Have you got a Charriot have ya ??
How do ya like it ???


I like my equipment too mate!

I have a GD mightycompac thats 42'' 16 Hp and you would not belive some of the stuff I cut with that. Small trees etc etc

Its got 470 hours on it and its fine....A new coat of paint and It would be just like a shop bought one.

And as I said I get a new Z once a year....I buy them so I can cut grass ........don't know what you guys do with your mowers but when I invest $19,000 on a mower I'm not intresed in going and hiring one.... for $____ a day.

I'll run my Biz the way I want thanks.

[Scag48]

Do the job right or don't do it at all. Around here, 6 ft. of grass would require a flail mower with at least a 50 HP tractor. Have fun ruining the Z, I'm sure it will do it, but it's not smart.

[pinnacle]

SCAG 48
I have a GD mightycompac thats 42'' 16 Hp and you would not belive some of the stuff I cut with that. Small trees etc etc

Its got 470 hours on it and its fine....A new coat of paint and It would be just like a shop bought one.

I have a swing back setup for the GD anyway buddy

As I said I'll run me biz how ever I want

Don't need lectures on Z care

I

[gogetter]

Then what are ya here asking us questions for? Just go run your $19,000 mower (LOL!) through the 6' tall grass and be done with it already!.

First you ask a question, then you cry about how you don't want anybody telling you what to do. Sheesh!

Either way, the general concensus seems to be that you're going about the job foolishly. Knock yourself out though. :dizzy:

[pinnacle]

THE ORIGINAL QUESTION WAS

Will it struggle or not

not will it F#ck the machine

What don't you understand about "WILL IT STRUGGLE OR NOT"??

You may need to head back to school mate

I NEVER SAID "WHAT WOULD IT DO TO MY Z"

I simply asked what if it would struggle or not

so yeh I'll F'n cry as much as I want matey cause youz aint answering the question.............are ya!!

Your answering questions that were never posted

[Tonyr]

Pinnacle,

our conditions are clearly different here than in the states, gear costs twice plus per much, less per hour profit, not as many good dealers, and we can't hire work out to other firms as this industry is just too cut throat. And scrubs on every corner waiting to see if they can undercut you.

I can tell you I have mowed 4-5 foot rhodes grass, Green Panic one half pass 5 inches high, second pass 2.5 inches high, 4 hours total per acrea = $220. I have got this much mowing 2 ft high grass on vacant half acre allotments, just 2 passes, slow, and in mulch mode too by the way! Wait everyone, think, this is actually easier on the machine than heavy finishing work because the mulch just falls and the thick stuff is only at the bottom.

I was shown how to do this on my mower by the dealer, I obviously wouldn't do this all the time. It isn't as bad as it sounds.

However I do know because I have seen a Hustler Super Z 60 inch deck, 25 hp kaw. mow 6 ft high stuff without any bother, 2 passes to tidy up, but I know these machines can do it easy, like any machine/ mower, it is about knowing it's limits and not overloading it, not rocket science.

It is only a machine, blades powered by an engine, finish mowing or rough, work it hard, but don't try to kill it, but I will say, I only mow rough stuff when needing cash and I charge well.

Just keep the deck high on the first run this gets rid of the trash and helps avoid objects.

I don't own a G.D but as a commercial machine with industrial spindels, dydro etc give it a shot, half runs.

We Aussies aren't trying to wreck good machines for fun, business here is very different , very harsh, rough, high overheads small profits, turning work away is only done when you definetly don't want it, most times ya just got to get into it.
The mower can cut anything if strong enough, as an opperator you should know how to listen to the thing, if you don't block it up and stall it and the engine isn't boiling it's head off...who said there had to be limits?

It is all about experience and common sense.

Lastly, the idea of a slasher first, mow 2 nd is the best really, let the slasher find the stumps etc and do the hard work for you, then you just fly over it to tidy it up, slashers are cheap, charge the big bucks and as you haven't worked your mower hard you are ahead already, quick tidy up ya done.

But getting a slashing firm to work in with you...

Anyway, just my 2 cents worth:)

Tony,
Queensland
Australia

[Tonyr]

Will it struggle or not ...


I believe with half width cuts at full hight it should be fine.

any more than that is asking or pushing a bit much I think...

Cut high and work down, am I missing the plot saying how I do this, or are you wanting to know if someone with your type of mower has done this and what feedback they have?

Tony.

[pinnacle]

Sorry about the delayed reply tony. We just found a Koala up in an old Tibochina of all places. (We relocated him into a nice ghosty Gum)

Nah Tony, both your posts are greatly appreciated mate.
Thanks

I was just pushing the original question cause people kept baging me about somthing I didn't ask. Like you my mate I understand that good ZTRs will hold up to that sort of treatment as I have owned anouther Z for a while now but it's a little smaller than the Charriot. I reguarly cut in extrem conditions with this machine. For instance I did a big Privit/Lantana/Paspalam (you name it it was there) removal not so long ago and my little 16HP 42'' machine was eatting 1'' lantana thats been choped first with a clearing saw for breakfast (had to pull out the big bits and feed em through the chipper but yeh I was mulching too and it did a dam fine job.
The reason I ask about the Charriot is that I know about deck size to horsepower ratio and this makes me think that posibably the the charriot would struggle more than my Mighty Compac (the compac has swing backs on it aswell) In addition to the fact that the Charriot has much more speed and I would consider that more of that "25HP" on the charriot is being sent to the wheel motors aposed to the smaller machine having more HP sent to the deck, that you would not clasifie as a speed mower (top forward speed 16 Km/h).
Ya see I haven,t had much experiance with speed mowers as I have only had the Charriot for 2 months so as far as being an excellant operator that really knows the limits of your machine, I'm not quit there yet But need to operate in some diferent conditions to be as good as I am on the compact. I just wanted to ask if people think the 52'' 25Hp combo would strugle as I think 25HP with a 52'' er is a good combo and my dealer told me he had never seen a 25Hp running a 52'' and he thought it would be a "mowing weapon" . So at this point your probably thinking, Why don't you go and see for your self" ..............Its a 45min drive to the job and I am going to be mowing a coffe farm close by and I use the compac for this as the charriot won't fit down the walk rows. My trailer wont fit both my Zs so I would have to stick the compac on the ute tray and the Charroit in the trailer.
It would be a waist of time,fule,MONEY (As you say tony the industrie here is "cut throat" and every cent counts) To get to the job and find the Charriot to be is less productive than the compac.
This is why I asked but mabey arfter having to justifiy my question in this ridicasly long post I prehaps just shouldn't have bothered. ( not being aimed at anyone that answered with comman sense)


Tony.......where are ya from in QLD matey???

I'm down near lismore mate..............do ya Know Bangalow?
I hope you guys coped the rain too today?? (a little dry hey)
We got a good downpore this morning :)

If you could mate....can you shoot me your email?
I have a few questions about the biz for ya as I am only 23 and have many qestions about tricks for young players.

Alex.

[Rustic Goat]

I'll say I'd have to go for it. You know your machines abilities/limitations. Doubt very much you'll be able to go at 'normal' speed or full width cutting but what the heck, it's a job right. Just take it slow and don't get in a hurry. You going to keep a chalk board with you for counting brown snakes aren't you?

Speaking of that, are you going to be able to walk the property before you mow, or do you already have an idea of whether it's flat and smooth or if there's an obstacles to be concerned about.
Good luck on this lot, let us know how it turns out.

[Tonyr]

Hi Alex,

I am in Hervey Bay mate, the clouds are rolling over, but no water.

And it is so dry here, though on the coast...and I had the dustiest pick up job today, some clients just won't be convinced to mulch:)

They reckon tomorrow we get wet...be right, spray jobs booked!

Yeah, contact me about anything,
Email is, aperfectcutmow@austarnet.com.au
take a look at long grass cut down like I was saying, just go to the gallery,

http://www.indmowing.com.au/perfectcut.htm

About ground speed, honestly I think it is a gimmick, who can honestly mow in every day contractor conditions 10 or 15 miles per hour safely anyway?

A contractor should be concentrating on Neat and mowing in the "mow to the conditions" zone, those blokes who want fast mowers and speed is their thing, they aren't in this for the long run, there is that happy medium where neat and fast and safety meet, this is what any reputable contractor works at.

I'll keep an eye out for ya email ole mate, time for a few coldies.

Tony

Dusty on the beach.

[pinnacle]

Thanks your thoughts Rustic Goat!

You going to keep a chalk board with you for counting brown snakes aren't you?

Nah..........I'll be side discharging the frigers before I get the chance to count em :D


Speaking of that, are you going to be able to walk the property before you mow, or do you already have an idea of whether it's flat and smooth or if there's an obstacles to be concerned about.

Yep I'll be doing a real good walk trough first and I'll be wearing big knee high rubber gum boots (snake protection)
I told the people that I will walk through but I aint necessarily guna find all the nasties so I'll be charging what I call "over burden" for hidden obstacles. And will also inform the owners that if they don't want to get bitten in the a#s with over burden on the bill they should walk it too.

Metal of any kind-$80 and $100 for rolls of wire.
Bricks and unusually large rocks-$60
Large pieces of Wood of any kind - $40

These figures were given to me by a guy I know that Sub-contracts to the council and he uses this "over burden" method and It works great for him he said.


Good luck on this lot, let us know how it turns out.

Thanks mate............I really need a Digital camera so I can take some pics for youz................I might bite the bullet and go and get my self one in a couple of days. :)

[cush]

What's the diff between a rented z and my z.

[cush]

The rented z will go anywhere LOL.....

[FFMED74]

If it is 6' grass in the land down under I would worry about brown snakes or at the least Steve Irwin jumping out at me, LOL'

[impactlandscaping]

Hey Alex, did ya ever get that 6' grass cut? I figured you'd been a little slow to get through it, but it would cut fairly easily because of the dry weather down that way. An oil change, new blades , and a grease job and back to work, eh? If ya did do it, how many wigglers and jumpers came runnin' outta there?Too many for me I'm sure.<a href='http://www.smileycentral.com/?partner=ZSzeb008' target='_blank'><img src='http://smileys.smileycentral.com/cat/16/16_9_4.gif' border=0></a>

[pinnacle]

Impact, Yeh mate........Got throught it ok. As ya say It was a little slow but not that bad, bout walking speed. I cut up to 6ft stuff with the chariot a fair bit now...........mainly around 3-4 ft mark.
The units just like a shop bought one..............all with good maintanence. I duno what some of these blokes ^ where goin on about! Bunch a pussys mate.
Ran over lots childrens pythons and rodents. Nothing to give me skidys in me pants though.

All n all the job came up good........3 passes S/D and one mulching and I still mow that prop on a regular basis. The Chariots fine and I'd do it again no second thoughts.
Our droughts broken too mate (thank god) but...yeh back when I mowed that lot it was dry and made things a bit easyer.

Thanks for askin mate!

You have a good one!!!

[Navig8r]

Originally posted by pinnacle
OK do yous think a 52'' 25hp combo on a GD charriot could mow 6ft (moderate thickness) grass with ease or would it strugle a little.

So to answer your original question..... I believe it would struggle A LOT and take many passes and removal of clippings between passes to get it done.

I have cut 12" high, fairly thick lawns that had been neglected, and I'll tell ya it took me 3 passes in different directions at 2 different heights (one pass high, 2 passes lowered) to get it even close to acceptable... not GOOD... just ACCEPTABLE!

If I were in that situation, I would either rent a bushhog, or sub the job out... then finish mow it with my Z...... All at an hourly charge, of course.......

Good Luck

[Navig8r]

didnt read page 2.... before I posted my reply.... glad to see ya got it cut..... can I ask what that job was worth to ya $$??

[sgreanbean]

Hey Mac, were is that yard? It looks just like a house in Iowa, yard, neaihbors houses, everything!

[pjslawncare/landscap]

Originally posted by pinnacle
OK do yous think a 52'' 25hp combo on a GD charriot could mow 6ft (moderate thickness) grass with ease or would it strugle a little.
Definately YES!
I have an opinion about this as well but you dont seem to be interested in additional opinions. Not tring to be a smart azz,but after reading all your replies, thats what Im hearing from you

[hortboy]

why not rent a brush hog for the day, But if not, make sure you know the terrain, alot of large rack get hidden by tall grass, also, make your stopping often to clean around you air filter, that chaff will build up fast and cause the motor to run hot.

[pinnacle]

This thread is months and months old.

Thanks for the replies but it's already been done.

Go back and read my replie to Impactlandscaping.

Navig8r, 1 and a bit days work $620. Thats good money here.