Finish Mower

[GeoHorn]

My rotary cutter is a Rhino 72" unit that is rugged but doesn't cut evenly. Tractor Mike has a video that basically says sharpening/replacing the blades is wasted activity. The premise is that a rotary cutter is a shredder.... designed to chop/hack/shred roughage, small shrubs, etc., ***8230;. basically a hardy tool to attach land that is overgrown, etc. and not an actual "lawn" machine.

I have about 27 acres of grass that I use for two small aircraft runways. For those not familiar, small aircraft don't need a golf-course green or fairway.... they onlyh need relatively level ground you might drive the family sedan down at say, 50-60 mph without experiencing abuse.
But the cut of the Rhino requires me to go back over it two or sometimes three times to knock down the "KR Blue stem", clump grasses, and other un-identified wild grass that grows on it.

This last week I simply got tired of the 20 years I've spent going over and BACK over it... so I've shopped online for a "finish mower" that looks typical of the type. I realize I'm asking waay too late to rescue me from trouble perhaps, but it's a "Farmer Helper" brand that's priced so low it really got my right little finger to hit the <enter> key late one night while the mouse-pointer was hovering over "buy now".
Most of the ones I saw online and in videos were priced $1K to $2K MORE ...and then added $600+ shipping on TOP of it. ...which discouraged me.
My question is basically one asking anyone with experience in such matters or regarding this brand for "reassurance" that I should keep it when it arrives tomorrow (really surprised it's arriving in only 4 days free shipping).
Anyone have any comments? (Please try to suppress your laughter if you can, as I'm really completely ignorant about finish mowers.) https://betstco.com/finish-mower-fh-fm/
Here's a view down the east/west 3500' X 180' runway in the fall when the grass is dry and about 12" tall. I like to keep it down to about 5".

 

[dirtydeed]

I ordered a flail mower (FHM as well) from them. I haven't spent much time using it but from what I see, it looks like a reasonable build. I don't think you have too much to worry about. 2 year warranty as well I think.

They (BETSTCO) were great to deal with. Fast, free shipping too.

Oh...and it came painted in orange too.

 

[D2Cat]

Geo. you'll probably be just fine. You already have a nice field to mow. You're not needing to mow brush.

However, if you have the desire for a faster cut, I just noticed this tonight. https://www.purplewave.com/auction/...r_Ag_Equipment-Mower,_Cutter,_Shredder-Kansas

 

[RCW]

Geohorn -

I have no experience with 3Ph finish mowers, but they essentially are the same as my mid mount mower, but with some pros/cons.

Flail mowers intrigue me due to their versatility as I understand; unfortunately my BX isn't capable of handling one.

Honestly, I think you've done yourself a disservice to not look at alternative mowers for your runway areas before. I could see myself hauling a$$ over that with my BX.

A finish or flail would save you the multiple passes with a better end result for the planes.

I look forward to your analysis of the alternatives. It looks like a nice area to mow..

Best wishes!


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[SDT]

My rotary cutter is a Rhino 72" unit that is rugged but doesn't cut evenly. Tractor Mike has a video that basically says sharpening/replacing the blades is wasted activity. The premise is that a rotary cutter is a shredder.... designed to chop/hack/shred roughage, small shrubs, etc., ***8230;. basically a hardy tool to attach land that is overgrown, etc. and not an actual "lawn" machine.

I have about 27 acres of grass that I use for two small aircraft runways. For those not familiar, small aircraft don't need a golf-course green or fairway.... they onlyh need relatively level ground you might drive the family sedan down at say, 50-60 mph without experiencing abuse.
But the cut of the Rhino requires me to go back over it two or sometimes three times to knock down the "KR Blue stem", clump grasses, and other un-identified wild grass that grows on it.

This last week I simply got tired of the 20 years I've spent going over and BACK over it... so I've shopped online for a "finish mower" that looks typical of the type. I realize I'm asking waay too late to rescue me from trouble perhaps, but it's a "Farmer Helper" brand that's priced so low it really got my right little finger to hit the <enter> key late one night while the mouse-pointer was hovering over "buy now".
Most of the ones I saw online and in videos were priced $1K to $2K MORE ...and then added $600+ shipping on TOP of it. ...which discouraged me.
My question is basically one asking anyone with experience in such matters or regarding this brand for "reassurance" that I should keep it when it arrives tomorrow (really surprised it's arriving in only 4 days free shipping).
Anyone have any comments? (Please try to suppress your laughter if you can, as I'm really completely ignorant about finish mowers.) https://betstco.com/finish-mower-fh-fm/
Here's a view down the east/west 3500' X 180' runway in the fall when the grass is dry and about 12" tall. I like to keep it down to about 5".

Don't know anything about the finish mower that you bought but from the looks of the photo, it should be OK for what you plan to mow if the ground is relatively smooth. Too rough, and the mower will shake itself apart.

Regarding the video that you mention: I take issue.

I use all 4 of my rotary cutters as HD finish mowers and keep the blades as sharp as I do on my lawn mowers. I usually dress them with a 4 1/2" angle grinder after each use. They cut better and take less HP and fuel. No, the quality is not the same as a finish mower and I go through blades faster, but I can use them in places that would destroy a finish mower in relatively short order.

Don't do this if you plan to cut saplings. You need DULL blades for saplings to avoid cutting them off cleanly leaving sharp stumps that can puncture tires.

SDT

 

[chim]

That mower looks OK. I'd have to wonder why you don't go for something wider. The area you describe works out to about 14-1/2 acres. That would take me over 6 hours with my 6' RFM, and around 10 hours with my 5 footer.

We only have 3-1/2 acres to mow, but last Fall I bought a 91" Caroni RFM (in need of restoration, for only $600). It should be ready to use by next week and I'm looking forward to the test drive.

 

[GeoHorn]

Thanks for all the helpful replies!

That batwing makes me salivate but I'd have to add rear hydraulics to my M4700DT to use it, and I hate online auctions. I'd rather pay a set price for new equipt that comes with warranty unless I can inspect and bid in-person.
Thanks for the suggestion, however. It only takes me about 4-6 hours to shred it (depends on how long since last time and how much rain) because I don't mow the outer edges but once a year in order to result in a clear, runway down the center (which I mow to the width of only 80'.)

Now to see if it arrives today and whether or not it includes the PTO driveshaft. (called them and they confirm it comes with 1-3/8" 6 spline series 4 shaft, shear-bolt type.)

 

[Russell King]

I will be interested in how you think it works.

Not much adjustment for height, is the 1” to 3” enough or will you have to figure out how to make it mow higher than 3”?


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[GeoHorn]

It arrived on-time, shipping was "free". I'll assemble it this week and post how well it works.
The cutting height is adjusted using sleeves, so if the height is insufficient it shouldn't be too difficult to increase it with more sleeves or larger/taller wheels or shafts. It does appear well-constructed with good welds and heavy gauge metal. I also like the fact the blades/spindles are driven by dual-belts.

 

[D2Cat]

Be sure to check the PTO shaft length, so it's not too long and interfere when the mower is raised.

 

[Nsimmy]

Wondering how the finish mower worked out

 

[Missouribound]

I wonder as well. If the landing strip is a smooth as the OP mentioned he should have no problem with the mower. I do not think it is a sturdy as the Land Pride models but not everyone wants or needs something that heavy or tough.
Hopefully he will come back and tell us.

GEOHORN....are you out there??