Which one would you choose?

[ken erickson]

cause if I turn it into garden my wife would leave me as gardening is her job.

Not sure what part of the USA or Canada your from.
Have you ruled out planting natives, grasses or forbs? 31 acres of non-native mowed lawn is a wildlife wasteland in my opinion. Honey bees get all the press and limelight when it comes to pollinators but in truth the native bees, bumble bees , butterflies is responsible for the majority of plants being pollinated.
Native plants also have a much deeper root system than non native lawn grasses which hold water better, resist erosion , resist droughts and just overall better for the land.

 

[GrassLakeRon]

Big blue Stem or Turkey Foot......

 

[ken erickson]

Big blue Stem or Turkey Foot......

Turkey foot being a common name for Big blue stem correct? When I planted my oak savanna project I planted 6 native grasses and 40 plus forbs.
When I tore out a 1/4 acre of lawn at my house the seed mix had Big and Little blue stem, Indian grass, and 25 plus forbs.

 

[Hkb82]

I’d go with neither of them for 31 acres no matter who is cutting it.

 

[GrassLakeRon]

Turkey foot being a common name for Big blue stem correct? When I planted my oak savanna project I planted 6 native grasses and 40 plus forbs.
When I tore out a 1/4 acre of lawn at my house the seed mix had Big and Little blue stem, Indian grass, and 25 plus forbs.

You are correct, just depends on what part of the US. We are looking at a 28 acre place with 15 acres to sow in Big Blue Steam and native wild flowers.

 

[mcfarmall]

I'd run a 15 foot batwing. Still would look nice in my opinion.

 

[John D 2]

When I was a kid, we mowed a 4 acre property with a 36 inch riding mower.

Looking back as an adult, yes it worked, but it was not the best tool for that job.

For 31 acres I would be using a cab tractor with 12-15 foot cutter.

 

[Bigjer]

How about this one?

https://www.kubotausa.com/products/mowers/zero-turn-mowers/z242kw-48

true - it s only 48"

View attachment 122826

You can get it with a 54" deck. also

 

[Fastball714]

I have a Land Pride AFM4211. It's a bat wing type finishing mower that's 11' wide. It does a great job. You will need a minimum of 35-40 hp tractor.

 

[GreensvilleJay]

so good friend just retired and got hired as a groundskeeper for a $$$$ local golf club.
day one 'shadows' his 'trainer'(guy with 25+ years cutting grass...to see how to operate a tractor
day two operates the JD, $125,000 fairway cutter
day 3, learns how to cut grass on the 'hilly sections.

he does this 7 to 11, 3 days a week. Kinda of a different ride from his '67 Cougar coupe or Kawi bike !