Ride on/zero turn mower buying advice

I'd be checking local contractors for someone with a 7' slasher.
$20,000 will get a lot of work. Our local bloke charges around
$220-240 for 5-6 acres.
Steve

Quote:

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Originally Posted by rar110

Too small, and no water makes it unattractive for grazing.

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OK then. Options are:

Cheap Tractor and Slasher (e.g.)
Hinomoto Tractor 24HP With 4' Slasher in Maryborough, QLD | eBay

Pay a contractor to slash.

Pay a a contractor to spray the block with roundup.

Install a tank a trough system so you can put stock on it... (Could use the 110 back into a ute and use it to cart water... ;)

Quote:

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Originally Posted by DeanoH

Ten acres is too big for a ride on it'll take you a couple of days to get around it even when the grass/scrub/lantana etc is short. A small tractor and slasher is the go. As you suggested a MF 135 is a good option coupled with a 6' slasher (offset) would do the job. I'd go for a good new slasher as old ones IMO are just not worth the trouble. If you're only looking to use the tractor several times a year you could save money by buying a petrol tractor and putting up with the increased running costs, eg Ford 2000, Fiat 411RB (if you can figure out the gear change) but once you've got the tractor you'll find extra work for it so best probably to go for a good diesel. Try and avoid the real antiques Grey Fergys, Nuffields, Ancient Inters etc and getting something with a two stage clutch will make life easier and safer. Deano :)

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I agree, a MF 135 & 6 ft slasher would be perfect, much more durable & lower running costs. But I think we need to go through the exercise of using the biggest mower within the budget. I suspect we will be back to paying someone to do it.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Saitch

I'd be checking local contractors for someone with a 7' slasher. $20,000 will get a lot of work. Our local bloke charges around $220-240 for 5-6 acres. Steve

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Last bill was $800. I'm getting another quote. It's every 3 - 4 weeks ATM.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by rar110

Last bill was $800. I'm getting another quote. It's every 3 - 4 weeks ATM.

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Ouch! Slashing small acres here is similar in cost to what Saitch is paying.

See also http://www.aulro.com/afvb/tool-time/...rn-mowers.html