A strong tractor rotary mower should match your tractor’s horsepower and hitch while handling the vegetation or crop you need to cut. For general brush and overgrown fields, the Ag-Rite 48 Inch Rotary Cutter stands out with a 6-gauge steel deck and blades rated for brush up to 2 inches. The products here also include narrower rotary cutters, finish and flail mowers, and specialized drum and disc mowers, so the right choice depends on more than width alone.
Check the implement style and required tractor range before comparing cutting width: a hay mower is not a brush hog, and a larger cutter may require a different hitch category. This roundup compares the listed specifications and intended uses to help you find a suitable attachment for your tractor and land.
The Ag-Rite 48 Inch Rotary Cutter is the best overall choice for general tractor brush cutting in this group. It is listed for 22–50 HP tractors and has a 6-gauge steel deck plus heat-treated blades rated to cut brush up to 2 inches in diameter. Those specifications make it a strong match for rough fields and dense vegetation.
If your priority is hay production rather than brush clearing, choose a drum or disc mower instead; those are specialized implements with different tractor and cutting requirements.
Our Top Picks

Its 22–50 HP range, 6-gauge steel deck, and blades rated for brush up to 2 inches suit demanding general-purpose field cutting.
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Best Adjustable HeightThis Category 1 cutter suits 25–45 HP tractors and offers adjustable cutting height from 1.5 to 10 inches.
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Best 4-Foot OptionTitan Attachments Standard Rotary Cutter
Its 4-foot width, Category 1 fit, 20–60 HP range, and slip-clutch PTO shaft offer broad compatibility for brush and saplings.
View on Amazon- Best Finish Mower MechMaxx FM150 Finish Mower
- Best Compact Hay Mower Titan Attachments 53-Inch Drum Mower
Compare these tractor mower options
| # | Product | Dimensions | Weight | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1. Ag-Rite 48 Inch Rotary CutterBest Overall | 58 x 53 x 14 in | 727 lb | View on Amazon |
| 2 | 2. BILT HARD 5 FT Rotary CutterBest Adjustable Height | 64.96 x 62.99 x 16.93 in | — | View on Amazon |
| 3 | 3. Titan Attachments Standard Rotary CutterBest 4-Foot Option | — | 440 lb | View on Amazon |
| 4 | 4. MechMaxx FM150 Finish MowerBest Finish Mower | 52 x 63 x 34 in | 430 lb | View on Amazon |
| 5 | 5. MechMaxx NAM60 Flail Mower60-inch PTO flail mowing | 65"D x 28"W x 24"H | — | View on Amazon |
| 6 | 6. Titan Attachments 53-Inch Drum MowerBest Compact Hay Mower | — | 400 lb | View on Amazon |
| 7 | 7. MechMaxx DM53 Drum MowerSmall-farm hay windrows | — | — | View on Amazon |
| 8 | 8. MechMaxx DM8 Disc MowerHigh-horsepower disc mowing | 167"D x 55"W x 30"H | — | View on Amazon |
Detailed Reviews: Best Rotary Mower For Tractor

#1 · Best Overall
1. Ag-Rite 48 Inch Rotary Cutter
- Dimensions: 58 x 53 x 14 in
- Weight: 727 lb
Best for: Rough-ground brush clearing.
Why it ranks #1: Its 22–50 HP range, 6-gauge steel deck, and blades rated for brush up to 2 inches suit demanding general-purpose field cutting.
A 6-gauge steel deck, measured at .19 inches thick, is the Ag-Rite’s defining feature for owners tackling rough fields and dense growth. Its two free-swinging, heat-treated blades cut brush up to 2 inches in diameter, making this 48-inch rotary cutter a fit for substantial clearing work.
The 22–50 HP tractor range gives owners a defined compatibility window, while the 6-gauge deck is specified for demanding field use in dense vegetation and rough terrain. Two blades mounted on a balanced stump-jumper pan can handle brush up to 2 inches in diameter, so the cutter is suited to more than routine grass trimming. At 727 pounds, it is a substantial attachment; buyers should account for that weight when considering tractor capacity and handling.
- .19-inch, 6-gauge steel deck
- Two free-swinging, heat-treated blades
- Cuts brush up to 2 inches in diameter
- Specified for 22–50 HP tractors
- At 727 pounds, it is a heavy attachment to handle.
Skip it if you need a lighter, 440-pound cutter for tall grass and saplings; the Titan Attachments Standard Series is listed at that weight.
For owners with a 22–50 HP tractor clearing rough ground, overgrowth, or brush up to 2 inches, this Ag-Rite offers substantial cutting capacity. Its 727-pound weight makes tractor handling an important fit consideration.
Full product details
| Brand | Ag-Rite |
|---|---|
| Item Weight | 727 pounds |
| Item model number | AGRCPTO72IN |
| Manufacturer | Ag-Rite |
| Dimensions | 58 x 53 x 14 inches |
Listed on Amazon as: 48 Inch Brush Hog Tractor Rotary Cutter with PTO, Fits 22-50 HP
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#2 · Best Adjustable Height
2. BILT HARD 5 FT Rotary Cutter
- Dimensions: 64.96 x 62.99 x 16.93 in
Best for: Height-adjustable pasture cutting.
Why it ranks #2: This Category 1 cutter suits 25–45 HP tractors and offers adjustable cutting height from 1.5 to 10 inches.
An adjustable 1.5–10-inch cutting height lets the BILT HARD 5-foot rotary cutter adapt its finish to fields and pasture. Its Category 1 three-point hitch and stated 25–45 HP, 540 RPM compatibility make the tractor match clear, while a slip-clutch PTO shaft helps protect the driveline from overload.
The solid rubber tail wheel has adjustable height settings, allowing operators to set the cutter height for different field conditions. A Category 1 three-point hitch specifies the connection, and the 25–45 HP, 540 RPM range defines the tractor requirements. The included slip-clutch PTO shaft connects directly and is described as protecting the driveline from mechanical overload. Pallet delivery is specified, so buyers should plan for unloading and check shipping messages for delivery details.
- 1.5–10-inch adjustable cutting height
- Category 1 three-point hitch
- Compatible with 25–45 HP tractors at 540 RPM
- Slip-clutch PTO shaft protects the driveline from overload
- Pallet delivery may require unloading equipment or advance coordination.
Skip it if you want a 20–60 HP range and quick-hitch compatibility; the Titan Attachments Standard Series lists both.
Pasture and field owners who want height adjustment and a defined Category 1 tractor match should consider this BILT HARD cutter. Its pallet shipment makes delivery and unloading logistics part of the purchase decision.
Full product details
| Brand | BILT HARD |
|---|---|
| Item model number | TL-TMB-1407-0515 |
| Manufacturer | BILT HARD |
| Dimensions | 64.96 x 62.99 x 16.93 inches |
Listed on Amazon as: BILT HARD 5 FT 3 Point PTO Rotary Brush Cutter for 25-45 HP Tractors, Heavy Duty Brush Cutter with Category 1 Hitch, 1.5'' – 10'' Adjustable Cutting Height, Ideal for Fields and Pasture
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#3 · Best 4-Foot Option
3. Titan Attachments Standard Rotary Cutter
- Weight: 440 lb
Best for: Compact-tractor brush clearing.
Why it ranks #3: Its 4-foot width, Category 1 fit, 20–60 HP range, and slip-clutch PTO shaft offer broad compatibility for brush and saplings.
A cast-iron, low-noise gearbox paired with a shock-absorbent slip-clutch PTO shaft distinguishes this 4-foot Titan rotary cutter. It suits Cat 1 tractors with a rear three-point hitch, and heat-treated blades cut material up to 1 inch, including tall grass, saplings, and dense brush.
The gearbox is specified for tractors from 20 to 60 HP at 540 RPM, while Cat 1 rear three-point compatibility and Titan quick-hitch compatibility help define attachment fit. Its slip-clutch PTO shaft connects directly and is shock absorbent; the shaft can also be cut to the desired length. Heat-treated blades have a 1-inch cutting capacity, and friction surface shoes are intended to help the cutter lift over bumps, supporting use on uneven ground.
- 4-foot cutting width
- Low-noise cast-iron gearbox
- Shock-absorbent slip-clutch PTO shaft
- Heat-treated blades cut material up to 1 inch
- Its stated cutting capacity is limited to material up to 1 inch.
Skip it if you need to cut brush up to 2 inches; the Ag-Rite 48 Inch Brush Hog lists that capacity.
This Titan suits Cat 1 tractor owners clearing grass, saplings, and brush up to 1 inch, particularly where quick-hitch compatibility matters. Check the 20–60 HP, 540 RPM specifications against the tractor and PTO setup.
Full product details
| Brand | Titan Attachments |
|---|---|
| Color | Charcoal, Orange |
| Included Components | brush cutter |
| Item Weight | 440 pounds |
| Manufacturer | Titan Attachments |
| Part Number | STSRC48v1b |
| Manufacturer Warranty Description | Contact Us |
| Material | Alloy Steel |
| Style | Rotary |
| Style Name | Rotary |
| Additional Information | Important Information Proposition 65 Warning for California Consumers WARNING: Cancer and Reproductive Harm – www.P65Warnings.ca.gov |
Listed on Amazon as: Titan Attachments Standard Series Rotary Cutter for Cat 1 Tractors with Rear 3 Point Hitch, Cast Iron Gear Box with Slip Clutch PTO Shaft, Brush Cutter Attachment
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#4 · Best Finish Mower
4. MechMaxx FM150 Finish Mower
- Dimensions: 52 x 63 x 34 in
- Weight: 430 lb
Best for: Finish mowing with height control.
Why it ranks #4: The 60-inch finish mower fits Category 1 tractors from 18–50 HP and has four tires and adjustable cutting height.
Four solid tires support this MechMaxx finish mower and have adjustable height settings, making it practical to set the cut and move the attachment to a barn, shed, or garage. Its 60-inch working width and Cat 1 three-point connection suit compatible tractors and loaders.
The FM150 is recommended for 18–50 HP tractors or loaders with a Cat 1 three-point hitch, and it is powered by a matching PTO driveshaft. Four solid tires with adjustable settings support height adjustment and make it easier to move the mower for storage. Three high-grade steel, heat-treated blades are specified for bushes, tall grass, and dense vegetation; the floating hitch keeps the wheels on the ground and blades contoured to the terrain.
- 60-inch working width
- Adjustable-height settings on four solid tires
- Cat 1 three-point compatibility
- Three heat-treated steel blades
- The working width is 60 inches, which may be too wide for tighter mowing areas.
Skip it if you need a 53-inch mower for hay fields and windrows; the MechMaxx DM53 is specified for that work.
Choose this FM150 for finish mowing when a 60-inch working width, adjustable height, and wheeled storage mobility suit the site. Confirm that the Cat 1 hitch and 18–50 HP recommendation match the tractor or loader.
Full product details
| Brand | MechMaxx |
|---|---|
| Item Weight | 430 pounds |
| Item model number | FM150 |
| Manufacturer | MechMaxx |
| Dimensions | 52 x 63 x 34 inches |
Listed on Amazon as: 3 Point PTO 60'' Working Width Finish Mower Attachment for 18-50hp Tractor, Category 1 Hitch, 4-Tires, 0.4'' – 4.5'' Adjustable Cutting Height, Model FM150
View on AmazonWhy it ranks #5: Its 60-inch working width and flail design offer a distinct mowing option, though the supplied specifications do not state tractor horsepower or hitch fit.
A 60-inch working width defines the MechMaxx NAM60 as a flail-mower option for buyers seeking broad PTO-powered coverage. The supplied specifications identify its flail style, manual operation, and physical dimensions, giving shoppers a starting point for evaluating its format and space requirements.
The 60-inch working width indicates the mower’s stated coverage, while its flail style distinguishes it from the rotary, drum, and disc mower formats in this roundup. Its listed dimensions are 65 inches deep, 28 inches wide, and 24 inches high, information that can help with storage-space planning. The specification identifies manual operation and PTO power in the title, but does not provide a tractor horsepower range to use when checking compatibility.
- 60-inch working width
- Flail mower format
- PTO-powered, as stated in the title
- Listed dimensions support storage planning
- The supplied details do not state a tractor horsepower compatibility range.
Skip it if you need a stated tractor range and Category 1 hitch; the Titan Attachments Standard Series specifies 20–60 HP and Cat 1 compatibility.
Consider the NAM60 if you are specifically seeking a 60-inch PTO flail mower and its listed dimensions suit your storage area. The supplied information does not state a tractor horsepower range, so compatibility remains a key boundary.
Full product details
| Brand | MechMaxx |
|---|---|
| Color | Orange |
| Dimensions | 65"D x 28"W x 24"H |
| Manufacturer | MechMaxx |
| Part Number | 150137 |
| Manufacturer Warranty Description | 1-year warranty |
| Model Number | NAM60 |
| Operation Mode | Manual |
| Style | Flail |
| Style Name | Flail |
Listed on Amazon as: MechMaxx 60" Working Width PTO Flail Mower, Model NAM60
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#6 · Best Compact Hay Mower
6. Titan Attachments 53-Inch Drum Mower
- Weight: 400 lb
Best for: Compact-tractor hay cutting.
Why it ranks #6: This 53-inch twin-drum mower is designed for Cat 1 tractors up to 40 HP and has a pivoting head for uneven terrain.
Two rotating drums carrying four blades each give the Titan 53-inch mower a direct focus on fast hay cutting. Its pivoting head follows uneven terrain, while the Cat 1 three-point setup and stated 24–40 HP range target compact tractors and hobby-farm fields.
The twin drums and eight total blades are intended to cut quickly and consistently, with the mower cutting low to the ground to make use of each field pass. A pivoting head adjusts to uneven terrain for a more even cut. The 53-inch width suits field coverage, and the listing describes this as a light-duty design for compact tractors up to 40 HP, providing an important operating boundary alongside the 24–40 HP title specification.
- 53-inch cutting width
- Twin drums with four blades each
- Pivoting head adjusts to uneven terrain
- Three-point design for compact tractors
- The listing describes it as light-duty and for tractors up to 40 HP.
Skip it if you need a 53-inch hay mower specified for 25–40 HP with included PTO shaft; the MechMaxx DM53 lists those details.
This Titan is aimed at compact-tractor owners cutting hay low and quickly across uneven fields. Its light-duty description and up-to-40-HP statement make tractor capacity and the intended workload important boundaries.
Full product details
| Brand | Titan Attachments |
|---|---|
| Color | Orange |
| Item Weight | 400 pounds |
| Manufacturer | Titan Attachments |
| Part Number | DRUMMWR53 |
| Material | Alloy Steel |
| Style | Drum Mower |
| Style Name | Drum Mower |
| Additional Information | Important Information Proposition 65 Warning for California Consumers WARNING: Cancer and Reproductive Harm – www.P65Warnings.ca.gov |
Listed on Amazon as: Titan Attachments 3 Point 53" Drum Mower Fits Cat 1, 24-40 HP Tractor, PTO Drive Slip Clutch Shaft, Twin Drum with 8 Blades, Pivoting Head, Side Shift for Hobby Farmers, Hay Cutting
View on AmazonWhy it ranks #7: Its 53-inch dual-drum design targets hay, pasture, and forage, with a stated 25–40 HP tractor range and terrain-following pivot heads.
Dual drums create clean, consistent cuts and well-formed windrows, making the MechMaxx DM53 a hay-field mower rather than a general brush cutter. Its 53-inch width and 25–40 HP tractor range target compact and utility tractors working pastures, forage crops, and small-farm acreage.
The 53-inch cutting width helps cover ground efficiently, with listed productivity up to 3.34 acres per hour. Dual drums form windrows intended to dry faster and be easier to collect, linking the cut to the next hay-handling step. Terrain-following pivot heads adapt to uneven ground for a more uniform cut, while the protective perimeter frame reduces damage risk. A PTO shaft is included, and the specified tractor range is 25–40 HP.
- 53-inch cutting width
- Dual drums form well-formed windrows
- Terrain-following pivot heads adapt to uneven ground
- Listed productivity up to 3.34 acres per hour
- The specified tractor range is limited to 25–40 HP.
Skip it if you have a 45–100 HP Cat 2 tractor; the MechMaxx DM8 lists compatibility with that range.
Hay producers and acreage owners with 25–40 HP tractors can use the DM53 for pasture and forage mowing where windrow formation matters. Its stated tractor range is a key boundary for matching it to the machine.
Full product details
| Brand | MechMaxx |
|---|---|
| Color | orange |
| Included Components | Mower, PTO Shaft |
| Manufacturer | MechMaxx |
| Model Number | 150235 |
| Style | Rotary |
| Style Name | Rotary |
Listed on Amazon as: MechMaxx 53'' 3-Point Drum Mower for Tractor, 25-40HP Tractor, DM53
View on AmazonWhy it ranks #8: This 8-foot, six-disc mower is designed for Cat 2 tractors from 45–100 HP, making it a specialized fit rather than a general brush cutter.
A fully gear-driven transmission transfers power from the gearbox to six discs, positioning the MechMaxx DM8 for mowing thick, long grasses and stalks. Its 8-foot, three-point design is specified for Cat 2 tractors from 45 to 100 HP, marking it for larger tractor setups.
The fully gear-driven transmission transfers power to the blades, with the listing stating that this improves mowing speed and reduces power loss. Six discs and robust components are specified for demanding work across different terrain and cutting fields. Spline shafts provide a larger contact area and are described as supporting efficient power transmission and reliability. Removing the cutting-deck cover allows lubrication, while a decompressive valve releases heat inside the gearbox to support gear life.
- 8-foot, 6-disc cutting format
- Fully gear-driven transmission
- Cat 2 compatibility for 45–100 HP tractors
- Deck cover removes for easier lubrication
- Its 45–100 HP Cat 2 requirement excludes smaller tractor setups.
Skip it if you have a compact 25–40 HP tractor for hay fields; the MechMaxx DM53 lists that tractor range and a 53-inch width.
The DM8 suits operators with a 45–100 HP Cat 2 tractor who need an 8-foot disc mower for thick grass or stalks. Its size and tractor requirements make a suitable hitch and power range essential.
Full product details
| Brand | MechMaxx |
|---|---|
| Color | Red |
| Dimensions | 167"D x 55"W x 30"H |
| Manufacturer | MechMaxx |
| Part Number | 150232 |
| Manufacturer Warranty Description | 1-year warranty |
| Model Number | DM8 |
| Operation Mode | Automatic |
| Style | Cylinder |
| Style Name | Cylinder |
Listed on Amazon as: MechMaxx 8FT 3-Point Disc Mower, 6 Disc, 45-100HP Tractor, Cat 2, Model DM8
View on AmazonAvoid the brush-cutter versus hay-mower mismatch
Choose a brush cutter for rough vegetation and a hay mower for forage; the implement styles in this group are not interchangeable just because they attach to tractors. The Ag-Rite 48 Inch Rotary Cutter is described for grass, weeds, saplings, and brush up to 2 inches, while the Titan Attachments Standard Rotary Cutter is listed for tall grass, saplings, and dense brush. By contrast, the MechMaxx DM53 Drum Mower and Titan Attachments 53-Inch Drum Mower are aimed at hay cutting, and the MechMaxx DM8 Disc Mower is intended for grasses and stalks.
Using a hay-focused mower where brush clearing is the task can leave you with an implement unsuited to the material. Conversely, choosing a brush hog for a hay operation may not deliver the crop-cutting approach you want.
Decide what you will mow most often before treating cutting width as the deciding specification.
How to Choose a Tractor Rotary Mower
Match tractor horsepower and hitch
Look for a mower whose stated horsepower range includes your tractor and whose hitch category matches. The Ag-Rite 48 Inch Rotary Cutter lists 22–50 HP, the BILT HARD 5 FT Rotary Cutter lists 25–45 HP and Category 1, and the Titan Attachments Standard Rotary Cutter lists 20–60 HP with a Category 1 three-point hitch. Specialized options vary: the MechMaxx DM8 Disc Mower specifies 45–100 HP and Cat 2.
If you have a compact tractor, favor models whose stated range includes its horsepower and hitch; a larger tractor may open up wider or heavier-duty choices. Confirm your tractor’s actual hitch and PTO requirements against the manufacturer’s documentation before purchase.
Choose width and cut for the vegetation
Select a cutting width and stated cutting capacity that suit both your land and the material you expect to mow. The listed rotary cutters range from the Titan Attachments Standard Rotary Cutter at 4 feet to the BILT HARD 5 FT Rotary Cutter, while the Ag-Rite 48 Inch Rotary Cutter is rated for brush up to 2 inches. The MechMaxx FM150 Finish Mower has a 60-inch working width for finish mowing, and the drum options are 53 inches wide for hay work.
Buyers clearing dense brush should prioritize the brush-cutting specifications, while those mowing open fields or maintaining a finished lawn may prefer a wider implement suited to that task. Width alone does not establish what vegetation a mower can handle.
Check PTO protection and operating setup
Look for details about PTO connection and overload protection, then verify that the implement suits your tractor’s setup. The BILT HARD 5 FT Rotary Cutter includes a slip-clutch PTO shaft and lists 540 RPM; the Titan Attachments Standard Rotary Cutter also includes a slip-clutch shaft and lists 540 RPM. The Titan Attachments 53-Inch Drum Mower likewise specifies a PTO drive slip-clutch shaft.
These listed features can be useful when comparing how the driveline is described, but they do not replace checking shaft compatibility, tractor PTO speed, hitch category, and any setup instructions. Buyers who want stated driveline protection should favor products that explicitly list a slip clutch; those whose tractor setup differs should confirm requirements before choosing.
Which Tractor Mower Should You Choose?
For general brush clearing, choose the Ag-Rite 48 Inch Rotary Cutter: its 22–50 HP range and 2-inch brush rating make it the clearest all-around match. If you want adjustable cutting height and have a 25–45 HP Category 1 tractor, the BILT HARD 5 FT Rotary Cutter offers a 1.5–10-inch range. For a narrower cutter with a stated 20–60 HP range, consider the Titan Attachments Standard Rotary Cutter.
Choose the MechMaxx FM150 Finish Mower for finish mowing, or the MechMaxx NAM60 Flail Mower if you specifically want a flail-style implement and can confirm tractor compatibility. For hay, the Titan Attachments 53-Inch Drum Mower or MechMaxx DM53 Drum Mower is more relevant.
The MechMaxx DM8 Disc Mower is for buyers with a Cat 2 tractor in its 45–100 HP range.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I match a rotary mower’s horsepower requirement to my tractor?
Match the mower’s stated horsepower range to your tractor’s specifications, and confirm whether the requirement refers to engine or PTO horsepower. For example, the Ag-Rite is listed for 22–50 HP tractors. Also check the tractor manual for PTO capacity and operating guidance; do not assume that a tractor within the stated range meets every compatibility requirement.
What is the difference between a brush hog and a finish mower?
A brush hog, or rotary cutter, is intended for rough vegetation and brush, while a finish mower is designed to leave a more even cut on maintained areas. The Ag-Rite rotary cutter is rated for brush up to 2 inches in diameter. A finish mower is the more relevant type when appearance and a regular lawn-like cut matter.
How do I confirm that a mower’s hitch and PTO will fit my tractor?
Check the mower’s hitch category and PTO requirements against your tractor’s manual before buying. Confirm the three-point hitch category, PTO shaft connection and speed, and any required shaft length or clearance. A listed Category 1 or Cat 2 hitch is useful information, but it does not by itself confirm every fit detail.
Which mower type should I choose for hay rather than brush clearing?
Choose a drum or disc mower when hay production is the priority; these are specialized implements with different tractor and cutting requirements from brush cutters. The listed options include 53-inch drum mowers and a disc mower for Cat 2 tractors in its 45–100 HP range. Verify the selected implement’s requirements against your tractor before use.
When is an adjustable cutting height useful?
Adjustable cutting height is useful when you need to vary how closely vegetation is cut. The BILT HARD rotary cutter is listed with a 1.5–10-inch adjustment range, and the finish mower with a 0.4–4.5-inch range. Choose based on the intended surface and cut, then confirm that the implement is compatible with your tractor.
Final Words
For general brush clearing, the Ag-Rite 48 Inch Rotary Cutter is the clearest all-around choice in this group: it is listed for 22–50 HP tractors and rated for brush up to 2 inches. Consider the BILT HARD if adjustable height is important and your tractor meets its stated requirements. For hay, look at a drum or disc mower instead; for a maintained, even cut, choose the finish mower.
Confirm hitch and PTO fit before deciding.




