Best mower for a grass strip

[Yadama]

Hi EAA'ers

Seeking some advice on the best mower for maintaining 5 acres of grass runway?

Any advice appreciated.

[FlyingRon]

We use a zero turn mower with an extra "sidecar" mower deck. Takes about 2 1/2 hours to do our 3000x75 runway (and the extra stuff on the outside of the runway lights).

[Mike Switzer]

I have a Woods P990 pull behind finish mower that cuts pretty nice. They also make it with a 3 point hitch. The belts slip if the grass gets too high & wet in the spring, but cutting a runway regularly that wouldn't be a problem.

[martymayes]

Ganged reel mower. Won't leave any grass blades lying in windrows on the surface as it grinds the grass to pulp.

[Yadama]

Thanks Guys

anyone have any experience with a Kohler powered Kubota?

[SteveCostello]

We have one out at the farm. It's been a godsend! A touch loud (hearing protection is a MUST), but reliable and powerful.

One note: I highly HIGHLY recommend springing for the suspension seat. One day of mowing a few weeks ago laid my back up pretty bad due to getting jostled around so much.

[Mike Switzer]

My dad has a diesel Kubota, it ran great until the hydrostat started leaking a few weeks ago. His one complaint is no suspension, it beats him to death, but he uses it on the farm which has rough ground.

[FlyingRon]

I've had good luck with the Kohler M-series engines. Can't comment on Kubota.

[malexander]

I've got a 60" X-Mark Lazer with a 25 hp Kohler (new in 1996), it's a great machine and a new Kubota diesel 60" zero turn. I can tell you the Kubota drinks the diesel, I should've known this when I bought it. I have 4 other diesel Kubota machines.

The Lazer mows a lot prettier than the Kubota.