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Rotory Suggestions for Newly Sodded Tif Sport

Posted by larryhorne 7, East Coast of VA (My Page) on
Wed, Jun 13, 12 at 11:28

I am sodding approx 13,000 ft2 with Tif Sport which is a variant of Tifway 419. I need to find someone who is currently cutting Tifway with a self propelled rotory. I'm not interested in spending $7500 like my neighbor did for a Toro GreensMaster 1600. I dont plan to cut it at .50". Plus I need something my wife can use when I'm on travel. My first selection from research on cunsumer reports is the Honda HRX217HZA, similar thread here on the HYA but when I called my local Honda dealer he wasn't sure if it would do a decent job on Bermuda (419) at say 2" or so. We will give me a 3 day trial if I buy. I also have my eye on a John Deere 36" walk behind (2 blade rotory) but there is no way my wife can use it.

Anyone out there using a rotory to cut 419? My landscape guy says he uses a lower end Honda rotory to cut his 419 so I assume it can be done.

Any help is appreciated.

Lar


Follow-Up Postings:

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RE: Rotory Suggestions for Newly Sodded Tif Sport

Ehh dont listen to the dealer most of them use a lawn service themselves always go with your lanscaper they would know like me ive owned and operated my lawn service for the better part of 18 years. I.m.o though I wouldnt let your grass get too high I have disovered that rotaries dont do well at all in grass over 4". A weekly mow is necessary with rotaries sometimes twice a week with bermuda grass. I have 4 properties with bermuda grass and that stuff grows very quick and thick. I have found myself mowing the same yard twice a week with 4" of growth within two days.

Good luck with your choice.


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RE: Rotory Suggestions for Newly Sodded Tif Sport

At 13,000 SF, you're talking about 1/4 acre, which is doable with a walk behind machine.

I also think you're also talking apples to oranges using a $7500 Toro Greensmaster as a comparative machine. You should be looking at either a Tru-Cut 25" Front Throw reel mower, or a Trimmer (Eastman) 25" Front Throw. Both are about $1900 to $2000. They are normally fitted with a Honda GX160 at 5.5hp.

Neither will produce a putting green surface like to Toro, but will cut closer and more smoothly than any rotary in this application. You can use a Honda or other rotary, but the cut quality will be nowhere near a properly set up Tru-Cut or Trimmer.

Your decision.


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