#7 vs. #9

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  • September 22, 2008 at 12:39 pm #39795
    Does’ Leap
    Participant

    I am looking for a mower. In my conversations with some experienced teamsters, the MD #9 seems to be the preference. However, it seems that quite a few folks use a #7 as well. Regarding my search, here are a couple of questions:

    • Opinions on which is better and why?
    • What are the major differences?
    • Is having rubber tires a big deal (I understand only some of the #9s are on rubber)? I will not be traveling on paved roads with this mower.

    Thanks.

    George

    September 23, 2008 at 10:34 am #47412
    Donn Hewes
    Keymaster

    Hi George, Both the #7 and #9 work well. Rather than pick one before hand, look for the best working machine you can afford. The condition of the machine will make a HUGE difference in you and your animals success in mowing. A free moving knife that is sharp (or brand new – 75$) makes the best machine. The tongue weight issue with the #7 is not as big a deal as it is made out to be. Have someone sit in the seat and then pick up the tongue. There are probably other good models as well; but they made so many #7 and #9 and parts are so easy to get, I wouldn’t mess with anything else. Donn

    September 23, 2008 at 12:05 pm #47411
    Does’ Leap
    Participant

    Thanks for the response Don. I found a #7 that was pulled behind a tractor (it has a short pole). It seems to be in decent working order and I think he will take $200. I know that these mowers weren’t meant to be pulled behind a tractor due to higher traveling speed. Are there some things I should look out for? Also, you mentioned a new knife. Do you mean the whole cutter bar with guards? Where can they be purchased new? Someone suggested I have two working cutter bars ready to go in case something goes wrong while haying. Opinions on that? I ordered L Miller’s mower book several weeks ago, but it is on back order. So I am kind of groping in the dark.

    George

    September 23, 2008 at 5:34 pm #47410
    john plowden
    Participant

    George – I have a 7 -fully rebuilt , bushings, guards, knife,ledgers, pitman bushings -complete with pole, evener and paint – If you are interested email me for details –
    John

    September 23, 2008 at 8:47 pm #47413
    Donn Hewes
    Keymaster

    a good mower will be found where ever it is at; but I would be leery of one used much behind a tractor. Pay extra attention to the slop in the pins at the inside end of the cutter bar assembly. I can’t imagine having a spare cutter bar assembly. Too hard to change and too easy to fix a loose guard or a loose ledger plate. Spare knives are probably a good idea. I like a spare mower myself, but I must confess they are my favorite piece of equipment. Pick up the book at the SFJ booth this weekend and read the part about evaluating an old mower. Hope to see you there. Donn

    September 23, 2008 at 11:39 pm #47409
    ngcmcn
    Participant

    george,

    Find a good seven and get the tractor yanked mower for a parts machine. Ya can’t have to many mowers.

    N.

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