285 john deere disc mower

Moline_guy · Feb 24, 2014

Anyone have any experience with the 285 3pt disc mower? Never run or owned a disc mower of any type, but considering one. Is this a john deere made or just john deere named? Is there anything in particular to look for in the disc drives that is expensive to repair? We currently run a macdon 16' hydro swing and rowse double 9's with IH heads. We will continue to use these, but I have read the disc mowers will cut downed and wet raggy hay better than a sickle type set up. Thanks for any information.

sideconsole4020guy · Feb 24, 2014

(reply to post at 12:32:56 02/24/14)

They are made by Kuhn in France for John Deere. They are expensive if you ever need to fix the cutter bar.

Pair-a-dice farm · Feb 24, 2014

I'm not familiar with The JD but disc mowers and disc mocos are all that are used around here. I've got a NH HM236 that is the economy model. A disc mower will cut about as fast as you want to drive in most hay. The only problem I have is in rocks, they will eat blades. Keep the blades sharp, make sure there is the right amount of oil in the cutter bar and they will last a long time. If I was going to buy a new one I would look hard at a vermeer. I've got a neighbor that has a Vermeer pull type disc mower that is really nice. He puts up over 2000 bales a year and has had no problems in the 4 years he has had it.
If you are considering a used one check for any play at each one of the discs. If there is much play at all pass on buying it. Repair of the cutter bar can get expensive fast.

Moline_guy · Feb 25, 2014

Thanks for the information, have looked at a few at dealerships and they seem to have a lot of work done to them, for not being a very old machine.

Moline_guy · Feb 25, 2014

Thanks for the information, I have looked at used, can't justify new, but haven't decided if they are the answer. We are in somewhat rocky country, but I like the idea of not plugging sickle bars. Have seen some used ones at dealerships with not a lot of acres, but a lot of new parts, so I am skeptical on the machines.

Tx Jim · Feb 25, 2014

I personally would want a sectional(segmented) cutting bar not a continuous one such as a JD 285 in photo. I own a Vermeer M7030(segmented bar) that's been reliable plus I like the quick change(no wrenches required) blades.

johndeerefan · Feb 25, 2014

We just bought a brand new 9' Kuhn last season. It is identical to the JD ones, just painted a different color and a lot less money. Skip the NH brand ones. Everyone I know has problems with them.

Best one I had was a Fella brand. It lasted for 15 years before finally giving it up and the repair cost was more than it was worth. It was kinda hard to buy parts for.

Moline_guy · Feb 25, 2014

Thanks for the information, we have a new Holland dealer, and yes they all look like they have a lot of new parts on a not very used machine.

Moline_guy · Feb 25, 2014

Thanks for the information. I have heard both ways I guess, some say the Vermeer is a poor design and others say it is a good machine, same with the deere. I know a little bit what to look for now, havent' decided if I really need one or just stick with the proven old method.

cannonball · Feb 25, 2014

265 275 285 are Deere's numbers for Kuhn's 600 hd, 700 hd, 800 hd.....7ft 10 inches, 9ft 2 inches, 10ft 2 inches.. have had one mower that was segmented.. it was a New Idea, good cutting mower, but was always putting bearings in it...Have had a total of 3 kuhns 700 hd and never had the bar apart..buy today, would go with Kuhn again

johndeerefan · Feb 26, 2014

Once you buy a disc mower, you will park the sickle bar mowers. Only thing better is a disc bine.

I have a NH 451 sickle mower. Around here they are considered king of the sickle mowers. I haven't even looked at it since we started using a disc mower.

285 john deere disc mower

Moline_guy

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