What is the Best Finish Mower for Tractors? (2024)

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We all know that regular tractors need a finishing mower when tending to vast grass fields. The only problem is these attachments are not widely available, making many users settle with untested cutting tools. 

Fortunately for you, I have tested the best finish mowers for tractors to see which can deliver stable and clean cuts. 

Premium Option
King Kutter RFM-60
Editor’s Choice
Swisher FC14560CPKA
Budget Option
NorTrac 3-Pt. PTO Finish Mower
King Kutter RFM-60
Swisher FC14560CPKA
NorTrac 3-Pt. PTO Finish Mower
• Heavy-duty Steel Deck Construction
• Working Width: 60 inches
• Height Adjustments
• Power: 20 HP
• Open Rear Deck Design
• Electric Start Engine: 14.5 HP
• Cast-iron Blade Spindles
• Cutting Deck: 60 inches
• Anti-scalp Rollers
• Lock-out System
• Cutting Deck: 48 inches
• PTO Max Speed: 540 RPM
• Chain Guard
• Four Caster Wheels
• Protective Exterior Coating
Premium Option
King Kutter RFM-60
King Kutter RFM-60
• Heavy-duty Steel Deck Construction
• Working Width: 60 inches
• Height Adjustments
• Power: 20 HP
• Open Rear Deck Design
Editor’s Choice
Swisher FC14560CPKA
Swisher FC14560CPKA
• Electric Start Engine: 14.5 HP
• Cast-iron Blade Spindles
• Cutting Deck: 60 inches
• Anti-scalp Rollers
• Lock-out System
Budget Option
NorTrac 3-Pt. PTO Finish Mower
NorTrac 3-Pt. PTO Finish Mower
• Cutting Deck: 48 inches
• PTO Max Speed: 540 RPM
• Chain Guard
• Four Caster Wheels
• Protective Exterior Coating

Reviews of the Top Tractor Finish Mowers

1. Swisher FC14560CPKA

With a massive power of 14.5 HP and a 60-inch cutting width, the Swisher FC14560CPKA is undoubtedly a commercial finish mower meant to reduce mowing time. Its cast-iron blade spindles are geared with G6 Gator mulching blades that ensure great quality in every cut. 

I was particularly impressed by its side-discharge deck that delivers consistently wide swaths. Thanks to this, the unit doesn’t encounter choking during usage. 

This unit has a universal hitch design, making it a suitable attachment to any tractor or vehicle you put it into. 

What I Like

What I Don't Like

2. Swisher FCE11544BS

Despite being a gas-powered machine, the Swisher FCE11544BS is engineered with an electric push start. Manually starting an engine can take time and effort, so having this feature certainly adds points to the unit’s convenience. 

Another feature I’m sure newbies can use without difficulty is its single-point height adjustments. Unlike other models, adjusting your blade at the right angle won’t require much effort. 

On top of that, you can use this unit as a wing mower. It means you don’t need a tractor to pull it because it’s geared with self-powered functions. 

What I Like

What I Don't Like

3. NorTrac 3-Pt PTO Finish Mower

Although it has the shortest working width in the list at 48 inches, the NorTrac 3-Pt PTO Finish Mower proved its value with reliable safety features. It may be lower in price, but it’s equipped with a chain guard to keep you safe from harm during usage. 

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If you look closer, you’ll notice that the entire unit is wrapped with Hammertone protective coating. Thanks to this, it can withstand harsh conditions and avoid potential damage.

It also features solid rubberized flotation tires, so it can smoothly follow through with your tractor without hassle. 

What I Like

What I Don't Like

4. King Kutter RFM-60

It may not be from a popular brand, but King Kutter RFM-60 operates with a remarkable PTO drive[1] that allows it to deliver a maximum speed of 17985 FPM. Mowing through uneven fields won’t be an issue because this attachment comes with anti-scalp rollers. 

Its free-floating hitch connection system enabled the finish mower to stay stable and deliver accurate cutting results. 

I find its height adjustment easy to use, which allows users to set the mower at the lowest elevation, which you won’t be able to do in other models. 

Looking for machines with useful attachments? Check the following posts:

What I Like

What I Don't Like

Tractor Finish Mowers Buyer’s Guide

Area to Cover

As you know, finish mowers are often attached and pulled behind a vehicle. Because of this, the area you’ll be mowing must be large enough to accommodate both gears. 

Most manufacturers add acreage labels on these products to give users an idea of how much area they can cover. 

The overall mowing area size will also dictate the blade width and power your purchased finish mower must have. Larger-than-average fields need units with cutting decks ranging from 48 to 99 inches. 

PTO Horsepower

When looking for the best finish mower for a tractor, I highly recommend checking the PTO horsepower rating of the tractor you’ll attach your machine with. Like it or not, this specification will determine how your finishing tool will run. 

However, this is not the case for gas-powered options that are not PTO and depend on engine power generation. In such cases, higher horsepower will indeed translate to better cutting power.

Side vs. Rear Discharge

Although rear discharge mowers are highly preferred for spreading grass clippings evenly during usage, side discharge models deliver better quality cuts and flexibility. It can also handle a larger amount of grass than its alternative.

You Might Want to Check Out: Best Rear-Engine Riding Mower

My Top Pick For a Tractor Finish Mower:
Swisher FC14560CPKA

Given that Swisher FC14560CPKA has a massive power of 14.5 HP, no one can deny its capability to handle large-scale mowing tasks. 

This unit emerged as my top pick because of the impressive performance of its 60-inch mowing deck and high-quality blades. While it’s on the higher end of the price spectrum, I believe it’s a worthwhile investment.

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Robert Johnson is a passionate furniture maker & carpenter, sought after for his knowledge on the craft.
You’ve probably seen his down-to-earth wisdom in USA Today, Bobvila, Family Handyman, and The Spruce, where he has shared commentary and guidance on various woodworking topics.

Robert is the brain behind Sawinery, where he aims to share tips, tricks, and a passion for all things carpentry.

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