What is the Best Finish Mower for Tractors? (2023)

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I’m well aware that regular tractors require a finishing mower for vast grass fields. The challenge is that these attachments aren’t easily found, leading many to resort to untested cutting tools. 

But worry not, as I’ve personally teamed up with lawn care specialists to test the best finish mowers for tractors, ensuring we find those that 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, 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. 

In my hands-on experience, I was truly impressed by its side-discharge deck that produces consistently wide swaths. Because of this, the unit operates without any choking issues.

Impressively, this unit boasts a universal hitch design, allowing it to be a fitting attachment for virtually any tractor or vehicle.

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

What I Liked When Testing

What I Don't Like When Testing

2. Swisher FCE11544BS

Despite being a gas-powered machine, 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 confident even beginners will find user-friendly is its single-point height adjustment. Unlike some other models, setting the blade at the perfect angle here is refreshingly straightforward.

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 Liked When Testing

What I Don't Like When Testing

3. NorTrac 3-Pt PTO Finish Mower

Although it has the shortest working width in the list at 48 inches, 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 Liked When Testing

What I Don't Like When Testing

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 discovered that its height adjustment is notably easy to use, enabling me to set the mower at the lowest elevation—a feat often not achievable with other models.

What I Like When Testing

What I Don't Like When Testing

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 a finish mower for a tractor, we highly suggest 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

Our Top Pick For a Tractor Finish Mower:
Swisher FC14560CPKA

Given that Swisher FC14560CPKA has a massive power of 14.5 HP, I can confidently vouch for its ability to tackle extensive mowing tasks. After witnessing the remarkable performance of its 60-inch mowing deck and top-notch blades, I’ve singled it out as my top recommendation. While it sits in a higher price bracket, I believe it justifies every cent spent.

Robert Johnson is a woodworker who takes joy in sharing his passion for creating to the rest of the world. His brainchild, Sawinery, allowed him to do so as well as connect with other craftsmen. He has since built an enviable workshop for himself and an equally impressive online accomplishment: an extensive resource site serving old timers and novices alike.
Robert Johnson
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