Mow or Shred

[2B4Him]

I have about 10-12 acres of native grass/weeds to knock down (I usually mow it 1 or 2 times a year). My equipment options are:
1. MF 245 (45 hp) tractor (1974 model) with 6' shredder.
2. Hustler 54" Raptor SD.
The tractor is (obviously) not particularly nimble (with front end loader) and I can't get up under trees, etc. The shredder knocks stuff down, but doesn't give a great cut.
Even though cutting a slightly smaller swath, the Hustler will probably get the job done quicker (quicker turns, no backing up to re-position, etc.). On the highest setting, it will probably cut at the same level as the shredder would.
I bought the Hustler 2 years ago and use it around the house and the 2 acres up front 2 or 3 times a year. I have put less than 40 hours on it so far.
Because of the set up hassles of attaching the shredder, blah, blah, blah - I'd rather use the Hustler. However, I don't want to put too much wear and tear on it or age it too quickly. The Raptor SD is pretty heavy duty and borderline 'commercial'.
Which piece of equipment should I use?

[Stan R]

How tall is the area to be mowed?

[buzzbait]

id shred what I could and finish with the mower

[2B4Him]

How tall is the area to be mowed?

Probably 1-1.5' in most places.

[Stan R]

That's pretty tall for a zero turn.

guy about had a good idea

[Drycreek3189]

If your shredder just "knocks stuff down" you need to sharpen or replace your blades. Mine mows like a lawnmower.

[ramrod]

buy a finish mower for the tractor.

[DRT]

id shred what I could and finish with the mower

Yup

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[flyinstroke]

If your shredder just "knocks stuff down" you need to sharpen or replace your blades. Mine mows like a lawnmower.

winner winner chicken dinner

[2B4Him]

buy a finish mower for the tractor.

Not one of the options.

[2B4Him]

If your shredder just "knocks stuff down" you need to sharpen or replace your blades. Mine mows like a lawnmower.

Would love to - have tried many times to get them off and I've given up on it.

[Ouch]

Your mower wasn't built for that type of work. My brother has destroyed his doing exactly what you're proposing and can't figure out why.

Would love to - have tried many times to get them off and I've given up on it.

You don't have to take them off to sharpen them, unless you've got a shredder unlike any I've ever seen.

[chase15]

Would love to - have tried many times to get them off and I've given up on it.

Jack it up, block it and crawl under with your grinder. Or raise with a front end loader, block it, and crawl under.

[MQ32Shooter]

id shred what I could and finish with the mower

This exactly. 10-12 acres is a bunch of work for a zero, especially if there's any height to it at all. I personally would not work my zero that hard. Tractor and shredder are more designed for that, IMO.

[denimdeerslayer]

Spray the weeds then cut and bale it!