At a Glance: First Choice finish mowers deliver Italian-engineered quality at mid-tier pricing. These rear-discharge implements mount to standard Category-I 3-point hitch systems and excel at maintaining larger lawn areas where conventional mowers fall short but bush hogs would be excessive.
What Are First Choice Finish Mowers?
First Choice finish mowers represent a solid middle-ground option in the tractor implement market. Manufactured in Italy by SICMA and distributed in the US since at least 1970, these mowers offer property owners a balance between affordability and performance.
Available in cutting widths from 48″ to 72″, these rear-discharge mowers are designed specifically for maintaining larger lawn areas where:
- Zero-turn mowers would struggle with terrain
- Bush hogs would provide too aggressive a cut
- A more manicured appearance is desired
Key Features and Specifications
Construction & Design
- All-steel reinforced deck construction
- Heavy-duty cast iron blade spindles
- Greaseable spindles and hubs
- Floating 3-point system for ground contour following
- Rear discharge design preventing grass buildup
Technical Specifications
- Cutting widths: 48″ to 72″
- Solid rubber wheels (typically 10″ x 3.25″)
- Greaseable wheel hubs
- Standard Category-I 3-point hitch mounting
- Compatible with 15-45 HP tractors (depending on width)
Performance and Ideal Applications
First Choice finish mowers excel in specific applications where balance between cutting quality and terrain handling is crucial. These mowers are particularly well-suited for:
Best Use Cases
- Property Size: Ideal for properties 1.5+ acres
- Terrain Type: Perfect for areas too rough for zero-turn mowers
- Precision Needs: Creates more manicured look than bush hogs
- Special Applications: Excellent for mowing near structures and landscaping
- Maintenance Schedule: Typically used for mowing every 2-3 weeks
Real-world experience shows these mowers perform admirably on previously wooded land and larger properties where regular maintenance is required but precision cutting isn’t the primary concern.
Value Proposition: Price Point and Comparisons
First Choice positions their finish mowers as affordable alternatives to premium brands while maintaining acceptable quality standards for non-commercial applications.
Price Comparison
First Choice: Mid-tier pricing (historically around $1,550 for 6-foot models)
King Kutter: Similar pricing tier
Premium Brands: Woods, Bush Hog, Pittsburgh ($1,900-$2,150)
Used market values remain strong, with used 72″ models available from $300, indicating good value retention.
Equipment Alternatives
vs. Zero-Turn Mowers: More terrain-capable, requires tractor, less precision
vs. Premium Finish Mowers: More affordable, slightly less robust, similar functionality
vs. Bush Hogs: Better finish quality, designed for maintained lawns not brush
Maintenance Requirements and Longevity
Proper maintenance ensures optimal performance and extended lifespan of First Choice finish mowers. Regular maintenance tasks include:
Regular Maintenance Checklist
- Greasing blade spindles regularly
- Maintaining proper belt tension
- Sharpening blades as needed (note: left-hand thread blade bolts)
- Servicing wheel bearings
- Checking gearbox oil levels
- Inspecting and tightening all bolts periodically
Important: Replacement parts are readily available from various suppliers. Many parts are interchangeable with other Italian-made finish mowers from brands like Caroni, Maschio, and Sitrex.
Common replacement parts include belts (specific to mower width), solid wheels (10″ x 3.25″), wheel forks, blade spindles, pulley nuts (25mm), and universal PTO shafts.
Manufacturing History and Brand Information
Understanding the manufacturing heritage of First Choice mowers provides insight into their quality and design philosophy:
- Manufactured in Italy by SICMA
- Distributed in the US market since at least 1970
- Also marketed under different brand names including Phoenix and Farm Trac
- Long-standing distribution through Carver Equipment
This Italian engineering heritage combined with decades of market presence suggests established design principles and production methods.
Frequently Asked Questions
What size tractor is needed to operate a First Choice finish mower?
First Choice finish mowers typically require tractors in the 15-45 HP range, depending on the width of the mower. A 72″ model would generally require a tractor closer to the upper end of that range.
How does the cut quality compare to a zero-turn mower?
While a zero-turn mower might provide a slightly more manicured cut, users report that 3-point finish mowers like First Choice models do a “pretty decent job” with the difference being minimal for most applications.
What maintenance is required for a First Choice finish mower?
Regular maintenance includes greasing the blade spindles and PTO shaft U-joints, checking/adjusting belt tension, sharpening blades as needed, and ensuring proper oil levels in the gearbox. It’s also important to check all bolts for tightness periodically.
Are replacement parts readily available for older First Choice mowers?
Yes, replacement parts for First Choice mowers are available from multiple suppliers. Many parts are interchangeable with other Italian-made finish mowers from brands like Caroni, Maschio, and Sitrex.
Conclusion: Is a First Choice Finish Mower Right for You?
First Choice finish mowers represent an excellent middle-ground option for property owners seeking quality lawn maintenance equipment without premium pricing. These Italian-manufactured implements offer:
- Solid construction with heavy-duty components
- Versatility for various property types and sizes
- Affordable price point compared to premium alternatives
- Ready availability of replacement parts
- Long-standing market presence indicating reliability
For property owners with 1.5+ acres who need more capability than a lawn tractor but don’t require the aggressive cutting of a bush hog, First Choice finish mowers deliver an appealing balance of performance, durability, and value.
Last Updated: March, 2025
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Meta Description: Discover why First Choice finish mowers offer the perfect balance of quality, performance and value for property owners maintaining 1.5+ acres of lawn.