The John Deere MX Series mowers are trusted by farmers, ranchers, and landowners who need heavy-duty performance for grass, weeds, brush, and pasture maintenance. Known for durability and versatility, the MX Series has models ranging from the compact MX5 up to the wide-cut MX10. But while they share a common design philosophy, each model has unique specifications, capacity limits, and part compatibility you should know before purchasing, maintaining, or upgrading.
This guide covers an overview of all MX models (MX5, MX6, MX7, MX8, and MX10), their differences, common wear points, and what aftermarket parts best fit your machine. If you’re comparing MX5 vs MX6 vs MX7 John Deere mowers, or looking for replacement parts, this article gives you the essential details.
Overview of the John Deere MX Series Models
The MX lineup was engineered as a medium-duty rotary mower series, designed to bridge the gap between light-duty cutters and heavy agricultural mowers. They are ideal for mowing pastures, clearing light brush, or maintaining roadsides.
Here’s a quick summary of each model:
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MX5: Entry-level in the series, with a 5-foot cutting width, perfect for smaller farms or tight areas where maneuverability is critical.
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MX6: A 6-foot cutting width and stronger frame allow for more acreage coverage while still being compact enough for mid-sized tractors.
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MX7: A 7-foot mower designed for larger tracts, offering increased productivity while requiring more horsepower.
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MX8: The 8-foot option, typically available in a pull-type or semi-mounted version, ideal for ranchers managing open pastures.
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MX10: The largest in the series, with a 10-foot cutting width for high-acreage operations where efficiency is key.
All models feature reinforced decks, robust gearboxes, and compatibility with a wide range of John Deere tractors.
Key Differences: Frame, Horsepower, Width, and Capacity
While the design language is consistent, each model scales up in terms of horsepower requirements, frame strength, and mowing capacity.
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Cutting Widths:
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MX5 = 60 inches
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MX6 = 72 inches
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MX7 = 84 inches
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MX8 = 96 inches
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MX10 = 120 inches
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Horsepower Requirements:
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MX5: ~25–65 HP tractors
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MX6: ~30–85 HP
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MX7: ~40–100 HP
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MX8: ~50–125 HP
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MX10: ~55–150 HP
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Frame Strength:
Each step up comes with a heavier deck gauge, thicker sidewalls, and stronger gearboxes to handle higher torque and wider blade carriers. -
Capacity:
MX5 and MX6 excel in tighter terrain, fence lines, and smaller paddocks. MX8 and MX10 are built for broad pastures and open fields where coverage speed matters most.
If you’re deciding between MX5 vs MX6 vs MX7 John Deere, consider your tractor horsepower, acreage size, and whether maneuverability or speed is more important.
Common Parts That Wear on MX Series Mowers
No matter the model, some components on rotary mowers consistently take the brunt of work and will eventually need replacement. The John Deere MX series parts most commonly replaced include:
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Gearboxes – Central to power transfer. High torque loads eventually wear gears and bearings.
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PTO Shafts – Constant movement and angle changes put stress on cross bearings and yokes.
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Seals and Bearings – Oil seals around gearbox shafts often leak after years of use.
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Blades – Contact with rocks, stumps, and heavy brush causes chips, bends, and dull edges.
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Blade Carriers (Stump Jumpers) – Subject to impacts and may warp over time.
Routine inspection and timely replacement prevent costly downtime during mowing season.
What to Check When Buying Used MX Series Mowers
The MX lineup is durable, which is why used models are often available on the market. However, before investing, check these critical points:
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Gearbox Condition: Inspect for oil leaks, gear noise, or excessive shaft play.
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PTO Shaft Fitment: Ensure correct length and spline configuration; many used mowers come with worn or mismatched PTOs.
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Deck Integrity: Look for cracks, rust-through spots, or welded repairs on the deck and sidewalls.
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Blades and Carrier: Check for uneven wear, bent arms, or cracks.
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Safety Shields: Make sure PTO guards and driveline shields are intact and functional.
If any of these parts are damaged or missing, don’t panic—high-quality aftermarket John Deere MX series parts are available and often cost far less than OEM replacements.
Compatible Aftermarket Parts for Each MX Model
At Fimic Implement, we supply replacement parts engineered to fit John Deere MX series mowers. Here’s a breakdown:
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MX5 & MX6:
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Compatible gearboxes with proper input/output ratios
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PTO shafts matched for shorter-length mowers
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Replacement blades and stump jumpers
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MX7:
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Heavy-duty gearboxes designed for larger blade carriers
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Mid-length PTO shafts
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Reinforced blade carriers
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MX8 & MX10:
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Dual or higher-capacity gearboxes for wide-cut units
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Extended PTO shafts
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Large-diameter stump jumpers and blade sets
By choosing reliable aftermarket components, you can maintain performance without paying OEM prices. Always verify spline count, shaft length, and gearbox ratio before purchase.
Final Thoughts
The John Deere MX series mower lineup—MX5, MX6, MX7, MX8, and MX10—has earned a reputation for rugged reliability, but like any hard-working machine, it needs regular inspection and timely replacement of wear parts. Understanding each model’s specs and differences allows you to pick the right mower for your tractor and acreage.
When it comes time to repair or upgrade, sourcing John Deere MX series parts—such as gearboxes, PTO shafts, blades, and seals—ensures long service life and dependable performance. Whether you’re comparing MX5 vs MX6 vs MX7 John Deere models or maintaining an MX10, the right knowledge and parts will keep your mower cutting strong for years to come.
👉 Browse our collection of John Deere-compatible parts to find replacements designed to fit your MX series mower and minimize downtime in the field.