Originally published May 7, 2016. Updated September 16, 2026, with approximately a decade of field use and results from testing the mower behind multiple Polaris, Can-Am, Honda and John Deere UTVs.
When we purchased our Kunz Engineering AcrEase rough-cut mower, the goal was straightforward: maintain approximately 10 acres containing tall meadow grass, thick weeds, wet areas, blackberry bushes and uneven ground without relying on a compact tractor.
This article began as an early review after our first two mowing sessions. Since then, we have used the same 57-inch AcrEase mower extensively behind nine different Polaris, Can-Am, Honda and John Deere UTV applications. That continued use provides a much better picture of its cutting performance, durability and the UTV features that matter most when pulling a rough-cut mower.
Our Kunz AcrEase Rough-Cut Mower
Our mower is a 57-inch Kunz AcrEase MR55B equipped with an electric-start, 23-horsepower Briggs & Stratton Intek V-twin engine and manual blade engagement. Because the mower supplies its own cutting power, the tow vehicle does not require a PTO. It only needs a suitable hitch, sufficient towing capacity and good low-speed control.
The 23-horsepower engine and wide deck were important for our property. Some of our meadow grass grows more than three feet tall and becomes exceptionally dense, especially when spring conditions remain wet. A smaller or lower-powered mower would have required a slower pace or repeated passes.
Why We Selected the AcrEase
Before buying the AcrEase, we used a friend’s tractor and PTO-driven mower. That combination struggled and bogged down in some of our tallest, thickest grass. While researching ATV- and UTV-compatible alternatives, many of the available pull-behind mowers combined a narrow deck with relatively low horsepower.
Kunz Engineering offered the combination we wanted: a heavy deck, substantial engine power and a cutting width large enough to maintain several acres efficiently. Kunz remains a family-owned equipment manufacturer, and its current rough-cut lineup continues to include both 44- and 57-inch models.
Kunz AcrEase Construction and Features
- 57-inch cutting width
- 23-horsepower Briggs & Stratton Intek V-twin engine on our MR55B
- Electric starting system
- Manual blade-clutch engagement
- 10-gauge steel deck with reinforcing plates around the blade-mounting areas
- 3/16-inch deck side plates and 1/4-inch skids
- Two 30-inch cutting blades with rear discharge
- Large 30mm blade-spindle shafts
- Four supporting tires positioned within the deck’s cutting width
- Cutting-height adjustment from approximately 2 to 8 inches
- ATV/UTV tow tongue
- Offset-mowing capability
The four-wheel deck arrangement helps support the mower over uneven terrain while keeping the tires inside the cutting path. This makes it possible to mow relatively close to fences, trees and other obstacles without an exposed wheel extending beyond the deck.
Real-World Cutting Performance
From the first two outings, the 23-horsepower AcrEase handled both tall, dry vegetation and thick meadow grass without a problem. Continued use has reinforced that initial impression. It has cut grass and weeds more than three feet tall, worked through wet vegetation and cleared established blackberry growth.
The mower’s twin blades and rear discharge generally leave material distributed behind the deck instead of forming a heavy windrow along one side. It is still a rough-cut mower rather than a finish mower, but the result is considerably cleaner than simply knocking the vegetation down.
Offset Mowing Around Ponds and Slopes
Offset mowing has proven to be one of the mower’s most valuable capabilities. Our pasture includes a pond with soft ground near the shoreline and a dam that can feel uncomfortable when approached directly in a UTV.
Moving the mower to an offset position allows the UTV to remain on firmer or flatter ground while the deck reaches vegetation closer to the pond or farther down the slope. We demonstrated this setup with our Can-Am Defender HD10 XT-P.
Read our complete Can-Am Defender HD10 XT-P offset-mowing test.
Turning and Maneuverability
The tow arrangement permits relatively tight turns without the mower contacting the rear of the UTV. That matters at the end of each pass and when working around trees, fence lines or other obstacles. A compact utility UTV and this mower can maneuver through many areas that would be awkward with a larger tractor and rotary cutter.
The mower is wider than a typical UTV, so the operator still needs to watch the deck around posts, trees and narrow gates. On hills, the weight and offset position of the mower also need to be considered before choosing a path.
Vehicle-Specific Tests with the AcrEase Mower
We have pulled this mower with a wide range of utility and crossover UTVs. Engine output alone does not determine whether a vehicle works well for mowing. Low-range gearing, smooth throttle response, clutch engagement, turning radius, Turf Mode and cooling at low speeds can be equally important.
Polaris RANGER EV
The original lead-acid Polaris RANGER EV demonstrated that a relatively low-powered electric UTV could perform legitimate property-maintenance work. Its immediate low-speed torque pulled the mower through thick grass, while its quiet drivetrain was particularly useful around cattle and horses. Turf Mode also reduced lawn damage during tight turns.
See our Polaris RANGER EV long-term review.
Polaris RANGER XP 900
The RANGER XP 900 paired stronger performance with useful low-range gearing and predictable throttle response. We used it for ordinary field mowing and also pulled the mower while spreading straw. Its cargo box allowed us to combine mowing with other pasture-maintenance jobs.
See our Polaris RANGER XP 900 long-term review.
John Deere Gator XUV 825i
The John Deere Gator XUV 825i also served as a capable mower tow vehicle. Its utility-oriented drivetrain, stable chassis and large cargo box made it a practical choice for combining mowing with hauling fencing, straw and other property-maintenance supplies.
See our John Deere Gator XUV 825i review.
Honda Pioneer 500
The compact Honda Pioneer 500 was a surprisingly effective match for the large 57-inch AcrEase mower. Its 475cc engine produced enough low-end torque for the job, while its five-speed geared transmission provided excellent control at slow mowing speeds without a CVT belt to manage.
First gear was low enough to maneuver through tight areas while maintaining steady engine speed. The Pioneer also handled uphill mowing in temperatures around 90 degrees without overheating, despite the limited airflow associated with slow field work.
At only 50 inches wide, the Pioneer 500 could reach confined areas and travel close to fences while the wider mower cleared the vegetation behind it. Its light weight and compact dimensions also made the lack of power steering less noticeable than expected.
The principal drawback was the absence of Turf Mode. Its locked rear differential increased the turning radius and could disturb a manicured lawn during tight turns, although this was not a significant concern in our pasture.
Overall, the Pioneer 500 demonstrated that displacement and horsepower are not the only measures of a good mower tow vehicle. Low gearing, predictable throttle control, adequate cooling and compact dimensions allowed this small Honda to handle a mower that initially appeared oversized for it.
Read the complete Honda Pioneer 500 field-mowing test.
Polaris GENERAL
We mowed approximately four acres with the AcrEase behind a Polaris GENERAL. The GENERAL had more than enough power for the job and demonstrated that a recreational crossover UTV can handle the mower. However, a utility-focused vehicle with Turf Mode, a bench seat and more cargo capacity is generally a better dedicated work platform.
2018 Polaris RANGER XP 1000
The redesigned 2018 RANGER XP 1000 was one of the better gasoline-powered tow vehicles we tested. Its tighter turning radius helped at the end of each mowing pass, while the upgraded clutch and larger belt provided smooth low-speed engagement. Work Mode softened throttle response, making it easier to maintain a steady mowing speed.
Additional ground clearance helped in uneven areas, and the 2,500-pound towing rating provided a substantial capacity margin. Our main complaint involved the door nets, which were less convenient than proper doors when repeatedly getting in and out during property work.
Read the complete 2018 Polaris RANGER XP 1000 field-mowing test.
Can-Am Defender HD10 XT-P
The Defender HD10 XT-P combined a 2,500-pound towing rating with strong low-speed power and a stable chassis. We used it extensively for conventional and offset mowing, including work around the pond and across uneven terrain. Its FOX suspension also provided a smoother ride than many traditional utility UTVs when crossing a rough field.
Read the Defender HD10 XT-P offset-mowing report.
Polaris RANGER XP Kinetic
The all-electric RANGER XP Kinetic became the most impressive low-speed mower tow vehicle in this group. It pulled the AcrEase through wet conditions and grass approximately two to three feet tall, including uphill operation at around 1 mph. We experienced no belt slip, overheating or unusual behavior.
Its smooth power delivery made precise speed control easy, and Turf Mode provided a tight turning radius without unnecessarily scuffing the ground. After two hours of low-range mowing and towing, the vehicle had used only 17 percent of its battery capacity.
Read our complete Polaris RANGER XP Kinetic field-mowing test and RANGER XP Kinetic long-term review.
Can-Am Defender HD11 Limited
Our newer Defender HD11 Limited test showed how well a modern enclosed utility UTV can work with the same 57-inch mower. The Rotax inline-three engine delivered smooth, predictable low-speed power and maintained its pace in thick vegetation without constantly hunting for engine speed.
The enclosed cab, air conditioning and improved comfort are especially valuable during long mowing sessions in heat, dust or changing weather. As with the HD10 XT-P, the Defender’s towing capacity, stable chassis and controlled power delivery make it well suited to this type of work.
See our detailed comparison of using a UTV and tow-behind rough-cut mower instead of a tractor.
What Makes a Good Mower Tow Vehicle?
Based on our experience with these different machines, the most useful UTV features for rough-cut mowing are:
- Low range or low gearing: Reduces belt load on a CVT-equipped vehicle and helps maintain a slow, steady pace.
- Smooth throttle response: Makes it easier to avoid surging through dense vegetation.
- Predictable clutch engagement: Particularly important during repeated tight turns and low-speed work.
- Turf Mode or an unlockable rear differential: Reduces tire scuffing and improves the turning radius.
- Effective low-speed cooling: Mowing provides less airflow than ordinary trail riding.
- A tight turning radius: Saves time at the end of each pass.
- A properly rated hitch: The receiver, ball and vehicle must all be suitable for the mower.
- Good visibility: The operator needs to monitor the deck around trees, fences and uneven ground.
- Operator comfort: A roof, windshield or enclosed cab can make hours of dusty field work much easier.
Rough-Cut Mower Safety and Operating Tips
- Walk an unfamiliar field before mowing and remove wire, rope, rocks and hidden debris.
- Keep people and animals well away from the mower whenever the blades are engaged.
- Use low range when the tow-vehicle manufacturer recommends it for slow, heavy work.
- Avoid sharp turns that could bring the mower into contact with the UTV.
- Reduce speed on uneven ground and when the mower is offset.
- Approach slopes conservatively and consider how the mower’s weight may affect the tow vehicle.
- Allow the engine and blades to stop completely before inspecting or clearing the deck.
- Check the engine oil, tire pressure, blade condition, belts and mounting hardware regularly.
Long-Term Verdict
After using the 57-inch Kunz AcrEase behind numerous utility and crossover UTVs, its biggest strengths remain cutting power, deck construction, stability and versatility. It has handled tall dry grass, thick wet meadow growth, weeds and blackberry bushes while remaining maneuverable enough for trees, pond banks and other areas where a tractor can be inconvenient.
The mower is not a replacement for every tractor-mounted implement. A tractor and rotary cutter may still be preferable for very large open acreage, extremely heavy clearing or ground that demands the weight and traction of agricultural equipment. For our mix of fields, obstacles, slopes and wet areas, however, the AcrEase and a utility UTV have proven to be an exceptionally useful combination.
The original 23-horsepower model was the right choice for our conditions. The extra power provides useful reserve in vegetation more than three feet tall, and the 57-inch deck covers enough ground to make mowing several acres practical.
Most importantly, this is no longer a conclusion based on two early uses. The same basic mower has worked behind nine different UTV applications over many years, ranging from the compact Honda Pioneer 500 and original lead-acid RANGER EV to the RANGER XP Kinetic and Can-Am Defender HD11. That long-term experience confirms the AcrEase as one of the most capable UTV-compatible property-maintenance tools we have tested.
Kunz Engineering Information
Kunz Engineering Inc. is a family-owned company founded in 1992. It manufactures AcrEase tow-behind mowers and Till-Ease tillage equipment in Mendota, Illinois.
Visit Kunz Engineering for current models, specifications, manuals and replacement parts.
Kunz AcrEase Mower Videos
Original walkaround and mowing video:
Additional field-mowing footage:
