King Kutter 48" 40 hp XB dual wheel vs regular model

[MossyDell]

Hi folks,

I am shopping for a rotary cutter for a JD 1025R and saw this dual-wheel model at Rural King. What I liked was that it appeared noticeably shorter than the regular single-wheel model. More compact and close to the tractor. My concern is whether it would be more likely to bog down in heavy grass and weeds? I mean, the model with the longer deck might be able to contain more and throw out more?

My experience with King Kutter is good. I had a 6' model for years, mated to a JD 970. Finally, I bought a cutter from Deere with green paint to try the wonder of the pretty round back. I noticed right away that the steel was not as heavy. Second, after using in for very light duty the first time, the gear box sprang a leak.

King Kutters seem to come with heavier gear boxes, and the company knows they are going to be abused. My Deere dealer wants to sell me a green cutter but I am leery after my experience. That was 12 years ago, however. So I guess that's a second issue . . .

Link to the model I am curious about:

King Kutter 3 Point Lift Kutter L 48 4 XB

 

[airbiscuit]

Both models have 12 ga decks. The XB model weighs 20 lbs less.

 

[MossyDell]

Yes, I would expect it to weight less because it's shorter. It looks around 3' plus, whereas the single wheel model appears to be 4' plus. I can't find the dimensions of either other than widths.

 

[Mat4644]

I have the two wheel XB 48 inch King Kutter. The back wheels are height adjustable but with the deck level only raise the back edge 3 inches on the highest setting. It is not quick hitch compatable. The back edge bends in extremly easy when backing even on minor things such as blackberry bush. Buy something quick hitch compatable and something with a better designed back edge that allows you to back into small stuff the mower is rated for. Did not cut anything heavy so it wasn't an abuse issue. Poorly designed unit.

 

[bigtiller]

Hi folks,

I am shopping for a rotary cutter for a JD 1025R and saw this dual-wheel model at Rural King. What I liked was that it appeared noticeably shorter than the regular single-wheel model. More compact and close to the tractor. My concern is whether it would be more likely to bog down in heavy grass and weeds? I mean, the model with the longer deck might be able to contain more and throw out more?

My experience with King Kutter is good. I had a 6' model for years, mated to a JD 970. Finally, I bought a cutter from Deere with green paint to try the wonder of the pretty round back. I noticed right away that the steel was not as heavy. Second, after using in for very light duty the first time, the gear box sprang a leak.

King Kutters seem to come with heavier gear boxes, and the company knows they are going to be abused. My Deere dealer wants to sell me a green cutter but I am leery after my experience. That was 12 years ago, however. So I guess that's a second issue . . .

Link to the model I am curious about:

King Kutter 3 Point Lift Kutter L 48 4 XB

The mower you referenced has a category 0 hitch.

The JD 1025R has a cat. 1 hitch.

The mower is a little light for your tractor and if you have a JD iMatch quick hitch, it probably won't match up.

 

[Mat4644]

The mower you referenced has a category 0 hitch.

The JD 1025R has a cat. 1 hitch.

The mower is a little light for your tractor and if you have a JD iMatch quick hitch, it probably won't match up.

Per King Kutter specs the hitch is Limited Cat 1. The mower weighs 422 pounds and has a 40 HP gearbox. The MFG specs also say cuts up to 1 inch material. I'm guessing it's called limited Cat 1 since it doesn't conform to standard Cat 1dimensions. It's just a bad design and if buying new you can do better.

Someone at Rural King bought this as a tractor package with many implements. They took delivery but changed their mind on this unit. RK took it back and even though unused sold it to me for $400 to get it off the lot. They don't display used equipment. I'm in the process of modifing and reinforcing the rear edge.

 

[bigtiller]

Per King Kutter specs the hitch is Limited Cat 1. The mower weighs 422 pounds and has a 40 HP gearbox. The MFG specs also say cuts up to 1 inch material. I'm guessing it's called limited Cat 1 since it doesn't conform to standard Cat 1dimensions. It's just a bad design and if buying new you can do better.

Someone at Rural King bought this as a tractor package with many implements. They took delivery but changed their mind on this unit. RK took it back and even though unused sold it to me for $400 to get it off the lot. They don't display used equipment. I'm in the process of modifing and reinforcing the rear edge.

Doh, The guys that answer questions on the OP's link through me under the buss. 3 of them said the lower links had a 20 inch spacing.
After reading some more I see where it actually is a Limited Cat 1 hitch.

 

[Mat4644]

The inside edge of the lower 3 pt arm pins are 25 inches and should be slightly less than 27 for a quick hitch plus the pins are too close to the frame for the hooks to grab. I made the wheels 3 inches closer by shortening the supports. All my large ash trees have died from the emerald borer and the woods is getting undergrowth. Since it's a little shorter it's a nice mower to cut trails with a small tractor.