10 Foot Rotary Cutter (Brush Hog) Advice

PennTN75 · May 28, 2017

Currently running a Bush Hog 297 and upgraded to a New Holland T4.95. The 7' HD cutter is nice for narrow stuff, but doesn't cover my wheel tracks well and takes forever because I need to overlap. I am looking at a fixed deck, pull type 10 foot model with laminated tires. Been studying Woods DS10.50, Bush Hog 3210, Land Pride 3610, Rhino TR120 and also looked at a Deere HX10. I am leaning towards the flat/smooth deck. The weights and specs of these machines differ, but they are in the same category for cutting. Anyone have recommendations? My Bush Hog is 11 years old, I store under roof, and it's in great shape (what can I say...I wash and wax the dang thing)...LOL. I like to take care of the equipment. I have ~45 acres of old farm that I mow trails and sections of it. Probably mow about 15-20 acres. I do tangle with some brushy stuff from time to time. But, mostly I am cutting grass/golden rod like stuff.

I appreciate opinions and insight.

leonz · May 28, 2017

Have you thought about a flail shredder? They are much shorter in total length and can be used as a three point hitch mount or a towed flail mower. There are a lot of good used flail shredders for sale on the various farm and construction equipment web sites.

jdtractor · May 29, 2017

Hi I own a JDHX 10 pull type mower. It has been tried and tested! I have mowed some extremely heavy filth with it and it's never let me down. I mow approximately 100 acres of steep rough hill side and flats . Very little flat. This mower is tough I pull it with a JD 5115M I've cut trees up to 4"diameter more then once.. no problems. The filth I mow is also heavy about 1'above the cab of the tractor at times. I also run woods mowers 7' bb840 3pth & woods 15' 180 batwing solid tires. The Deere has 16 ply tires with tubes .. no problems with flats. Either make has been very dependable for the mowing I do. Just my opinion. Hope this helps you !

EddieWalker · May 29, 2017

Why a ten foot mower and not a 15 foot batwing? You have plenty of HP and it would get more done in less time.

MESSMAKER · May 29, 2017

I would think you could get by with the 7 foot. Should be able to mow what you are mowing in a long day. If you want it done in a hurry, Eddie is right about the batwing. It would be easier around gates and to transport as well. A good used one would last forever with your usage.

rustyshakelford · May 29, 2017

10' is rough to transport. Might not be a consideration for you though. I have an mx8 and mx15. Now I've had the batwing, I have fallen in love with it. I can cut your 23 acres in 4-4.5 hrs depending on how rough it is. Folds up nice and narrow.

Brett

rustyshakelford · May 29, 2017

MESSMAKER said:
I would think you could get by with the 7 foot. Should be able to mow what you are mowing in a long day. If you want it done in a hurry, Eddie is right about the batwing. It would be easier around gates and to transport as well. A good used one would last forever with your usage.

7' mower is the worst size around. They should skip it and go from 6' to 8'. 7' doesn't nothing well. It's way to long and needs a bunch of hp. 8' twin spindle is much shorter and in my experience needs a little less hp

Brett

TomSeller · May 29, 2017

rustyshakelford said:
10' is rough to transport. Might not be a consideration for you though. I have an mx8 and mx15. Now I've had the batwing, I have fallen in love with it. I can cut your 23 acres in 4-4.5 hrs depending on how rough it is. Folds up nice and narrow.

Brett

What size batwing do you have and what HP do you use?

PennTN75 · May 29, 2017

Yeah...I used my Dad's 108 and it fit the bill well. You're right about transport, but I am trying to stay in the $7500-$9000 price range. It seems that's doable with the models I listed (at least, when I look at tractor house.com). How much is a 15ft batwing? I'll have to look. Part of the issue is that I have trails and 15' is going to be too wide...unless I hammer them wider. I mow them for deer (and ATVing) through "red brush" and they're perfect for a 10' mower.

I wasn't considering a flail mower. Wanted to stay rotary cutter.

Keep the ideas/opinions coming. I appreciate it. Here's some videos of the 297 and 1018.

John Deere 118 Mower - YouTube

T4.95 Mowing with JD 118 Cutter - YouTube

New Holland T4.95 & Bush Hog 297 - YouTube

leonz · May 29, 2017

The JD290 and 390 flails are well within the width space limitations you have and can be used
with the scoop and side slicer knives. The JD290 would be within your price range.