5' two blade or my 4' single blade brush hog

[superwilly]

Hey,
Just bought a Kubota L2350DT. It came with a 4' single blade brush cutter. This tractor has a non live PTO, so my thought is that the single blade will slow down faster and get to rpm slower when I put the clutch in for turning and things like that. I kind of would like a 5' anyway, but does anyone have any input--- would a dual blade 5' brush cutter allow the shorter blades to get up to the proper rpm faster and allow for less bogging down in thick brush or sapplings??? any help or ideas would be great. I'm new to tractor ownership, but love all the toys you can get. I feel like a kid again.

 

[woodhawg]

Hate it when nobody replys to questions so will give it a shot.

Looks like you got 25 hp tractor that weights 2200# or so. That might be too small for 5' cutter. I use a 2900# Ford 1720 with 28 hp and it's fine on power, but had to add weights to front to turn well. I would get a slip clutch today and put it on, but that's just me.

Good luck.

 

[superwilly]

thank you for the info. It would be nice to get some other replies. I do have a loader on it so that should cover the front weight issue. When it's up to rpm it has plenty of power for the brush hog. That's why I thought the two blade set up with smaller blades (2 vs 1) would actually be easier on the tractor?????

 

[E_Sanborn]

Sounds like an Over-Run Clutch is in order - fits inbetween your PTO stub and the PTO Driveshaft. Much recommended on tractor w/o Live Clutch.

I would expect a 2-blade RC to spin up faster, but it will be a function of mass in motion and bearings, so depends upon the setup.

 

[superwilly]

Thanks again. again I'm new to this arena and trying to soad up all the info I can. I will definately look more into an over-run clutch. I've never read anything about that. Great tips. Glad I found this site and forum

 

[greg_g]

I'm in agreement with Mr Sanborn. It's not the number of blades, but the mass that's producing the kinetic energy. Seems logical that the total weight spun by the PTO shaft would be higher on the 5 footer.

But I need some clarification as to what kind of equipment you're actually trying to describe. You've used the words "bush hog" and "brush cutter". Three point rotary cutters typically have two blades swinging around a central disc. Yet you describe your 4 footer has having one. Is it actually one 48" blade attached to a center transmission shaft (like a lawn mower)? If yes, a conventional five footer with two swinging blades attached to a central disc would represent significantly more mass.

//greg//

 

[superwilly]

thanks Greg,
yes it is one blade, like a lawn mower. It is starting to sound like I need to further explore the over-run clutch. since I have seen smaller tractors running 5 foot brush cutters, I am starting to see that the biggest issue is probably the non live PTO issue. Does anyone else have any knowledge of, experience with, or opinions on the over-run clutch idea??? Thank you again for all the info. I may need to start a new thread in a different area on this???

 

[greg_g]

ORCs are relatively cheap, and easy to obtain. But having said that, they're typically for 1-1/8"x6 tooth or 1-3/8"x6 tooth tractor splines. If you have other than those, you may either be out of luck - or paying through the nose for something exclusive to Kubota.

//greg//

 

[superwilly]

I know it's a 6 spline and I think it's 1 1/8". i will have to double check. Thanks again Greg. I hoping someone out there that has used an ORC before can give me just a little insight as to the effectiveness they experienced before I go and spend more money....????

 

[greg_g]

Well, it's been several years - but I used one on my Yanmar with great results. But perhaps you don't realize how relatively inexpensive they are, compared to potential PTO repairs. I considered mine $20 well spent at the time. Granted, the price of steel has risen significantly since then, but you can still get a basic ORC for about $33 bucks. See http://www.agrisupply.com/over-riding-clutch/p/12050/cn/3500008/

//greg//