Rotary Cutter Brush hog size question

[Frankman]

I have a Kubota L4610D. It has a it is rated at 40.8 pto hp. I want to purchase a brush hog, and am getting conflicting stories on gearbox hp ratings. I need a unit that will be able to put up with some pretty good abuse, as we are needing to clear some property that hasn't been mowed in at least 15-20 years.. It is an old orchard I would like to bring back. Anyways, I would like a 6' unit, but most are rated to 40hp. And the sales reps say that's tractor hp, not pto. Anyone know a good place for me to read up on this, or a good brand for me to look into? I have read countless threads on here, and done a lot of searches but really cant find what im looking for. I also would like a more open rear discharge style so I can back up without folding the sides under like all the other guys I know do! Lol! Thanks.

 

[LD1]

Landpride, Woods, Bushhog, Rhino, amung a few others are all good solid mowers.

The 6' cutters that are only 40HP rated you mention are probabally light duty and wont handle much abuse. They are more for mowing pasture fields a few times a year and nothing really big. But there is a big difference in price and weight as well.

The cutters you speak of, (like a KK 6' light duty) with 40HP gearbox is about $1400new and weighs 700lbs
A HD cutter (KK HD for example) comes with a 80HP gearbox, cost about double, and weighs about 1200lbs.

And KK HD isnt even one of the better HD cutters.

So bottom line, quit looking at light/standard duty cutters. Start looking at HD cutters to get the 80HP gearboxes

 

[Soundguy]

a mowers gearbox should be rated for no lower input than the tractors PTOhp output.

ie.. don't run a 40hp mower on a 60hp machine or you can damage the mower.

with your tractors pto hp being 40.8 you are right up at the limit of a 40input hp gearbox.

you COULD go with that.. or find a heavier hog.. perhaps same brand, but theinr hd line, and go with a heavier box. generally the hd line also have thicker decks for mowing thru thicker stuff.

when i hit a tractor dealership.. it's a rare occasion the 'salesman' knows anything about the stuff he's selling.. and it's even rare-er if he knows more than me im usually happy/surprised/amazed, if he even knows anything about the specific machine he is selling.. let alone it's competitors... or prior models.. etc..



soundguy

 

[EverythingAttachments]

You can easily handle a 6' rotary cutter(bush hog). The mfg. puts a gearbox rating on there to cover themselves and to help match up the cutter to the right tractor. If a cutter has a 40hp gearbox, it would be fine on your 40.8 pto hp...its not an exact science but provides a general guideline. You can check out our website where we have an assortment of rotary cutters by King Kutter and Fred Cain here. We also offer free shipping to a commercial business or supporting freight terminal within 1,000 miles of Newton, NC.

 

[Frankman]

Ld1, I'm asking the question because I know these aren't what I'm looking for duty wise. The people around my place dont know squat, that's why I'm asking you what to look for. I will try and find someone who actually knows if they carry a hd unit. So far nobody can answer that question for me around my place that I have talked to.

 

[TripleR]

I don't know if this will help, but my last tractor before this one had 44 PTO HP and I ran a Land Pride RCR2672 which is rated to cut 3" diameter stuff. I use it in some stuff even a bit thicker. I had no problems with power. I really can't tell any difference in using it on my new tractor with 50 PTO HP.

 

[Frankman]

I don't know if this will help, but my last tractor before this one had 44 PTO HP and I ran a Land Pride RCR2672 which is rated to cut 3" diameter stuff. I use it in some stuff even a bit thicker. I had no problems with power. I really can't tell any difference in using it on my new tractor with 50 PTO HP.

I talked to a farmer the other day and he told me to look into a land pride. Sounds like that is what I need to do.

 

[TripleR]

I talked to a farmer the other day and he told me to look into a land pride. Sounds like that is what I need to do.

Land Pride makes good equipment, but so does Woods, Bush Hog and others. I would be comfortable with any and run a Woods DS1260, I have used a Bush Hog, but never owned one. I don't know much other than reputation about the others.

 

[Bigfoot62]

This is one of those times that "you get what you pay for." Steel and quality manufacturing are expensive.
Regardless of brand name, MOST equipement manufacturers make cheap "economy" models all the way up to "heavy duty" models, with some in between. What you need to consider is:
1. Capability of your tractor. You already know your hp rating and, hopefully, you know what your 3-pt hitch will safely handle. You don't want to buy a 'hog that wears out your pto clutch or makes your front tires come off the ground. (because it was made for a much larger tractor)
2. How are you going to use this cutter? The cutter needs to be heavy duty enough for the task. You already have stated that you want to clean up and maintain the old orchard. Anything else in mind, or is this the worst job it will ever see?
3. Your budget. Yep, it all comes down to $$$. Can you afford the cutter that you really need? If not, may I suggest patience. You will be better off to save up and buy what you NEED rather than just get what you can afford right now. If you're like most of us, it will be a long-term investment. Two of my 'hogs have been around for years. My 5' Modern Highway Special is over 30 years old, and still very usable. My 10' Hardee is probably 20 years old and in great shape. The 7' Rhino is a "medium" duty and probably won't last as long as the others, but it was "cheaper." My mistake. I should have spent a little more and bought a heavier cutter.

I'm not pushing this brand.
This is just a really good website that sorts out the different models (of that one brand) and all the specs, including cutting capacity and hp requirements.
RHINO | Single Spindle
Notice that there is about 900 lbs difference between the "utility" cutter and the "super" duty cutter. The minimum hp requirement is more than double, and the cutting capacity is 1" vs 4.5" respectively.

Hope that helps.

 

[cmore]

If u are going to abuse it, recommend u get a higher HP gear box. I have had a 6' Howse and it has worked well for 20 years even tho it has, at times, been abused. I have chopped up any tree the MF 135 would bend/run down. I took it slow and some times had to go back over it.