Brush Hog, Woods, or Modern

[Sarge1951]

Ok, I have looked at all three and have some pros and cons. I am looking at the medium use 6 as I don稚 think I will ever have to cut anything over about 2? mainly maintaining some field and the fence line. Can anyone give me a reason NOT to consider any of these three? If I can eliminate one that makes my job easier.

My tractor: Montana 5740

 

[tdan300]

I have used both the Woods and the Modern. The Woods was an old 48" unit behind an old Yanmar I had. It worked well and had no issues. I now have a 60" modern that I pull behind my Kubota L5740. It works well and I have had no issues with it either. I believe the Woods overall is a better built unit, but the Modern does my chores with no problems. I maintain 18 acres with it. I sharpen the blades every spring, have had no leaks on the gear box, and (other that picking up some electric fence wire on the blades) have had no issues. I think any of the three will suffice.

 

[Sarge1951]

Based on the responses I now have a few more questions.

Also, thanks to all who have responded. I am too new, too green and so very appreciative of your sharing your seat time and experience with me.

Based on what I have been reading on the various cutters these are some more things I have not a clue about, choice wise. And, are they even that important?

Rubber or laminated wheels?
Blade holders: round or oval?
Metal thickness? (I know it is obvious but I got to ask!)
Structural beams? (Strength for heaver models only or money wasted?)
Bolt-on skid shoes vs. welded?
Stump Jumper? Standard with new cutters? Does it do what the name implies?
Chain shielding: how important?

OK, I know it is a lot but any help is better than ignorance, and I have plenty enough of that already!

Thanks in advance for any help.

 

[jbrumberg]

Sarge1951:

IMHO:

Laminated wheels appear to "hold up" better to the wear and tear.

Blade holders- you may be also referring to the stump jumper. I have always had round, but in theory the oval shape should do just as well.

Metal- buy the thickest you think you will need.

Structural beams- ?

Skid shoes- you really should not be dragging your rotary cutter through the dirt. I have always used/had welded. Bolted on things always seem to be getting knocked off.

Stump jumper- definitely yes

Shielding- recommended.

Jay

 

[HCJtractor]

Personally, I like bolt on (replaceable skid shoes). I had a woods regular duty 72" and used it for 4 years w/o a problem, but the welded shoes wore out and the sides cupped in and and to be straightened and patched and new shoes welded on. Granted I drug the front end too much, but our land is rough and rocky, but nevertheless, when it wore, there was no quick fix. I replaced it with a heavier duty Woods with bolt on shoes, and just recently replaced them. I can have a welder patch up my old worn shoes and recycle them when my new ones wear. Four bolts hold it on so it's a quick repair. I would never buy a rotary cutter w/o replaceable shoes, unless I was cutting smooth pastures or lawns. Unfortunately, most cutters with them are high dollar units, but I would rather pay more for heavier metal and features.

 

[Ken45101]

I've had a Woods MD72 for ten years now. I mow 35 acres of pasture plus trails in the woods. No complaints at all about it. I replaced the slip clutch plates one time (normal wear item, $15 or so).

I rarely drag the skid plates except when I'm doing walking trails, so wear is not an issue. Besides, sharp turns with the mower on the ground tend to gouge the sod.

I have been considering a bigger mower (10' ?) and will probably go with a tow model rather than 3 pt because of the gouging issue, (we have a lot of uneven ground and it's not uncommon to gouge the ground even if I'm mowing 6" high).

If the OP is asking about Bush Hog brand, consider that they may be going out of business and repair parts may be a future unknown.

Ken

 

[PSDStu]

I've had a Woods MD72 for ten years now. I mow 35 acres of pasture plus trails in the woods. No complaints at all about it. I replaced the slip clutch plates one time (normal wear item, $15 or so).

I rarely drag the skid plates except when I'm doing walking trails, so wear is not an issue. Besides, sharp turns with the mower on the ground tend to gouge the sod.

I have been considering a bigger mower (10' ?) and will probably go with a tow model rather than 3 pt because of the gouging issue, (we have a lot of uneven ground and it's not uncommon to gouge the ground even if I'm mowing 6" high).

If the OP is asking about Bush Hog brand, consider that they may be going out of business and repair parts may be a future unknown.

Ken

Ken,

If you are happy with your Woods MD72, and want a 10' pull type, you might want to look at the Woods DS-120 model. I have the Woods DS-96 3pt version (they also make a DS-96 pull type) and I have been real pleased with it. It took a little getting used to a twin spindle setup as they tend to vibrate a little more then a single spindle but my DS-96 has worked great for me.

Stu