BUSH HOG or RHINO?

[jbrumberg]

There always seems to be a lot of confusion when posters start talking about horsepower requirements and light, economy, medium, standard and heavy duty rotary cutters. Farmwithjunk's Post #10 really answers the issue. It does not take a lot of PTO HP to turn any size rotary cutter if the RC is balanced and in good condition. The HP is needed to cut the vegetation. This "Rule of Thumb" (that we all tend to use)was "gleaned" from the "Compact Tractor Bible" (2006)- "The power (required) is typically 2 horsepower per foot of cut for light-duty rotary mowing and 5 horsepwer per foot of cut for brush hogs capable of smashing 2-inch-diameter saplings." I would have provided more informaton about the book, but one can getter more useful information here at TBN and this information is free ! Jay

 

[Redbug]

Hi Travis,

I researched around on cutters, also. I have a Kubota L3830. I am not sure what the weight limitations are on your tractor's 3 pt. lift, but that is something you need to consider also.

I bought a Squealer 172 recently and like it. I weighs near 800 lbs. I have cut 2" stuff with it without problem. Have to go slow and keep the RPMs up. But, mostly 1" roadside type of stuff. Now, I am not an expert, nor a professional, but I am very satisified with it. I got the slip clutch and paid $1450. I had to wait a month for it to come in, since none were in stock. Too bad we all don't live closer to try each other's stuff out before buying...

The larger heavier duty models weigh a lot more, and require more horsepower to operate. And are more expensive. For most use, I think the medium duty is just fine. Woods or Rhino are good, too. But I haven't used them to compare. Best as I can remember, they were a little more pricier but weighed about the same.

 

[gravelymay]

Hi guys
How would Bush Hog 3008 8 ft cutter compare to the Kodiak 8 ft rotary cutter? Both heavy duty?
thanks Bruce

 

[gamble77]

Bruce the 3008 is much more machine...I think it is probably the best 8ft mower on the market...the new Rhino Turbo 96 is a nice piece also.

 

[gravelymay]

Hi
Does any one know Bush Hog and the Kodiak run the same blade tip speed ?
Does any one Know what Blade tip speed is on both Machines ?
What is the blade tip speed on a 4 Ft Bush Hog or the Kodiak ?
Has any one had any problems with the Bush hog leaving tall grass not cut in the middle ? I am having a problem with a Kodiak 8 ft twin blades ?
thanks Bruce

 

[gravelymay]

Hi
I left a word out Does Bush hog 3008 and Kodiak 8 ft. twin use the same blade tip speed ?
I am still trying figure out what the problem is the we are using 640 rpm
tractor . The 1 st gear box is a 1.22 ratio then the two gear boxes is 1.48
ratio. any ideas ? thanks Bruce

 

[Travis_R]

Bruce, I am not sure if they do or not. BUT....Go to Bush Hog® and KODIAK MFG., Inc. and look at the specs on the models you need to see.

Travis R

 

[gravelymay]

Hi Travis
Thanks for the info.
Has any body had any problem with twin head cutters leaving grass stick back up after you mow?
If you did what did you do to stop it?
The reasion I was asking so many question, I though it might be blade tip speed?
By the way the pto speed is 540 not 640 sorry about that.
Bruce

 

[chrisjbell]

Hi Travis
Thanks for the info.
Has any body had any problem with twin head cutters leaving grass stick back up after you mow?
If you did what did you do to stop it?
The reasion I was asking so many question, I though it might be blade tip speed?
By the way the pto speed is 540 not 640 sorry about that.
Bruce

It is probably your travelling speed. It is quite common to try to mow grass too quickly. One of the terms we see a lot on golf course care is "frequency of clip" which basically refers to how many times a blade comes in contact with a bedknife (a "clip"). More clips in less space results in a better cut. Easiest way to do this is slow down.

On the other hand, you also have to bear in mind that a brush hog ain't really made for a quality cut... A flail mower might be more in line with what you want, maybe even a finish mower if the terrain will support it. But try slowing down your travel speed and see if that helps.

Oh, BTW I love my Rhino, to get to the original poster's question ...

 

[gravelymay]

Well rocks from fist size to Truck size of course you canot see them until
you hear them then it is too late. New sub divisions did up rocks and store them under grass and weeds head high. Then want the grass cut smooth.
So it can look petty!!
Thanks Bruce

 

[krackerjack9]

I got a Rhino 172,, that thing is a beast compared to my old Rhino SE5,, so far so good, it dose have a whole lot better rear tire set up than the SE5 this one has bearings and zert fittings, the hitches are alot better. I like the domed top to it, not much stay on it. I keep the RPMs at 1400-1500 I can cut thur Texas sage pretty easy. I power it with a L4400DT. I have boged it down a few times going thur some pretty heavy brush. Generally in 2nd gear High range for brush and 3rd high for grass fields and coastal grass. The only issue I have had with it is that I couldnt pick it up high enough to clear my trailer rails. Had to make some blocks to drive up on to make the tractor higher there for I could clear the rails, then I just lower the deck on the rails and Im good to go. I dont think the underside skirt is going to last to long before I have to weld in some 1/2in plate 4in wide. They got to know that the front part of the mower is going to be more or less draging from time to time.

 

[sawtooth]

I have a 286 and a 6ft squealer (2008 model). There are advantages and disadvantages to each. The Squealer is desgined to cut mostly grass with some light duty 1-2" sapling work. It however cuts grass very very well. Now my 286 doesn't cut grass as well (still does ok though) due to lower blade tip speed but it handles the bigger stuff better for sure. So if your cutting mostly grass then the squealer is the way to go. If not a medium duty unit is a must in order for the cutter to last.

 

[sawtooth]

Thanks FWJ, Gizmo and others. I didn't know you could run a cutter on a tractor that has less horse power than what the cutter is recommended for.

In my opinion, from the brochures I have, the Rhino rotary cutters look to be heavier built than the Bush Hog brand. I am looking at the Bush Hog models SQ172 (standard duty), and the 296 (medium duty). The Rhino models I am looking at are the 172 (standard duty), and the 272 (medium duty).

If my tractor can handle the Bush Hog 296, or the Rhino 272, then I'll probably "bite the bullet" and get one of those medium duty models. I just hope my 231 Massey Ferguson can handle them as far as lifting the cutter and turning without the rear wheels loosing traction ( I am one of those people who drags the front of the cutter on the ground so it will cut closer- whether its right or wrong!). Its a lot of money to pay for a cutter and have the tractor not like it, if you know what I mean.

From the information I've been gathering, more people says go with the Bush Hog brand than the Rhino. I AM WONDERING WHY? Looking at the specs and the pictures in my brochures, the Rhino looks like its better built. BUT I HAVEN'T GOT PRICES ON ANYTHING YET AND PRICE WILL BE A DECIDING FACTOR.

What are common "problems" on the Rhino cutters? Do they have gearbox troubles?

I've always been a Bush Hog fan, but after looking at the Rhino brand- its a tuff decision.

Thanks so much,
Travis R

Travis,

You have the duty rating incorrect. The Rhino 172 is medium duty and the 272 is actually their heavy duty. Comparing these specs to Bush Hog 286 or 296 medium duty cutters its very obvious that the BH brand is made heavier. The Squealer line is also a little heavier than the RB line of Rhino and is close to even their medium duty 172 line. Lastly there is no other manufacture that can provide the level of parts and service as Bush Hog does which helps determine a better manufacture. Both are good i'm sure but i think considering all these factors BH brand ends up on top.

 

[mguitas]

saw tooth you do realize this post is 5 years old.

 

[sawtooth]

saw tooth you do realize this post is 5 years old.

No but thats what i get for trying to use my Iphone and post stuff. thanks