Rotary Cutter Bush Hog SQ600 vs Kodiak MD 5

[tcwellner]

I need a decent 5 ft cutter to supplement my Deere MX6. The MX6 is great for fields, but is too big and heavy for the trails I also have to maintain. I'm looking to buy good condition used, and have a Kodiak MD5 at $500 and a SQ600 at $800 available. I need a slip clutch and stump jumper; the Kodiak has a custom version of stump jumper. I also bump the sides against trees, and back into brush, but at slow speed, so I need a sturdy sided deck. I thought it would be easy to find reviews, but it isn't, so I'm hoping to get some opinions here. Thanks much.

 

[ericm979]

The Kodiak SD and MD both come with a stump jumper. Not sure why it'd need a custom one. I have the Kodiak SD. It uses the same shell as the MD but a different stump jumper. I back into brush and it's not even noticed.

The Kodiak's float design allows for long travel, which I specifically wanted as I drive into dips and back up to banks to mow them. It's also got a study wheel mount, not the two pieced of steel strap that some rotaries use. That's good if you back into stuff.

$500 for one in good shape is a deal.

 

[tcwellner]

The Kodiak SD and MD both come with a stump jumper. Not sure why it'd need a custom one. I have the Kodiak SD. It uses the same shell as the MD but a different stump jumper. I back into brush and it's not even noticed.

The Kodiak's float design allows for long travel, which I specifically wanted as I drive into dips and back up to banks to mow them. It's also got a study wheel mount, not the two pieced of steel strap that some rotaries use. That's good if you back into stuff.

$500 for one in good shape is a deal.

Thanks, Eric. The stump jumper on the MD5 is a flat plate which holds the swinging blades, with triangular shape deflector shields welded to the underside of the deck. The idea (according to Kodiak's video) is the deflector shields are hit first, raising the deck so the rock, etc. bypass the flat plate, which would otherwise take the brunt of the rock, presumably damaging the plate. I guess Kodiak thinks that's better than the standard curved stump jumper plate.

I like what you said about backing and dips, as I have a lot of those on the trails. Right now, I'm constantly adjusting the height of the MX6 to try to accommodate uneven terrain. Hard on the hydraulics at 1050 lbs. And the MX6 won't raise very high anyway. It's really a better fit for a 5000 series Deere, whereas mine is 4320.

The plot has thickened, though, as I was just contacted about a Bush Hog 285 for $550. Might be heavier than I should consider. Got to do some reading. Thanks again.

 

[Turbys_1700]

If you can get a 285 Bush Hog for that price get it. That is a good price if the unit is in decent shape.

 

[tcwellner]

Thanks. I hope to see it tomorrow. The owner is an equipment dealer that got it on a trade. He's checking it out and will let me know if there are any operating issues. He knows it needs a new wheel bearing and the drive shaft needs lubrication, which he'll do. He thinks it has a new gearbox, which would raise questions about the blades and stump jumper. But those are easy to examine. Once everything looks good, he'll fire it up and see.

 

[BoylermanCT]

I've got a Bush Hog SQ600. Very good mower. Built strong and can take all the abuse I have thrown at it.

 

[tcwellner]

Good to know. Thanks for the help.

 

[MESSMAKER]

You don't have a bad choice. The MD5 and the squealer are med duty. The 285 is a class above. Any of the three would work for most.

 

[tcwellner]

Thanks. The 285 hit something really hard, damaging the gearbox to the point it had to be replaced. (I thought slip clutches and stump jumpers were to avoid that kind of damage, but maybe the slip clutch bound?) Even the deck was damaged. The stump jumper and blades are shot. At $500 now, it's probably still a good deal, as new ones are $2700, but would take another $200 or so in parts, plus labor. I don't have the ability to do it safely, so I told the guy I'm not a good prospect anymore.