Bushhog vs. Landpride

[Trailblazer]

I'm looking at 72" rotary cutters - the first is a Landpride RCR1872, and the second is a Bushhog SQ720. Never having used either one, I have a few questions. Is there a significant difference in functionality, reliability or usability between these two models? Should I steer away from either one? Finally, is there another brand or model I should consider, and why? Your opinions would be much appreciated... Thanks!

 

[JerryG]

I believe that the Landpride is a heavier duty mower than the SQ, if it isn't someone will say so. If they were the same price, I would get the Landpride for sure. I do like the Clevis hitch like is on the Landpride better also.

 

[Glenn9643]

According to what I could find in a hurry, the Bushhog has a 65hp gearbox vs 50hp for the Landpride. The Landpride weighs about 735 or so vs 635 for the Bushhog.
For what it's worth, I do know that the Bushhog SQ is a light duty and most of those that I've seen reflect that fact. The Landpride unit seems to be in the same category. Neither would work for me because I tend to think I can cut anything I can run over. I went with a Bushhog 286 medium duty with chains, that weighs about 1200 with 110hp gearbox and have been very satisfied.
Buying a little heavier cutter will cost more initially, but I believe it might save you an additional purchase in a few years. Good luck.

 

[BeeFarmer]

I had until recently a 72 inch squealer and now have a 60 landpride. The squealer was a really good light duty machine that I put on the backend of an Oliver 55. It worked well on my NH33 but since I got a package deal with the Landpride I didn't need the 72 incher and also the Oliver is gone... But the squealer is lighter duty .. but I wouldn't compare it that way as I believe the squealer was designed to be that way. The landpride is heavier duty by design. Cost wise it is reflected that way also. Both are very good units.

 

[SPaulsen]

I own Landpride products and have been very happy with the quality and beefy construction. Easy to change blades and shear pins. When you shop for one, make sure you pick the model that can handle what you need to cut. Some models are only made for light brush. Best of Luck in your purchase

 

[OkieG]

You may want to trailer up your tractor and visit the cutter vendors. Especially, if the heaviest of the cutters is pushing your tractor's limit. Hook 'em up and drive around the dealer's lot a bit.
My cutter is a BushHog SQ600. My tractor would barely lift the next sturdier (heavier) 5' cutter. It was easy to tell by driving around the dealer lot that the "medium" duty unit was too much cutter for my little tractor.
Though the Squealer is a "light" duty unit, I've seen lighter. But, it does not mow rocks or take down young trees like a heavier unit would. Tractor size may limit practical expectations. It this is not an issue, then I agree with Glenn, <font color="blue"> Buying a little heavier cutter will cost more initially, but I believe it might save you an additional purchase in a few years. </font>

OkieG

 

[RoyJackson]

I've a 60" Land Pride which has done an excellent job on some pretty thick, tall brush.
Considering my little 670 has 16 PTO HP (4 HP less then Land Pride recomends for the 60" cutter), it's done amazingly well.

These are really well built, tough cutters, so Land Pride has my thumbs up!

 

[Trailblazer]

Thanks for your responses. It looks like they're both light duty cutters, but that the Landpride is built sturdier and is heavier. The sturdiness factor is indeed reflected in the price - I can get the Bushhog for $225 less than the LP.

I believe the adage that you get what you pay for, but: The land I purchased has been cleared of all the heavy stuff, so I may never need a medium-heavy duty cutter while I live there (as long as I keep everything cut down). That said, it comes back to choosing between these two light duty cutters.

With the huge number of things I have to buy now that I have a farm, I want to save what I can on this purchase. If I buy the squealer it doesn't sound like anyone thinks I'll be getting a flimsy piece of trash that won't last. Does Bushhog have quality problems or anything I should be aware of before deciding to go the cheaper route?

 

[OkieG]

The unit I have runs smooth and I'm satisfied with it's performance. It is 4 years old and has been trouble-free except for a gearbox oil seal that needed to be replaced. The dealer said that is not a common problem. My impression is this is a good product.
I've read that LandPride and others make excellent cutters. I wouldn't mind looking at their models if I ever need to buy another brush hog, but I certainly wouldn't hesitate to buy another BushHog, either.

OkieG

 

[Trailblazer]

Many thanks to you, OkieG, and everyone else who answered. I'll get the Bushhog and let you know how it does for me over the years. This is a great forum. Though all the dealers I've met with have been helpful, it's nice not to have to rely solely on what a salesman tells me.

Trailblazer