Rotary Cutter Frontier RC2072 -- Major Problems

[Eric the Red]

I purchased a Frontier RC2072 rotary cutter from John Deere a little over a year ago as part of a tractor package. I used the cutter to mow native rangeland with occasional brush under 1" diameter. After about two weeks I noticed that the 3-point pins were pointing upwards. Shortly thereafter the entire 3-point hitch frame was noticeably bent. I took it back to the dealership where they informed me that ALL of the RC2072 cutters that they have sold within the last year have been brought back due to bent 3-point hitches. Frontier sent the dealer some retrofit supports to bolt onto the new 3-point hardware to see if that would fix the problem. I used the cutter for several months after that without any problems but then one day I was driving through the pasture with the cutter completely raised up and hit a small hole. When I looked back I saw the tire of the cutter was running along the ground and the 3-point hitch was completely twisted. The dealership ordered new parts to repair the 3-point but there was so much damage that the new hardware would not align properly. The cutter has been sitting at the dealership for over 4 months waiting for a custom fabricator to build a completely custom 3-point hitch that will stand up to normal pasture use.

I'm not sure what kind of steel Frontier is using on these 3-point hitches but it is very weak or there is a significant design flaw. Just because it has green paint does not mean that it is JD quality...

Today the dealership called and tried talking me into trading the RC2072 in for a better built cutter. They recommended either a JD MX7 or a Modern Ag Dragon Predatorrr. They also informed me that they are doing everything they can to dissuade people from purchasing the RC2072 due to an unacceptable service record.

Before you spend money on a Frontier RC2072 -- please read this post. The price difference between the Frontier RC2072 and a Modern Ag 7' Predatorrr is less than $800. I will likely take the dealership up on their trade-in offer so that I will have a rotary cutter that is ready to work when I am. Downtime is something that can be expected when you use old implements but is completely unacceptable when the implement is purchased brand new from the dealership and the equipment is not abused.

 

[beemerphile]

Everything is built to a price point these days. I've gotten to the point that I am buying the heavier implements rather than wasting money on the "light duty" stuff even if my duty is legitimately light. Weight tells the story.

 

[Eric the Red]

I agree 100% but it is sad that companies feel the need to cut so many corners to improve their bottom line that their quality suffers to this extent. I am not a rich man by any stretch of the imagination, so spending an additional $800-$1000 on an implement so that I know that it will function properly is a tough pill to swallow.

If John Deere / Frontier thinks that they can paint a piece of junk green and expect that it will not hurt their reputation they have some serious hard times ahead of them... When people purchase tractor implements they are going to use them for WORK and if there is a design flaw it will be discovered rather quickly.

Just the fact that Frontier had a retrofit kit available tells me that they have some very serious problems with this model rotary cutter. The fact that the retrofit kit failed is also a bad sign. The next question is: when are they going to recall all of these RC2072s and should I wait for the recall or just trade it in so some other poor sucker purchase this used shredder and think they are getting a good deal?

 

[kebo]

Wow! 4 months for a welding & fab shop to come up with a new 3pt bracket?? It ain't that complicated!!

As for the original parts, I'm guessing that part of the mower assy might very well have come from China and was made from recycled steel that was low grade with lots of impurities in it. But hey, if that's true I am sure the initial cost savings was great, but JD is now paying for it on the back end with customer dissatisfaction and the repairs.

Cheaper ain't always better!

 

[Eric the Red]

I guess my memory is not what it used to be... My wife corrected me on the timeline -- it has been two months since the cutter was brought back to the dealership for a fabricator to rebuild the 3-point hitch. The problem is that we have an oil & gas boom down here in South Texas and none of the fabricators are willing to do small jobs since they are covered up with large jobs for the next 6-months.

I finally called the John Deere company this morning and they will call the dealership and see if they can work out something to make everyone happy. I will post the solution ASAP.

 

[leonz]

OH BOY;

There is no excuse to cover this mess!!!!!!!


I would ask for a refund or ask them to make a price adjustment for a flail mower from JD in Moline for sure!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[Runner]

Looks like spaghetti.

I know it wouldn't be a long-term solution, but I wonder why the dealer can't at least change out the "A" frame with a new Frontier part so you can at least use the thing until they come up with a permnanent solution?

 

[sweettractors]

I guess my memory is not what it used to be... My wife corrected me on the timeline -- it has been two months since the cutter was brought back to the dealership for a fabricator to rebuild the 3-point hitch. The problem is that we have an oil & gas boom down here in South Texas and none of the fabricators are willing to do small jobs since they are covered up with large jobs for the next 6-months.

I finally called the John Deere company this morning and they will call the dealership and see if they can work out something to make everyone happy. I will post the solution ASAP.

Looks like category 2 pins in the A-Frame. What HP tractor do you pull it with? Ken Sweet

 

[hawkeye08]

Would like to see a picture from the side if you get a chance. Is there a solid link from back to the toplink? does the toplink have anywhere to go when the back wheel is lifted by going through a dip or does it try and lift the whole tractor? It may be a combination of cheap steel and poor design...

I have seen some with solid links, others with chain or strap, some with pivoting toplink connection... just wondering on this one which is has.. thanks, good luck on getting it taken care of... If dealer is going to do a trade, perhaps they can get you the new unit and worry about the repair on the old one themselves instead of making you wait..

 

[sweettractors]

Here is what a hitch should look like. Flex built in the A-Frame. Selling this design for 33 years on 4-5-6-7 ft models with no A-Frame problems. New 6 ft Hawkline/International machine $1095. Ken Sweet