Rotary Cutter HP Recommendation on 8 ft Cutter

[JBowie]

First time poster and tractor owner, and I could use some help understanding the specs on a shredder I'm considering. I'm looking at a Land Pride RCR3596 8' shredder, and the specs recommend at least 50 pto hp for a 3 pt version but only 30 hp for a pull behind. I've done some searches on here, but I haven't seen where anyone talks about the different hp requirements based on the connection. All I've seen is feedback where folks recommend a pull behind if the shredder is heavy relative to the tractor, to improve the balance.

I'm looking to buy a Kubota M5140, with 46 pto hp, and I'd prefer the 3 pt. it looks like I'm right on the edge but don't really understand the different hp requirements due to the connection.

Any thoughts on this?

 

[hrcarver]

I think the difference is the weight needed to hold it down. More hp, usually equals more weight. It doesn't take anymore to turn it.

I have 3pt 2596, for sale actually if you are interested ($3k). It is in real good shape but not big enough. I carry it just fine with a m6040(same size as a 5140 IIRC), With the loader it doesn't even know it is there...

 

[TripleR]

Having used and still owning both type, the only difference I can tell is the same as hrcarver noted and that's weight on the 3PH. I use an RCR2672 on my L5740 and used it on our L5030 and it works great. The 7' RCR2684 is not recommended for my tractor though my manual say it will run a 7' cutter. Based on the handling of the RCR2672, I would not want more weight as the front will be too light for my preferences.

The M5140 is a heavier tractor than the GL, so I would seek input from your dealer as it appears your tractor manual may differ from that of the cutter manufacturer.

 

[foreman Etexas]

KUBOTA M5040 Vicon hay cutter=1170lbs and Landpride RCR3596=1360lbs the the lift model on shredder so question is your place pretty flat? I have moved hay bales that weighted more than that shredder all day. The things is I wouldnt wonna pull that mower 3pt version on slopes or threw ditches and stuff like that very much,just dont think would have the versitility as a lighter model or a lighter 7FT cutter. You have the power for the cutter no issue there.

 

[JBowie]

Yes, I guess I've been over thinking it. The dealer is perfectly comfortable with it, and continues to assure me that the 5140 can run the RCR3596, especially with a FEL to offset the weight. Like what y'all have said, he says the hp is just used by landpride as a proxy for weight, which is why they have different numbers depending on the hitch type. I even gave him the opening to sell me a 6040 instead to get the extra hp, but it sounds like there is no need. The 6040 is only about 200 lbs heavier than the 5140 (but has 10 more hp). Since weight is the real issue, and that's only likely to be an issue on uneven surfaces, I'm starting to believe that I should be fine. I do have some up-and-down areas that will need to be cut, but the majority of my place is relatively level. If nothing else, I've laid enough ground work to complain if things don't work out!

I appreciate everyone's thoughts on this (and offers). Although I haven't signed a contract yet (for either the tractor or the attachments), I wouldn't feel right about backing out on anything that the dealer has ordered at my request (5140, RCR3596, and HRL3578 box blade).

I'm looking forward to contributing on here.

 

[foreman Etexas]

Yes, I guess I've been over thinking it. The dealer is perfectly comfortable with it, and continues to assure me that the 5140 can run the RCR3596, especially with a FEL to offset the weight. Like what y'all have said, he says the hp is just used by landpride as a proxy for weight, which is why they have different numbers depending on the hitch type. I even gave him the opening to sell me a 6040 instead to get the extra hp, but it sounds like there is no need. The 6040 is only about 200 lbs heavier than the 5140 (but has 10 more hp). Since weight is the real issue, and that's only likely to be an issue on uneven surfaces, I'm starting to believe that I should be fine. I do have some up-and-down areas that will need to be cut, but the majority of my place is relatively level. If nothing else, I've laid enough ground work to complain if things don't work out!

I appreciate everyone's thoughts on this (and offers). Although I haven't signed a contract yet (for either the tractor or the attachments), I wouldn't feel right about backing out on anything that the dealer has ordered at my request (5140, RCR3596, and HRL3578 box blade).

I'm looking forward to contributing on here.

I was looking at my friends new 5140 and it didnt come with a draft control,im guessing thats an option on that model? You getting 4x4?

 

[JBowie]

I was looking at my friends new 5140 and it didnt come with a draft control,im guessing thats an option on that model? You getting 4x4?

Draft control was an option, but I didn't add it. I am getting 4x4 and hydraulic shuttle shift. I hope to have everything this weekend.

 

[gabby]

Beware mfr's minimum hp specs on mowers. They are called minimum for a reason. They will be way too low if you have any hills or any thick grass to cut. It will be like pulling a big trailer with a little truck. You can do it but you won't enjoy it.

 

[JBowie]

Beware mfr's minimum hp specs on mowers. They are called minimum for a reason. They will be way too low if you have any hills or any thick grass to cut. It will be like pulling a big trailer with a little truck. You can do it but you won't enjoy it.

Thanks, I hear you. That was my original thought, but other than a proxy for weight, there doesn't appear to be any logical reason to have a different hp requirement for different connections. It seems odd for the mfr to recommend 30 hp for a pull behind and 50 hp for a lift. Even if you are using some of the hp to "lift," (and I'm not sure you are, other than running the hydraulics?), you aren't lifting and mowing at the same time, are you? :confused3:

[I need that Yogi Berra quote about theory and practice.]

I'm going to test this theory this weekend, and hopefully my pics won't be with the new tractor in its side, or with a field of sloppily cut weeds.

 

[PoorPlowboy]

I run a Bush Hog 3008 3ph lift type with a MF251xe (48eng/45pto) and a BH 2426 loader on front. 7700lbs configured like this. Weight is OK, no problems there but if the grass hasn't been cut in 6 months, I had better be patient because it is agonizing, slow, loud, and hot. If I try any faster than 2rd gear low range, I will overheat the tractor in the current 100 degree heat.

Currently shopping for a 70hp cab tractor to run that implement. :laughing:
Serious.

 

[JBowie]

I run a Bush Hog 3008 3ph lift type with a MF251xe (48eng/45pto) and a BH 2426 loader on front. 7700lbs configured like this. Weight is OK, no problems there but if the grass hasn't been cut in 6 months, I had better be patient because it is agonizing, slow, loud, and hot. If I try any faster than 2rd gear low range, I will overheat the tractor in the current 100 degree heat.

That looks like a very similar setup to what I'd be trying. Thx for the feedback.

 

[gabby]

Thanks, I hear you. That was my original thought, but other than a proxy for weight, there doesn't appear to be any logical reason to have a different hp requirement for different connections. It seems odd for the mfr to recommend 30 hp for a pull behind and 50 hp for a lift. Even if you are using some of the hp to "lift," (and I'm not sure you are, other than running the hydraulics?), you aren't lifting and mowing at the same time, are you? :confused3:

I prefer pull type mowers. 30 hp is not even close to enough hp for an 8 foot mower. 50 hp is a big stretch.

 

[Gator6x4]

I don't think I would want a eight (8) foot rotary cutter on a tractor with only 50 PTO horsepower unless I was cutting 6-8 inch grass, taking 3/4 width cuts and came to spend a lot of time cutting. As PoorPlowboy says it will be loud, hot, slow and sweaty.

 

[case245]

I HAVE A 7040su kubota the dealer say an 8 foot cutter he also said i could run a 10 foot so id say an 8 foot max in thick stuff as high as the hood of the tractor that 5 foot on my tractor and with bigger tractor you have more weight to handle the swing cutter my tractor has a fel 4x4 loaded rear tires cast center wheel im guessing 8500 ibs my tractor wieghs could be more my 3500hd srw the safety chains n the trailer would hit the road once in a while transporting the tractor

 

[JBowie]

Although I don't seem to have any of the more open areas, here are some pics of the type and size of brush I'll need to cut, at least the first time:

 

[bilrus61]

I had a Rhino TW96 8 footer on my former tractor, a Kubota GL4200. It has 37 pto power and if you went in 1st or 2nd gear it could take down about anything. However put it in 3rd and it would lug the engine if stuff got very thick or tall. Engine would over heat pretty fast unless you kept the screen very clean. Mowing low really takes the horsepower. If you mow a little high its much easier for the tractor to do. Sharper blades work wonders also.

 

[foreman Etexas]

to mow yard (8ft)
few hrs to kill (12ft)
gotta get'r done (15ft)
:laughing:

 

[JBowie]

I appreciate everyone's comments on this thread. I'm still not certain how well the 5140 is going to work with the 8' shredder -- experience appears to be on both sides of the equation. However, they've both been ordered and I hope to get them tomorrow. I have to remind myself that I started this search by looking at a Mahindra 4010, then a Mahindra 4025, then a Kubota MX5100, then a JD 5055E, and decided on the M5140. My guess is that I will have more than enough tractor for my place, and if the shredder is too large, I bet I can find someone interested in a nearly new heavy duty 8' shredder.

And, I am looking forward to posting "after" pics to go along with the ones above.

:thumbsup:

 

[djradz]

I appreciate everyone's comments on this thread. I'm still not certain how well the 5140 is going to work with the 8' shredder -- experience appears to be on both sides of the equation. However, they've both been ordered and I hope to get them tomorrow. I have to remind myself that I started this search by looking at a Mahindra 4010, then a Mahindra 4025, then a Kubota MX5100, then a JD 5055E, and decided on the M5140. My guess is that I will have more than enough tractor for my place, and if the shredder is too large, I bet I can find someone interested in a nearly new heavy duty 8' shredder.

And, I am looking forward to posting "after" pics to go along with the ones above.

:thumbsup:

I think you will be fine, but performance will probably be very dependant on what you are cutting. If it is shorter or thinner, I am sure you will have no problems, if it is very long or think and has trouble getting discharged, even a larger machine might have some difficulty. If you find you do, simply cut more often or at a higher setting. Not a big deal.

 

[foreman Etexas]

I would look at a 3point sprayer and spray some,TSC has some stuff Pasture Pro that is like Grazon. It is safe to spray with cattle on pasture and will help get a handle on them weeds. With cows on there I dont believe his grass is going to be very thick,and if he does just toping the weeds and not cutting the grass would be the thing to do,if running cows on it also. Thats why I like the pull-type set it and go and him not having draft control,I think will have to work shredder being a 3point,if its uneven. Hey JBowie MAY have a tropical storm coming into Gulf,hope you get some rain out of it...