looking for a 4 foot cutter

mathteacher · May 20, 2004

I am looking for an in-expensive 4 foot rotary cutter. I would go with the KK but haven't even seen if TSC can get one and what the price would be.

Have looked at web sites and more web sites and have read about as much as I can read. I just haven't found many out there that are looking for a 4 footer.

I have had 3 dealers in my area tell me that a five footer would be pushing my B7610 to the limit not because of the PTO power but because of the length behind the tractor. Don't know!

Please tell me some brands. And any recomendations.

Donald B.

KiotiJohn · May 21, 2004

I've had good luck with my Howse (www.howseimplement.com) 4' brush mower. I think it retails under $500. One thing though, I don't see why a 5 foot mower would be a problem on that tractor. Kioti states that I can use a 5' on my CK20HST which weighs a little more, but that shouldn't be a problem on the Kubota in my opinion. As far as I can remember, the 5' is not substantially LONGER than a 4', just a foot wider and maybe inches longer? John

MarkV · May 21, 2004

Donald, the KK 4' cutter cost $500 or did last week here. If it is not in stock TSC should be able to order it for you. You have enough power to run a 5' cutter and that would cover your rear tires. The weight should not be that big of issue and you can always add some front weights if it feels to light up front for comfort. I believe I would vote for covering your rear tire track and go with the 5'.

MarkV

Soundguy · May 22, 2004

You should be able to get a howse or KK 4' cutter for under 500 bucks.. or a chineese 4' cutter from homier tool for 299 bucks plus shipping.. or no shipping at a tool sale..

Etc..

Soundguy

EastTexFrank · May 22, 2004

I don't know much about the B7610 but I think it is the same size as my B2400. The maximum size recommended by Kubota for that size is a 4' mower. It might handle a 5' but it would depend on what you were cutting and how level your ground is. You also might need some weight on the front with the 5'.
I have a 4' Busy Bee (or something like that). It's an el cheapo mower but it's worked well for over 3 years. I didn't want to invest in a more expensive mower because I only use it 2 or 3 times a year to cut 8 acres and it spends it's time sitting out in the weather. I think it cost me $450-$500. The paint has faded on it and there are rust spots but it is actually pretty sturdy for the price and should last quite a few more years - as long as I'll need it to last anyway - and it's simple to repair. There should be plenty of 4' mowers in that price range that will do the job.

OhioGuy · Jun 1, 2004

I bought a 4 foot King Kutter and have been real happy with it. I had some problems with the assembly, some parts missing and TSC and KK were quick to ship parts out and some extra goodies for their oversight. I've had it one year with good results. I thought about a five footer but I'm running a Ford NH 1220 and was afraid of it being underpowered. (18HP)

Good luck!

Curt

Soundguy · Jun 2, 2004

I've also had good luck with KK.. I bought a 5' unit, and it was missing a retaining ring on the gearbox shaft.

KK was more than happy to express one out to me.

Soundguy

maxtractor · Jun 3, 2004

I am curious about using a 5' brush mower with a B7610. It seems to me that it should handle a 5' brush mower too. I have a B7610 but I don't have a brush cutter. I don't need one now. (I am always looking for a good reason to need one.) If I ever need one I know I would prefer a 5' cutter if it could handle one. Is anyone using a 5' brush mower on a B7610?

Soundguy · Jun 3, 2004

What HP it got? I run a 5' on my old 8n.. ( 26ish hp )

Soundguy

maxtractor · Jun 4, 2004

I am sure someone will correct me if I am wrong. I think it is 24 engine 18 pto.

shoppintractors · Jun 4, 2004

You are correct.....

B7610 24 gross horsepower 18 PTO horsepower

Don

KiotiJohn · Jun 4, 2004

( I am curious about using a 5' brush mower with a B7610. ) I see on the Kubota site that a 6' rear finish mower can be used on the B7610. If that's the case, I see NO reason you can't use a 5' brush cutter. Cutting grass is a lot harder than cutting brush as you have constant contact with all the blades with grass. John

RoyJackson · Jun 4, 2004

"Is anyone using a 5' brush mower on a B7610? "

I operated a 5' Land Pride cutter behind a (16 PTO HP) Deere 670 with no problems. Most of the stuff was taller then the cowl of the tractor and pretty thick. The dealer I bought the cutter from was a Kubota shop. Although I was looking for a 4' unit, they told me they sold these 5' cutters for use with B7500's. Can't say if that was the straight skinny, or just saleman's talk...but the 670/5'cutter combo worked very well.

Since that 7610 has 18 HP at the PTO, doubt if you have problems either. Just make sure you go slow enough to find any obstacles or potential dangers under the brush.

That Land Pride goes just over 600 lbs, so if you go for a 5' cutter, just be careful when it's in the transport (raised) position.

KAB · Jun 4, 2004

I just used a 5' on a Kioti CK20h with no problems. About 2 acres grass and saplings (1") and about .5 acres heavy brush. No problems.

Kurt

Henro · Jun 4, 2004

I am curious about using a 5' brush mower with a B7610... If I ever need one I know I would prefer a 5' cutter if it could handle one. 

Maxtractor,

I thought that way too and ended up with a 5' Woods BB60, which I like but...

With only a couple hillside acres with lots of trees, I wonder if a 4' would not have been a better choice. Now I am gradually thinning the trees and trying to make it easier to deal with, but it is still only 2 acres. Knowing what I know now, if I were buying now, I just might go with a 4' unit and be happier. That is just because of the trees though, and the need to get around and between them (sometimes both at the same time).

If I were dealing with open areas then "the bigger the better" would be the rule... /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

I guess the point I am trying to make is that it is not just "what the tractor can handle" but also "what makes the most sense for your particular situation."

When I was considering my rotary cutter purchase I think I got too hung up on whether my B2910 Kubota 22 PTO HP could handle the 5' BH, and did not take enough time to stand back and consider what might best fit my needs.

It hurts me to say it but it turns out a 4' unit probably would be better than a 5' one in my case. /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif

It is tough though to want to buy a four footer when the price iis almost the same as a 5' unit. 5' might be easier to sell later if that need/desire came up.

EastTexFrank · Jun 4, 2004

( I see on the Kubota site that a 6' rear finish mower can be used on the B7610 )

That's true for a RFM but I know that on my B2400, same engine and PTO hp, they recommend a 4' rotary cutter in the manual. I also know that on my steep inclines that is about all it can comfortably handle when cutting thick, tall grass.

JohnSr · Jun 4, 2004

( With only a couple hillside acres with lots of trees, I wonder if a 4' would not have been a better choice. )

I am glad I went w/ a 4ft cutter because I have some pretty steep hills and lots of obstacles. It gives me that little bit of "wiggle room" that I need to maneuver. Also, the 5ft would not have fit on my 16ft trailer when I have the loader on. Even now I have the bucket curled and resting on the tongue. (should have waited on an 18ft trailer!)

Also, I hacked up one of my trailing wheels on the KK cutter today because the linch pins are removed too easily by brush. Whatever brand you get, make sure your trailing tire/s are fastened securely! /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

JP

AMP762 · Jun 4, 2004

I bought a 4ft. cutter last fall at a Homier tool sale,$299.00
I have been totely satisfied so far. It has a little whine in the gearbox but I've cut some serious brush and no problems.

KiotiJohn · Jun 5, 2004

( That's true for a RFM but I know that on my B2400, same engine and PTO hp, they recommend a 4' rotary cutter in the manual. )
But isn't the B2400 a smaller tractor thant the B7610? Lift capacity on the 3pt, PTO HP, and weight of the tractor would play the most important role in using a 5'. Mathteacher, what does you manual say?? John

RoyJackson · Jun 5, 2004

"But isn't the B2400 a smaller tractor thant the B7610?"

Per the Kubota specs on the website, the 7610 and the 2410 use the same sized engine (~68 c.i.) and weight just about the same (~1476 lbs).
Kubota also compares both tractors to the Deere 4115, so it appears both the 2410 and 7610 are quite comparable, at least in size and capacities.
Haven't seen a 7610 in the steel yet, so as far as physical size...don't know.

For comparison, my old Deere 670 went about 2000 lbs (maybe 2200 or so with the loader), had a 54 c.i. engine and 16 HP at the PTO. I am of the understanding the Kubota weights are sans wheels and tires, so don't look for a direct comparison.