MX5400. What brush cutter size? 60" or 72"?

[deelowe]

Trying to decide between a 60" or 72" brush cutter.

Tractor: MX5400 4x4 w/ loader

Cutter Brand: Woods (what my trusted dealer carriers)

Intended cutter use:

• Cutting grass around a pond and along a dam bank which has an incline
• Clearing brush in lightly wooded areas (looking at 3" cutting capacity)

A larger cutter would allow my to cut around the pond more quickly but I'm worried it would get in the way when maneuvering in the woods, might impact my tractor's PTO ability to clear saplings, and/or could cause more of a tip hazard when cutting the dam. My neighbor has a 60" and he loves it, but mx5200 is 2wd and doesn't have a loader so it's not a 1:1 comparison.

Update

After talking to my local dealers and what they have in stock, here are the models I'm considering:

- Titan 1606
- Woods BB72.50

 

[jeff9366]

You have ample power for a light duty, medium duty or heavy duty 72" brush cutter.

 

[LD1]

If 3" capacity is a priority, some of the heavier 6' cutters will make the tractor light in the front without a loader. But the tractor is likely already 6' wide if not a little wider (dont know what tires you have). So a 6' isnt much hinderance in the woods. I run an 8' twin spindle mower on my MX....though not a heavy 3" cut capacity one.

A 5' is just gonna be really small looking hanging off the back of a MX

 

[sea2summit]

You have ample power for a light duty, medium duty or heavy duty 72" brush cutter.

This^

My 5800 doesn't even feel a 6', my finish mower is an 84" Brush Hog brand that is built like a tank and the tractor doesn't feel that either. I'd be tempted to 7' if you weren't planning on 3" material...which sounds like more than I'd tackle with a brush hog I intended to keep anyway regardless of brand.

 

[tradosaurus]

Trying to decide between a 60" or 72" brush cutter.

Tractor: MX5400 4x4 w/ loader

Cutter Brand: Woods (what my trusted dealer carriers)

Intended cutter use:

• Cutting grass around a pond and along a dam bank which has an incline
• Clearing brush in lightly wooded areas (looking at 3" cutting capacity)

A larger cutter would allow my to cut around the pond more quickly but I'm worried it would get in the way when maneuvering in the woods, might impact my tractor's PTO ability to clear saplings, and/or could cause more of a tip hazard when cutting the dam. My neighbor has a 60" and he loves it, but mx5200 is 2wd and doesn't have a loader so it's not a 1:1 comparison.

I use the RCR2660 (60") on my MX5400. I purchased the RCR2660 (cutting capacity up to 3") when I purchased my L3301 and then 2 yrs later upgraded to the MX5400.
I would get the 72" if the extra 12" width won't be an issue. If you are going between trees that extra 12" might be an issue.

 

[bdhsfz6]

I use a 72" Brushog behind my MX5800 with no problems at all. A 60" will be narrower than the track width of the tractor and can be a pain cutting under some conditions.

 

[Rustyiron]

^^^^ yes, absolutely cover your track (width) by 4-5" on each side. Properly adjusted for a "normal" field type mowing, about 1/2 the weight is on the tail wheel for your weight concerns.

 

[powerstroke444e]

I have a 2084 landpride behind our old m5400 and I am really happy how it handles and definitely wouldn't want anything lighter or smaller doing similar stuff. The one I have only has single rear wheel.
So go heavy and at least 72 wide with slip clutch. You won't regret it once you write the check.

 

[jyoutz]

Trying to decide between a 60" or 72" brush cutter.

Tractor: MX5400 4x4 w/ loader

Cutter Brand: Woods (what my trusted dealer carriers)

Intended cutter use:

• Cutting grass around a pond and along a dam bank which has an incline
• Clearing brush in lightly wooded areas (looking at 3" cutting capacity)

A larger cutter would allow my to cut around the pond more quickly but I'm worried it would get in the way when maneuvering in the woods, might impact my tractor's PTO ability to clear saplings, and/or could cause more of a tip hazard when cutting the dam. My neighbor has a 60" and he loves it, but mx5200 is 2wd and doesn't have a loader so it's not a 1:1 comparison.

I have a MX6000 and have plenty of power for a 7’ cutter but went with a 6’ due to needing to maneuver around trees and other things. You have enough power for either size; your decision should be based on what you need to work around.

 

[Kioti Dave]

I have a 45 hp Kioti. I have a 5' rough cut mower from my old tractor. Way too small. Got a great deal on a 7' medium duty (1000 lbs) at auction. Hardly feel it behind me. I do maintain some trails in the bush, and the 7' can be tougher to maneuver. If the choices are a 5' or a 6', go with the 6' all day. 5' will look tiny behind that tractor.