Pros/cons of rotary cutter mounting systems? 3-point vs semi-mount vs trailer

[Sigogglin]

I've seen the standard 3-point hitch, the semi mount which seems like just the hydraulic lifts, not top link, then the tow behind.

What do you like about them? I have a couple.

3-point - it is nice when you want to back up and "push back the forest" when clearing the pasture edges.
Tow behind seems to provide more mower capacity per HP, at least from what I've been reading. True?

I'm looking at a John Deere MX8 with semi-mount. What is the value of semi-mount vs the others?

thanks
david

 

[ovrszd]

I am not aware of any capacity per HP gain of tow behind?? Curious what you base that on?

I believe semi-mount allows a smaller tractor to handle a larger cutter and still be able to easily "back" it.

I have a 6' mounted and a 15' tow behind.

Last summer I sold a 10' mounted. It was a load on my M9540. Required 1200lbs of suitcase weights. Good cutter. Just a bit heavy. Maximum width I'd want in a rigid frame.

 

[Sigogglin]

I was looking at the John Deere site:

For example their MX8

Rotary Cutters | MX8 Rotary Cutter | John Deere US

Tractor PTO HP range Minimum PTO pull-type, semi-mount, semi-mount hydraulic offset 30 kW
40 hp
Minium PTO lift-type 37 kW
50 hp

They list a higher HP requirement for lift-type.

 

[ovrszd]

I was looking at the John Deere site:

For example their MX8

Rotary Cutters | MX8 Rotary Cutter | John Deere US



They list a higher HP requirement for lift-type.

I'm gonna guess they are expecting the larger HP tractor in their lineup to be heavier and able to carry the cutter easier. There's no reason for it to require more PTO HP.

 

[ruffdog]

I have only used the 3pt types. On my property, I have no need to attach the top link as I have no reason to lift the entire cutter.

 

[Turbys_1700]

General rule of thumb is 5 PTO HP per foot of cut. 3 point cutters in the larger widths weigh more and require tractors with more weight, longer wheel base, and sometimes front weights.

I ran a nice 6 foot Brown 472 with a 52 HP 4610 SU Ford. Plenty of power but even with 5 front suitcase weights the front would get light with an 1100# cutter attached. The Ford had a 77-1/2" wheel base

I currently run a 10 foot mounted Titan cutter that weighs close to 1500# with a T4.75. It is a perfect match IMHO. The NH has an 83" wheel base and weighs over 9K with loaded rears and FEL.

My father ran a 1800# mounted Howse cutter attached to an 805O Allis with 150 HP at the PTO. The tractor did not have front weights and got light in the front with that cutter attached. Perfect example of a short wheel base higher HP 2WD tractor without front ballast and a heavy 3 point mounted cutter. I ran it several years without any issues other than the front end getting light.

 

[Bigpuddie]

I like a pull type. Its mows better with less scalping as it follows better. Also, you can back it under trees easily. I use a rear mounts camera. Works awesome. Only disadvantage is crossing ditches. Much better on slopes. Pull type is also easier to hook up and can be moved around with a pickup truck if necessary.