Question on pull-behind shredders (rotary cutters)

[Luv2Q]

Does a given width pull-behind cutter require less horsepower than a 3PH cutter of same width? I'm trying to find a way I can get my B2320 to make a wider cut than the 4' cutter that's recommended for it, and thought maybe a 5' pull type cutter may be the answer.

Opinions appreciated, and thanks in advance!

 

[Depmandog]

Does a given width pull-behind cutter require less horsepower than a 3PH cutter of same width? I'm trying to find a way I can get my B2320 to make a wider cut than the 4' cutter that's recommended for it, and thought maybe a 5' pull type cutter may be the answer. Opinions appreciated, and thanks in advance!

I don't think you would have any problems using a 5' model. Yeah, you might not be able to horse it through the really thick tall stuff, especially with the blades 2" off the ground. Raise the deck up a few inches higher, perhaps grab a lower gear, and shred once more per season and you will be fine.

The other consideration is the added weight. I have a old 13' flat Bush Hog that I use with my 706 Farmall. That RC is a tank, and I KNOW it's behind me, even with my ag tractor. I sure wouldn't want to pull it cross hill very much. I could put it behind my 50 HP Kubota. Light grass, weeds it would be fine, especially with the deck raised. But on hills it would be dangerous, as it would drag the Kubota.

 

[Luv2Q]

Thanks, Dean. Makes sense since the tractor isn't having to lift as well as power the blades but thought I'd ask. Thanks again.

 

[vtsnowedin]

When you using a 3PH cutter some of it's weight is on the tail wheel and the rest on the rear of the tractor. That weight helps with rear wheel traction and you would lose that moving to a tow behind model. Also it doesn't take any power to hold a tool at a given height just valves and seals that don't leak.
You might be able to mow an acre faster with the recommended width cutter as you would have enough power to run it and not be always bogging down. One thing you can do when you run into heavy cutting is take it a half pass at a time.
Is there a way to try a five footer towed or 3PH and see if your B2320 will handle it? That's the only way to tell for sure.

 

[LD1]

I think weigh is the issue with a 5' cutter. You might have issues lifting it and still keeping the front tires down. 5' tow would solve this bit pulling power become a factor. They do make 54" cutters

 

[Sid Post]

Traction is most likely a problem with the pull behind. As mentioned, weight on the the rear tires really helps, especially if your field isn't flat.

Watch the 3pt weight if you go with a 5 foot bush hog. The rear blade on the bx2230 I use makes the tractor VERY bouncy even at a very slow pace.

The 4 footer is recommended for a reason.
It is a great lawn mower and garden tractor but, it is just too small to be a good field tractor. The small tires don't help much and limit where it can be used.