RC 60 Posi-Track - 68" Brush Cutter?

EngineeredConstruction · Mar 22, 2014

Hi guys. I'm new the world of tracked loaders and I found a nice clean and tight Posi-Track RC-60 that I would really like to purchase. It seems to be a great value for a well maintained machine and that is hard to find in my price range. However, I would initially be using it primarily to brush hog some overgrown farmland in the area. I have a chainsaw for big stuff so I'm just talking about brush no bigger than about 1".

This Brush Cutter seems to be solidly built (in the US) and I found a new one for a good price but it weighs 1,350lb. On one hand I take that to be a good sign that it is rugged, on the other hand it could be too heavy and possibly too big (68" is a lot of rotating mass) for this 60hp machine that only weighs 6,200lb. What do you guys think? I'm told this machine is basically the same as the Cat 247B so I'd be interested in reviews on that machine with brush hogs as well. Thanks for any help!!

Matt

Bison · Mar 23, 2014

I'm afraid that RC60 has not enough ponies and hydr flow to run a decent size brush cutter.

EngineeredConstruction · Mar 23, 2014

How about running a slightly smaller 60" Brush Buster HD60? It doesn't appear as heavy duty and weighs only 950lb compared to 1,350lb. However, it does appear to be well supported from the quick attach to the flywheel/gearbox mount. It just doesn't seem to have all the supports to the front for pushing the brush down. I would imagine my approach changing a little bit with this one to chew it from the top rather than pushing it down.

It's hard to find a clean machine that has been maintained in my budget. Looking around, it seems like a bigger machine will cost in the ballpark of $10,000-$15,000 more and I just can't justify that right now. I'm hoping this machine will get me started for a few years. Thoughts?

Equipmentpro99 · Mar 23, 2014

That hd60 would be better for that size machine. Posi-tracks are great machines but theres alot of upkeep on the tracks and undercarriage. If you already have a tractor check out the brown tree cutters, they do an excellent job for less cost per hr to run. But if you are ok with the extra cost of running a track machine they are definitely more versatile that a tractor/cutter combo.

RDrancher · Mar 23, 2014

I'm sure you've read all of the talk about the undercarriage upkeep. I've heard lots of good things too, so I can't pass judgement one way or another.

I've run a rental 60" Brush Buster on a Kubota SVL75 quite a bit. That particular unit is pretty lightweight, but it'll cut 3" material without too much problem. It won't push trees down, and even in -3" material the front will bend a bit if you try. With the right technique and being careful about the pushing part, it'll do a pretty dang good job of knocking out heavy brush and saplings. I tried to get the rental guys to weld a heavy piece of angle on the front edge. They never did, and it still goes out on rental all of the time.

Here's some before and after pics of a couple of jobs.

Edited to add: What happens at the leading edge, is that the deck sheet metal separates from the heavier frame material between the welds since it's not welded all the way across. Material gets jammed in there. It looks like an easy fix to me.

EngineeredConstruction · Mar 24, 2014

Thanks guys. I really appreciate the input. I think I'm going with this ASV RC 60 and a 60" brush cutter of some kind. Any other decent ones I should consider? I can get the Brush Buster HD60 OTD for $3,565. I just wish it has a stronger leading edge. At the least I would need to weld a large support to that edge like the gentleman previously stated. Again, thanks for all your input (and pictures!)!

RDrancher · Mar 24, 2014

I like the look of Spartan's cutter. Skid Steer Brush Cutter 72" Wide Standard Flow 11 20 GPM with Hoses Couplers | eBay

nwterex · Mar 25, 2014

I have a Davco 60" Deck for sale

Jlabrecque · Mar 27, 2014

I have a cat 257 with regular flow (16 GPM). I am also looking for a mower.

I have been considering a wildkat. Anyone using this sized machine to mow?