SCOTTYDAWG
New member
I'm looking for a rotary cutter for my DK40 SE hst , some guys have told me a 5' will work better than a 6' in thick grass/brush. This is a new tractor for me any suggestions would be great.
Rotary Cutter. 6' or 5'
- Thread starter SCOTTYDAWG
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o2batsea
Platinum Member
Honestly, any really thick grass and brush will thoroughly defeat a rotary cutter. They tend to simply whomp the stuff rather than cut it. You will probably have to do several passes if it's truly jungle-like.
I would steer you towards the 5 footer. Way easier to manoever and less weighty. 6 foot is a little much for your tractor.
Have you thought about a chemical approach? You can buy a LOT of glyphosate fot the cost of a rotary cutter.
I would steer you towards the 5 footer. Way easier to manoever and less weighty. 6 foot is a little much for your tractor.
Have you thought about a chemical approach? You can buy a LOT of glyphosate fot the cost of a rotary cutter.
jjlite
Bronze Member
I have a 6' on my 4035 and runs it fine. When I get into grass that's eye level while hogging I really have to slow down. I would think your DK would do just fine with a 6'. It does bog down a little while cutting Willow bushes which are a real pain in the *** but picking the proper speed for the job makes all the difference in the world. Good luck.
RoyJackson
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I'd go with the 6 footer...
The initial mowing might be slower...and you may have to take partial width passes on thick stuff. Follow up mowings, assuming you mow regularly, will be faster and less work. A cutter wider then your rear tire width allows you to get closer to fences and other obstacles.
However, 6 foot cutters can be a lot heavier then 5 footers as well as more cumbersome.
BTW, do carry a brush or something to clean off your grills...heavy brush mowing can generate a lot of dust and pollen. You don't want your tractor overheating. If your tractor is an open station machine, consider wear a dust mask too.
The initial mowing might be slower...and you may have to take partial width passes on thick stuff. Follow up mowings, assuming you mow regularly, will be faster and less work. A cutter wider then your rear tire width allows you to get closer to fences and other obstacles.
However, 6 foot cutters can be a lot heavier then 5 footers as well as more cumbersome.
BTW, do carry a brush or something to clean off your grills...heavy brush mowing can generate a lot of dust and pollen. You don't want your tractor overheating. If your tractor is an open station machine, consider wear a dust mask too.
DK35vince
Super Member
My DK 35 runs a 6' King Kutter standard duty cutter just fine, so a DK 40 should have no problem with a 6' cutter.
coobie
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I run a 6ft brush hog brand heavy duty with slip clutch cuts great.I had a 5ft. light duty that cut ok also.If you have tight areas I would go with the 5ft if not go with the 6ft.
SPYDERLK
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Iv compared a 5' and 6' cutter in the same model line. At 45HP PTO the tractor did well with either. The 5' handled big stuf better.
I think 5' is the sweet spot for single spindle cutters.
larry
I think 5' is the sweet spot for single spindle cutters.
larry
IslandTractor
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I have a 5 foot Woods Brush Bull (medium duty) on my DK40se. I would have bought a 6ft version but I wanted to get one used and the 5ft showed up first. No regrets. I use it only for heavy brush as I have a six foot flail for mowing light brush and fields. Based on how the five footer performs, the DK40se could easily handle a 6ft bush hog. If I were mowing fields I'd get the six. If primarily doing heavy brush hogging, the five is fine.
LD1
Epic Contributor
I'd go 6' minimum.
The tractors these days are geared quite low. And if you have HST thats even better.
With the HP you have, you will find yourself slowing down quite a bit even with a 5' cutter, not because you lack power, but because terrain is just too rough. Get the 6', and go slower. With the 6' cutter, I dont think there will be any time where you have to use your lowest gear. Therefore you have plenty of power. So 6' and go slow is an easier ride for you and your equipment.
The tractors these days are geared quite low. And if you have HST thats even better.
With the HP you have, you will find yourself slowing down quite a bit even with a 5' cutter, not because you lack power, but because terrain is just too rough. Get the 6', and go slower. With the 6' cutter, I dont think there will be any time where you have to use your lowest gear. Therefore you have plenty of power. So 6' and go slow is an easier ride for you and your equipment.
vtsnowedin
Elite Member
I'll second Royjacksons advice. No need to take a full cut in the heavy stuff except for the first shot through the middle. set it so the rear is a couple of inches higher then the front so only the leading edge of the blade is cutting.
