Rotary Cutter rotary cutter -Big Bee Brand

jyoutz · Jun 2, 2005

I'm in the market for a rotary cutter for my JD4100 tractor. I have 19 acres of wild rangeland that I will mow just once or twice a year to keep the brush and spring weeds down (some areas may not get mowed every year). I will mainly be mowing grass/ weeds but also some light brush. I know that a 4 footer is what Deere recommends for my tractor (lots of work to cut my land - I know I need a bigger tractor but it's not happening right now). Originally I was going to get a Landpride ($1200), but I recently noticed a "Big Bee" brand cutter for $650. I've never heard of this brand, but they're made in Mississippi. Does anybody know anything about this brand/ model. I know Landpride stuff is good (I have 2 of their blades) but is it worth nearly double the price? These are the only 2 brands I can find in stock locally (Albuquerque, NM).

Also another question, my tractor is a gear model and doesn't have a live PTO. I've learned to use this machine just fine with a belly-mount mower and rototiller -even if the PTO clutch isn't live. Will the cutter be difficult to use with a non-live PTO tractor? Keep in mind that I'm very experienced with my machine and have run about every attachment except for a rotary cutter. Anyone who can help me out, please post -I'm getting ready to buy something soon.

Pooh_Bear · Jun 2, 2005

Our local co-op sells Big Bee brand.
I have Big Bee finish mower.
Must be the same as a King Kutter cause I that is what I get parts for.

Pooh Bear

MMM · Jun 2, 2005

You can get an over running clutch for pto shaft. Not that expensive. I didn't think you could buy a tractor (especially Deere) these days that didn't hhave live or independant pto. Sure there isn't a switch to flip somewhere for independant pto?

jyoutz · Jun 3, 2005

Nope my machine (built in 2000) is gear-driven and doesn't have an independent PTO clutch. But I looked at the over-running clutch PTO attachment today. $59 and real easy to install, so no big deal. By the way, I just bought a 4' Landpride cutter today. I found a dealer that still had a new, 2-year old model. They let me have it at last year's price of $895. The new Landprides are going for $1250, so I think I got a fair deal. I'm shocked at how much implements have increased in price during the past year (I'm told due to the steel increase).

Pooh_Bear · Jun 3, 2005

An ORC is an ABSOLUTE MUST for using a rotary cutter.
Think SAFETY FIRST.

Pooh Bear

SailorBob · Jun 3, 2005

I'll second what Pooh Bear said about the overrun clutch. I used my rotary cutter for about 2 months before I got one. This is my first tractor and it was before I found the TBN website as well. Anyhow I can't believe how much easier it is to use with it.