Rotary Cutter rotary cutter for X series?

Dutch445 · Sep 22, 2004

Has anybody used one of the smaller "estate" sized rotary cutters on a JD X series tractor? I know bush hog and woods make a 42" cutter, and i'm sure they are ok for sub compacts, but what about the X series tractors with 3pt and rear pto?
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timb · Sep 22, 2004

Interesting question - I can't see why it would be a power problem (especially for the diesel versions). However a different question could be - if the brush /field is so rough as to require a brush hog (versus just taller grass cut twice with a finish mower), is an X-series up to (ground clearance and all) being run through and mashing down all that stuff?

Dutch445 · Sep 22, 2004

I'm more concerned with the weight on the 3pt hitch. Rotary cutters extend a long way back, some say 75"...

The tire size is the same as on a JD 2210 and the BX series,, so I wasn't so concerned with ground clearance issues, and these tractors are built tough, I see what TBN members do with them.

bigpete · Sep 22, 2004

It should be able to handle a 42" as long as you don't take the machine out of its league. I ran a 42" off of my 445 years ago. I needed five suitcase weights hanging off of the front and would have needed more if I had any hills at all.

timb · Sep 23, 2004

Unfortunately, the on-line X-series manual does not include an 'implement code chart'. Deere has this in the larger tractor manuals - it gives a quick idea of how big an implement (weight and balance point) can work on that tractor's hitch - and how much front ballast may be needed to balance the tractor safely.

Deere specs a rear disk harrow (42"-52") and blade (60") as compatible - but I couldn't find any specs on those quickly. Woods Estate series includes a light 60" blade (in addition to the 350 lb 42" rotary) but the on-line brochure doesn't list weights/dimensions either. Bushhog's 42" rotary is 356 lbs and they list 5 foot rear blades of 150 and 280 lbs but no disk. Landpride's smallest & lightest disk (62") is 617 lbs.

Where I was going with this - since Deere considers *their* small disk and blade 'ok' with the X-series - if you can come up with some weights/dimensions of those and compare them to the Woods or Bushhog 42" rotaries, you might gain a feel as to whether you're in the ballpark, ballast/balance-wise. Neither hang out as far as the rotary, but I would guess that the disk especially could represent a similar 'load' and 'moment' to the 42" cutters. I'd be you'd be ok with enough front weight. You may need the extra front weight bracket and to add enough front weight though - I think the X-series built-in stock mount only holds 4 of the 42lb weights.

Dutch445 · Sep 23, 2004

Pete,
On the 445, did you change the pins on the mower you were using to Cat 0?
That's one benefit of the new X series, they do have Cat 1 hitch.

Soundguy · Sep 23, 2004

Anyone try the KK small series..?

I've seen some small mowers.. like for BX's etc.

Soundguy

bigpete · Sep 23, 2004

Yes, the pins on the cutter were Cat 0. I always kept a pair, or two, around to bolt onto a 3PH implement that could be used. AS everybody has mentioned, the big issue is front ballast. The 445 has a 540 RPM PTO and I never lugged. I borrowed it from a friend who works at a landscaping service, bolted on the pins, and cleared out about 1/2 acre of brambles and small saplings. I did go through a few shear pins. I don't remeber the model, but it was a Woods.