rotary cutter in rocks...

TMTS · Sep 10, 2008

I looked at a 15-20 acre job today that is for me boarderline do-able. 80% the material to be mowed/mulched was small- less than 1.5" - but the issue is rocks (Yes I live in "The Granite State" of New Hampsha). Since the material is all small, I thought - what would it be like to mow it with a rotary mower like an Ambusher or US mower? The rocks are large, and mostly visable...and I would certainly expect to hit a few- my question is would a rotary hold up better in the rocks than my fecon? With the rotary deck out front perhaps the deck would ride-up and take the rocks before the blade...with the Fecon the first thing you hit are the carbides... If I use the Fecon I'm planning on a "tooth surcharge" - something like if I bust more than 2 teeth per 8 hr day, there is a $75 fee-

just trying to think outside the box...

oh, and the material doesn't need to be finely mulched as its a wildlife opening thats trying to encourage early sucessional habitat.

thanks for the input...

-Eric

QwikDraw · Sep 10, 2008

Eric,

The Ammbusher DL66 can do a good job in that size material. When you ruin a set of blades they are about $125 a set, break two teeth on the fecon you are already at $150. The blades are two sided and the motor runs both ways so switch the hoses and the motor runs the opposite rotation and you have a fresh side to cut with. BUT how rocky is it? Are you going to tear up the tracks?
I also have a lighter weight Bradco rotary, it would do a good job up to 3 material and was much less $$ than the Ammbusher. I purchased it for field mowing work as it cuts grass better than the shorter heavier blades of the DL66 but when I used it in some light brush I was impressed with its performance. The DL66 will zip a 6 tree down without even slowing.

How would an excavator work?

john_bud · Sep 10, 2008

I hit rocks all the time with my bush hog type rotary cutter behind a tractor. (Not exactly the same, but close). There is some bounce in the blades as they are free swinging and you can dress out the smaller nicks. The pissa (as you Nahampsha folks say) is when the blades break and a 5 pound chunk goes flying somewheres.

You may want to bite the bullet and bring a extra set of blades ot two and a file.

TMTS · Sep 10, 2008

Its rocky, but most of the rocks are pretty good sized- say about the size of a 72" bucket..so I plan on driving around most of them. An excavator mower would be perfect for the job. production I suspect would be slower, but with a lot less wear/tear on the machine. I was thinking I might demo a PT-100 for the job and I think I saw a used ammbusher for sale for $3900 (its not the sweet DL66- just the regular 72")...what do they sell for new? This job is big enough I could justify the new attachement.

keep the suggestions coming...

Eagleview · Sep 11, 2008

A flail mower is about the best option . They spin bottom forward so they don't buck when they hit a rock . Unlike a carbide , that tooth striking downwards has no option other than to buck the mower or break the tooth . Flail hammers are fairly cheap and easy to replace . When you hit an object they lay back against the drum which gives you the split second you need to get off it before any damage is done . Ive been toying with the idea of using 4 short pieces of Herc Alloy chain instead of the flails on one of my mowers . Because i'm alway finding rocks and engine blocks in the Lantana i thought it might be like a big whipper snipper with some give to cushion the blows . I have 22 hammers on the mower which would require 88 pieces of chain to replace the hammers . I think it would still pulverise the Lantana into mulch .

QwikDraw · Sep 11, 2008

TMTS said:
I might demo a PT-100 for the job

If I were looking for a new machine now I would check in to the Takeuchi T250. They are releasing a high Flow, I was told 4 weeks out. They had Supertrak do the testing and finally got the temperatures where they wanted them. I don't know the exact GPM or PSI.
I would also try a Cat, the new track system looks real good and pressurized cab. Has anyone seen one in person??

I was just quoted $2818.59 per track +ship+tax...17 months in and 1100 hours. With about $300 for shipping that's 6225/1100 hours is $5.65 per hour for track wear and I may need to change some of the wheels and rollers.

Robbie Hegwood · Sep 11, 2008

I have seen the Cat recently and during testing. It's a 299C, it has a "bobcat" looking track system suspended from the tractor similar to the ASV. I think it's just the ticket for a mulching. Now the price will choke you, about 73-75K, but the new PT-100 is right there with it.

TMTS · Sep 11, 2008

Ted- I generally factor 1000 hrs for a set of tracks. So your in the ball-park. Are they torn up or too streched-out?

I just spent $1500 (parts only) on new wheels, axles, bearings and seals. First major overhaul of wheels and bearings seems to be right around 1500-2000hrs.

- an ASV salesman told me a few weeks ago to factor $8 per hour for the undercarriage upkeep, repairs, etc...with 4000+ hrs on two different ASV 4810, I'd say he is pretty right on. Now I don't know if the newer track design on the RC's and PTs is much different in terms of wear/tear/longevity.

I'll check out the new Cat...

QwikDraw · Sep 11, 2008

I actually do figure in about $8 for tracks..it still stinks when you have to shell out 6K for maintenance. I don't think I would change my prices if I had a machine that would cost less to run...only my profit