Rotary Cutter Rotary cutter: Rhino vs. Bushhog?

Cyberchuck · Dec 20, 2005

I'm going to buy a rotary cutter for my Kubota B7500 (17 PTO hp).

My local dealers have a Rhino SE-4 for $915, or a BushHog brand SQ480 for $795. Both are 48", and to me look pretty similar.

My question is whether the Rhino is worth the extra $120. I don't mind paying more if I'm getting better durability, better service parts availability or something else tangible.

Is the Rhino worth it, or should I save the $120 and go with the BushHog?

TIA,
Chuck
Athens, GA

Gatorboy · Dec 20, 2005

The Rhino is better than the Bushhog, but you can't go wrong with either model.

gamble77 · Dec 20, 2005

Does the Rhino have a slip clutch on it? That might be where the price difference is coming from. I would imagine at that price the Rhino has a slip clutch, the SQ480 isn't offered with it. If they are both shear pin protection then the Rhino would not be worth the extra money.

HomeBrew2 · Dec 20, 2005

I can't compare them for you but I have the SQ480 and can't imagine needing more ($) cutter (for the size). Great unit.
Good point about the slip clutch vs cost though. If that's the case, and you do your own work, AgriSupply has slip clutches for ~$65.
A note about the BushHog shear pin ... mine came (setup by idiot dealer) with a grade 5 bolt/shear pin. I replaced it with a grade 2 (per manual).
Cheers!

tjkadar · Dec 20, 2005

You might want to consider a Bush Whacker too. They are very solid chunks of equipment. Of course, not everyone needs a heavy duty unit like it.

When we were looking for a new rotary unit, we found a pretty good difference in price on Bush Hogs from one dealer to another. Shopping around might get you a slightly better deal. Not sure about the Rhinos as we didn't price them.

IslandTractor · Dec 20, 2005

Never seen the Rhino but I own and am very happy with the BushHog model you are considering. $795 is a good price too.

gamble77 · Dec 20, 2005

Also make sure that the BushHog has the laminated trail wheel not the solid tire...you will thank yourself.

margaritaman · Dec 20, 2005

I have the Rhino SE-5 and L3400. Can't speak for the Bush Hog but I can't imagine a tougher unit than the Rhino. Mine gets put through some tough duty and rough terrain. Breaks a shear pin now and then but that's what it is supposed to do. I am impressed with the quality and heaviness of the housing, etc.

flusher · Dec 20, 2005

I have a 48" King Kutter rotary mower ($675 at Tractor Supply Co.) for my B7510HST (21HP engine, 17HP at the PTO). It comes with a PTO shaft that has a shear bolt, but you could install a slip clutch without a lot of trouble if that's your preference.

I use it for weeds (don't have any heavy brush or small saplings on my 10 acres) and it works fine. The 7510 has no trouble handling this beastie.

KK has a reputation for making no-frills, relatively inexpensive stuff that gets the job done. Some folks here consider KK stuff to be cheap enough to throw away rather than bother with an expensive or time-consuming repair.

Travis_R · Dec 20, 2005

Hey,

I have a Bush Hog SQ600 Squealer rotary cutter. I gave $890.00 for it back in February. I don't think I could have bought anything better for the money. I knew about the Rhino cutters, but all we have around here mainly is Bush Hog and the cheaper units.
I have put my squealer through things you probably wouldn't imagine....gotta give a shout out to my Mahindra tractor too, very tough... /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif...but anyway, I have only sheared the pin 2 times. Both times were from unseen stumps. I have cut at least 4" ironwood trees with it. Not to mention all the brush and cottonwood trees.
I don't think I will ever buy a cutter with a slip clutch. I don't see where a person would need one. Unless its just preference. I have been VERY impressed with the shear pin model Bush Hog Squealer.

If I were you, I would get the Bush Hog. But from what I hear, both are excellent cutters.

Travis