Rotary Cutter Rotary Cutter Shopping (again)

rockyridgefarm · Jan 5, 2004

I am back to shopping for a rotary cutter. I will be using it on my Deere 4310 4WD, 25 pto hp. Actually, my wife will use it quite a bit. /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif

I have about 60 acres of mowing, but we aren't in a big hurry, and its pasture, not golf course or lawn. I knew the tractor wouldn't handle an 8' or 15' batwing! We are happy taking turns with the cutting. But I don't want to be silly and get too small, or too heavy.

I want all the safety shields, and would prefer a slip clutch. I want it to be quick hitch capable, too. (Gotta take care of the Missus!)

I looked at KingKutter. The build quality is rough; they don't use continuous welds, and the top is pretty thin. At $1000.00 (price to my door, with accessories) for a 5' They aren't that great a value.

A Midwest is nice. About $1050. Sure looks better. None Locally so I get to add freight.

A Deere MX5 is a medium duty cutter at $1400 I like the easy clean top.

But a 5' won't extend past my wheels. A 6' would. My tractor is rated to an LX6. Now I am just cutting grass and blackberries, with some small (1/2 inch) saplings. Seems the 6' would hold up OK.

But the price is pretty close to the MX5. (an LX6 is $1317) Would I be happier with the more durable cutter? Will it cut faster, due to its design? (The lit suggests this)

Thanks!

BillG_in_TX · Jan 5, 2004

You might try Kioti dealers. I understand they carry (or can order) the Midwest line.

rockyridgefarm · Jan 5, 2004

Thanks! I tried that, but none around here seem to....

BobG_in_VA · Jan 5, 2004

Check out the International 6'. I believe Sweet Tractors/ ad on this website carries them. I have a 7' HD and it'll pretty much cut anything you can drive over or back over. Price will be reasonable compared to the JD. BobG in VA

RoyJackson · Jan 5, 2004

"At $1000.00 (price to my door, with accessories) for a 5' "

A GRAND for a King Kutter 5' cutter?

Around here, that cutter goes for < $600 and maybe $750 with chains.

I've a 5' Land Pride that cost a $1000. It has the rubberized guards rather then chains. It's a well built unit.

There's no doubt your 4310 should handle a 6' cutter easily. I'd even price 7' and 8' cutters.

rockyridgefarm · Jan 5, 2004

KingKutter $700.00
Chains $120.00
Slip Clutch $120.00
Tax $94.00

/forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif

 I'd even price 7' and 8' cutters. 
I wouldn't dare hope that I could go that big... The 8 footers I've seen (MX8) are HUGE-MUNGOUS!!!

Now I have wondered about a 84" dual spindle, but I am too poor, I guess...

MiniOaksMocha · Jan 5, 2004

I gave $595 for a 5' Modern Bushhog last year which I pull behind a NH TC29D. Wish I would have bought a 6' unit as all I use it for is to maintain pasture land also, plus with the Hydrostat, slowing down for thick stuff is no problem. Seems to be a pretty good unit. Also have an old 1974 Bushhog model 105 unit which my Dad purchased new back in 1974. Other than having the deck rebuilt and new blades, it's still used to maintain approx 30 acres per year of pasture land. I'm not sure that the Modern unit will be still be running in 30 years like the Bushhog brand, but for the money difference, I can buy 2 units. Question: if all you'll be cutting is grass and small saplings, why do you need chains and especially a slip clutch?

rockyridgefarm · Jan 5, 2004

I like the Modern Units, but they are over $1000 here... Maybe I chould check for better pricing...

 Question: if all you'll be cutting is grass and small saplings, why do you need chains and especially a slip clutch? 

Good Question! But I gave all the clues you need already! 1, My beautiful wife will be using it. And, 2, my username. I didn't pick it just because it sounded nice... /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

tctx · Jan 5, 2004

Re: Rotary Cutter Shopping (again).. no wonder!!

looking at the pic under your handle.... no wonder that your always shopping for new cutters.... I don't think the slip clutch is going to help you with that landing!! LOL....

tc

don't try this at home kids....

MiniOaksMocha · Jan 5, 2004

I chose the Modern based on deck design and tail wheel design. The deck has only two braces running front to back which holds very little trash on the deck. The tail wheel support is a pretty good size unit which seems to be designed to take abuse. Some of the units out there have what appears to be flimsey supports for the tail wheel. King Kutter makes a pretty good unit, just wish they wouldn't put so many braces on top of the deck, this just hold all the trash and if you don't clean it and happen to leave it out or it gets wet, then this just makes it rot out quicker. My neighbor has a 5' Kodiak, but don't know much about it, seems to be a good unit.

rockyridgefarm · Jan 5, 2004

Re: Rotary Cutter Shopping (again).. no wonder!!

/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

I said the safety features were for HER, didn't I? /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

Do you think the bales should go on top?!!

I have had that pic for a LONG time, it's still a hoot!!

Gatorboy · Jan 6, 2004

( I have about 60 acres of mowing, but we aren't in a big hurry )

That's good to know, for by the time you finish, it will be time to mow again. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

BB_TX · Jan 6, 2004

At 25 pto hp you certainly don't want anything larger than a 6'. I have 27 pto hp and run a 6'. Does fine as long as I don't let the grass get too tall. If I let it get too tall, especially the bermuda, I really have to slow down to keep from bogging down.

sweettractors · Jan 6, 2004

We have the 5 or 6 ft cutters in stock--If safety is a major concern?--I feel like the 5 ft would be a better match to the tractor when cutter is in the up position on the 3 point--When mowing, a 6 ft would be fine and when you raised it, the front of the tractor could get a little light--Ken Sweet
Sweet Farm Equipment Co *Field Maintaince Page*

rockyridgefarm · Jan 6, 2004

( 6 ft would be fine and when you raised it, the front of the tractor could get a little light--Ken Sweet )

Good points, Ken, We usually (always?) have the loader on front. and if I look around a little ( /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif ) I might find a rock or three to throw in it. Come to think of it, that's why its on when we mow for all those blasted rocks...

Deere rates it for the LX6 which is 653Lbs. I guess that is a little light by 6' standards. But we are maintaining a pasture, not knocking down heavy brush, so I don't see it being raised much. But I am asking for input! I appreciate it.

rockyridgefarm · Jan 6, 2004

That's good to know, for by the time you finish, it will be time to mow again. 

I used to have an 18Hp, with a 4' cutter...

Actually, if I get it cut down, my other mowers can keep it in line. 12 or so horses and a gaggle of goats do their share..,

BillyP · Jan 6, 2004

Mike, check out the Midwest cutter. I'll bet you could get Jim to ship you one direct. That is if there's no one around you that sells them (like here).

rockyridgefarm · Jan 6, 2004

At 25 pto hp you certainly don't want anything larger than a 6'. I have 27 pto hp and run a 6'. Does fine as long as I don't let the grass get too tall. If I let it get too tall, especially the bermuda, I really have to slow down to keep from bogging down. 

Thanks. That's the stuff I need to hear.

I have the eHydro, so when it starts lugging, the Loadmatch adjusts it on the fly. So the 6 footer might be pretty slick. Like what MiniOaksMocha said: ...5' Modern Bushhog last year which I pull behind a NH TC29D. Wish I would have bought a 6' unit as all I use it for is to maintain pasture land also, plus with the Hydrostat, slowing down for thick stuff is no problem... 

And isn't the TC29d a little smaller? (i CHECKED, ITS 23.6Hp)

But what you cut makes a big differance, and bermuda is pretty tough grass....

Kent · Jan 6, 2004

Rotary Cutter versus Brush Mower?

I don't remember anyone making this point, so here goes.

I have the King Kutter L-72-40-SC Rotary Cutter, and am somewhat disappointed because it leaves a 1.5' windrow of cut material rather than spreading it out over the 6' width. When I am done, the fields look like corduroy, a look I would appreciate if I were going to make hay or otherwise pick it up. But for just rough mowing, this is not a good look.

So is there a difference between "rotary cutters" and "brush mowers"? Neighbors with other types of rough mowers don't leave the windrow, so I am thinking that there IS a difference. One that neither my dealer nor vendor has explicitly pointed out.

Thoughts?

JerryG · Jan 6, 2004

Re: Rotary Cutter versus Brush Mower?

 it leaves a 1.5' windrow of cut material rather than spreading it out over the 6' width.
Try mowing the other direction around the field. Most of the time, that will take care of the problem.