Rotary Cutter Rotary Cutter Slip Clutch/Sheer Pin Question

[1bush2hog]

Rotary Cutter Slip Clutch/Sheer Pin Question

I have been told by a Bush Hog dealer that the 306 RC is available with a slip clutch as an option. He also told me that I would not need this, and that the 306 did not have a sheer bolt either. He advised the blades fold back when they hit something and/or the round stump jumper will glide over obstacles. If I purchase this unit, I am concerned as to what will happen if I do hit something big. What is worst case?

Also, I was told, while the 306 is a good HD cutter, it will not do a clean job of just cutting grass. The specs indicate it has enough blade speed so I can't imagine why it would not work on both.

I have some heavy initial clearing to do, but after that it should be regular cutting 2-3 times per year.

I am trying to get the best all around unit the first time, but maybe there is not a "one unit does all" well?

I have also considered the Rhino CY84 and the Woods 7200, but initial pricing I received was high compared to the $2100 price I got on the 306. I also think there are more of the 306's and BH dealers in my area in case I have a problem.

Would appreciate any and all comments from the experts out there.

Thank You Kindly.

 

[mgrick]

Re: Rotary Cutter Slip Clutch/Sheer Pin Question

IMO get one with a slip clutch.Also that dealer sounds like he's full of it.If you don't get the slip clutch you will at least need a sheer bolt or you could be in big trouble when you hit something.The nice thing about a slip clutch is you don't have to worry about changing sheer bolts in the field everytime you hit something.And just because the blades fold back doesn't mean you don't need a sheer bolt.(never heard that one).



Rick

 

[Glenn9643]

Re: Rotary Cutter Slip Clutch/Sheer Pin Question

You need a slip clutch.
The 286 model is very similar to the 306, as the stump jumper and blade assembly is of the same design. The blades will swing, but imagine finding an old truck tire with the bushhog up in some brush. That's the only time I ever had to readjust my slip clutch.

 

[1bush2hog]

Re: Rotary Cutter Slip Clutch/Sheer Pin Question

That's what I thought too, but figured I would give the dealer the benefit of the doubt. Trust 'em but check 'em.


I had never seen a reference on this site to a unit without either a slip clutch or sheer bolt. This site is a great source of info.

 

[1bush2hog]

Re: Rotary Cutter Slip Clutch/Sheer Pin Question

Thanks for the info Glenn. I started out looking at the 286 but thought I might invest in the 306 since I have some 3-4' saplings to deal with.

To add the slip clutch to the 306, I was quoted an additional $285.

Gotta go check out the Brown's now. Figured if they are good enough for John Miller 3 then they worthy of a look before I decide.

 

[gerard]

Re: Rotary Cutter Slip Clutch/Sheer Pin Question

While the blades do pivot, they attach to the inner bars that are fixed. If you hit a big stump/rock etc while going over a dip you can set the center of the unit right on top of an immovable object but inside the pivot point of the blades. I've never heard of a bushog without either a slip clutch or shear bolt and wouldn't want one. $285 also seems a little steep. You can get them at TSC for around $100 and put it on yourself.

 

[HayDR]

Re: Rotary Cutter Slip Clutch/Sheer Pin Question

The BH306 has a heavier deck than the Rhino TW72, but the Rhino TW72 has a heavier gearbox, 110 HP where the BH306 has a 90 HP gearbox. The CY72 has a 120 HP gearbox, 7 gauge deck, and CAT 5 PTO with a clutch standard. We sell the TW72 w/clutch for $1500 with a 5 year Gearbox Warranty. When it comes to brush cutters Bush Hog is more of a grass cutter.

 

[sewells]

Re: Rotary Cutter Slip Clutch/Sheer Pin Question

Well, I bought a SQ600 Bush Hog light to intermediate use unit with slip clutch not too long ago. Have used it and have cut a few of acres of stuff that was taller than my ROPS. Saplings up to 1.5 - 2 inches and heavy, heavy brush. I've hit rocks with it that weighed at least 6 pounds (inadvertently).

The SQ600 has taken a licking and kept on ticking. Cut the stuff like it wasn't even there basically. So, while I may be naive and I certainly don't pretend to have tons of experience, my limited experience has indicated to me that the Bush Hog is a hog and is plenty tough enough for anything I want to throw at it. Anything bigger is going to get cut up for firewood around my place.

Steve Wells

 

[TimSullivan]

Re: Rotary Cutter Slip Clutch/Sheer Pin Question

I would agree with Steve Wells. I also have a SQ6oo and it has the slip clutch. It has cleared about ten acres of brush and weeds with never a complaint. Since the land is now growing grass I cut it when it is a foot high. The bushhog does a decent job but it is no finish mower.

I too have hit too many rocks and some heavy branches I did not see. There are some loud nasty sounds but just touch up the blades and all is well.

Do you really need that heavy a unit?

 

[JohnMiller3]

Re: Rotary Cutter Slip Clutch/Sheer Pin Question

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( We sell the TW72 w/clutch for $1500 with a 5 year Gearbox Warranty )</font>

Hi Mark,

You should have customers beating a path to your door... /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

That is an excellent price for the Rhino rotary cutter... /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif