Rotary cutter

[Matt_W]

I am saving up my money to buy my first cutter and have decided on a rotary cutter planned for the spring for my B7610. I am looking to use the cutter for road maintenance and to cut some small fields (weeds mostly) maybe 3 times a year, I would say no more than 2 acres total. I will also have some trails to maintain and most maintanance would be on a hilly surface with very little rocks.
The B7610 limitations in the book state 4' and a total weight of 400#.
In checking it really looks like a lightweight type cutter is really my only consideration for this unit.
I want to get something that will last but debating the brand of a cheaper lighter weight type (king kutter, countryline) or one from a more established company. (woods, bush hog, land pride)
I really like the woods heritage HC54 but not sure if this would be too big? The weight is #485 with a slip clutch and is 6" larger than the cutting limitation.
I also plan to cut with my FEL 352 attached.
What would you guys suggest?

 

[Ductape]

First, I'll say that tractor manufacturers' implement specs should be used as a guide, and not a gospel. I do feel a 54" rotary cutter would work well on your tractor, BUT, it really depends on your terrain and whether or not you are trying to use it to capacity. Keep in mind that the heavier the implement, the more the tail will want to wag the dog. If i were in your shoes, and i were cutting these areas regularly.... not trying to cut to capacity, I'd strongly consider the 54 as long as its not too hilly. A little wider cut means less passes on each mowing..... saving time. I'd also recommend adding weight to the front if you don't cut with a loader on. Generally , I prefer to stay with good brand names, but occaisionally chep out on some things based on my use.

 

[TripleR]

I recently bought a Landpride and Woods DS1260, but they will get a lot of hard use; for what you will be doing, a lighter weight, cheaper models should be fine. My father in law and brother both used King Kutters and others and liked them really well.

 

[DavidAubke]

I've run my neighbor's 5' cutter off the back of my BX2350. When I bought my own I went with a 4' Howse. 17 HP PTO was close but not quite comfortable turning the bigger blades.

With the FEL on, both cutters posed no weight issues. With FEL off, if the 4' lifts off the ground, I lose significant steering control. Looks like the B7610 is a shade heavier. Still prefer mowing with no FEL. I don't like it constantly bouncing up there. Seems like unnecessary stress.

I got the economy grade Howse - something like $650. Cheapest they make and you can see that it's not as sturdy as higher-grade models. During the 20 hours I've put on it, it's taken down more than a few saplings and hit a few stumps. No problems yet but it's still pretty young.

 

[Code54]

I have a 4' on my 7610 and it works great. Don'y go heaver! My 4' (when i have the FEL on) will still lighten the tires on a hill. Mine is a "Tri-s" (I think that is the make) that I bought locally for about $550. It will cut anything for 2" down without a problem. Last weekend I hogged about 2 acres of weeds that were about a foot over my hood without a problem. This was a little hilly and rough in some spots an only took a few hours. On flat or smooth ground it would have been a LOT faster. I would spend the extra 15 minutes every time I cut and just have a 4' for safety and power reasons.
Good luck

 

[redharley]

I use a 4 ft landpride it does all I ask of it,I think letting the loader on is a very good idea.I always let my loader on whether I am feild mowing or chewing up brush thru my woods. I have read many of praise's here about the inexpensive line of cutter's here in these forums for what you describe I do not think you would be disapointed in one.I just happened to find my landpride used if your not in a hurry you might find one also

 

[jambx]

It all depends on what and where your cutting but I think for this size B the 4 ft rotory cutter is a very nice balance between tractor / output and weight.

 

[whistlepig]

I have a Land Pride brush cutter. If I were buying again I would chose Land Pride. They are a bit pricey but well worth the price.

 

[Matt_W]

ducktape: I do believe the tractor could run this cutter safely but as you said it depends on the terrain and in my case there are lots of hills n humps. we live on top of a hill and is fairly flat there but overall I would say not flat.

TripleR: Last year I about 1k saved, not quite enough for a brand name but certainly enough for a king kutter, called tsc and they said they had them in stock. Drove 20 mile and when I was there no king kutters, only country line, asked questions (warranty, some others) and left feeling like the staff was in competent. I think there is king kutter dealer about 40 mile away so I may explore that again. not sure about the country line.

SEOhDave: Looked at the Howse online and would explore buying one of these, did you purchase directly from a dealer or order?

Code54: Thanks for the post, I definately want to be safe than to save time in and with all my hills I have decided on the 4'. I was hoping to streach the cut outside the wheels.

redharley n whistlepig: I went and looked at landpride and liked them, last year my $$ was just not enough to afford one but this spring I will be more prepared.

Protection is something I am definatley interested, are the metal bands, rubber belt type any good??
I am sure chain protection would be the best.

 

[DavidAubke]

called tsc and they said they had them in stock. Drove 20 mile and when I was there no king kutters, only country line, asked questions (warranty, some others) and left feeling like the staff was in competent.

Pretty sure TSC's County Line are just rebranded King Kutters. Maybe the staff thought that went without saying.

SEOhDave: Looked at the Howse online and would explore buying one of these, did you purchase directly from a dealer or order?

I bought from a dealer - Cross & Sons in Jackson, OH. They were offering either King Kutter or Howse at that price. I think they're considered fairly comparable to each other. I mainly based my decision on paint color.

 

[ChuckinNH]

I have a Bush Hog Squealer 4' rotary cutter for my newer version of your tractor, and that is about as large as I am comfortable going. Mine works well, was reasonably priced (around 1K) and is as heavy as I want back there. For two acres total, 4' will be enough, and you won't notice any slight tracking if it ends up being slightly narrower than your rear wheels. Highway crews around here are using 5' rotary cutters on Kubota Grand L tractors to do the sides of the road. I think that is a statement about weight back there in rough, hilly situations. I wouldn't be afraid of a Countryline, etc. cutter for your use either. Mine sits more than it is used, and something like that would have worked out fine for me too. Just make sure it is serviced properly, fluid levels maintained, etc.

 

[peterc38]

I have the same 4 ft Bush Hog SQ148 as Chuck on my B7610. I also think it is a well balanced match. I wouldn't go any bigger or heavier.

 

[ScottOkla]

I wish I had seen this thread earlier, but I'll reply just in case you are still checking it.

We run a 5' King Kutter with our 7610. It is too heavy for rough or hilly terrain, but we do it anyway. No problems at all after about 100 acres total of heavy weeds/grass, and the KK is still in great shape even with the heavy brush we have backed into regularly. If your place was flat, I'd say go with a 5' KK, but a 4' would be a great fit otherwise.

 

[AMR]

I put a 4' TSC farm force rottary cutter on my BX23, it worked like a champ. I now have a B3030 and run the same cutter, it does a great job. I think I payed about $425 for it out the door and like some others I only put about 15 or 20 hours total on it per year. I really couldn't justify spending twice that for those few hours.

In fact, yesterday was probably the last day for it this year. I trimmed up some areas around the house where the kids sled in the winter. I am also extending that area toward an overgrown stream. I backed it into some pretty have brush, briars, and alders up to about 2" this weekend, it groaned for sure but did an awesome job.

 

[cdaledave89]

Matt,

I know you have decided on the 4 ft. but I'll share my experience. I use a 5 ft. J-Bar cutter on my B7610 without any problems. I got this J-Bar with the purchase of another tractor years ago. It's light, but it chews stuff up too. You might want to consider that brand.

I always cut with the loader on for more weight in the front. You simply can't turn without it. There have only been a few times where the 5ft cutter has bogged down in high, thick grass. Other than that, it has no problem cutting.

I see that you live near me. PM me if you want to take a look at my J-Bar or if you want to see how the B7610 feels with a 5ft cutter.

-Dave