Rotary Cutter Single or dual spindle rotary cutter

Rowski · Jul 8, 2002

I've been looking at rotary cutters for my next major purchase. I will most likely be next summer. I still like the Woods BrushBull. I haven't made up my mind yet on what size, either 72" or 84". I will be cutting mostly grasses and maybe a stray sapling. I noticed during my searches Woods has dual spindle rotary cutter at 80". I can only find one advantage of having the dual spindle is less over hang. Any other advantages? Single spindle approx. over hang 8' verses approx 5' for the dual spindle. These measurements I guesstimated in my head. Less over hang would mean less risk striking something during tight turns in confinded areas but still keep a larger cut? Any other manufactures making dual spindles in the 80" range?

Thanks/w3tcompact/icons/smile.gif

MikePA · Jul 9, 2002

What's the price difference for a dual spindle versus a single given the same cutting width? Adding in another spindle and the assoicated belt will cost more and add, although not much, to the maintenance.

jimgerken · Jul 9, 2002

I used my Dad's brand new Woods 72" single spindle last week. Impressive unit, built like a tank, cuts great. Also, very heavy and very long. I was trying to mow a runway down as close as possible, something I did last year at 2.5-3" with my lawnmower. The Woods had trouble getting rid of the cut grass from under the deck. I noticed the rear end was closed by a pc of sheet metal. It may have worked better to get rid of the grass if this had been a chain guard. I was having this trouble cause I had it so very low to the ground.

Guessing from related experiences, I would say that the twin-spindle design will take more power to get the same job done, because some power will be lost in the belt or chain from the gearbox. If you are not power limited, dont let this small thing worry you. It would be nice to have the mower shorter in length, it really sticks back there a long way and swings around quite wide on corners.
The price tag was still hanging on the 72" unit I used, it said 1350. I thought that sounded cheap for what he bought, after using it. My reference is the 2600 i spent on my 60 inch belly mower for my tractor.

Anonymous Poster · Jul 9, 2002

<font color=blue>...The price tag was still hanging on the 72" unit I used, it said 1350...</font color=blue>

Hi Jim,

Unless they drastically lowered the price recently,... and if that is a Woods BrushBull 720... I'd say your Dad did fantastic...! /w3tcompact/icons/blush.gif

BKColeman · Jul 9, 2002

I would bet it was the standard duty BrushBull 72 for that price. I got quotes from $1600-1900 on the 600 model.

If it is the 720, it would be a heck of a deal.

--Brad

TxSam · Jul 9, 2002

May want to look into the Bush Hog SQ84T. It is a dual spindle with two gear boxes. I purchased a used one for a great price, $500 to be exact. I think a new one runs in the 1200-1400 range. I am very happy with mine, it is well built, gives a good cut, can handle the smaller saplings and actually requires less pto hp to operate than a comparably-sized single spindle. Also, there are no belts on this model. Like you, I too was impressed with less overhange off the back of the tractor as compared with the single spindle types. I think if you go to the Bush Hog website you can find more info on it.

Rowski · Jul 9, 2002

I got a quote of $1980 for a Woods BB720 (medium duty). The BB72 (standard duty) was $1200. I did like the rugged look to the BB720. This was last fall.

Rowski · Jul 9, 2002

You run a 84" cut on a 35HP tractor. How does it handle it? They didn't have any more at the price/w3tcompact/icons/tongue.gif! I'll check the Bush Hog web site. Thanks!

JimmyO · Jul 9, 2002

Rowski, Take a look at the minimum recommended horsepower for the models that you are looking at. You just aren't going to be able to handle a 84" single spindle model. I have a Landpride 2584 which is the beefiest in it its class for medium duty cutters and even using a JD5300 with a front loader I am pushing the envelope. When I am brush hogging uphill I definitely get light in the front end. I definitelely would not consider running it with a 2120. To make a solid point, Bush Hog recommends a minimum of 50hp for their light duty 84"single spindle rotary cutter. They reccomend a minimum of 25hp for their double spindle 84" light duty rotary cutter. Also there will not be any belts or chains as the rotary cutters all operate on shafts and gears. My thoughts are that you will be severely underpowered and underweight to handle a 84" single spindle rotary cutter and would definitely recommend a 72" unit. That is unless you decide to go with a dual spindle unit which accordind to your uses would probably be a great fit as you don't plan on cutting much heavy brush. You might want to see if your dealer will let you try one out to judge for yourself. Best of luck with your decision.

Jimmy

Rowski · Jul 9, 2002

JimmyO

/w3tcompact/icons/hmm.gif... The Woods saleman told me with a 84" doing grasses would be fine with the loader as a counter weight. Woods recommends minimum of 35 hp for their 84". Now you tell me it won't due it /w3tcompact/icons/hmm.gif. Let me say... I listen to you before I listen to him! Dealers will actually let you try out a cutter before purchase? Wow... We need more dealers like that here, maybe I just am not looking hard enough.

Thanks for the personal experience!