Rotary Cutter Which rotary cutter to get

[gharms]

Hi All,

I am currently looking to buy a rotary cutter for my Massey Ferguson 1648, and am wondering what you guys would do. I have 38 PTO HP on my tractor. Have about 8 acres to mow, nothing of it is part of the garden. Currently it is in pretty rough shape, with lots of small brush and prickly stuff growing. I am undecided between the Landpride RCR1272 (light duty; 1 inch cutting capacity) and Landpride RCR1872 (medium duty; 2 inch cutting capacity). Both have a PTO hp rating that is compatible with my tractor (my tractor being a little above the minimum PTO hp required). This rotary cutter will also be used to maintain the grassy sides of my driveway.

My guy is leaning towards the RCR1272, but I don't know whether it is worth to forgo the bigger drive train and bigger cutting capacity and longevity of the RCR1872 to save a few dollars as the difference between them is not that big (300 $). I plan on mowing every few weeks.

Thank you for your input,

Gerda

 

[LD1]

Get the heavier one imo

 

[fordmantpw]

I recently went through a similar decision (but looking at 4' or 5' models). I chose the 4' RCR1248 because most of what I do is trails, very light duty, and no bigger stuff. Plus, I won't be using it that often.

For your needs, though, after looking at the 2 side by side, I would spring for the extra $300 and get the RCR1872, especially looking at the 6' size. Just my opinion...

 

[JRobyn]

I don't think I have EVER regretted spending more for a better/heavier tool, regardless if it is a tractor implement or power/hand tool. The pleasure of using a well-made tool reoccurs each and every time it is used, which for your cutter, sounds like it will be many, many times. Go for the better/heavier one!

 

[TripleR]

I try to buy the best, heaviest duty equipment for my needs and never regretted it, I would go with the bigger one. I have been using an RCR2672 for several years as I have a ot of brush and it has held up very well. I would recommend chains on the front and back, I got mine with them only on the front and later put them on the back; much better.

 

[gharms]

It sounds like you guys are thinking similarly to me, so I am not such an oddball. Then I have one more question: Would you go indeed with the six footer 1872, or one size below, the 1860? As I understand the minimum PTO hp requirement for the RCR1872 is 30 hp, and the smaller starts at 20 hp. As I stated earlier, my tractor has 38 PTO hp.

Gerda

 

[crowbar032]

Personally, I'd go with the heavier one as well. You don't mention the width of your tractor. I'm going to assume it's about 6 ft wide. The 6 ft cut in heavy brush will probably require you to go to a lower gear but you will "cut your tracks" out. It's much easier to use a rotary cutter that is as wide or wider than the wheels on your tractor. Once you get everything cleared off, I believe you'll be happier with the 6 ft model for future mowing.

 

[LD1]

With 38 HP, go with the 72

 

[gharms]

The tractor is roughly 66 inches (5.5 feet) wide. From that point of view I would prefer the 6 footer myself. And it is best to take it really slowly during first time mowing anyways, since I don't know what goodies are under that tall grass and in the shrubs. But I will make a hunt for stones and other big ticket items before going in with the mower.

 

[TripleR]

With only eight acres there won't be much difference in cutting time, so that won't be an issue, but as others, I prefer one that covers my tire tracks so a 6' would be my choice.