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.

 

[gharms]

Now I was pretty much set on the RCR 1872 and told my guy about that. He now tries to convince me to get one of the really beaten old ones the dealership has available. His reasoning is to do the difficult work with that including possibly running over hidden stones, and if needed get a new one down the road. However, I am not a friend of getting something with the thought to need to replace it soon again, therefore I am rather getting the real thing in the first place. What would you guys do?

 

[crowbar032]

I'm like you, I would still go with the medium duty 6ft new one if you can afford it. I try to buy the best I can afford at the time. The only way I'd go with a used one is if it looks in pretty good shape and is significant savings over the new one.

Shredders/rotary cutters/bushhogs are tougher than what everyone thinks, especially if you're going with the medium duty one. Blades are replaceable or you can sharpen them. Keep/make sure there is oil in the gear box, maybe replace a seal if it starts leaking bad. That doesn't leave much other than the deck. If it feels "beefy" in thickness and has a stump jumper, rocks and chunks of wood aren't going to shoot through it or really hurt it. Yes it will dent, but if something happens to the deck it can be welded. If you hit something, it's going to make a HUGE racket. The tractor and cutter are going to shake violently, but it's doubtful you'll hurt anything. I wouldn't hit anything large on purpose though.

My $.02 for what it's worth.

 

[TripleR]

Now I was pretty much set on the RCR 1872 and told my guy about that. He now tries to convince me to get one of the really beaten old ones the dealership has available. His reasoning is to do the difficult work with that including possibly running over hidden stones, and if needed get a new one down the road. However, I am not a friend of getting something with the thought to need to replace it soon again, therefore I am rather getting the real thing in the first place. What would you guys do?

I like using equipment not working on it, I grew up farming with well worn equipment and it was really frustrating, I now buy new equipment or nearly new. That is not for everyone as my brother will weld decks, replace gear boxes on stuff until it is beyond repair, but he is a lot better mechanic than I.

 

[gharms]

TripleR, I am like you. I really enjoy using equipment and not working on it. I also grew up farming with well worn equipment, and never had a nice pool of tools on hand. So first thing I got when moving in my own home was a well stashed tool box, and now the new tractor. I guess our household is the opposite of many others: Here the woman is into getting all sorts of fun things, and the guy is a little more reluctant... I can see my guy's reasoning though, but I am afraid I will be stuck with an old piece of equipment that leaks oil like crazy and needs all sorts of attention. Still, I contacted the dealer to ask more specifics about the two used rotary cutters he has. Asking doesn't hurt or cost any, and I really want to give my guy's input a chance as well. Who knows, maybe one of those is not in such bad shape. But I am ready to pull the trigger on the RCR 1872 anytime now; as soon as I find out the used ones are in really bad shape... The dealer mentioned to me earlier that both were well used... By the way, the dealer with the used cutters is a different one than the dealer where I got the best quote for the new RCR 1872.

 

[EddieWalker]

Buy the biggest, strongest one you can. Both will work great for years, but the stronger one will have less wear and remain working long after the lighter duty one wears out. Because you said the land is kind of rough, you will have surprises and you will cause damage to it. That damage adds up and there is only so much any machine can handle. The stronger one will handle it a lot better, and for $300 more, it's a no brainer.

Eddie

 

[buickanddeere]

Have a Deere 609 and the only thing I wish different is purchasing the 7ft wide 709. You won't save money by cutting costs on a rotary cutter.

 

[gharms]

I consider myself lucky as well with my guy, as our interests are very similar. His dream some day is to get a Unimog to play with. With the rotary cutter he is just concerned I will damage a new one during the first round of mowing since we really don't know what is all underneath the grass and shrubbery. IMHO it cannot be so bad though as the previous owner mowed it before, however the neighbor farmers told me that the previous owner constantly had to bring his equipment into the shop as he apparently always ran into stones and did not know what he was doing... They always heard him making loud noises with his tractor and mower. That fits with my interaction with him; he told me that was the first time him using a tractor... I guess he thought he could go full speed no matter what, ugh!

 

[gharms]

Now things took a little interesting twist. The dealer got back to me with another used rotary cutter that actually seems promising and something that could last: A Woods BB72 with new blades on it for 995$. My guy is having a look at it tomorrow night, and I keep you guys posted.

 

[TripleR]

I consider myself lucky as well with my guy, as our interests are very similar. His dream some day is to get a Unimog to play with. With the rotary cutter he is just concerned I will damage a new one during the first round of mowing since we really don't know what is all underneath the grass and shrubbery. IMHO it cannot be so bad though as the previous owner mowed it before, however the neighbor farmers told me that the previous owner constantly had to bring his equipment into the shop as he apparently always ran into stones and did not know what he was doing... They always heard him making loud noises with his tractor and mower. That fits with my interaction with him; he told me that was the first time him using a tractor... I guess he thought he could go full speed no matter what, ugh!

Always good to have two perspectives when thinking about new purchases. In ground with which I am not familiar, I mow pretty high, keep the bucket close to the ground as a feeler and go slow.

It sounds as though this is not your first go round with tractors and thus won't have the same problems as the previous owner.