Which Rotary cutter would you buy, wanting a 5 footer for a TT45A (40 HP)

[fishrman]

I have a Woods MD160 that I think it is time to replace. Bought new in 2000. Doesn't leak and not much of any signs of rust yet but I am wanting to replace it while it still has some trade in value. Anyway, I have been looking hard at the SQ160 Bush Hog and the BB60 Woods. Those both weigh a little over 600 pounds each. I am putting it on a TT45A New Holland. This is a 40 HP tractor. Mostly use for mowing CRP and trails. Would never try to cut anything more than a couple of inches. I have one dealer that has told me he would trade for 1025.00 including the slip clutch and front chain on the SQ160 and two other dealers are basically at 1600.00 trade difference on an BB60. Hard to trade for the Woods if I can get the SQ160 for 575.00 less but I am wondering if the SQ160 is built as tough as the BB60. It does weigh a few pounds more but it just doesn't look as solid at the tail wheel to me. Any suggestions or experiences would be helpful. Thanks!

 

[moship]

From prior research when I was looking, both have the same HP gear box (65 Hp). The SQ160 deck uses 11 gauge vs 12 for the woods. Blades for the SQ160 are 1/2" x 4" and the woods is 3/8" x 3". For $575 I'd go for the SQ160.

 

[greg_g]

If you're within reasonable driving distance, I have a Kodiak MD60 with slip clutch available. I want to move up to a six footer, but need to sell this one first. Bought it new in 2010, probably only used it a couple dozen hours.

//greg//

 

[LD1]

I would first ask why you think its time to replace the cutter you have?

I cant find much on the MD160? Is it lighter duty than the ones you are looking at?? A 10 year old cutter will still have a ton of life left if cared for.

 

[fishrman]

I would first ask why you think its time to replace the cutter you have?

I cant find much on the MD160? Is it lighter duty than the ones you are looking at?? A 10 year old cutter will still have a ton of life left if cared for.

The MD160 is a similar duty to the others. I think when it came out they said the md stood for medium duty. I know it has lots of life left in it. The back of the deck is dented up pretty good and the tail wheel is bent some. The front rubber shield is bent down. All pretty minor things and a long way from its heart. It has never leaked and I completely drained the gear case last year and put new oil in. The gears almost look new. Soo, why is it time? I don't have a very good answer other than I know it still has some value and would like to trade it while it still does.

 

[nybirdman]

I purchased a Bush-Hog SQ160 new;it has about 800 hrs on it.Beat up but still works fine.I could use a larger one(traded tractors) but this one won't quit.

 

[MarkV]

I was wondering why a 5' mower. You have plenty of power to run a 6' mower and especially given that you are not cutting heavy material. It is hard to go wrong with a Bush-Hog mower, thats how I would go.

MarkV

 

[kf4uda]

I was wondering why a 5' mower. You have plenty of power to run a 6' mower and especially given that you are not cutting heavy material. It is hard to go wrong with a Bush-Hog mower, thats how I would go.

MarkV

I agree with MarkV on the width question and recommending the Bush Hog brand.

 

[LD1]

Well, if you have money burning a hole in your pocket, by all means I dont want to stand in the way of you and a new cutter.

But from a logic standpoint, it dont make much sense. Its like trading in you tried and true 10 year old wood hauler for BRAND NEW truck to go to the woods and beat to heck hauling wood. Just makes no sense.

The MD cutter you have now, how much are they giving you in trade?? Cause I am betting it isnt much more than $500 based on this http://www.tractorhouse.com/listingsdetail/detail.aspx?OHID=7100681&dlr=1&pcid=3074872

And I would also bet that in another 10 years, if you take care of the cutter, it will still be worth that $500.

Heck, in my area, I see 30 year old cutters without a trace of paint left and beat up pretty bad go for $250. So I dont think the value is going to go that much lower like you think.

But again, if you just ahve to have that new cutter, by all means. They are both good choices, but given the price, I'd opt for the bushhog. But then again, with your tractor, I'd be looking at a 6' cutter also.

 

[LBrown59]

I was going to start a new thread but this one looks like a good one to ask about a similar question!

This is a New Thread isn't it?

 

[fishrman]

This is a New Thread isn't it?

Ya, well, I wrote that on another thread and never got a response so then I copied and pasted. Forgot to remove the first sentence. Yes, this is a new thread and I edited the question so it would be less confusing.

 

[fishrman]

Well, if you have money burning a hole in your pocket, by all means I dont want to stand in the way of you and a new cutter.

But from a logic standpoint, it dont make much sense. Its like trading in you tried and true 10 year old wood hauler for BRAND NEW truck to go to the woods and beat to heck hauling wood. Just makes no sense.

The MD cutter you have now, how much are they giving you in trade?? Cause I am betting it isnt much more than $500 based on this http://www.tractorhouse.com/listingsdetail/detail.aspx?OHID=7100681&dlr=1&pcid=3074872

And I would also bet that in another 10 years, if you take care of the cutter, it will still be worth that $500.

Heck, in my area, I see 30 year old cutters without a trace of paint left and beat up pretty bad go for $250. So I dont think the value is going to go that much lower like you think.

But again, if you just ahve to have that new cutter, by all means. They are both good choices, but given the price, I'd opt for the bushhog. But then again, with your tractor, I'd be looking at a 6' cutter also.

I have and probably will continue to buy things I don't necessarily need but rather want.
One thing about the newer cutter is the tip speed is about 2000 feet per minute faster. Not sure that will help the cut that much but I would think it would help some. Not enough difference to justify a new mower but unless anything is totally unusable and cost more to fix than to buy a new one then, in reality, it is impossible to justify buying anything new. I appreciate your thoughts though.
Regarding the 6 foot. Ya, I was thinking the same thing but I also mow trails that I have mowed for years with a 5 footer and, as well, have limited room in my garage. I do get into some brush now and again that I think the 5 footer would be better suited for as well.
Relative to trade in value. The Bush Hog guy told me he would give me 700.00 for my old md160 off of his discounted price, not off of retail. 1725.00 less 700.00 is 1025.00. That includes front chain and clutch. I haven't completed the deal yet and have a feeling he will try to back out of it when I get there this afternoon to talk to him more about it.

 

[IslandTractor]

I bought a used Woods 600 BrushBull for my DK40se Kioti and it works very well. Very solid mower. Easy to access blades.

I agree with others who suggest you consider a six foot mower. I have the 5 foot only because it was a great deal on Craigslist at a time I was looking and couldn't find a decent six footer for anything close to the cost. The five footer has been ideal though for heavy brush cutting. I use a six foot flail mower for routine field mowing.

 

[TripleR]

I have and probably will continue to buy things I don't necessarily need but rather want.

That's a totally alien concept around here.:laughing::laughing:

Good luck on your new cutter.

 

[greasemonkeyok]

I have and probably will continue to buy things I don't necessarily need but rather want.

Uh, there are certain statements of the obvious that should NEVER be put in print. What is someone's wife should read this thread.