BUSH HOG or RHINO?

[Gizmo36]

Travis I have a bush hog 305 I run on my 3110 and it dose good. I did use it on a 80 hp john Deere sold the Deere . hook it up to see what it would do and it did grate.

 

[Travis_R]

Thanks FWJ, Gizmo and others. I didn't know you could run a cutter on a tractor that has less horse power than what the cutter is recommended for.

In my opinion, from the brochures I have, the Rhino rotary cutters look to be heavier built than the Bush Hog brand. I am looking at the Bush Hog models SQ172 (standard duty), and the 296 (medium duty). The Rhino models I am looking at are the 172 (standard duty), and the 272 (medium duty).

If my tractor can handle the Bush Hog 296, or the Rhino 272, then I'll probably "bite the bullet" and get one of those medium duty models. I just hope my 231 Massey Ferguson can handle them as far as lifting the cutter and turning without the rear wheels loosing traction ( I am one of those people who drags the front of the cutter on the ground so it will cut closer- whether its right or wrong!). Its a lot of money to pay for a cutter and have the tractor not like it, if you know what I mean.

From the information I've been gathering, more people says go with the Bush Hog brand than the Rhino. I AM WONDERING WHY? Looking at the specs and the pictures in my brochures, the Rhino looks like its better built. BUT I HAVEN'T GOT PRICES ON ANYTHING YET AND PRICE WILL BE A DECIDING FACTOR.

What are common "problems" on the Rhino cutters? Do they have gearbox troubles?

I've always been a Bush Hog fan, but after looking at the Rhino brand- its a tuff decision.

Thanks so much,
Travis R

 

[JoeinTX]

Travis, looking at the specs, they appear to be a hair's width of one another. The Rhino, in either model, is a little heavier.

But, for your tractor, the SQ172 or Rhino 172 are the most I would try in a mounted shredder......the medium duty models are 300-400 pounds heavier and just that much harder to handle. My dad uses an SQ160 with a Ford Jubilee/NAA and it is a good match.


I would stick with either makers -172s and just trust your own likes. I've always considerd Bush Hog a littler overrated and Rhino and little underappreciated, but, 6 in one and half a dozen in the other.

Neither are the end-all in rotary cutters........Dale Phillips and Brown will show each what a serious shredder is.....but they are very good.

 

[Builder]

Thanks FWJ, Gizmo and others. I didn't know you could run a cutter on a tractor that has less horse power than what the cutter is recommended for.

In my opinion, from the brochures I have, the Rhino rotary cutters look to be heavier built than the Bush Hog brand. I am looking at the Bush Hog models SQ172 (standard duty), and the 296 (medium duty). The Rhino models I am looking at are the 172 (standard duty), and the 272 (medium duty).

If my tractor can handle the Bush Hog 296, or the Rhino 272, then I'll probably "bite the bullet" and get one of those medium duty models. I just hope my 231 Massey Ferguson can handle them as far as lifting the cutter and turning without the rear wheels loosing traction ( I am one of those people who drags the front of the cutter on the ground so it will cut closer- whether its right or wrong!). Its a lot of money to pay for a cutter and have the tractor not like it, if you know what I mean.

From the information I've been gathering, more people says go with the Bush Hog brand than the Rhino. I AM WONDERING WHY? Looking at the specs and the pictures in my brochures, the Rhino looks like its better built. BUT I HAVEN'T GOT PRICES ON ANYTHING YET AND PRICE WILL BE A DECIDING FACTOR.

What are common "problems" on the Rhino cutters? Do they have gearbox troubles?

I've always been a Bush Hog fan, but after looking at the Rhino brand- its a tuff decision.

Thanks so much,
Travis R

Have you checked out the Squealer SQ84 twin blade? It's 7' wide and runs on much lower HP, like 30HP

 

[wolc123]

Each has its advantages. My last cutter was a 5 ft bush-hog squealer. It definitely made a cleaner cut than the rhino 6 footer I replaced it with but the light sheetmetal shell required a fair amount of repair over the years. I ended up welding angle-iron all the way around the outer edge and it held up well after that. The rhino is built heavier, no breakage after a couple years, but it does not cut as neatly as the bush-hog. It tends to leave some un-cut or partially cut streaks especially cutting tall dry grass. The bush-hog always cut even in any conditions. If I bought another one I would go with the brush-hog, but if I didnt have access to a welder and lots of scrap metal then it would be a toss-up between the two.

 

[Travis_R]

I've made my decision (from gathered information): Bush Hog. Should I go with the SQ172, or the 296? Thats the question I am facing now.

Thanks for all the replies,
Travis R

 

[IslandTractor]

I really like the 290 series cutters made by Bush Hog. BUT...

Travis...everyone likes the Bush Hog 290 series. What's not to like except the cost and weight. I would just point out that some guys like Farmwithjunk are mowing professionally and they can justify that sort of purchase. For the rest of us the Squealer light or standard duty probably make more sense. Cost of the 290 series is more than double the cost of the equivalent size Squealer and they are much heavier.

 

[JoeinTX]

Travis, for your tractor, the -172 is plenty enough mounted shredder. Unless you are looking to mangle through 2" growth on a routine basis, for which you really need a bigger tractor and mower, it will do the cutting your tractor can handle. If a spin-clutch is an option get it as well as chain guards.

I looked at BH and Rhino and Woods before I bought my cutter and my intent was to use it for pasture grass cutting with minimal brush cutting. Well, I looked and priced and ultimately went the cheapo route and bought a 5' Howse thinking I'd give it a try and if it didn't work out, oh well, I'd fork over the bucks for a big brand. Ironically, since I've had it I've used it more for brush cutting and pulverizing than grass cutting behind the little 8n. It's cut a lot 1" stuff and a fair amount of growth bigger and done so without a whimper....blades are good, haven't broken a shear pin, no bends or breaks, and all's well with it.

With either BH or Rhino you should get a heavier and more refined unit with more options so I think you'll be perfectly happy and fine with it.

 

[Farmwithjunk]

Cost of the 290 series is more than double the cost of the equivalent size Squealer and they are much heavier.

When I bought mine, cost difference was $445. (Not sure what list prices are now, but who pays list?) The medium duty mowers do weigh more, but are still well with-in the lift capacity of Travis' Massey.

The SQ172 will PROBABLY do what he has in mind. Mowing clean ground that you're familiar with isn't as tough on mowers. Mowing other peoples property, where you never know what hidden treasures you'll find next, no mower is "too heavy duty". Mowing in tough conditions, you don't size your equipment for the "best 90%", but for that 10% where conditions are the worst.

I'd suggest (at the very least) comparing "out the door" prices on both the SQ172 and the 296 models.

 

[IslandTractor]

When I bought mine, cost difference was $445. (Not sure what list prices are now, but who pays list?)

I agree that if that is the price difference then it would be a more realistic option economically. I believe I got quotes that were more like $800-$1000 more. As you point out though, unless he is doing commercial work it is unlikely he will be cutting things that really require the heft of the 296.