Cutter Size Survey

[JimMc]

I am needing the TBNer's here to give some input.

Traditionally, Rotary cutter manufacturers have built cutters in standard 1 foot increments with a few small cutters in 6 inch sizing. In our initial offering of light cutters, would a 52" and 44" size be of interest? This would more closely fit the needs of sub compact users than a 48" with the next size being 60" allowing the use of a cutter which covers the wheel tracks without hanging over too much reducing manueverability.

What do you think?

 

[njrqs]

Over here we can get a 4' slasher and a 4 1/2' slasher.

Cheers

 

[MarkV]

Jim,

Do you have any figures on the required PTO hp for the different sizes you are considering. With many of the small compacts the PTO power requirements can be the determining factor when it comes to size.

Sure is nice having a manufacture ask the users what they want.

MarkV

 

[JJT]

I'm happy with the widths being in 12" increments.

 

[Gary_in_Indiana]

While a 44" or 52" cutter might be more appropriate for certain machines than 48" or 54" would be, I question the non-standard sizes from a marketing standpoint. I'd tend to think they would be easy for a competitor to label as "odd" or worse and against which they could sell accordingly.

Unless there's a really easily quantifiable and easily understood reason to go with non-standard sizes, I think staying with 48" and 54" might serve you better. Just one guy's opinion, here.

Good luck with whatever you decide to do. I'm sure they'll be quality pieces regardless of the widths.

 

[Kodiak]

I would like to see the sizes actually exceed the width of the rear tires of the various tractor frame sizes by 3 to 4 inches on either side of the rear tires so it won't be so easy to get sucked in while mowing along fence rows.

 

[hazmat]

Jim,

I think you should offer
3.5' = 42" heavy duty
4' = 48" Light & heavy duty
4.5' = 54" light & heavy duty
5' = 60" and even foot increments up from there. in light & heavy duty

I don't think you need to offer a 42" light duty as I think most small tractors (TC18. JD 4010, BX2200 etc) can handle a 48" light duty provided it isn't exceedingly heavy.

As far as pricing goes, I expect you could charge the same price for the 54 as a 60". My impression is that people choose a 48" over a 60" because they feel the 60" is too large for their tractor, not because it is cheaper.

The definition of light vs. heavy duty varies by person & manufacturer. I'd say look at the top manufacturers and rate yours accordingly. I do think as you go up in size that the heavy duty has to be heavier duty. The smaller tractors aren't going to be able to push over 3-4" saplings. Maybe the smaller sizes would be available in light & medium duty & the larger ones in medium & heavy duty.

Someone brought up a good point about PTO HP. the 42" heavy duty & 48" light duty should run well with a min 14 PTO HP. The 48" heavy duty & 54" light duty should run well with 16-17 PTO HP min. (B2410, JD 4110, TC21 etc) and so on.

Thanks for requesting feedback from the end users. I can honestly say that First Choice will be considered in all my future implement purchases.

 

[hazmat]

Jim,

A couple more thoughts.

1. Offer some kind of anti-scalp roller or caster assembly for the front of the cutter as an option. Some users are interested in a nicer finish on their patures. See and <A target="_blank" HREF=http://www.tractorbynet.com/cgi-bin/compact/showflat.pl?Cat=&Board=genoperating&Number=156864&page=0&view=collapsed&sb=5&o=&fpart=>What's a field supposed to look like after mowing

2. You may want to offer chain guards as standard or at least as a low cost option.

 

[looch]

If a cutter existed for an 11hp B5100E I would have never sold mine.
Also, there was a thread <A target="_blank" HREF=http://www.tractorbynet.com/cgi-bin/compact/showthreaded.pl?Cat=&Board=implement&Number=142288&Search=true&Forum=All_Forums&Words=check%20chains&Match=Entire%20Phrase&Searchpage=0&Limit=50&Old=allposts&Main=142288>here</A> made by jdrotert with diagrams for making check chains. I would like to see these as an optional accessory. I'll be making some soon - it's a pain to keep guessing at what height the cutter should should be set to (no position control on my machine).

 

[JonLeonard]

I would definately be interested in a 4 1/2 foot model for my B2410. The 4 foot ones wont cover my tracks, and the 5 foot ones just seem too BIG for my needs.

Jon