Land Pride rotary cutter

[helmkev]

Newbie here. We are about to purchase some land and about 10 acres will need to be bush hogged. About half of that (5 acres) has really heavy 3'-4' briars, grass, etc, but no trees. Would a 5' Land Pride 18 series rotary cutter be able to handle this chore without a problem? Our tractor will soon be a L3940! Thanks in advance!

 

[RoyJackson]

Yes, but you might have to slow down or take partial width passes when you get into the heavier stuff (which would apply to any cutter).

 

[LostInTheWoods]

You shouldn't have much trouble at all clearing that stuff out with a rotary cutter. As Roy said, you'll probably have to go slowly the first time through.

Two questions:
1) Do you already own this rotary cutter?
2) If not, will the L3940 handle a larger one?

10 acres is quite a bit to cut. A small increase in cutter size can make a pretty significant reduction in the amount of time it takes to handle that much land.

 

[helmkev]

You shouldn't have much trouble at all clearing that stuff out with a rotary cutter. As Roy said, you'll probably have to go slowly the first time through.

Two questions:
1) Do you already own this rotary cutter?
2) If not, will the L3940 handle a larger one?

10 acres is quite a bit to cut. A small increase in cutter size can make a pretty significant reduction in the amount of time it takes to handle that much land.

Thanks for the replys. I haven't purchased the rotary just yet. I was concerned about going to a 6' as the land topography is rolling to hills. Of course, I am only repeating what I've heard as I've never owned a tractor. If a bigger cutter will work safely and efficiently, I'll certainly go that direction.

 

[RoyJackson]

Thanks for the replys. I haven't purchased the rotary just yet. I was concerned about going to a 6' as the land topography is rolling to hills. Of course, I am only repeating what I've heard as I've never owned a tractor. If a bigger cutter will work safely and efficiently, I'll certainly go that direction.

A bigger cutter is a better way to go. With cutters (or any rear implement) going across a slope can be chancy. That cutter can drag you downslope...heavier the cutter (or other implement), greater the chance of sliding. The way around this is to cut when the area is dry, go up and down the sope rather then across and go slow so you can react to any slippage.
Transporting any implement raised on the 3PH on a field is also something to be aware of...no quick turns!!
When I bought my cutter, I got the biggest one my tractor (at that time) could handle. The first cutting of a neglected field is always the toughest.

 

[WM75Guy]

Land Pride uses a standard numbering system. The first number designates the duty, 1 is light duty, 2 is medium or standard duty, and 3 is heavy duty. I would consider the 26 as a better choice. You never know what you might hit and the light duty does not have a stumpjumper. Your 40hp can handle a 6' deck.

My dealer sells Land Pride and Bush Hog. I went with the Bush Hog Squealer 172 6' medium duty cutter on his recommendation. He believes they hold up better and it was cheaper by about $100.

If you are clearing land have them throw in an extra package of shear bolts. It will save you a trip back to the dealer. It doesn't have to be a big limb, even hitting a high spot of dirt and bottoming out the deck can break a shear bolt. Keep a set of wrenches on the tractor that fits the bolts.

 

[bigbull338]

ok heres my thoughts on shredders,you can take them or leave them.1st off the type of over grown pasture your gonna shredd will be a booger no what what shredder you use.2nd a shredder is a major purchase just like a tractor.youll have both till you wear them out.do not buy a mked duty shredder,because the deck an skirts are made from thinner steel.an they will thrash out doing rough shedding in time.i have the squeeler 6ft heavy duty,an i put that sucker in some heavy brush areas to cut.an it will cut anything you can drive it over.ive had it for almost 10yrs an it looks like new.

 

[jca57jd]

I have been wondering how ruged the landpride rc were. I have a woods brush bull 72. My tractor is a 2003 L3430 and I started my company off of bushhoging. The woods brush bull 72 is a 2003 as well. My brush bull has held up well but its getting close to being warn out. I am wondering weather to get another woods or a landpride? My neighbor started selling kubotas and landpride about a year ago and he will probable give me a good deal on a landpride. Also will 35 hp run a landpride 36?

 

[jca57jd]

Picture of a big farm I mowed a couple months ago.

 

[RoyJackson]

Since the OP, helmkev, is new, I'll add a few comments about cutters.

When you first engage the PTO, use a low RPM and keep your hand or foot near the throttle (so you can increase RPM if the tractor starts to stall). Do NOT run it up to PTO RPM and engage. An easy start lessens the shock to both the tractor and implement.
You'll feel some vibration (may be heavy, initially) and hear a "Bang". The cutter's blades pivot, so the cutter will not be balanced until they extend (that's the "Bang").
Once the vibration eases up, increase the RPM to PTO speed (should be a mark on your tachometer) and start mowing.
I leave my loader on with the bucket low. Depending on the density of the brush, you may not see obstructions. The low bucket is your "early warning system". Unless you are very very familar with the area you're mowing, go slow. Hidden ruts, depressions and raised areas can roll your tractor (been there, done that). Even experienced professionals go slow go on unfamilar turf.
When you're done or taking a break, stay on the tractor until the cutter's blades stop (which takes more then a minute on my 5' Land Pride cutter).

Also, keep an eye on your tractor's temperature gage (if it has one). Brush cutting generates a lot of dust and can clog your radiator grills (I carry a 2" brush...trimmed the bristles to about 1/2 inch).

I'll also suggest using a dust mask, ear and eye protection.