Chains vs Rubber Straps for Rotary Cutter

[93Mustang]

I have been looking at used rotary cutters. Have come across a couple of options but they have the rubber strip as opposed to chains. Chains are pricy so I wouldn't want them either if I don't need them. I am most concerned about safety - this thing will be for woods use (rocks and all kinds of stuff could be thrown) and there will be some residential area in reasonalbe range. Do the rubber strips work for this or should I go chains only?

Thank You - Dana

 

[Mock1]

Rubber works. Make sure it is belted though, it will resist tearing better. IMO the rubber is a lighter option as well.

 

[gwdixon]

I'll vote for the chains. The rubber tends to trap more debris inside and if that includes rocks you can kiss your sharp blade good-bye. Rubber also leaves windrows in heavy grass.

Safety may be a bit more with the rubber but the idea of the chains is to get the debris out of the cutter before it gains much speed. The chains dampen (absorb) the momentum of the projectile.

Chains are not that hard to make. The commercial ones are way expensive as you know.

You'll need angle iron, 5/16" chain (length depends on your rotary cutter - about 6' of chain for each foot of width), a welder. A cutting torch or plasma cutter is very helpful.

 

[moored4]

I prefer chains for cutting in the woods! It gets the 'trash' out quicker. Tree limbs and rocks, you will not have sharp blades long! I maintain a lot of trails and then mow pastures and the dull blades work there it is just not as pretty as with sharp blades.

 

[greg_g]

Given my experience with chains, I'll take rubber next time. The chains on my first five footer caught too many branches. Didn't take too long before the chain guard was actually blocked to the point where it was holding cuttings under the deck. I had a strong enough tractor so it didn't bog down. But when the deck got too full, it just puked a whole pile of cuttings out underneath the chain guard. I ended up taking the thing off permanently

//greg//

 

[eastexan]

I need some on my cutter, too. Both front and back are missing.
I will have to make some sort of deck extension on the front to hang the chains from for clearance from the blades.

What grade chain is usually used on these?

 

[RickB]

Given my experience with chains, I'll take rubber next time. The chains on my first five footer caught too many branches. Didn't take too long before the chain guard was actually blocked to the point where it was holding cuttings under the deck. I had a strong enough tractor so it didn't bog down. But when the deck got too full, it just puked a whole pile of cuttings out underneath the chain guard. I ended up taking the thing off permanently

//greg//

In those conditions you won't have to worry about taking a rubber shield off. It won't last a full day before being ripped off.

 

[eastexan]

I've heard of someone cutting the tread from an old truck tire and bolting it on.
I imagine it would last a good while.

 

[Farmwithjunk]

Rubber works, but marginally. It is lighter, which helps when you're near max weight on the mower. Rubber can (and will) tend to snag stumps/staubs/ect.


Chains allow better air flow, which helps with blade lift.
Chains allow much better flow of debris.
Chains slow the momentum of "hard objects", but still let them out from under the mower, and away from the spinning blades.

My insurance underwriter requires chains (and specifies no rubber deflectors) when we're mowing along state/interstate highways.

 

[245drtvs]

A Little off topic but you may want to see the cutter in action. I recently bought one from a used equipment dealer in my area and when I got out to our property (2.5 hrs away) it spun fine until you drove over anything (grass included) over a foot tall. The blades just stop. The slip clutch is shot and the dealer has washed his hands of it. Just something you may want to keep in mind.