5' or 6' Rotary Cutter

[LHS Inc]

I found a used 2007 Frontier RC 1060 lightly used for 800 bucks. Slip clutch and stump jumper with two swinging blades. Its in really good condition.

I have a JD 3520 eHydro 30hp pto. Is this the right fit for my tractor or do I need to go to a 6' model?

I'll be cutting some thick grass, about 1-2 foot tall with some 1"- 2" saplings. Its mainly fescue and it can get nasty. I want the cutter to do what it's supposed to do at its full width, correct height and ground speed.

I want no parts of creeping along at a snails pace and not taking the full cut because the tractor can't handle it.

I want the tractor to drive the implement not the implement drive the tractor if you know what I mean.

Yes, I've done a search already and altho there was a lot of useful info I just needed to throw one out there myself on the subject.

I do have an old 5' bush hog listed in my profile but its on my fathers tractor all the time and I want one of my own to use when I need to use it.

Thanks

 

[Chilly807]

From the cutting chores you've described, the 5 foot cutter would be the best choice. I've got the same PTO hp (30), and my 5 foot Land Pride works well with the L3400.

You'll find that the slower ground speeds do a much better job of actually cutting and mulching the material completely, higher speeds leave "holidays" in the swath.

The 6 foot, while getting the job done a little quicker, is on big side of right for the 3520. It would be fine for light cutting, but heavy stuff would be a challenge with 30 hp.

Sean

 

[easygo]

I have used a 5' bush hog on my 22hp PTO tractor and it is the max size for mine but it was only in 2-2 1/2" weeds no saplings. I would say a 5' is perfect for your machine. One of my neighbors runs a 6' cutter on his 65hp tractor.

 

[acme97]

I would stay with the 5ft. You're can handle the 6ft, but you'll be better able to handle the 5ft for what you want to do.

 

[clemsonfor]

I would think 6 but i dunno? I have run a JD 4400. I think its like 37 engine HP and it can handle a 6 fter fine but will bog on real thick stuff. I run a 4 fter on my yanmar which is 20 PTO HP and it will but what you are talking about fine at a speed as fast as i can stay in the seat! :laughing: But the 4 ft is all it wants. I could use a 5fter if i cut it every 3 to 4 weeks easy, but this year i still have not cut the second time as we did not get much rain. Its tall though now, but i have herbicided all the hardwood so there should not be any more "saplings" just garss waist high to shin high.

 

[LD1]

I have used a 5' bush hog on my 22hp PTO tractor and it is the max size for mine but it was only in 2-2 1/2" weeds no saplings. I would say a 5' is perfect for your machine. One of my neighbors runs a 6' cutter on his 65hp tractor.

Wow, thats lower than I mow my grass with my ZTR. If the weeds were 2-2.5 inches when you bushhogged it, how short were they after

J/k

To the OP. Your tractor, like mine, is right on the bubble between the 5' and the 6' cutters. And for what you describe, I'd go with the 5.

I have both. The 5'er is nice for tight areas, and It is light enough (~600lbs) that I can take the FEL off when doing trails in the woods.

The 6' does require a lower ground speed and is much heavier and I MUST leave the loader on. But it is nice for large open areas.

So if you dont have a huge field to maintain, stick with the 5'er and you wont look back.

 

[creekbend]

As other TBN members have suggested, I, myself, would go with the 5 footer. But the final decision is yours. By posting this thread, it appears that you are reaching out for the best fit, and we are trying our best to give the suitable advice. Good Luck.:tractor:

 

[TripleR]

Gotta go with the others on the 5' cutter. You could "probably" spin a 6' for many things, but I'd go with the 5' as thick fescue is a real bear to cut.

 

[jimmysisson]

You could try the 5' that's on your dad's and see. The wording of your question makes me think you already know what everyone's told you - 5' is right.
Jim

 

[nikdfish]

+1 on the 5 foot.

With R4 tires the 5' Frontier RC matches the width nicely ... much less likely to inadvertantly snag on something.

I use a Frontier RC2060 & it has been a good setup with the 3038e.

Nick