Rotary Cutter 6' medium duty cutter for 40 pto HP

[outdoors]

I have a good strong IH 454 with d179 diesel which is rated at 40 pto HP (about 50 @ engine). I'm looking for a good quality medium duty cutter rated for more than 2" as I will use it for cutting alders and over grown fields. The land is my own so rocks and unknown objects are not really a concern for me. I thought that the BH 286 seemed perfect but was told they no longer make it. The 296 has a minimum 45 pto hp recommendation and is pretty heavy @ 1100 pounds. Tractor 3 point rating is within this weight range so mostly concerned about hp required.

Do you think the 296 is too much mower or can you recommend anything else. I could easily handle the squealer172 but I'm afraid that it won't stand up.

Thanks :thumbsup:

 

[art]

A number of years ago I had a 424 IH and borrowed a neighbors Woods to do the same only we were in soft maples and very crowded population. The mower was rated for two inch and I mowed over larger at a low speed of coarse. I often had to back off the tree's as they were raising the front wheels of the tractor to far off the ground while mowing over them.

Plus or minus, after taking them down they didn't grow back up in between the heifers trodding over the field for the clover that covered it within a year.

You for sure might need front weights!

 

[outdoors]

Art,

I have the IH front weight bumper, bracket, and some weights for balance when the cutter is raised.

The issue with alders is that they grow in clumps, ie many smaller shoots from one base, as they get a root hold. Parts of my property have pretty established alder beds while other areas are thick old hay mixed with weeds. The hay/weeds actually mow harder due to being dense however the alder clumps can provide pretty agressive shock to a mower. That's why I was looking for a medium duty unit like the 286.

 

[TripleR]

I am on my third year pulling a Land Pride RCR2672 with my L5030 and am bery happy with its performance.

 

[greg_g]

I've had good luck with my Kodiak MD5 with slip clutch. I've got 35 PTO hp. Pretty sure you'd be happy with the MD6 w/slip clutch.

//greg//

 

[LeadPoison]

The Woods BB720 has been trouble free for 8 seasons so far. Built like a tank.

 

[Brad_Blazer]

I think you're fine with what you're looking at. The HP to turn the blades is a function of blade width, "grass" density, and speed, not how heavy duty the cutter is. The HP recommendation is make sure the tractor is big enough to handle the mass of the HD cutter.

 

[schillbilly]

I have an older 306 model Bush Hog brand that is a Beast. My dad used/abused a 305 for at least 25 years. Still operational, and I still use it ocaisionally. I wanted a 6 footer, and hunted an old 306 due to the toughness.
I use it behind a Kubota MX5100 (44HP @ PTO). Plenty of power for the cutter. If I run the tractor faster than I should over rough ground, , I need to put on front weights. My tractor is 2WD. However, in 2nd High, it doesn't rear up at all. It also weighs about 1100 pounds.

 

[outdoors]

I finally picked up a Bush Hog 296. Can't wait to try it out. Should last me a life time.

 

[blin]

How has the BH296 held up?