please help me choose between 2 TSC rotary cutters.

[jwalk2c]

Hello,
This may be of interest to all of you who have read or submitted threads on TSC rotary cutters and the mystery to what mfg had made them.
I stumbled across an old stock Countyline 4 ft cutter that is displayed alongside new stock Countyline cutters.
There appears to be some unique differences.
The old stock appears to have made by Tarter. (At least that is my guess based on pictures I have found on the net.
The gearbox is larger, has squared sides and not round like the County line.
Manager will knock about $80 of the old stock Countyline unit.
And will upgrade the PTO shaft because someone just stole the stock PTO shaft on older unit.
The upgrade shaft is a $189 one with some type of clutch (I think)
What concerns would there be with the older Countyline/ Tarter?
It has surface rust no big deal to me but has rust on input shaft but that I am sure will happen to all that site out in weather without grease on them.
Please note that both cutters are single rear wheel. I only included the red two wheels Tarter because it has the gearbox like the old stock County line I am considering...
I am positive the older Countyline is Tarter and is identical to the red one in picture with the exception of one wheel.
Thanks for your opinion.
Johnny Walker

[Kioti Tom]

The yellow Countryline is a King Kutter. I have one from when they were painted blue. The raised area on it is the same as mine. Interesting point tho is that both KK and Tarter used "I" beams for the sides. That is very good in my opinion. I have dented my "I" beam from the inside by hitting hidden rocks. I think those rocks would have gone thru the sheet metal sides of most of the other brands...
Use some scotchbrite and oil on the PTO shaft at the gearbox if you get that one and then keep it coated...
Good luck with your choice

Tom

[bullbreaker]

Just 4 the asking cause its a 4' cutter what tractor you using ? Might want to go 5'. Try to research what guage steel both have might be a difference. The pto shaft is no big deal cause they were going to have to give you one anyway.
If indeed the old stock has gear box rated for more HP I would buy old stock.
Which ever one you buy make dang sure you check your gear box oil level B=4 use.Also make sure you get your pto shaft gaurds and your pins.

Boone

[jwalk2c]

Tractor is a Ford 1520 4wd 23hp / 19.5 at PTO so I am thinking 5 ft would be to much.
The upgrade to replace PTO shaft that was stolen included a shaft/clutch combination.
The id tag on old stock gear box has weathered and numbers and mfg are not readable.
But the older gearbox looks larger.
Thanks for the advice.
Johnny Walker

[Marveltone]

I have a 1510 and was concerned about a 60" RC being too big, although Ford did spec a 60" for this model. I ended up getting a Woods HC54, which splits the difference between a 48" and 60" while still covering the width of the tires. Truth be told, the 1520 should handle a 60" cutter. If it pulls too hard, just overlap the cuts or downshift a gear. I personally would not buy a cutter that's narrower than the tractor.

Joe

[jwalk2c]

Hmm ???
I wanted a five foot but always thought it would overheat engine.
I ways using the 5hp to ever foot of cutting capicty (PTO hp about 20)
Actually this engine runs to cool now for my taste . When I work it for hours draging a box blade the oil is only luke warm. And tstat is good.
Intersting that Ford specified a 5ft , I did not know that.
Well now my question is 4ft or 5ft cutter ?
A 54 inch would be nice but probably hard to find.
Thanks
Johnny Walker

[bilrus61]

The land pride 1860 cutter is rated down to 20 HP but still rated to 2" cutting capacity. Twice what the cutters your looking at are rated. Its not really 60 inches either, its 57" cutting width. So its actually a 4 3/4 foot cutter. Its more money up front but there is more money in the back if you decide to sell it in the future if you upgrade your tractor or change your property. I'm looking at one here locally. The price the dealer has here in southern KY is 1495 with lamanated wheel,chains, and a slip clutch PTO shaft. I have heard its best to avoid the "round" gearboxes on the economy cutters. I think the land price 1860 would be a perfect fit for your tractor and give you peace of mind when you mow over that unseen thingy in the grass you would have never ran over if you had only seen it first. <~~~~~this WILL happen.

[jwalk2c]

Thanks for the info on the Land Pride.
I think I going to put purchase on hold for now and save towards Land Pride. I like the ideal of the 2" cutting capicity.
Johnny Walker

[MESSMAKER]

I run a 5 foot on a tractor with about 20 pto hp. It does fine. It will require gearing down only in very thick grass or on hills. I can't peak for the newer cutter, but the KK leaves a very smooth cut. I have about 400 hours on mine and I have cut some pretty stuff. I have welded my A frame and replaced my tail wheel.

[hoytp]

OT a bit, but these Countyline cutters look like they are designed to mulch some, rather than just whack things off straight. How does that work?