John Deere MX 15 Rotary cutter

[Blackjackfarm]

I currently run a 7 foot Woods 3 point mower, looking to increase my cutting width and save time, my primary use is to mow weeds and thistles in CRP, also to mow burn breaks around it, would also use to mow corn stalks in some food plots. An even spread on the cut material is important, I don't want to kill off the flowers and forbs in the CRP, the JD cutters are advertized with "Max Flow cutting chambers -- this feature provides a smooth profile to the underside of the bottom deck to eliminate pocketed areas where cut material can build and allows unobstructed flow of cut material for even distribution".

My question:

1) Anybody used one of these?? Likes or dislikes?
2) The batwings can be operated at 22 degrees down or 45 degrees up, normally you'd run them on 'float' so they float with the contour what happens if you accidently raise it all the way up with the PTO on? Or just the opposite, if you hang it over a ditch that is more than 22 degrees down?
3) I only have two rear hydraulic remotes, according to the website one remote will raise and lower the mower and the other one will raise and lower the batwings is that a problem? If I had three remotes the wings would operate separately?
4) My tractor has the economy PTO, will I be able to use that on this mower?? The website says yes.

As you can tell I'm a little leery of the batwings, more moving parts, etc. but the largest I can get in a fixed cutter is 10 foot. Any advice you can give is appreciated.

 

[Zebrafive]

I can only answer 3) Two remote will work as you stated. If you have three remotes AND replumb the wing cylinders (separate hoses to each one) you could operate them independent of each other, but I see no reason/need for that.

Bush Hog makes a 14' fixed deck cutter model 3414.

 

[DT86]

I imagine that 22* down is the farthest the batwings will go any way.

 

[Blackjackfarm]

Thanks, did a lookup on Bush Hog dealers and found one 25 miles from here. Will check the pricing on that Bush Hog 3414.

 

[RedNeckRacin]

In response to #4 I have a hard time believing that you will be able to operate that size mower in the "E" pto range. I have a MX10 and in all but the lightest material, it needs more horsepower to tackle the thick spots. (I'm picturing mowing a field and not a yard since im not familiar with your particular area.)

As far as #1, I like my mower and it seems to discharge things pretty evenly. that really was not even a consideration when I bought it so I never really paid alot of attention to that as long as it knocked the plants down!

 

[Blackjackfarm]

As far as #1, I like my mower and it seems to discharge things pretty evenly. that really was not even a consideration when I bought it so I never really paid alot of attention to that as long as it knocked the plants down!

A lot depends on what you're cutting, in my case I'll be cutting some prairie grass with flowers and forbs in it, they recommend not cutting prairie grass below 12 inches, and I don't want the chaff to cover up and choke out the forbs.