Rotary Cutter Difference between "economy" and medium-to-heavy duty rotary cutters

[AllenArmory]

I haven't bought my tractor (TYM T554) yet, but part of the package my dealer is offering me includes a 6' Howse 601S mower. According to the Howse website, this is an "economy" brush cutter. I'm looking to clear a good part of 40+ wooded acres of saplings and brush, plus mow about 5 acres of pastures. Will this mower serve my needs or should I upgrade to a medium or heavy duty one?

 

[brown40]

Like the box blade, the work and tractor determine sizing/grade. Your plan entails venturing into a lot of unknown territory initially, which is going to beat up any cutter. The duty rating tells you what kind of a beating the manufacturer is expecting the unit to take as well as how big a machine you can put it on without overpowering the transmission. For a field you don't need thick sidewalls and 150 hp gearbox, but for pushing against saplings, smacking rocks, ledges, and stumps, you need to be able to handle the shock. All things equal, you'd be better off with a heavy beater until your clearing is done... once you know where all your danger areas are, and you're in a mowing routine, you won't need the driveline and construction to be so robust, and can have a shiny one with undamaged blades, sidewalls and deck to last a lifetime mowing the field. It won't last clearing parts unknown, but thats part of the deal if thats your application.
Definitely get a slip clutch on any unit you decide on--you need driveline protection for your tractor's transmission.

 

[TripleR]

Don't pay much attention to labels such as light, medium and heavy applied by manufacturers, go by specifications, look at cutting capacity, deck thickness and gear box ratings to decide which cutter you need.

 

[jeff9366]

Heavy duty work requires often backing into the jungle. Pay particular attention to the the tail wheel and its bracing.

For heavy duty work, buy a Rotary Cutter with a gearbox rated at twice the engine horsepower of your tractor.

Buy a Ratchet Rake attachment for your bucket. Sold by the T-B-N store.

VIDEO: ratchet rake brush clearing - YouTube

 

[JRobyn]

I don't think you will ever regret paying more up front for a heavier and better quality implement. Ask if your dealer has implement upgrade options on your desired package deal.

 

[TractorToolsDirect]

When it comes to cutting brush, and the relatively large tractor you will be using, I would steer clear of anything labeled light duty. Mowing brush is just not a light-duty operation. Go a little heavier and you won't regret it. You might also consider a flail mower which is more expensive, but will do a much better job than a rotary brush cutter.

 

[MF283]

Good advice on staying away from the light duty, you want something that will last after your done with the initial cleaning.
Ronnie

 

[AllenArmory]

Thanks for the advice, everyone. My dealer is willing to work with me and give me a good deal on any attachments if I buy the tractor from him.

 

[MESSMAKER]

Go up to a medium duty. Extra strength A-frame and tail wheel is a good thing. That is where problems happen.

 

[RedNeckRacin]

When it comes to cutting brush, and the relatively large tractor you will be using, I would steer clear of anything labeled light duty. Mowing brush is just not a light-duty operation. Go a little heavier and you won't regret it. You might also consider a flail mower which is more expensive, but will do a much better job than a rotary brush cutter.

I never used a fail mower, but I would be very suspicious of using one for cutting down saplings??