Rotary Cutter Tips on using grapple with a rotary cutter

[AllenArmory]

I'll be getting a grapple and a rotary cutter with my new tractor and would like some tips on how to use them together. The cutter can cut brush up to 1.5" in diameter. The problem is that my property has a lot of dead branches on the ground that are larger than that. Some of this in in tall grass and I don't want to take the chance of running over a large branch and tearing up my cutter. I'm thinking I need to float the grapple on the ground in front of the tractor so that it will pick up anything large that my cutter can't cut.

Do you guys have any tips for me?

 

[Ed of all trades]

That might be hard to do, If I was worried I would walk it and find the ones that need to be moved and do that first, then cut what is left. Ed

 

[oosik]

Definitely - as Ed indicated. If this will be the first time you will be cutting an area or field - walk it and move/mark all objects you do not want to run the cutter over. Large limbs, rocks, stumps, barbed wire etc, etc.

The time spent doing this could well save your new cutter.

 

[SSdoxie]

Do as stated above then drive first time cutting with grapple about 2" off the ground. If you missed something you should feel it with the loader/grapple before running over it.

 

[EddieWalker]

Did you get a slip clutch for the cutter? I didn't when I first got mine and I busted sheer pins on a regular basis. Then I spent the money on the slip clutch and it's night and day better.

In my experience, I know when there is something in the grass by running over it, or hitting it with my front tires. You can leave you loader down low to push stuff over if it's really tall so it doesn't hit you in your face. I wouldn't think that you would get very far trying to mow with the loader down low enough to pickup up stuff with your grapple. You'll bury it in the dirt that way.

 

[AllenArmory]

Here's the cutter I'll be getting:
6' Medium Duty Cutter With Chain Guards

It says it has a torque limiter. Is that the same as a slip clutch?

 

[EddieWalker]

I think a torque limiter is another way of saying sheer pin. Grade 5 bolt that snaps when you hit something.

 

[nybirdman]

I use my bucket lowered but not in float when in new ground.Sure has
saved me a few times.

 

[AllenArmory]

I think a torque limiter is another way of saying sheer pin. Grade 5 bolt that snaps when you hit something.

I'll have to ask my dealer. The same cutter as C606NTC is offered in a different model (C606NC):

6' Medium Duty Cutter With Chain Guards

This one says "shear pin" for the driveline protection.

 

[stuckmotor]

That's a nice looking cutter. If it has the sloped deck it should save you from some rust problems.