batwing advice

[sacarmic]

So, I have a Deere 5085e and use with a Deere MX-8 pull type cutter. I want something wider to cut with. Mostly pastures and some hills. Can I get away with a 15ft cutter or do I need to stick with a 12ft? Look at the Deere MX-15, Woods, Bushhog or Landpride.

Thanks,
Scott

 

[Industrial Toys]

I just got rid of a fourteen foot, or was that sixteen foot finish mower. I can't remember. It was shaft driven. I ran it no problem on a 70 PTO tractor and always thought it would work well on a 40 something HP tractor. A guy wanted to buy it that lived nearby, so we tried it. In good conditions it worked but simply had no reserve for the tough spots.

A guy with a small Bellarus bought it, and it works good, but he keeps his grass short as an air strip.

 

[RedNeckRacin]

Exactly. I'd keep the 8 for the time being and get the 15. There are some guys in here who mow at 0.125 mph so that they can run a 30' cutter because they are still moving (I'm being a bit sarcastic but only slightly.) I have an Mx10 and wish I had some more ponies from time to time. I've never mowed in less than A-4 or B-1 gear (not sure the mph right at the moment ) but I don't usually mow faster than about 5mph since the ground usually limits speed if the vegetation or cut quality doesn't. In foot tall to 2 ft tall vegetation I never had an issue with 10' and I can't imagine a 12' would be much different. I will say that a good groundhog mound will seriously drop the rpm's and I gotta be fast raising the deck to keep from stalling the tractor.

 

[jdtractor]

I would agree get the 15' u have enough tractor to run it providing the filth or grass isn't overly hi or thick. The only other problem u might incur is depending on how steep ur hills r u might have a hard time pulling them and u might get pushed down. The reason being lack of weight.. But it can save a lot of time when mowing if u can handle this .. Just my .02 cts.

 

[Tinstafl]

I pull my 180x woods batwing fifteen for with no issues with 91 HP Kioti. I have a hugely hilly property and tough grass and brush nd it just cuts thru them with easy. I sometimes wish I had a six foot siz to get back on the trails in the woods but the small yanmar did that till I sold it last week.

 

[sacarmic]

And one here have opinions on the Land Pride RC3615? Found a really good deal on a NOS unit.

Thanks again
Scott

 

[MF283]

I know LandPride has come a long way with their equipment & "brands" it out to other colors. I'd say as long as the gear boxes are big enough & the decks(thickness) are equal to the other's, go for it.

Ronnie

 

[Dadnatron]

I've heard some of the 15s windrow more than others just because of design differences. You might want to look into this before you buy it. I think there are a few threads or info on the internet about it. I was looking for info and found it, but can't remember where. But it seems to me most people thought it happened most with the JDs and least with Woods. Don't know if that is accurate recollection or whether they are correct, but I know I don't want windrows on my pastures.