Rotary Cutters:3pth or pull type?

   / Rotary Cutters:3pth or pull type? #1  

scotd1

Bronze Member
Joined
Apr 2, 2001
Messages
65
Location
Nashville, Tennessee, USA
I have a JD609 rotary cutter that I have had for many years and last year I traded up to a JD5410 and kept the 609. I didn't think about it at the time but the 609 will not cut out my tracks with my tires in the wide position,which is where I keep them due to these Tennessee hills.
Now, I talked to my dealer about an 8 foot cutter and he recommends going to a pull type instead of the 3pth type. I have never used a pull type and thought they were only for relatively flat, open places. Dealer says they are better and easier on the tractor.
So, should I stay with the 3pth cutter or would I be better off with a pull type?
 
   / Rotary Cutters:3pth or pull type? #2  
I have used a Bush hog 8' heavy duty rotary cutter on my JD 5300 which is slightly smaller in hp than your 5410. Definitely need front end weight. I leave my loader on. I have used pull-type mowers, but the big problem is not being able to turn tightly due to the angle the pto shaft has too make. My preference would be to stay with the 3 pt mower. It can be lifted quickly, can turn tightly and is more manuverable. The down side of a 3 pt is it takes longer to attach (unless have a quick-attach system). If you like how your 3 pt mower works, I would stay with the same system.
 
   / Rotary Cutters:3pth or pull type? #3  
A major advantage to using a 3-pt lift rotary cutter vs. tow is being able to back up and over some "junk" to cut {especially if you have no protection for the tractor sheet metal, like a loader}.

A friend has both and only uses the "tow" unit for his wide open pastures.

I think the 3-pt unit is much more versatile.

18-35197-JD5205JFMsignaturelogo.JPG
 
   / Rotary Cutters:3pth or pull type? #4  
No doubt if I had to choose it would be a 3 point. Can't imagine why a dealer would try and talk you into a pull behind. Unless you're cutting smooth ground with minimal turnaround, no bumps, no hills and no backing up don't get a pull behind.

18-35034-TRACTO~1.GIF
 
   / Rotary Cutters:3pth or pull type? #5  
I've used an 8ft. pull-behind in the past mowing BIG open areas. 10-15 acres minimum. In situations like that, it worked great. Down side was every time I tried to back into a corner or manuver tightly.......I couldn't. I think a 3-point is probably more versatile.

Bob Pence
18-33782-bobsig.gif
 
   / Rotary Cutters:3pth or pull type? #6  
I've used both and I choose the 3 pth for everyone of the reasons given in the other posts!
 
   / Rotary Cutters:3pth or pull type? #7  
I've used both my vote hand's down, 3-point, 3-point,3-point.
Although I might have to recount the vote's. /w3tcompact/icons/laugh.gif/w3tcompact/icons/laugh.gif

Camshaft in Pa.
 
   / Rotary Cutters:3pth or pull type? #8  
Besides the reasons for going with the 3-point that the other guys have mentioned, have you priced them? I don't know about all brands, but I once thought I might want a pull behind until I found out how much more expensive they were.

Bird
 
   / Rotary Cutters:3pth or pull type? #9  
Some reasons for going to a pull/tow behind cutter would be using a gang or batwing style 10 - 18', or severe duty 10-12' cutter that weighs more than the 3-Pt can safely lift...

18-35197-JD5205JFMsignaturelogo.JPG
 
   / Rotary Cutters:3pth or pull type?
  • Thread Starter
#10  
Well, I've arived at the same conclusion that you guys have, the 3 pt cutter is the way for me to go. I don't think the pull type would go thru the woods and get in tight areas like I have to do. Thanks for the feed back!
 
 
 
Top