Rotary Cutter Rotary Cutters

   / Rotary Cutters #1  

Anonymous Poster

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Just wanted to pass some results of some extended research I conducted during the recent purchase of a new rotary cutter. There is nothing new here except that I wanted to emphasize some points that might be helpful for prospective rotary cutter buyers. I wanted a new 60" rotary cutter for my Kubota L3600 to deal with 1-2" brush and pasture mowing (20 acres). Based on some previous excellent advice from this website, to get a good quality cutter that would give long dependable service, recommendations were to concentrate on cutter deck thickness, cutter overall weight, gear box HP rating, blade tip speed, slip clutch, safety chain protection, and blade size.

I looked at many brands/prices through the internet and visited multiple dealers in my western Washington state location. It became quickly evident that it would be a good idea to stick with the better known quality brands (Bush Hog, Land Pride, Woods, John Deere, etc.). It was also interesting to note that no matter the brand of a good quality cutter, the price would be about $800-1000 for a light duty cutter and about double that for a medium/heavy duty unit, $1800-2000. Most of the quality brands all had about the same specs and same options. It was also obvious that I would need to go with a medium/heavy duty to get the features I wanted. I finally opted for a Land Pride RCR 2560 for an overall cost of about $1900. It had 10 guage deck thickness, 1/4" side plates, slip clutch, 100 HP heavy duty gear box, 4" cutting blades, front/rear chain guards, replaceable full length skids, heavy duty stump jumper, laminated/adjustable tail wheel, and weighed at the top end of recommended weight limit for the L3600 (800-900 lbs).

The price was almost a show stopper but after using the cutter for the last month, it has certaintly proved the right choice. I mow in very rocky soil and sometimes hit rocks from mole hills and around brush stumps. The medium/heavy duty cutter takes this in stride and I find that I mow in less time due to cleaner/more complete cutting on the first run. As they say, you get what you pay for.
 
   / Rotary Cutters #2  
Mark, I've got the same mower with an L3710HST. I'm interested in how it performed cutting the 1-2" brush/trees. I've been a little hesitant to tackle such big stuff.

Joe
 
   / Rotary Cutters #3  
Mark,

Congratulations on getting a great cutter. It is amazing what a difference a really heavy duty piece of equipment can make (aside from the dent in the wallet!).

Best of luck with your new toy ...er equipment!

John Bud

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   / Rotary Cutters
  • Thread Starter
#4  
Joe-
I've used the RCR 2560 mostly on pasture mowing and some 1" brush since purchased last month. I normally slow down with thick grass for a cleaner cut and for brush work. I am also careful not to damage the rear chain guard if backing into thick brush.

I've noticed that I will drop about 100 rpm on heavy grass (3' high) and about the same on the brush I've cut so far. I have a loader and if attempting to cut heavy brush, I normally push the brush down with the loader and slowly run the cutter over it. This makes the cutting more controlled and also prevents bending the chain guard holders. The tractor has handled it fine. Since we basically have the same exact tractor, I don't feel you will have problems. The tractor is rated to handle this size mower and the mower is rated to handle at least 2" brush. Good cutting.
 
   / Rotary Cutters #5  
What advice can anyone offer on the Howes brand of cutter? The offer an "economy" cutter...I'm looking at a 4' cutter for a JD 4200. Been quoted a price of $475 for a new unit.
 
   / Rotary Cutters #6  
With your size of tractor I would get a 5ft. cutter. Cost will be about the same. I picked up a used 5 ft.Howse light duty cutter 2 years ago for $175.00 that was only about 6 months old, but abused to no end. They backed it into large trees trying to use it like a heavy duty one. I needed to replace one skid and straighten the sides back out on it. I took it all apart and reinforced it and it works great for what I use it for. Mostly cutting grass, but have used it to take down some thick stuff with no problems.

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   / Rotary Cutters #7  
Nearly two years ago, I bought a new Howse 500 (5') for $495. Sounds like the same mower. Not nearly the quality of the Bush Hog I'd had before, but a lot cheaper and is quite adequate for my use.

Bird
 
   / Rotary Cutters #8  
Thanks for the quick response. I don't plan to use it often, and then only for fairly light brush...maintaining a trail path. I think I might just keep my eyes open a bit longer for a used one, or even possibly a different brand.
 
   / Rotary Cutters #9  
Inconsistant quality control problems...
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My 4' unit, but I would pay a few dollars more for a KingKutter version.


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"You are what you eat, drink, think, say and do..."
 

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   / Rotary Cutters #10  
I was also looking for a quality rotary cutter. I found a brown 460 for $850. It has a 7 ga deck 1/4 x 2 slides (replacable)
a 90 hp box, stump jumper, slip clutch 4" blades round back
found it at North Ga tractor in cornelia, ga
 
 
 
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