Bush Hog Sq720 vs. Land Pride RCR1872

[jmauss]

I have narrowed my choice for a light duty rotary cutter to either a Bush Hog SQ720 or a Land Pride RCR1872. Both would come with a laminated tail wheel and a slip clutch. The Land Pride would be about $70 more, so price is not a huge factor.

Anybody have any experience with either of these cutters? I tossed around the idea of going with a medium duty cutter like a BH286, but I only have 4 acres to keep cut, so it will not get a ton of use, so I am going to stick with one of the two units mentioned.

I don't know if it matters, but my tractor is an International 350 Utility.

Your opinions are very much appreciated.

Joe

 

[DDT]

I have a 1872 LP and am very happy with it.

 

[gamble77]

We sell the fire out of those SQ models, they are great machines. Plust later down the road if you need parts you will be more prone to find a bushhog dealer than a Land Pride dealer I would think. Good luck.

 

[scott_vt]

Hi Joe,
I have the SQ Bushog, and have been using it for the past two seasons. Not a bit of trouble with that unit, and as someone else stated you can get parts very easily for that mower. I cut 8-10 acres three or four times per year very hilly and it does a great job.

scotty

 

[JKUB]

jmauss;
When I was looking to purchase a cutter I looked at both models you are inquiring about. Ultimately I decided to go medium duty (Woods BB720) rather than light. Had I gone light duty I would have bought the Land Pride based on three factors. First is the hitch Land Pride had a "captured type" which I feel is stronger and makes for easier hook-up than the "pin type". Second was the fit and finish, the LP was completely seal welded where the BH was not. This is important in fighting rust from moisture that gets into seams that are not welded shut. Third was the paint job. I feel the LP had a much better quality finish. I have seen many BH's after a couple of years look very faded. This is all from memory, I looked at them a couple of years ago. I am certain someone will correct me if any of this has changed. My two cents worth, hope it helps.

 

[Fredex]

I've had a Bush Hog SQ84 for 10 years. That model is 84" with 2 blades, 2 gear boxes, & 2 trailing wheels. Therefore the 3 pt. hitch & PTO is offset. Causes it to be wider than the tractor on one side. Good news it that makes for easier/closer work in fence rows. Bad news is there is more weight on one of the trailing wheels, which led to the only problem I've had in 10 yrs. - a broken trailing wheel strut on the heavy side. It takes a beating when I run 7 mph over pasture land. Welding & reinforcing has cured for last 7 yrs.

 

[john_bud]

Joe,

Don't let the amount of area you need to cut be the only thing that sets light vs medium duty. Look at what you will cut on those acres. If it is 1-3" saplings, has stumps and rocks you might need the medium duty. If it is pasture grass and such, then the light duty will do you fine.

If you are just cutting grass and bushes and such like, and only cutting a couple times a year, then don't get a slip clutch on the pto. "Huh? I thought a slip clutch was always better than a shear bolt?" Well, only if you are diligent enough to keep the slip clutch free. They tend to rust between uses and then fail to slip at the most embarassing times. Leading to potential major mechanical damage inside the tractor.

jb

 

[timpar]

I have had my SQ72 w/o slip clutch, earlier model, for almost 15 years. Been on IH 364, MF 135 and MF 1540. It has been in the woods and on the pasture. If I can knock it down it can usually cut it. Please get the safety chains and rear guards.