Rotary Cutter Need Rotary Cutter Recommendations for BX2660

[Lumberdink]

I'm looking to pick up a rotary cutter sometime in the next week or 2. I have a WTB listing on CL, but nothing comes up I'll buy new. The Kubota stealership sells Land Pride which seems to be "farm grade" quality. They quoted me $1425.00 for a 42" slip clutch model with a shield. This is something I will use maybe once a month. Another dealer quoted me $895.00 for a 48" Kodiak shear pin model. I need something with maneuverability around trees in the woods, so 48 inches would be as big as I would want to go. I like the price ($799.00) of the County Line model at Tractor Supply. Anyone have any experience with that model? I see they also offer a 2 wheeled model for a few bucks more. I do have some sidehills---is the 2 wheeled model any more stable?

 

[jenkinsph]

We all like to have the best equipment but for occasional use and I assume once a month is really about 6 times a year. That said I would really take a closer look at the TSC brand or a good used one. It won't be as heavy duty as the Land Pride but since it is lighter it would be easier to control on the side slopes. I certainly prefer a slip clutch but wouldn't be willing to pay twice as much for something that didn't get much use.

 

[whistlepig]

It depends on how long you think you will keep the mower. I have owned a couple of the cheaper cutters. The welds on them were inferior and some of the welds failed. I had stress cracking on the decks on both the cheaper cutters. The stump jumper on both of the cheaper cutters bent easily and I had to buy new stump jumpers and have them beefed up by welding stiffeners to them. I bought a Land Pride five years ago and haven't had any of these problems.

 

[Lumberdink]

Thanks---I'll be out and about today or tomorrow so I'll stop in and kick some tires!

 

[Lumberdink]

Grrrrrrrr...
Stopped by Tractor Supply today and all they had was a 5 footer. The other 2 stores within driving distance are sold out. It's a seasonal item so I may have to wait until spring unless I went for that Kodiak---or a nice used one. No action yet on craigslist.

 

[TrenaryDucks]

I need something with maneuverability around trees in the woods, so 48 inches would be as big as I would want to go.

Working around trees in the woods concerns me. I grew up on a christmas tree farm where we mowed between the rows with a heavy duty brush cutter. I still managed to bang it up by hitting a few roots, stumps and rocks along the way.

I currently have a six foot Tarter (aka County Line) rotary cutter. It is very light, with eight gauge sides and a 13 gauge deck. I use it to maintain fields for my pastured poultry business. However, the deck and sides are easily dinged with an errant rock fragment or stump.

I would think that if you are likely to be hitting sizable roots, stumps and rocks while mowing, then perhaps a Tarter made County Line rotary cutter may not be an ideal choice. If not, then the cutter may suit your needs. Parts for these cutters are available off eBay for reasonable prices, and Tarter is an established American company.

 

[Oaktruss]

What state do you live in? I have a slightly used John Deere 48" shear pin with front chains and rear shield I was thinking of selling.

 

[Lumberdink]

What state do you live in?

I'm in northcentral PA.

 

[Oaktruss]

I am in the Morgantown, WV area.

 

[Lumberdink]

I found another dealer who sells Bush Hog. I checked out BH's website and I see they sell a "homeowner" unit. Although my tractor is 4 feet wide, would there be any advantage or disadvantage between the 42" and 48" in the woods?