Rotary Cutter Kodiak Rotary Cutters? Opinions?

[nelsond7004]

Does anyone have any experience with Kodiak rotary cutters? I compared several brands and I feel for the money the Kodiak is the best value. Looking at the overall build, the Kodiak seems to be stronger than some of the competition.

My local dealer has quoted me a standard duty 5' cutter for $725 and a medium duty for $1000. Both are priced without a slip clutch; however I will be adding one. I am leaning more towards the medium duty for longevity.

Any and all opinions and experiences are welcome!
-Nelson

 

[DT86]

I can't help you as I have never used a Kodiak but I too am looking at new mowers. I'm not far from you (Washington County) so I was wondering which dealer you've been pricing these mowers? Might just consider buying one for myself.

 

[nelsond7004]

DT86,

It's a small world isn't it? Progressive Tractor on Hwy 19 across from Ken's Dodge. I called about two weeks ago and spoke to a salesman. I am thinking his name was Tom. It is to my understanding that these are everyday prices. They are carrying a Titan line too that I was told is the same as Kodiak and are priced the same.

Nelson

 

[wny770]

The 2 Kodiak impliments I have are HEAVY DUTY. Not fancy, but for the money..... can't beat it. I have a potato plow and tiller, and recommend both. I too am looking at the 5' Kodiak cutters. Like I said, for the money..... can't beat it.

 

[amaxwell]

I have had a 5' kodiak standard duty for about 4 years . It is heavier than the big bee or modern cutters, but I would still get the medium duty if I was buying again.

 

[bullbreaker]

Use to be,I don't know if still is :Some of the Mahindra implements were Kodiak .
Mahindra USA - Implements

Boone

 

[DT86]

DT86,

It's a small world isn't it? Progressive Tractor on Hwy 19 across from Ken's Dodge. I called about two weeks ago and spoke to a salesman. I am thinking his name was Tom. It is to my understanding that these are everyday prices. They are carrying a Titan line too that I was told is the same as Kodiak and are priced the same.

Nelson

It sure is. I've bought hydraulic filters from them before, seem like good folks to me. Didn't know they had Kodiak but then again I don't stop in often.

 

[wny770]

Use to be,I don't know if still is :Some of the Mahindra implements were Kodiak .
Mahindra USA - Implements

Boone

You are correct. Most of mahindra's impliments are Kodiak.

 

[idaho2]

I have a 10' pull type Mahindra (Kodiak) heavy duty and I pull it with my 5530 4wd Turbo. Pull types need less pto power to operate than the 3ph's!

idaho2

 

[Verticaltrx]

I have a 5' Kodiak that I've been very happy with. It was definitely the best built of the 'cheap' cutters (compared to what you find at TSC, etc). It's a good match for both my B3200 Kubota and my NAA Ford. I've used it semi-commercially for about 2-3yrs now and it has held up well. In that time I slightly bent the rear fork and have made some good size dings in the side, but that's about it. Overall a good unit for the money.

 

[gregfender]

I have a 6' medium duty cutter and have had no problems at all. Very well built and sturdy. I have used mainly for pasture mowing, but the small amount of brush I have cut has been no problem for it.

I am thinking of a Kodiak tiller since I've had such good luck with the cutter.

 

[nelsond7004]

Thanks for all the replies. Looks like the Kodiak line has a good rep. Unless something changes, I plan on getting a medium duty. I just hope it is not too heavy for my tractor. My tractor is only rated at 1650 pounds 24" behind the lift links. While it maybe in range, I wonder how the tractor will handle it on the slopes. At least my friend and his dad has offered to buy the MD cutter from me in the event it is too heavy for my tractor.

-Nelson

 

[clemsonfor]

Thanks for all the replies. Looks like the Kodiak line has a good rep. Unless something changes, I plan on getting a medium duty. I just hope it is not too heavy for my tractor. My tractor is only rated at 1650 pounds 24" behind the lift links. While it maybe in range, I wonder how the tractor will handle it on the slopes. At least my friend and his dad has offered to buy the MD cutter from me in the event it is too heavy for my tractor.

-Nelson

I dont think that cutter will come close to that weight. Plus some of the weight of the cutter is on the tail wheel so your not carrying the full weight of the cutter. If it turns to be a problem, just weight the front with weights you will do fine.

 

[nelsond7004]

Kodiak advertises the medium duty at 615 pounds. While it does not come close to the capacity of the tractor, I somehow was thinking the further you go back the less the capacity of the tractor. I believe I will be fine.

Like you say I can just throw some weight up front and shouldn't have any problems.

 

[Soundguy]

Does anyone have any experience with Kodiak rotary cutters? I compared several brands and I feel for the money the Kodiak is the best value. Looking at the overall build, the Kodiak seems to be stronger than some of the competition.

My local dealer has quoted me a standard duty 5' cutter for $725 and a medium duty for $1000. Both are priced without a slip clutch; however I will be adding one. I am leaning more towards the medium duty for longevity.

Any and all opinions and experiences are welcome!
-Nelson

I think you can find a howse cheaper, however as quality goes, when i was looking a while back.. KK, howse and kodiac, all their low end line were about the same quality.. in the end.. I found better pricing on howse, and went with that. regional and dealer prices may vary.. so that may make a difference.

on a 5' mower.. what are you cutting? pasture and brush say.. the size of your thumb or a lil bigger? light duty is fine..

soundguy

 

[TNhobbyfarmer]

I have a 6' Kodiak std. duty cutter. I have used it for three years cutting about a four acre pasture 3-4 times a year. So far no problems, but as you can see, my cutting is pretty light duty. I agree with Soundguy that most "cheapo" cutters are pretty much the same. As long as you don't abuse them, they should last a long time.

However, understand that these cutters are light duty. I have a farm that is rough. I have used a 6' heavy duty Rhino for about 10-12 years there. The Rhino is still working well even though I have abused it. I don't think the the Kodiak would have lasted one season in that enviornment. You need to know the limitations of the light cutters and use them accordingly.

 

[nelsond7004]

I will be cutting mostly pasture with briers and brush up to or a little over thumb size; however we have about 10 acres that is really grown up with Autumn Olive saplings that probably will push a standard duty cutter to its limits.

In the summer I cut a lot of 2 inch stuff with my friends Bush Hog Squealer. I would use it again, but his dad trashed it about a month ago. Anything bigger than 2" I cut with chain saw.

I have looked at Howse and would consider one, but thought the Kodiak seemed more sturdy. Also I didn't care too much for the Howse's 3 point. It didn't look like it would have much pivot. My neighbor has a tractor one size larger with a Howse and he bent is top link the first day of using it. I feel that the Kodiak has a better floating top link and 3point.

My local Mahindra dealer quoted me $650 for a Howse light duty which I think is exceptional. I don't have a problem spending the extra money for a Kodiak MD cutter. I am going to venture that during my initial clean up of the farm, a standard duty would get pushed to its limits.

Seems the more I write my post, the more I see that a medium duty is warranted.

 

[greg_g]

T I just hope it is not too heavy for my tractor. My tractor is only rated at 1650 pounds 24" behind the lift links.

In the case of transporting a RC on slopes, tractor weight is more of a factor than is rear lift capacity. As long as you keep the FEL mounted, you should be alright on slopes.

By way of comparison, my 3720 weighs in at 2900# (tractor ownly). I mention this because the additional cab weight won't help with rear counterbalance. But add the 300X front loader w/4-in-1 bucket, and I have more than enough counterweight for my 60" Kodiak MD. I paid $999 for mine by the way, with slip clutch.

//greg//

 

[nelsond7004]

I might have to drive a hard bargain with the dealer to include a slip clutch.

I guesstimate my Mahindra to weigh 3000 pounds. Manual says the tractor weighs 2305 and the FEL around 700. I do have my rear tires loaded. So I know it is over 3000. That is one thing I like about Mahindra; their tractors are heavy.

 

[clemsonfor]

I will be cutting mostly pasture with briers and brush up to or a little over thumb size; however we have about 10 acres that is really grown up with Autumn Olive saplings that probably will push a standard duty cutter to its limits.

In the summer I cut a lot of 2 inch stuff with my friends Bush Hog Squealer. I would use it again, but his dad trashed it about a month ago. Anything bigger than 2" I cut with chain saw.

I have looked at Howse and would consider one, but thought the Kodiak seemed more sturdy. Also I didn't care too much for the Howse's 3 point. It didn't look like it would have much pivot. My neighbor has a tractor one size larger with a Howse and he bent is top link the first day of using it. I feel that the Kodiak has a better floating top link and 3point.

My local Mahindra dealer quoted me $650 for a Howse light duty which I think is exceptional. I don't have a problem spending the extra money for a Kodiak MD cutter. I am going to venture that during my initial clean up of the farm, a standard duty would get pushed to its limits.

Seems the more I write my post, the more I see that a medium duty is warranted.

The 3point should not pivot! Unless your talking the top link attachment swivel thing?