Why Can't Someone Make a Good 12' Batwing Cutter?

[workinonit]

I doubt there's a manufacturer in business with the nads to build a 12', 3PT batwing mower. That thing would be stupid heavy. I have a Maschio 10' flail that weighs 2100 pounds. I can't imagine picking anything much heavier up without front weights even with weights it would be uncomfortable.

 

[Seven Gables]

Have you looked at the JD fc12e model?
Weighs 3580lbs , hows that compare to the one you have or others you’ve looked at? I don’t think any manufacturer builds a heavier duty mower in the 12’ foot class, if I was looking to buy it would be at top of my list

 

[Hay Dude]

Had 2 Deere mowers for almost 20 years an neither gearbox has leaked when folded or in any position. Original, untouched gearboxes.
I change the gearbox oil every year and use only JD oil.

Been a great ownership experience. I highly suggest them. Excellent mowers that are tough and just about unbreakable.

 

[workinonit]

Sounds like he wants the 12' JD mower in a 3PT model. He also wants it with hydro motors so he can lift each deck as needed. I'm waiting to see that.

 

[Hay Dude]

Sounds like he wants the 12' JD mower in a 3PT model. He also wants it with hydro motors so he can lift each deck as needed. I'm waiting to see that.

I wouldn’t be surprised if there is one, but it would probably be an Italian mower of some kind.
What about a 15 footer that was factory changed to a 10 footer with on wing removed?
I know it’s 2 foot smaller than he wants, but it’ll be as heavy duty as they come.
Deere sells them that way.

 

[rockinbbar]

Sounds like he wants the 12' JD mower in a 3PT model. He also wants it with hydro motors so he can lift each deck as needed. I'm waiting to see that.

Who are you referring to?

I don't want any 3pt mower at all.

But I do have separate hydraulic controls to operate the wings (both, not individually) and the deck height. My Woods 15' came that way, and I split off the wing/deck on my Viper myself.

 

[rockinbbar]

I wouldn’t be surprised if there is one, but it would probably be an Italian mower of some kind.
What about a 15 footer that was factory changed to a 10 footer with on wing removed?
I know it’s 2 foot smaller than he wants, but it’ll be as heavy duty as they come.
Deere sells them that way.

Woods sells them that way too. But for the ranch pastures I cut with lots of trees, having only one wing would limit my turning direction to just one way while getting the wing under the canopy.

 

[rockinbbar]

Have you looked at the JD fc12e model?
Weighs 3580lbs , hows that compare to the one you have or others you’ve looked at? I don’t think any manufacturer builds a heavier duty mower in the 12’ foot class, if I was looking to buy it would be at top of my list

Saw that one online, and it looks pretty good.

 

[workinonit]

My mistake. Another poster said that and I mistakenly thought it was you. Sorry.

 

[Hay Dude]

Here you go:

https://www.deere.com/en/cutters-shredders/rotary-cutters/fc12e-rotary-cutter/

 

[workinonit]

I wouldn’t be surprised if there is one, but it would probably be an Italian mower of some kind.
What about a 15 footer that was factory changed to a 10 footer with on wing removed?
I know it’s 2 foot smaller than he wants, but it’ll be as heavy duty as they come.
Deere sells them that way.

Yea, my cousin cuts highway grass for the state and he uses those 1/2 batwing mowers. It's a must have for the setbacks and swales.

 

[rockinbbar]

Here you go:

https://www.deere.com/en/cutters-shredders/rotary-cutters/fc12e-rotary-cutter/

That actually looks like a pretty good cutter.

I like the separate hydraulics and foam filled aircraft tires too.

Like you, I drive tractors between projects and those laminated cutter tires don't do well on the road.

I may have to go see if the JD dealer has one on the lot for a closer look. (But I'm not a fan of the conglomerate, multi store JD dealer we have here.)

 

[Hay Dude]

That actually looks like a pretty good cutter.

I like the separate hydraulics and foam filled aircraft tires too.

Like you, I drive tractors between projects and those laminated cutter tires don't do well on the road.

I may have to go see if the JD dealer has one on the lot for a closer look. (But I'm not a fan of the conglomerate, multi store JD dealer we have here.)

You won’t have to deal with them much.
Those Deere mowers are something you buy and run for 10+ years before they need anything.
I don’t understand why they won’t offer a commercial duty 12’ mower, either.
But that Deere mower will probably serve you real well as long as you’re not cutting large saplings down with it.

 

[rockinbbar]

You won’t have to deal with them much.
Those Deere mowers are something you buy and run for 10+ years before they need anything.
I don’t understand why they won’t offer a commercial duty 12’ mower, either.
But that Deere mower will probably serve you real well as long as you’re not cutting large saplings down with it.

Yeah, down here I don't use the 12' for brush cutting beyond an occasional small mesquite or huisache bush. Mostly just mowing for pasture management... dove weeds and broom weeds are a bane here, and people cut them before they go to seed.

I also see that JD cutter is made in Mexico. I'll bet Industrias Americas makes them for JD. They make solid stuff. I have an offset disc made by them, and can't fault it. Figure JD would not put their paint on it if is inferior in any way.

 

[Hay Dude]

Yeah, down here I don't use the 12' for brush cutting beyond an occasional small mesquite or huisache bush. Mostly just mowing for pasture management... dove weeds and broom weeds are a bane here, and people cut them before they go to seed.

I also see that JD cutter is made in Mexico. I'll bet Industrias Americas makes them for JD. They make solid stuff. I have an offset disc made by them, and can't fault it. Figure JD would put their paint on it if is inferior in any way.

Mine was made in both China and Mexico, which I disliked and distrusted, but have come to find out all mower gearboxes are made in China now and paint jobs from mexico are much better because they are still allowed to use all the chemicals that make paint last longer.

 

[Janosko1]

Bush-Whacker makes a 12 foot batwing. Seen it a farm shows. They use to sell only to government but since most of your state right of ways are now contracted out they sell to public. Might be worth looking into.

 

[TylerJ1966]

I don't think you can get much better quality than a Schulte FX-212.

 

[Hay Dude]

I don't think you can get much better quality than a Schulte FX-212.

Nice mower.

 

[Brown Dog]

@rockinbbar find you a Bush Hog 2212 Beefiest 12ft you’ll find

 

[Drstrangeglove]

I have a 2810 bush hog. It has no problem cutting grass and saplings eye level with me in the cab of my m5-111.