Rotary Cutter Discussion

[Darth_DMack]

The real question is...at what engine RPM is your PTO turning 540 rpm?

From the Mahindra 5155 Owner's Manual:

The Mahindra 5155 4WD tractor has a Power Take-Off (PTO) rotation speed of 540 revolutions per minute (rpm) at 2,300 rpm and 540E at 1,725 rpm. The PTO also has 47 horsepower (hp) at 2,300 rpm. The 5155's 3-point PTO comes with CAT 1 and CAT 2 connectors and can run in both 540 and 540E modes. The 540E setting can help save fuel and make the tractor quieter during lighter work.

 

[Darth_DMack]

The real question is...at what engine RPM is your PTO turning 540 rpm?

@deserteagle71 that is a great question, for I had no idea before you asked that. So, doing the research, I found out that the tractor has two PTO modes... 540 and 540E. I did not know about this, always wondered why it had the two yellow PTO symbols at the different RPM ranges... I thought as long as I had the PTO engaged, and running between the two yellow symbols, I was good.

I learn something every day! If I have the switch on 540E, it will turn 540 rpm (pto) at 1750 engine rpm... if it's on 540... then it's 540 pto rpm at 2300 engine rpm.

Now I know... much appreciate the intellect push!

 

[dieselscout80]

Caution: Field mowing/cutting can be addictive. I started doing it 25 years ago. Started with a John Deere MX-8 and a 60HP tractor with 2 or 3 customers and now pulling in an extra 40K a year with ~20 customers running a 15’ batwing and a 135HP tractor. I’m still amazed at how much opportunity is out there if you want to pursue this as a way to make
Would like to get a 20 footer. lol

You’re thinking way too small this one is 42’ wide plus they have 26’ and 30’ ones.

FX-742 ROTARY CUTTER - Schulte Industries

The FX-742 Rotary cutter can cover more ground than other rotary cutters. We ensure reduced fuel costs with this rotary cutter. Call 306-287-3715.

www.schulte.ca

 

[ptsg]

@deserteagle71 that is a great question, for I had no idea before you asked that. So, doing the research, I found out that the tractor has two PTO modes... 540 and 540E. I did not know about this, always wondered why it had the two yellow PTO symbols at the different RPM ranges... I thought as long as I had the PTO engaged, and running between the two yellow symbols, I was good.

I learn something every day! If I have the switch on 540E, it will turn 540 rpm (pto) at 1750 engine rpm... if it's on 540... then it's 540 pto rpm at 2300 engine rpm.

Now I know... much appreciate the intellect push!

As you use and learn the tractor/cutter, you'll find out that you can do a lot of work even in 540Eco depending on what you're cutting. A less noise, less fuel consumption and wear and tear.

Since you have a lever to select between 540 and 540E, this means, if you put it in the middle (Neutral position), you can spin the PTO shaft by hand which helps tremendously when attaching PTO powered implements.

 

[Darth_DMack]

As you use and learn the tractor/cutter, you'll find out that you can do a lot of work even in 540Eco depending on what you're cutting. A less noise, less fuel consumption and wear and tear.

Since you have a lever to select between 540 and 540E, this means, if you put it in the middle (Neutral position), you can spin the PTO shaft by hand which helps tremendously when attaching PTO powered implements.

So, when I got my tractor, the Dealership was horrible. This is my very first tractor, and I asked a ton of questions, but the Sales guy had no answers. I grew up on tractors, but I just spent the last 36 years in the Army... so, learning new.

I knew how to engage the PTO, but that lever that moves between 540 and 540E, I had no clue about.

Now I'm educated on it, and can move forward with confidence.

This forum has been fantastic for learning things. So much information here!

 

[cathy liebchen]

The only true heavy duty cutter brand mentioned in this thread is Brown. We have several of them . The 416 is a heavy duty mower and the 672 is a true tree cutter

 

[Darth_DMack]

The only true heavy duty cutter brand mentioned in this thread is Brown. We have several of them . The 416 is a heavy duty mower and the 672 is a true tree cutter

Tracking all.

I wasn't after a true HD cutter... maybe one day, but not needed on my property. I looked at the brown 672... $10k and weighs 2,000 pounds!!! for that bad boy... I think I'd go with a flail mower at that price, for what I need here on my little farm. However, if I were doing commercial work, that thing would be a beast!

 

[Darth_DMack]

UPDATE:

Just wanted to update on the TSC County Line 6' Rotary Cutter. This is the TSC Branded 200 series cutter made by Tarter. I mowed a bit more this past weekend, broke two sheer bolts (pins?) within the first 30 min... granted, this was MY fault, not seeing dirt clumps. I found that running in 540 at 2300 engine rpm, this cutter runs great! Wound up cutting a total of 2 hours, not breaking the sheer pin for the last 90 min.

Ordered the Front and Rear Chain Guards from Tarter. The tech there said that Tarter only puts them on their 300 series rotary cutter, but the bolts "SHOULD" line up.

Got the Chain Guards in yesterday. The box was ripped open during shipping but all parts made it to me, save for 4 carriage bolts.

The chain guards look to be very well made, and a cursory fitment before the bottom fell out (TS Debby) shows that they bolt holes DO line up.

I'm happy with this cutter, but I have nothing to compare it with. One note, the grease fitting that is located on the tail will was missing, I bought one from Lowes, only to find out the threads are stripped. So, I will tap them for the next size up, and put a larger grease fitting in. Not a show stopper, but a mild annoyance.

Does the cutter work? Yes. It's balanced well, it's relatively quiet (at least it is to me), and after I add the chain guards it will be where I want it. I'm also looking at adding a PTO shaft with a slipper clutch, just because. Now... cost. I got a good deal out the door from TSC, but the upgrades put that cost savings into a negative. I'm still money ahead, even after the upgrades, but it's still only a 45 hp gear box with a 12 ga top deck.

If you are on the fence with spending $3700 or more on a more heavy duty cutter, VS this one, just consider what it would cost to make this one the same as that $3700 one.

I will add pics once the rain stops, and I get the chain guards installed.

Cheers!

DMack Sends.

 

[Lineman North Florida]

UPDATE:

Just wanted to update on the TSC County Line 6' Rotary Cutter. This is the TSC Branded 200 series cutter made by Tarter. I mowed a bit more this past weekend, broke two sheer bolts (pins?) within the first 30 min... granted, this was MY fault, not seeing dirt clumps. I found that running in 540 at 2300 engine rpm, this cutter runs great! Wound up cutting a total of 2 hours, not breaking the sheer pin for the last 90 min.

Ordered the Front and Rear Chain Guards from Tarter. The tech there said that Tarter only puts them on their 300 series rotary cutter, but the bolts "SHOULD" line up.

Got the Chain Guards in yesterday. The box was ripped open during shipping but all parts made it to me, save for 4 carriage bolts.

The chain guards look to be very well made, and a cursory fitment before the bottom fell out (TS Debby) shows that they bolt holes DO line up.

I'm happy with this cutter, but I have nothing to compare it with. One note, the grease fitting that is located on the tail will was missing, I bought one from Lowes, only to find out the threads are stripped. So, I will tap them for the next size up, and put a larger grease fitting in. Not a show stopper, but a mild annoyance.

Does the cutter work? Yes. It's balanced well, it's relatively quiet (at least it is to me), and after I add the chain guards it will be where I want it. I'm also looking at adding a PTO shaft with a slipper clutch, just because. Now... cost. I got a good deal out the door from TSC, but the upgrades put that cost savings into a negative. I'm still money ahead, even after the upgrades, but it's still only a 45 hp gear box with a 12 ga top deck.

If you are on the fence with spending $3700 or more on a more heavy duty cutter, VS this one, just consider what it would cost to make this one the same as that $3700 one.

I will add pics once the rain stops, and I get the chain guards installed.

Cheers!

DMack Sends.

There are 2 types of threads on grease fittings, SAE and Metric, so they may not be stripped, and you may already know this but just in case there it is, also Harbor Freight sells a kit of both SAE and Metric grease fittings, I have one of each and it has been invaluable.

 

[EddieWalker]

Good review of your cutter. I think you'll find issues with every cutter out there. It's the nature of the industry. Everyone is trying to compete with each other, and there are only so many ways to cut costs.

I think you did good, and when you switch to the slip clutch, you'll see a huge difference. It's not hard replacing sheer pins, but it's super annoying and frustrating!!!