2305: 42" or 48" rotary cutter.

[newbomb_turk]

OK, I am still up in the air on this RC. However, the big sticking point - not being able to mow full width - may not be solved by the 48" (1048). True, it will cut full width out in the open field, and reduce my cutting time. However, it is how close I can get to things that really drives the decision.

The 1048 (LX4) is 51 5/8" wide, but cuts 48". This means I can still only get within about 2" (1.75") of a fence before I whack it with the cutter.

The Bush Hog SQ142 is 42 3/4" wide, and cuts 42". The 2305 is 48" wide. This means I can get within 3" of the fence before I hit it with the tractor.

So, I can mow about 1" closer to something with the 48" cutter - hardly a make or break amount.

They are both the same price, but the Bush Hog wieghs over 120 lbs less - less than 400 lbs. I am leaning 42", even though most people have recommended the 48" Frontier.

 

[kennyd]

The Bush Hog SQ142 is 42 3/4" wide, and cuts 42". The 2305 is 48" wide. This means I can get within 3" of the fence before I hit it with the tractor.

I'm not buying that! There is a mistake/misprint somewhere. If the blade to blade span is truly 42", and the overall width of the cutter is 42 3/4", and I will assume the thickness of the side of the cutter are 1/8" thick at least, than that leaves a gap between the blades and the sidewalls at about 1/4"? that pretty close for a rotary cutter isn't it

The 1048 (LX4) is 51 5/8" wide, but cuts 48". This means I can still only get within about 2" (1.75") of a fence before I whack it with the cutter.

These #'s sound much more reasonable...

 

[davkir]

I use a 48" on my 2305. But I don't cut very close to the fence posts with it. With the rough ground in my pastures and the overall clumsiness of the tractor/R.C. combination, I just don't feel comfortable getting that close. It doesn't handle anything like a regular mower deck.
(Yes, I have hooked and torn down fencing and my neighbor hooked a guy wire and pulled down a row of power line poles with a big tractor.)

 

[newbomb_turk]

I'm not buying that! There is a mistake/misprint somewhere. If the blade to blade span is truly 42", and the overall width of the cutter is 42 3/4", and I will assume the thickness of the side of the cutter are 1/8" thick at least, than that leaves a gap between the blades and the sidewalls at about 1/4"? that pretty close for a rotary cutter isn't it

Straight from the Bush Hog web site.

http://www.bushhog.com/specsheets/squealer_standard_duty-020207.pdf

Even if it is incorrect, the limiting factor is the width of the tractor. Say it is a misprint, and it is really 48" wide (highly unlikely). I still can get only 1" closer cutting with the 48" RC. Albeit I am closer with the tractor, rather than the RC using the 42". However, I believe I have better positioning control over the tractor vs. the RC. Still see a 1" gain (actually, it is 1.25" to be exact).

 

[RollTideRam]

It's your money so buy what you want. You may only gain 1" in theory, but have you thought about the line of cut? With the 48", every round you cut, the back tire will be your line of cut. With the 42" the line of cut will be some where in the middle of the tire. Which is easier to judge when mowing will also be your choice, but that is another way to look at it. JC

 

[newbomb_turk]

You may only gain 1" in theory, but have you thought about the line of cut? With the 48", every round you cut, the back tire will be your line of cut. With the 42" the line of cut will be some where in the middle of the tire. JC

I would think the line of cut judged when mowing would be with the front tires. They are 43" apart on the outside. That is probably bad for the 42" because you couldn't really line up the cut with the outside of the tire without perhaps missing an inch or so. I'd probably have to line up the inside of the front tire, and then really only get about 36" each round. Might take me a bit longer.

Probably have analyzed this to death, so I'll sleep on it one more night...

 

[VABlue]

You have analyzed it to death. When your driving a tractor near a fence line you won't be noticing 1" of cut grass. Your attention will be on not hitting the fence. Same thing in the open field, you'll be driving as fast as you can go and won't worry about a 36" cut lined with the inside edge of the right drawbar vs a 46.25" cut lined to the third bolt on the right side of the bell housing.

Look at your checkbook and buy the cutter that fits it the best. Enjoy...