2520 rotary cutter question

[Gatorback]

I have scaled down my tractor size parameters since I had a tree service remove the large tree pile left over from the home construction. I think the JD 2520 may be enough for my 5 acs. of cutting rough pasture and small saplings up to 1" diameter as well as moving a few piles of natural dirt/clay mix with the 200cx loader. My question is whether the 2520 can handle the 5 ft. Frontier rotary cutter. The JD literature shows the cutter to be a match for the 2520 but I got the feeling from the salesman that he thought it might be a little bit of a stretch. The RC1060 cutter shows a min PTO hp requirement of 20 hp which is exactly what the 2520 is rated.
I just don't think a 48" cutter makes sense on a 17K purchase .
Would like some opinions before I make a final decision in the next few days. My other option for the same price is a 3203 which is bigger but has a few less options such as folding rops, cruise, and of course a cup holder , not to mention taking up more room in the garage.

 

[kennyd]

The "general" rule for a RC is 5hp per foot, and as you stated that exactly what the 2520 has. So the question is what will you be cutting? If just tall field grasses the 5' will do great, if its 2" saplings you may want to go with the 4'. You can always take a smaller bit with the 5' if the tractor starts to bog down.

 

[aesanders]

I just don't think a 48" cutter makes sense on a 17K purchase .

My 2320 handles the 4 foot just fine. I have cleared some huge brush area with it and like the fact that it is 48" wide. Have taken stuff way larger than the 1". Some I had to dig the trees out and burn, but most cut up with the frontier cutter. I Can get into some tight areas. If your just clearing 5 acres the 4 foot model would be fine in my mind.

Here are some pics if interested:
Brush Clearing - a photoset on Flickr

 

[RoyJackson]

I'd go for the 60" cutter.
You may go very slow in some areas for the first time cutting, but that's a good thing anyway.
There may be areas you take a partial width cut.

As far as PTO HP, I did a good job wiith a 60" cutter through some heavy stuff...and my tractor had 16 PTO HP which was 4 less then the minimum recommended PTO HP.

BTW, the 3203 Deere doesn't allow off seat PTO operation. If you plan on using a chipper, generator, log splitter or other implement the requires you to be off the seat...you cannot do it with the 3203. That crosses off my list right there...

 

[Gatorback]

Thanks for the responses. Just wasn't feeling that good about matching a 5' cutter with the small chassis tractor. I was afraid it was going to be a tail wagging the dog situation. It seems that it isn't much of a problem I guess.
Roy, I brought up that very question to the salesman yesterday (based on your reply to a previous question). I told him I was considering a log splitter in the future. It turns out that the 2520 can't be run off-seat either. That question drove the salesman and mechanic nuts for about 30 minutes.
Looks like I might go with the 2520 this week unless I decide to break out another 2K and upgrade to a 3120.

 

[Runner]

Gatorback,

I'm beginning week 2 of my (hopefully) 2 week wait for my 2520 package. For the record, my JD salesman didn't bat an eyelash when I ordered the Frontier RC1060 cutter. He only said that I would need to be sure and have some front weight on it when using the cutter, such as the loader or frame weights.

He also visited my property and confirmed that the RC1060 would be fine for my purpose, which is to cut pasture grass on rolling hills. My pasture is clear already, so I won't be doing any brush cutting with it. I will report on it's performance when it arrives.

I have seen a post on this site from an owner of a 2320 with a 60 inch cutter who reports no performance problems which leads me to believe that the 2520 should handle it fine.

Best of luck in your shopping decision.

Runner

 

[Deadman]

just jumper the seat switch, its a 2 minute job that I do to every tractor I buy.

 

[RoyJackson]

Thanks for the responses. Just wasn't feeling that good about matching a 5' cutter with the small chassis tractor. I was afraid it was going to be a tail wagging the dog situation. It seems that it isn't much of a problem I guess.
Roy, I brought up that very question to the salesman yesterday (based on your reply to a previous question). I told him I was considering a log splitter in the future. It turns out that the 2520 can't be run off-seat either. That question drove the salesman and mechanic nuts for about 30 minutes.
Looks like I might go with the 2520 this week unless I decide to break out another 2K and upgrade to a 3120.

According to the 2520's manual (I just copied and pasted this from the Deere website):

Using Rear PTO (Operator Off Seat)
IMPORTANT: Avoid damage! Use rear mounted equipment rated for 540 rpm. Do not operate mid or rear PTO over 540 RPM mark on tachometer.

NOTE: The mid-PTO is only operational with the operator on the seat.

Engaging the PTO
1. Sit on operator's seat.

2. Lock the park brake.

3. Move the transmission range shift lever to the N (neutral) position.

NOTE: The starter will not crank if the PTO switch knob is in the engaged/on position.

If the operator leaves the seat with the engine running and the mid-PTO engaged, the safety interlock system will stop the engine and all implements.

4. Start the engine.

5. Set engine speed to 1500 rpm or less.

6. Move the PTO selector lever (A) to position (B) for rear PTO only.

7. Pull the PTO switch knob (C) up to the engaged/on position.
The instrument panel PTO engaged light (D) will illuminate when the PTO is engaged.

8. Adjust the engine speed hand throttle forward to the desired speed for the implement used.

NOTE: The tachometer indicates a standard 540 PTO at an engine speed of 2600 rpm.

So, either then manual is wrong or the Dealer needs a bit of education...

 

[B8FISH]

2520 will handle an LX-5 no problem (or the RC1060)--I always had the 200CX on--for better weight distribution and as a "finder" for whatever I may have missed when I walked the field first.
The rear PTO will work with you off the seat--Roy has it exactly correct.

 

[Gatorback]

Thanks again! That's why I come here . Gotta love the net and TBN.