540 or 1000 flexwing mower?

[RickB]

I can tell you the gear boxes on my 3210 BH were not very happy when i didn't notice my 70hp tractor's pto was accidentally set to 1000rpm.

That may be true but not relevant to a discussion about machines designed and built for the various input speeds.
Over the years I have seen a significant number of tractors with 540 rpm PTO output shafts twisted off while running batwing rotary cutters. Several different brands of tractors and a couple of cutters. I cannot recall a single 1000 rpm shaft failure. The sample size for 1000 rpm rigs is smaller, but zero failures is significant to me.

 

[ovrszd]

When I bought my 95hp tractor I opted for dual speed PTO. When I bought larger cutters I specifically looked for 1000rpm. I've only used 540 once when I borrowed my neighbors post hole auger.

 

[EddieWalker]

Interesting thread. I have no experience with either, so this is very informative.