Rotary Cutter 7' Bush Hog vs Woods rotary mower

[big bubba]

looking to buy either 297 series Bush Hog or Woods Brush Bull extreme (bb840x) (both 7') rotary mower....both seem comparable on specs/weight.....Woods around $300 more. your preference & why on either? how does the quick change blade pin work on the Woods? thanks bb

 

[sandman2234]

With bush hogs good name at stake, and Wood's reputation for gearbox trouble on their larger mowers, I would have to seriously consider the Bush Hog's mower.
David from jax

 

[big bubba]

thanks sandman, just the feedback I'm looking for.....am leaning in the same direction myself though wasn't aware of gearbox issues w/woods. bb

 

[sandman2234]

If I remember correctly, Farmwithjunk is the one that mentioned gearbox problems with the larger batwing type mowers from Woods. However, if they can't build a gearbox for a batwiing, what makes you think that the "heavy duty" mowers are going to be any better. Get my drift???
I am just passing on a general impression, from reading a few posts on TBN.
Just got back from my 35th class reunion in SW Arkansas...
David from jax

 

[PSDStu]

BB not sure if you have a Brown dealer in your area, but if you do I would take a look at the Brown 484 model or the tougher 684 model it's a beast. These aren't the tree cutter versions, just some mighty tough cutters.

I'm not a real big fan of 7' cutters....... but they are cheaper then a twin spindle 8' model.

 

[Farmwithjunk]

I won't even consider owning another Woods mower. And it was a BB840 that prompted my poor opinion of their product(s). I had issues with the gearbox, paint, 3-point hitch framework, and Woods failure to honor warranty. Less than 2 seasons of use and it was literally JUNK.

The Bush Hog 28X and 29X series mowers are UNDER rated. They meet or exceed my expectations of a heavier duty rated mower. I've logged 4-1/2 seasons of use on the Bush Hog mower (287) that replaced the Woods BB840. It still runs like the day I first bought it.

IMHO, it's not even a question which one I'd buy.

 

[Country1]

I won't even consider owning another Woods mower. And it was a BB840 that prompted my poor opinion of their product(s). I had issues with the gearbox, paint, 3-point hitch framework, and Woods failure to honor warranty. Less than 2 seasons of use and it was literally JUNK.

The Bush Hog 28X and 29X series mowers are UNDER rated. They meet or exceed my expectations of a heavier duty rated mower. I've logged 4-1/2 seasons of use on the Bush Hog mower (287) that replaced the Woods BB840. It still runs like the day I first bought it.

IMHO, it's not even a question which one I'd buy.

Thread's a little old, but I got to defend my Brush Bull! I've owned a BB600 for 6 or 7 years now and haven't had one bit of trouble out of it. I've punished it working in the woods a lot and it stands up to the test every time. I can use it to knock down and chew up hardwoods in the morning and then mow the lawn in the afternoon (I don't use it to mow our lawn, but the cut quality is good enough to do it). Mine sites out in the weather and the paint is holding up great.

I've owned and operated other cutters, but this Brushbull is by far the best!
I don't really know about these problems a few other guys have had, but mines been flawless and I haven't babied it at all.

 

[Kioticrp]

I have a woods ms8.30. Bought new in 2019, I have it hooked up to a 60hp tractor. It has had a bad vibration since new. Not a wobble when you first engage the pto but it starts vibrating all of a sudden while cutting and is prone to it unless it is adjusted perfectly where it wants to be then it still may. Woods said that is "normal on a twin spindle". I would not purchase another woods cutter in my life. This is my third cutter by the way.

 

[Boondox]

My Woods BB-72X has been trouble free for 15 years. Now I have a leaky seal but it’s a cheap fix

 

[MESSMAKER]

My Woods BB-72X has been trouble free for 15 years. Now I have a leaky seal but it’s a cheap fix

I have had both brands. I think I prefer Woods , but not by much.

 

[cathy liebchen]

Get a Brown 417. Runs about $5600 but best you can buy

 

[Doughknob]

LOL. I wish i knew what mine is. Some old thing that is actually the neighbor’s but i store it and use it. Works great.

 

[Sawyer Rob]

I have had both brands too, and I have three Woods right now, my present Brush Bull is the best cutter I've ever owned or used. I personally feel, you would have to go to a Brown to get a better built cutter.

Personally, I'm not going back to Bushhog as the paint came off mine and under the paint the deck had cracks! Those cracks really killed its resale. Another thing, it was a total PITA to change blades, where Woods has a much better blade holding system.

Also, I've heard of more blown Bushhog gear boxes than Woods, and the woods gearbox problems were on batwings, the Bushhogs were on their std. cutters, so there ya go...

SR

 

[Beaver Cove Deere]

I’ll stick with my Landpride 2672.

 

[alpha&omega]

I have a woods ms8.30. Bought new in 2019, I have it hooked up to a 60hp tractor. It has had a bad vibration since new. Not a wobble when you first engage the pto but it starts vibrating all of a sudden while cutting and is prone to it unless it is adjusted perfectly where it wants to be then it still may. Woods said that is "normal on a twin spindle". I would not purchase another woods cutter in my life. This is my third cutter by the way.

I’ve heard about this issue with the smaller CUT’s/LCUT’s, but never on a 60+hp machine. I’m not saying your issue isn’t the cause of a poorly made cutter, but Woods is not the only company that has causes that “wobble” feeling.
And for those who may wonder, no we aren’t talking about bad/bent blade wobbles or those caused by bent PTO’s. This is a different feeling all together.

 

[alpha&omega]

I have had both brands too, and I have three Woods right now, my present Brush Bull is the best cutter I've ever owned or used. I personally feel, you would have to go to a Brown to get a better built cutter.

Another thing, it was a total PITA to change blades, where Woods has a much better blade holding system.

x2 on both comments. If you have the money and need the machine, go with a Brown. Otherwise my vote goes out to Woods, as I’ve never had an issue with any of their cutters/mowers that I’ve owned.

 

[Damian$10]

I have the Woods BB72 Brush Bull and if I could push it over with the tractor I would set the bush hog down on it. It has had a very tough life and it still cuts great. I’m only on my 2nd set of blades since 2012. The input shaft seal is gone and has been gone for about 5 years and I just fill the gearbox with grease and it does have a little vibration but still cuts great. Toughest bush hog made in my opinion.