Rotary Cutter 7' or 8' rotary cutter ?

PSDStu · Dec 10, 2008

I'm looking to purchase either a 7' or 8' cutter for my M5040. I have looked at the Woods BB84 and BB840 for the 7' models and the Woods DS96 and Bush Hog 3008 for the 8' models.

The cutter would only be used for pasture mowing of Bahia and some weeds.

I'd also need to be able to load the tractor and cutter on my gooseneck trailer. Trailer is 102" wide and could handle either size cutter.

Currently using a BB72 and from what I have read here lots a you say to skip the 7' cutter and go for the twin spindle 8' models.

If I went with the 7' models would having twin tail wheels help with the scalping issue I have read about with the 7' models?

For both models I would need to go with 3pt mounted version because of my need to be able to load the tractor and cutter on my trailer, and I'm not sure you could do that with a tow version of the cutters.

Just looking for thoughts and experience with using 7 and 8 foot cutters.

Thanks!

tractorsanmore · Dec 10, 2008

I have seen the model 3008 in person and it's a heavy duty mower 106 " wide overall and weight is close to 1700 lbs . IMO it's too much mower for the 5040 tractor or for my 4630 ford too !

Soundguy · Dec 10, 2008

I betcha a twin spindle 8' will feel better than a single spindle 7'.. plus it will be shorter, since it uses two 4' ( tip to tip ) blades..

soundguy

Farmwithjunk · Dec 10, 2008

PSDStu said:
I'm looking to purchase either a 7' or 8' cutter for my M5040. I have looked at the Woods BB84 and BB840 for the 7' models and the Woods DS96 and Bush Hog 3008 for the 8' models.

The cutter would only be used for pasture mowing of Bahia and some weeds.

I'd also need to be able to load the tractor and cutter on my gooseneck trailer. Trailer is 102" wide and could handle either size cutter.

Currently using a BB72 and from what I have read here lots a you say to skip the 7' cutter and go for the twin spindle 8' models.

If I went with the 7' models would having twin tail wheels help with the scalping issue I have read about with the 7' models?

For both models I would need to go with 3pt mounted version because of my need to be able to load the tractor and cutter on my trailer, and I'm not sure you could do that with a tow version of the cutters.

Just looking for thoughts and experience with using 7 and 8 foot cutters.

Thanks!

I owned a BB840 for 2 seasons (too long) and would have gladly GIVEN it to you. I was NEVER happy with it.

My pick is the Bush Hog 3008

HickoryNut · Dec 10, 2008

Dual wheels/shorter wheelbase reduces scalping and the dual spindles disperse clippings much better. You will need some weight on front with an 8', especially when trying to back off a trailer.

JDeerekid · Dec 11, 2008

I would go with the 8' model also. With the twin blades it will actually take less hp to run that the single 7' blade. If the grass gets heavy just take less of a bite.

MFRED · Dec 11, 2008

I'm pretty happy with my BB840, dual tail wheels. I've had it 2 seasons now. Pasture mowing & property line clearing. Mostly heavy brush around the property lines. Not to say I wouldn't buy the 8ft, but the next one I get will be a batwing for the pasture & keep this 7ft for the heavy stuff.

Soundguy · Dec 11, 2008

The right batwing and tractor combo should cut that heavy stuff too!

soundguy

hotchkiss · Dec 11, 2008

I evaluated this same issue earlier this year. FWJ steered me in the direction of the 3008 over a seven foot model and in the direction of a Bushhog rotary mower rather than a Woods.

During this time period, I owned and operated a few tractors, but mowed with a NH 90hp and a Kubota 56hp give or take.

I selected the 3008 and have NO doubt it was the right decision. It gives you a better cut than the Woods single spindle. The overall length of the 3008 is actually shorter than the seven foot models, therefore it is actually easier to handle. The weight of the mower is closer to your rear tires and being shorter it is easier to get in and out of places.

I have not run a M5040 and don't have any opinions as to whether it will handle either of the mowers you are considering. However, my Kubota and NH handled the 3008 better than a six foot Woods heavy duty mower. If your tractor will handle it, go with the 3008.

intel · Dec 11, 2008

Farmwithjunk, i am looking to buy a woods BB720, why do you not like your woods BB840?

Farmwithjunk · Dec 11, 2008

intel said:
Farmwithjunk, i am looking to buy a woods BB720, why do you not like your woods BB840?

At one point I owned 3 Woods mowers. (Use 'em in a mowing business) I had issues with all 3. In particular, the BB840 had problems with paint for one. The paint came off in sheets with-in a couple months of purchase. It was apparent no primer was used, nor was the metal cleaned (oil?) prior to painting. In a year, I had large scale rust issues. I took my complaint first to the dealer, ho then passed the buck on to Woods. They essentially refused to listen to my complaint. Also, the struts running from the 3-point top link mount to the rear of the mower would flex and bend. That's with more than enough movement in the "toggle" portion of the hitch that SHOULD have prevented the problem. Finally, the gear box failed in approx. 450 hours of use. No warranty help there either, even though we were less than 6 months from time of purchase. Warranty claim denied.

I had 2 more Woods mowers, both MD172's. They were the predecesor to the BB720 series. Both lost pinion bearings in just over 2 years service.

I now use Bush Hog mowers exclusively.

PennTN75 · Dec 12, 2008

I purchased a Bush hog 297 and really like it. The paint seems very durable. The side bands and wear plates seem tough and resistant to rocks. The clean top makes cleaning easy. I mow some very thick stuff (golden rod and red brush through 3" diameter) and it eats it up. The driveline seems quite robust. I have a single tail wheel and it works well. It is a 3PTH attach. I have a TN75 4wd with loader and it handles it just fine.

I nailed some good sized rocks that shockingly were pulverized (as I cringed and hit the lift up ASAP). No dings or dents though!

The only thing I will say is that it took several months to get this unit as I ordered it (couldn't find one on a lot). And...I wanted it to be BLUE

TerryJ · Dec 12, 2008

I have owned both 7' and 8' models. In my opinion there is no comparison, the 8' beats the 7' hands down. Period! My $.02

dawoodwa · Dec 12, 2008

PSDStu said:
For both models I would need to go with 3pt mounted version because of my need to be able to load the tractor and cutter on my trailer, and I'm not sure you could do that with a tow version of the cutters.

Thanks!

Shouldn't have any problem with the pull type, I load my batwing on the gooseneck all the time.

PSDStu · Dec 13, 2008

Thanks for all the responses. I have called a couple of Bush Hog dealers today and will have to wait till Monday for them to get me a price for the 3008.

I also want to get a price on the Woods MDS-96 twin spindle, 8' cutter.

I did happen to see a Brown 484, twin tail wheel, 7' cutter for $3495 at our local Massey/NH dealer........WOW...nice cutter!.....but probably overkill for the pastures I am going to cut.......but....

Curious what others may have paid for there 3008, or if anyone has a Woods MDS-96 what it might have cost?

Stu

rvaitor · Dec 14, 2008

PSDStu said:
Thanks for all the responses. I have called a couple of Bush Hog dealers today and will have to wait till Monday for them to get me a price for the 3008.

I also want to get a price on the Woods MDS-96 twin spindle, 8' cutter.

I did happen to see a Brown 484, twin tail wheel, 7' cutter for $3495 at our local Massey/NH dealer........WOW...nice cutter!.....but probably overkill for the pastures I am going to cut.......but....

Curious what others may have paid for there 3008, or if anyone has a Woods MDS-96 what it might have cost?

Stu

I bought a 7ft dual tail wheel International Machines (World Agri-tech) medium duty cutter a couple of years ago for about $1700. I've used it to mostly reclaim neglected fields. I've been very happy with it.

MMM · Dec 15, 2008

You might look into a semi-mount also (bit more control than drawbar type), as weight will likely be a problem with 50 series, but hp no problem. I regularly cut bahia with a pull type Woods 121 and 40 odd pto hp. I can't mow at 5mph, but it's to bumpy for that anyway.

PSDStu · Dec 16, 2008

Got some prices yesterday and here is what I have narrowed my choices down to.

Bush Hog 3008, 3pt mount, $4950, 1600lbs

Woods DS96, 3pt Mount, $4200, 1400lbs

Brown 484, Twin Tail Wheels, $3495, 1375lbs

Woods BB840, Twin Tail Wheels, $3100, 1280lbs

I still have to decide which of these to purchase for mowing my pastures, as well as being able to load on my gosseneck trailer.

Based on most of the comments, it's looking like an 8 foot cutter over a 7 foot one, and most seem to like the Bush Hog 3008 over the Woods.

I'm a little concerned about the weight of the 3008, primarily when trying to load and unload the tractor on/off my trailer. I have 4 suitcase weights now (@600lbs) and can always add 4 more weights.

Decisions, decisions.......

Stu

wf758 · Sep 27, 2009

Stu...what did you do?

I'm a newbie to tractors overall. I'm looking at a few diff 50hp Kubota models and my dealer recommended the Bush Hog 3008. Did you get it? How does the 5040 handle with it?

Thanks,
Will

PSDStu · Sep 28, 2009

wf758 said:
Stu...what did you do?

I'm a newbie to tractors overall. I'm looking at a few diff 50hp Kubota models and my dealer recommended the Bush Hog 3008. Did you get it? How does the 5040 handle with it?

Thanks,
Will