7' or 8' rotary cutter?

Peacock · May 31, 2012

I've got a gear MX5100 with 44pto hp and am looking at a new cutter. Looking at Bush Hog, Landpride or Woods. Would prefer something over 6' as thats what I use now and I'd like to knock some time off. The 6' cutter is nearly worn out and is due for replacement. I cut mostly pasture and road sides. Some of it is thick fescue that can be tough going, but I don't mind making partial cuts or going slower in those instances.

I'd imagine that a dual splindle 7' or 8' would be easier on the tractor than a single spindle 7'er would be. I've got a loader on it and the tires are filled.

Curious if anyone has any experience with either of these size of cutters and could offer some insight.

Soundguy · May 31, 2012

i'd go 8' dual spindle before I went 7' dual spindle with 44 pto hp.. I wouldn't think you have any problem with 8'... will this be a pull setup, or are you looking at 3pt? 3pt 8' is going to be heavy.. but possibly doable as you have a loader for counter ballance.

soundguy

Peacock · May 31, 2012

Lift style.

Looks like 8' would still be easier than 7' single due to proximity of weight to back of tractor.

bigbull338 · May 31, 2012

do not put an 8ft 3pt shredder on the MX5100 to much weight tobe lifting.go with an 8 or 10ft pull type shredder.if we get a bigger shredder itll be a 10ft heavyduty brushhog shredder.

TripleR · May 31, 2012

I would not want to put an 8' 3PH on an MX5100.

VA MTN MAN · May 31, 2012

go with a 8 foot double spindle.
I had a 7 foot 3point cutter and it was a bear, so long and heavy. with the extra length it is hard to get the 3 point high enough to get the wheel of the ground when you have the hog set with play in the top link for cutting. I ran mine on a 5700 and it was all it wanted so I wouldnt suggest it on a 5100 unless you are taliking about a double spindle 7 foot.

Soundguy · May 31, 2012

remember guys you can run a 3pt like a semi-mount.

foreman Etexas · May 31, 2012

Peacock said:
I've got a gear MX5100 with 44pto hp and am looking at a new cutter. Looking at Bush Hog, Landpride or Woods. Would prefer something over 6' as thats what I use now and I'd like to knock some time off. The 6' cutter is nearly worn out and is due for replacement. I cut mostly pasture and road sides. Some of it is thick fescue that can be tough going, but I don't mind making partial cuts or going slower in those instances.

I'd imagine that a dual splindle 7' or 8' would be easier on the tractor than a single spindle 7'er would be. I've got a loader on it and the tires are filled.

Curious if anyone has any experience with either of these size of cutters and could offer some insight.

I have the M5040 witch is 46pto hp and it pulls the 8ft without a problem.
Check out the Landpride RCR3596 its the one I have been a really good mower,for the money.

bigbull338 · May 31, 2012

foreman Etexas said:
I have the M5040 witch is 46pto hp and it pulls the 8ft without a problem.
Check out the Landpride RCR3596 its the one I have been a really good mower,for the money.View attachment 267648 View attachment 267649

landprides are alot cheaper than the bushhogs.but they arnt as tough as a brushhog.

Peacock · May 31, 2012

I'd think that an 8' dual spindle of equal weight to a single spindle 7'er would handle much better on the tractor. The center of the weight would be much closer to the tractor.

Soundguy · May 31, 2012

yep.. 7'ers get way out there.. 8'ds is just (2) 4' mowers essentially..

Piston · May 31, 2012

foreman Etexas said:
I have the M5040 witch is 46pto hp and it pulls the 8ft without a problem.
Check out the Landpride RCR3596 its the one I have been a really good mower,for the money.View attachment 267648 View attachment 267649

Foreman,
How do those leveling rods work on the pull behind you have? I've never seen that before? Aside from the obvious answer "leveling", what are they for, and how do they work?

Herkypilot · May 31, 2012

The MX5100 is a pretty capable machine. I don't think you'll have a problem with an 8 foot dual spindle. Sort of wish I went with that instead of a 6'.

Soundguy · May 31, 2012

at RULE OF THUMB FOR 5HP PTO POWER PER FOOT.. IT SEEMS LIKE IT SHOULD BE FINE FOR POWER ANYWAY.. ( darn capslock on this lil kb.. GRRRRR )

foreman Etexas · May 31, 2012

Piston said:
Foreman,
How do those leveling rods work on the pull behind you have? I've never seen that before? Aside from the obvious answer "leveling", what are they for, and how do they work?

If they wasnt on there then the tongue would swivel at the mower and not just the hitch,keeps the front were the back side of the deck is.I think thats how to answer your question aside leveling.

leonz · May 31, 2012

About your mowing needs,

if you can afford a two spindle rotary cutter
perhaps you should also examine the Vrisimo line of
flailmowers ment for road side mowing as an
option as they have been made for many years.

The John Deere flail mowers of that size are less
expensive than the vrisimo mowers.

My dad used a John Deere 7 foot 25A mower with
a Ford Jubilee for many years to mow 10-12 foot
golden rod to knock down and reclaim 12 acres of
pastureland.

There are lot good used and new flail mowers for sale
on www.tractorhouse.com

schmism · May 31, 2012

leonz said:
if you can afford a two spindle rotary cutter
perhaps you should also examine the Vrisimo line of
flailmowers ment for road side mowing as an
option as they have been made for many years.

An odd consideration, as the 2 products differ by like twice the cost. (with the flail mower being the 2x more version)

Zebrafive · Jun 1, 2012

Piston said:
Foreman,
How do those leveling rods work on the pull behind you have? I've never seen that before? Aside from the obvious answer "leveling", what are they for, and how do they work?

The tow "A frame" is pinned to the front of the deck. Like a hinge. If the level rods were not there the front would drag on the ground at the height of the sidebands. By connecting the the A frame to the rear tail wheels brackets the cylinder can lift the complete deck. The rods adjust so you can run the deck lower in the front, level or higher in the front than the rear.

Peacock · Jun 1, 2012

At this point I'm leaning towards a RCR2596 or BH278. Don't need a 3008. May consider a SQ84T. Any guesses on otd price on these units....

foreman Etexas · Jun 1, 2012

Peacock said:
At this point I'm leaning towards a RCR2596 or BH278. Don't need a 3008. May consider a SQ84T. Any guesses on otd price on these units....

You can go on Tractorhouse and look up the shredders you are interested in and get an idea what cost you are looking at. http://www.tractorhouse.com/listingsdetail/detail.aspx?OHID=5964665&
http://www.tractorhouse.com/listingsdetail/detail.aspx?OHID=6318795&
http://www.tractorhouse.com/listingsdetail/detail.aspx?OHID=6783781&
http://www.tractorhouse.com/listingsdetail/detail.aspx?OHID=5379151&