B2920 Rotary Cutter

[Ctytrctr]

I'm looking to rent a rotary cutter for my B2920. The rental place only has a Woods BB72X, which has a 72" cutting width and recommended tractor HP of 30-50 HP.

I've heard 5hp for every foot of cutting. Will I be biting off more than the B2920 can chew if I go with the BB72X?

I don't want to spend most of my day getting bogged down, or doing something that will mess up the tractor.

-my phone keeps bugging out when I try to post, so I hope I haven't created three versions of this thread; if so, I apologize.

 

[mjw357]

Depends on what you are cutting. Is it weeds and grass? How tall/dense is it?

 

[Ctytrctr]

About 11-12 acres of grass and weeds about 10-12 inches high. The majority of it has only gotten bush-hogged twice a year, so it's relatively thick. But no brush or anything like that.

It will be a little longer and thicker than the grass on the right half of the attached photo. That area had been cut more frequently over the years, but I'm now venturing to the area that was always tackled just twice a year. We've usually just hired the job out, but now that I have the B2920, I was hoping to get some work out of it.

 

[mjw357]

I think you'll be fine. Use full (PTO 540) revs and slow the tractor down if it seems to be bogging.

 

[Ductape]

If the land is flat, I'd go ahead and rent it. Thats an awful lot of bush hog for a 2920 though........ if you buy one eventually, I'd consider a 5 footer max for that tractor.

 

[RoyJackson]

I think you'll be fine. Use full (PTO 540) revs and slow the tractor down if it seems to be bogging.

I agree...I'd try the 72" cutter too...as a rental.
If I were to buy a cutter, I'd suggest a 60" unit would be a better fit for your 21 PTO HP B2920.

 

[AStanton]

I would advise you not to go bigger than 60". And if you get a choice stay away from the slip clutch and get shear pins.

 

[beckmurph]

According to Woods Equipment online, that little puppy weighs around 800lbs
Your 2920 will have a hard time lifting that, as long as it is. :confused2:

 

[RoyJackson]

According to Woods Equipment online, that little puppy weighs around 800lbs
Your 2920 will have a hard time lifting that, as long as it is. :confused2:

That's if he needs to actually transport it raised. I rarely do this, even though my tractors (previously a Deere 670, 790 and current 4400) could lift the weight...I'm pretty sure the B2920 has the lifting capacity too.
The problem is the cutter's weight as a percentage of the tractor's weight...transporting can turn into a real "tail wagging the dog" situation (especially if you turn too quickly).
As I said, I rarely lift the cutter. I normally disconnect the top link and tow it...using the cutter's tail wheel to bear some of the weight. If the OP does this...just remember that towing, like actually mowing, is a pretty low speed operation.

 

[Ctytrctr]

Thanks to everyone for the input. I'm going to call up a few places and try to find a 60" out there. I'd rather do it right than have headaches from using the wrong tool for the job. I've got a lead on a place that might have a 60" so hopefully I'll be in luck...