brand comparison

rcrcomputing · Apr 11, 2005

Trying to get an idea of brands. Let's take a cheap shear ping rotary cutter for instance.

If you had a choice, what would you rather have. These all run a bit under 600.00 Other brand comparisons are welcome.

howse
kingkutter
agri-five

Freds · Apr 11, 2005

I have no complaints with the KK I used to use. I beat the snot out of it too, being it was my first and the field was high when I got it.

KiotiJohn · Apr 11, 2005

The Howse, KK and many others probably use the generic, ubiquitous same gear box. Most all of the MFG of economy brands buy the gear boxes from the same place.
That said, I have a 48" Howse that does just fine and I actually cut down much larger saplings than the 1" rating, but I back into them and go slowly until cut.
As the gear boxes may be equals, I'd simply go for the one that looks the most reinforced, strongest construction.
One thing I like about the Howse is the top link connection is slotted to allow the cutter to float more when encountering bumps. I don't remember if the KK has a slot or simply a round connection.
John

DK35vince · Apr 11, 2005

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( I don't remember if the KK has a slot or simply a round connection.
John )</font>

My KK has 3 or 4" long swinging flat bars that the top link attachs to let it float.
I added a slip clutch for around $95.

JoeinTX · Apr 11, 2005

RCR, I just recently went through the same decision process as you over these very models.
The KingKutter is slightly heavier than the Howse and looks to have a little more bracing. I don't know yet if it's enough to make a difference, but I've used an older 5' with no more metal in it than the Howse without and trouble on most parts of the property. It's very reasonably prced for what you get and having easy sales/support from the local Tractor Supply is nice. My only two complaints about it were the fact that it isn't offered with a factory chain guard and there isn't an easy way to mount one since there is no real vertical lip on the front of the top deck to bolt/weld conveniently on to. Second, the top link has a odd swinging connector which I'm told has a tendency to bind up while not adding very much to the overall machine.
The Howse has a conventional top link slot. It is offered with a factor chain guard which convenietly bolts onto the front lip of the deck.
The Agri-Five I know little about. I've read postive things about them here and elsewhere, but I don't like the flimsy looking top brace which appears to be half metal strap/half chain.

All in all, I suppose they're all pretty equal depending on who gives the best price. Howse is sold now by Northern Tool and Agri-Five (I believe) is offered by Gebo's among others I'm sure.