Thoughts on how I approached selecting implements:
First comparison criteria involved determining best value looking at price versus metal - what was the cost of the implement, how heavy was its build material, and was it available immediately. Price isn't applicable if the supply chain is indefinitely delayed with no delivery date due to COVID or other factors.
Second consideration focused on reviews or comments from owners online and local dealers.
Third input applied a positive bias for local manufacturers, especially small businesses versus large corporations. From my perspective, Made in Texas ranks first, Made in USA ranks second, Made by an Ally (e.g. Korea or India) ranks third, and Made in China best to avoid unless no other option is available/affordable. Economics is war without bullets.
Once I settled in on the decision for a Branson tractor, the preference for red and black paint weighed into selection as a tie-breaker on implements, if all other factors were equal. At a minimum, it was a requested detail when asking dealers about what inventory was available. Fortunately, most implements are available in a variety of colors, although some may require special order if the local dealer doesn't have red. Many people aren't too concerned with colors, but I'm not a fan of Skittles. I prefer a monotone sense of order for the tools in my world, especially if there isn't a dollar cost. Color-coordination presents a professional image to customers if you're planning to use the equipment for paid jobs, and generally looks clean-and-orderly in the shed, garage, barn, and when hauling down the highway.
The primary task for this tractor purchase is mowing and clearing brush, a recurring job to be performed multiple times per year, every year, and is the first job performed upon delivery. Therefore, the first implement to select is a rotary cutter. After the shredder is included in the budget, other implements are added to list. Any that don't make the initial purchase are set aside as future objectives, balanced against needs versus wants.
I purchased the Ag-Meier Bronco rotary cutter based on (1) its heavy build quality and rating to cut 2.5-inch material, (2) a local dealer that sold multiple brands highly recommended it, (3) a customer at the dealership seconded the positive experience, (4) it was available in red, and (5) manufactured by a small business in Texas! The Bronco was ~$2700 from Epperson Tractor near Waco.
Runner up for rotary cutter selection was the Rhino Twister TW36 that cuts 3-inch material at a cost of $3500 from a local Rhino dealer, Hanson Equipment in Lockhart. It was a tough decision between the two, as both the Ag-Meier and Rhino were in-stock and immediately available. I sent an email directly to Rhino and they replied the next business day, confirming the TW36 will work well with the Branson 5520CH ~47 HP PTO. Hanson was very helpful answering my questions about rotary cutters in general, and I hope to do business with them in the future as they're minutes away from the ranch.
If money wasn't a limiting factor, I would've gone for the Rhino rotary cutter due to its 3-inch cutting rating and weight, but opted for the Ag-Meier given its lower price point and hyper-local small-business manufacturing versus larger corporation. My minimum requirement was 2-inch material cutting, so this more than solved the need and left some dollars on the table for pallet forks, etc. In third place for shredders, I looked at the Titan Implement 1506, and the Modern Ag Super Highway, where Titan is a great price and Modern Ag is galvanized, but neither were available nearby in-stock.
Stepping up to a 7-ft shredder was also a consideration as there are some models available in the $2500~$3700 range, but I stuck with 6-ft to ensure an easy fit on the Falcon trailer. The width of 7-ft shredders probably won't fit within the rails of the trailer that I bought to haul the tractor. If/when I go larger at some future date (and have more than $10K to trade against mowing hours), I'll pursue a flex wing cutter like the Bush-Whacker MW-144, but that's probably only going to happen if I start a side hustle doing tractor work and shredding for others. A larger cutting deck or flex wing will likely require a new, wider trailer, which should be factored into the overall cost.
I purchased the Falcon Super Duty II 83x20 trailer due to its excellent entry-level price point at $3500 for a twin 5400# axle trailer with 7000# jack, capable of hauling ~10,000 pounds, made in Texas by a family-owned business that values the honor of a handshake, and Epperson Tractor had it available in red. A larger trailer up front would've been a good idea, but it'll likely be years before I can quit working for the man and start doing tractor work for others, so for now, a rarely used trailer is best not to over-spend.
