Brown mowers: Any info?

[Glowplug]

I had seen the Brown rotary cutters mentioned on this board in the past. I had never heard of them before. After I heard some great things about them on this board I found their website to check them out. Looking at the specs they seem to be a serious piece of mowing machinery. I just can't believe the ruggedness and blade speed! Problem is, I can't seem to find a distributor anywhere. Anyone know much about these rotary cutters? I was looking mainly at the 684 rotary cutter. Any idea on the list price of a 684? Any comments or info would be appreciated.

 

[jrschremser]

I have had 7 years of excellent service from my Brown 460. I have cut many acres of material larger than the stated 2" capacity. The 600 series cutters are very serious implements, I believe the strongest in the industry. I don't know about their prices these days. Good luck finding a local dealer.

 

[Glowplug]

Yeah, when looking at mowers I had always looked at Rhino and Woods. When I heard of the Brown mowers on this board and looked them up I was extremely impressed. I'm sure you're right when you say the 600 series are the strongest in the industry.

 

[Gary_in_Indiana]

I've never heard anything but positive comments from people who owned Brown mowers. Someone on here a couple years ago posted some pictures of his and some of it at work. It was pretty impressive.

 

[1bush2hog]

Glowplug -

I have had the Brown 484 RC for 3 years now and it is a rugged piece of equipment. I purchased it mainly due to the fact that my initial use was to clear old growth areas that had not been touched in 15-20 years. It will easily cut 3-4 inch locust and pretty much anything else you can drive over. I have probably abused this cutter more than most would, and it has held up fine. I did manage to tear the metal on the bottom rear lip of the mower, on a big hidden rock that did not move when I backed into it. I also bent the front edge some on another rock. The blades have a few dings and chunks in them too. The 484 came with a slip clutch also.

I compared the specs and prices to several other HD models before I bought and decided on the 484 for me. I paid appx. $22-2300 for mine 3 years ago and this price included the front chain guard. I ordered the rear chain guard and installed later.

I had to call Brown direct and get names of local distributors so you may have to do the same. You will not regret purchasing a Brown cutter.

Just curious what you will be using the 684 for and what machine will you use to pull it? You may be able to get by with the 484.

 

[rbargeron]

To answer your question with a question, is the 672 a heavier duty model than the 472?
I'm probably one of the posters mentioned above - I've had a Brown 472 for several years. At the time I was shopping, I looked at the Bush Hog 286 and the Brown 472 and they were nearly identical - even down to the hinged access plate for the blade nuts. It was like they were made from the same drawings and bill of material. I bought the Brown because the local dealer gave me a better price. I've used it mostly to reclaim fields grown up with 2"-3" poplar and 4" field pines. The rubber skirts are long gone but the rest of it is still in great shape. For smooth cuts, it can't compete with my Woods RM990 - but for land clearing it can't be beat.

 

[Glowplug]

To answer your question with a question, is the 672 a heavier duty model than the 472?

Oh yeah! I don't know the specifics. I do know the 400 series is rated for material up to 2" and the 600 series is rated up to 4". Check out the website: Brown 600 series. The 484 weighs 1375 lbs and the 684 weighs 2200 lbs.

I would use this mainly for land clearing at my inlaws' home. It is 50 acres. Much of it hasn't been touched in 20 years if ever.

Oooh. Just went back and checked the website and had to put in an edit to this post. The 684 requires a minimum of a 60hp tractor. That thing MUST be a major piece of machinery. But I'm planning to get the Kubota M8540 (82hp). It's all good!

 

[1bush2hog]

the 684 weighs 2200 lbs

Looks like your tractor to be has 75 PTO HP and can lift 3200lbs 24" behind lift point

That is alot of weight on the back of a tractor - make sure your tractor can handle that kind of weight located that far behind the 3PH - also a good idea to have counter weight (FEL) on the front end if you are working on any hills - the weight becomes very noticable the higher you lift the mower deck off the ground

Check out the pricelist on Brown's homepage - list on 684 is $5900 - list on 484 is $3300 - metal is thicker on 684, but both have same gearbox and slip clutch - you just may have to buy extra blades (thinner on 484 - 1/4" vs 5/16") more often if you go with the 484

 

[Glowplug]

Hey 1Bush2Hog thanks a lot for the info. The more I think about it, I would probably go with the 484. I would have enough tractor to get the 684 but that is one serious piece of machinery that I wouldn't be using too often. Now I just need to find a dealer.

 

[1bush2hog]

" I would have enough tractor to get the 684"

Not trying to argue with you, but the 3PH lift capacity is a determining factor for you - My TN75 is rated at 3962lbs 24" back and the 484 will make the front end light when I raise the mower all the way up. It is a long mower, so there is a lot of weight hanging back farther than 24" that will need to be considered. Hopefully that makes sense? If not grab a 10lb sledge with one hand up next to the head and hold it out in front of you - no problem right. Now move your hand down to the bottom of the handle and hold it out in front of you.

Your PTO hp is sufficient - I'm just pointing out another consideration for you to think about in your search

Good Luck.