Rotary Cutter Bush Hog & Woods Dual Spindle Cutters

rockyridgefarm · Jan 8, 2004

Looking for a cutter that will let me cut pasture grass quickly with my 25pto hp eHydro tractor.

I like the looks of the sq84t, but there has been a lot of noise about the frame not holding up. Is that still true? I don't HAVE to have the offset, how does the Woods 80": compare?

slowrev · Jan 9, 2004

I don't know for sure but am doubtful that a 25 hp tractor will properly work an 80" cutter.

rockyridgefarm · Jan 9, 2004

The BH is rated at 25Hp. It is ~720 ibs. The woods is double that, so I will still be looking at the Bush Hog.

I know there will be times the cutter will bog down, but the eHydro will automaticly compensate. Most of my cutting will be pretty easy. Again, this is pasture maintaonance, not clearing....

art · Jan 9, 2004

We decided to stop selling Woods a couple of years ago so I can't talk to much about it but the Bush-hogs have been holdng up fine. The frame has not been a problem but for one guy and to tell you the truth, both mowers looked about the same after two years. His problem is not so much the frame but the side plates are destoyed.

have_blue · Jan 10, 2004

Agreed. 25HP will pull a 60" pretty well, but an 80" is too much of a stretch. I think you can get away with a 72" on 25 HP, but only if the grass is short, not thick, and the tractor run at low speed, and th eblade kept very sharp. I don't think it will have much luck pulling an 80" at all.

MikePA · Jan 10, 2004

We decided to stop selling Woods a couple of years ago
Why? Just curious.

so I can't talk to much about it 
Is this because you don't have current information (because you stopped selling Woods) or because of some legal agreement? Just curious...again /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

rockyridgefarm · Jan 10, 2004

( Agreed. 25HP will pull a 60" pretty well, but an 80" is too much of a stretch. I think you can get away with a 72" on 25 HP, but only if the grass is short, not thick, and the tractor run at low speed, and th eblade kept very sharp. I don't think it will have much luck pulling an 80" at all. )

Well, I am looking for input...

But I should have started by including this:

In another Thread I started out looking for an ideal cutter for pasture cutting. I wanted a larger one, and was planning on leaving my FEL attached. On the recommedation from several, including servicing dealers, I figured out that I need to mow without the loader.

Several speak strongly for the SQ84T and some others against. I am trying to find out if the SQ84T will hold up. I asked about the Woods, but then checked the specs again. It won't work.

. SPECIFICATIONS
Model: SQ84T
Cutting Width: 84 inches
Cutting Height: 2 - 12 inches
Dimensions (w x l): 87 x 75 inches
Type Hitch: Category 1 with 9-in. offset
Deck Thickness :11 gauge
Side Bands: 7-3/8" x 11 gauge
Driveshaft: ASAE Category 3
Gearbox: 60 HP (main), 45 HP (outboard)
Slip Protection: Slip clutch
Blade Holders: Oval type
Blades: 1/2 x 3 inches
Blade Tip Speed (540 rpm): 11,500 fpm
Recomm. Tractor HP: 25 to 50
Front & Rear Deflectors: Standard - Front belting and rear bands
Approx. Weight : 720 lbs.

The single spindle cersion weighs 900lbs and requires 50 Hp, so it IS too big. The dual a spindle is so much shorter that is matched to a smaller machine.

My intended use is maintaining a pasture. I will be cutting mostly weeds at about 8" so that my stock can mow the rest. I know I will find rough patches, but the beauty of an eHydro is that it will automatically compensate,and pour back on the speed when things aren't so tough.

The Woods is twice as heavy, and that would defeat my purpose.

RickB · Jan 11, 2004

I prefer Bush Hog, and I service BH, Woods, and Landpride at work. The SQ84 is not their best effort. We have had multiple A-frame failures, the part has been strengthened. I don't think 25 PTO hp will run any 84" cutter efficiently. I don't think your 4310 will be ballasted safely without the loader or other compensating ballast on the front. In terms of ballast, I doubt a 72" single spindle R/C will be much better.

rockyridgefarm · Jan 11, 2004

( I prefer Bush Hog, and I service BH, Woods, and Landpride at work. The SQ84 is not their best effort. We have had multiple A-frame failures, the part has been strengthened. I don't think 25 PTO hp will run any 84" cutter efficiently. I don't think your 4310 will be ballasted safely without the loader or other compensating ballast on the front. In terms of ballast, I doubt a 72" single spindle R/C will be much better. )

Do I assume you are referring to the SQ84T Twin spindle?

( don't think your 4310 will be ballasted safely without the loader or other compensating ballast on the front)

I figure on using weights, just not 15...

I wish I could find one to try....

RickB · Jan 11, 2004

SQ84T

Yes, the offset twin spindle. The offset design is more than the A frame can stand. BH added some steel ,but the geometry of the A frame and lift chain does not support the offset weight properly, especially in 'extreme duty' situations. I suspect the A frames can be twisted while transporting the cutter at high speeds over rough ground. Hitting objects with the right front corner while mowing certainly will do it.