Cut-Ditioner

IFarm2 · Oct 15, 2006

Any one using a New Idea cut-dtioner out there? I am getting one as part of a package deal. I have not been able to find much info on it.
Thanks for any info!!
Ed

rdbigfarmboy · Oct 21, 2006

I have a similiar machine. I have a MC rotary Scythe. The cutters are a series of cupped blades rotating on an axle. Each blade is about 6 inches long and hinged. It cuts pretty well. These are great for long stem hay that needs to dry down like sudan grass or other high sugar grasses. Just dont pay too much and be able to do self repair.

dbear · Oct 22, 2006

We had a 7' model when I was growing up. Cut a ton of acres (25/year x 20(?) years) without any problems. We did have a couple sets of knives so that we could always have set of sharpened ones on hand, and so we could swap them out every spring. Other than routine maintenance, I don't ever recall having any problems at all - no bad bearings, broken belts...'Though, we always stored ours inside.

I recall my dad saying that he thought a conventional cutter with rollers probably made hay faster (used to take us 3 days minimum - one to cut, one to flip it over, and bale the third), but he thought the cutditioner was more user and maintenance friendly.

IFarm2 · Oct 23, 2006

Thanks for the reply's. I think I have it resold to another guy who already has one. I will wait and save my pennies for the disk mower I know I need.

burnetma · Oct 24, 2006

Do not give that unit away or stick your nose up at it if it is in reasonable condition. The NI Cut/ditioner is not a bad machine. It will do something that no other cutter will do and that is cutting downed grass hay. It will pick up the hay and cut it. It also makes very nice soft hay for horses. Finally, it dries grass hay fast! This is important in the northeast.

The only downsides that I have seen include: It will not cut really low. It is not a nice hydroswing. Finally, it is much slower than a MoCo and slightly slower than a haybine depending on crop.

Just food for thought.

rdbigfarmboy · Oct 24, 2006

Down here a useable machine can go up to $500. Mine was $10. It works well. I live in an area where people buy colors an these are rust colored.
Definitely worth the money very low maintenance. I spend $200 per year for basic maintenance on my new disc mower.

Renze · Oct 31, 2006

So this is a flail mower ? Over here in Europe, flail mowers are only used for bank and ditch maintenance because they shred too much. Too many nutrient value (sugar) gets lost because of the bruising and chopping of the leaves.

rdbigfarmboy · Oct 31, 2006

Sort of. The blades are about 6 to 8 inches long and are solid attached to the rotating shaft. I have a flail mower the blades on it are about 3 inches and are chain mounted to the rotating shaft.
The cut ditioner is great for some crops, for others its useable.