cutter for B3030

[eyedoc]

I just bought a Kubota B3030 and am about ready to purchase a cutter for it. I have some areas of 2-3 year old hickory saplings that have invaded field edges and are about 1 to 1 1/2 " diameter. I will use it on about 8-10 acres of a 120 acre farm. Initially the cutter will get some pretty heavy use cleaning up these areas, then the going should be much lighter to maintain things. I have just about decided on the Bush Hog Squealer SQ160. My Kubota dealer says the 5ft cutter is just right for this tractor, and I like the 5 year gear box warranty on the Squealer over the comparably priced Frontier cutter that the dealer has in stock (2 year warranty).

Questions:

1. Will the SQ160 be about right for my tractor? It is rated for 2" cutting capacity. I also hate to go down to a 48" cutter because it is more narrow than the tractor. The hydraulic capacity is more than adequate for the weight of the 60" cutter. PTO hp is close to the recommended 5hp per foot guideline

2. How beneficial are the chain guards? Are they worth the extra $150 price over the standard guards?

3. I can get a King Kutter 60" with the shear pin at Orcheln Farm and Home on sale for $600 this week, vs 1400 for the SQ160 with chains. Will I kick myself later if I do? How critical is the slip clutch?


Thoughts.......

 

[ScottOkla]

I have a KK 5' unit and it is currently pulled behind a Kubota 7610, which is smaller and less HP than yours. It does fine behind the 7610 except on uneven terrain or in thick grass. I think it would be a great fit for your tractor and use. Mine also gets used a LOT and in really harsh environments with seedlings and lots of downed branches that I don't always see in the grass. Despite all that, I can't find any damage to the blades or frame anywhere. It was a bargain for me. But my tractor is very small so that makes damage to the cutter less likely.

I also use a Rhino SE6 (mid-duty) and a Rhino TW72 (heavy-duty) behind larger tractors. I like the TW72, but the KK is probably as good a unit for me as the SE6.

 

[Charlesaf3]

5 foot is no problem - I use a 5 foot woods on my 3030 in similar situations.

I'd go for the bush hog from what people have said on here