Cutter Size Survey

[tdenny]

Hi Jim,

I myself would be interested in a 52" cutter. The track on my JD855 are approximately 4 feet and that would be just enough to cover it. I'm pretty sure I could handle the 5 footer (24 HP) with no trouble but the 52 inch would be closer to the size of the tractor so when I go in and out of places I would have less to worry about. But that's just me. I don't have as much acreage as some of the others who cherish every inch because of the time savings.

 

[tdenny]

Sorry I meant 54" it appears I never learned my standard lengths.

 

[Gary_in_Indiana]

<font color=blue>"You may want to offer chain guards as standard or at least as a low cost option"</font color=blue>

Another way might be to make them standard but to offer a credit if someone absolutely doesn't want them. That way anyone who didn't take them would have to make a conscious, proactive effort not to have them. I think fewer people would opt for the savings than would avoid paying "extra" for them.

 

[JimMc]

Due to liability concerns all our standard models will come with chain or belt guarding, but dealers may specify delivery without. Not trying to load up people with options they don't want, just need to make certain, as a manufacturer, that the customer is knowingly choosing to operate in a manner inconsistent with published safety standards.

 

[JimMc]

Interesting idea for the anti scalp roller/caster. Do you suppose this would flatten tall grass yielding an incomplete or inconsistent cut?

 

[JimMc]

All of our cutter designs are set up for chain or belt shielding and we will offer these kits separately as well as installed on our cutters.

One point of interest. I've noticed most manufacturer's have to extend their chain brackets forward from the front of the cutter to keep the chain from being hit by the blades. If a 6" chain can be hit by the blades, how do these designs pass the intrusions test as set forth by FEMA when front shielding is not used? (This test basically determines whether a person's foot could be hit by rotating blades while standing facing the cutter.) The way we handled this was to set the length of the deck long enough to be 6" past the blades both front and rear. This makes a longer deck than most, but passes intrusion testing with or without shielding.

 

[hazmat]

<font color=blue>Interesting idea for the anti scalp roller/caster. Do you suppose this would flatten tall grass yielding an incomplete or inconsistent cut? </font color=blue>

I've never used a rotary cutter. My experience with finish mowers is that if the grass is very tall (2') you do get an incomplete cut. However, moderately tall grass (1') is OK. I would think that the open front of the rotary cutter would alleviate some of these issues. But, it is my understanding that rotary cutter blades don't have any lift vs. finish mower blades. Correct me if I'm wrong.

I believe that those who are concerned about cut quality, and would opt for the anti scalp roller would be more inclined to mow their pasture once a month vs. once a season.

I think a little experimentation is in order. It wouldn't take much to bolt one of your anti-scalp rollers on the front of a rotary cutter. You have plenty of volunteer "test engineers" available at your disposal. Too bad I live in Mass.

<A target="_blank" HREF=http://www.sweettractors.com/compact.html#bigbee>Here's a link showing some "estate cutters" with the anti scalp roller</A> Click on the descpritions to see a picture

 

[JimMc]

Our rotary cutter blades are designed with a lift, however, the blade speed and consequently lift are somewhat less on a rotary cutter than that of a finish mower.

 

[TresCrows]

Jim, I would be gung ho for that idea. I think a 54/52 would be a great idea. My 2410 is more than enough tractor for the 48 inch I have but the 60 inch is a tad to large. Yep, a 54 inch would be spot on for the 2410 and the 7500 Kubotas and I think it would be great on the JD small tractors also. Since I am already stuck with this KK thing I would not immediantly buy one but I would in time since the 2410 is a "keeper", solid and powerfull and very manuverable. Yes, please offer a 54 or a 52. I would prefer a 54. J

 

[TresCrows]

I have seen "estate cutters" that are similar to cutters but have higher blade speed and do have usually dual wheels and scalp rollers up front. I dont see how scalp rollers would flatten grass much since they should only contact the ground when the edge would otherwise dig in. Not a scalp roller all the way across the front but a small one on either front corners. Yep, yep. 54, 54. 54!!!!!!!!!yep I need one. I looked and looked and could not find one in that size and it is such an obvious size for small tractors. Cannot speak for the 7500 but the 2410 has got the power to run one and then some. J