From 7' to 10' Rotary Cutter - Should I be worried?

[Areeves08]

I've been mowing with a Kioti RX6620 and Woods BB840X for the past year. I love the maneuverability of a 3PT rotary cutter, but I'm not loving the 7' width. Time is at a premium, so I want to get as much done while I'm on the tractor as I can, though I do love my seat time. I was at the local Woods dealer and saw they had a few new models in the yard, so I started researching the new line. As much as I would like to go to a dual spindle 8' cutter, I think a 10' cutter is smarter, because I'd always wonder if I could have gone bigger. I've decided to upgrade to the Woods MDS10.40 and trade in the BB840X.

I'll lose an inch of cutting capacity, going from 3" to 2", but othewise, the specs are pretty close:

BB840X: 91.5" x 128" @ 1416lbs, 16,000PFM, 1/2" x 4" Blades, 3" Capacity, 120HP gear box
MDS10.40: 126" x 110" @ 1576lbs, 16,700PFM, 1/2" x 4" Blades, 2" Capacity, 120/90HP gear boxes

I know my tractor has plenty of lift, and I mow with a full set of front weights. Will I have any problems with this mower? Other than some additional engine strain, I can't see this mower handling any different being only slightly heavier, but a foot and a half shorter. My only worry is Woods' website recommends a minimum of 60 PTO HP where my Kioti has 57.5. The pull-type only requires 50, so I think I'm good. I think Woods is just encouraging larger tractors. I'd love to hear your thoughts.

 

[Rocky Hoffler]

I would check specs on mower and see what horse power they recommend a three ft. Jump is a lot

 

[RedNeckRacin]

I have 69 pto hp running my MX10 full three point mount mower and im usually good unless I get into grass thats as tall as the front tires. (11.2-24) Also, if I hit a groundhog hole or a high spot and start scalping dirt, it will bog the tractor FAST! as in I usually have to throw out the pto or hammer the clutch to keep the motor from bogging too much. I think my mower is a bit heavier as well, it runs 1700lbs+ IIRC and I don't like mowing without the loader on. I can do it with 4 weights up front, but I'm planning on getting 2-4 more just in case.

 

[FTG-05]

My bet is that Wood's is being conservative.

I'd run it with your tractor and I bet it will just fine.

Good luck!

 

[Lineman North Florida]

I think in light cutting applications you will be fine, but in heavy taller grass or thick weeds I think you are going to be giving you're tractor all it wants, but if you don't mind gearing down and mowing slow it will probably do it.

 

[rustyshakelford]

You'll like that combo. Only reason is avoid the 10' is if you have to haul it very often. If you just stay at your place it'll be a time saver for sure. I have an 8' twin spindle for smaller mowing jobs and a 15' batwing for the bigger stuff. 8' just barely fits on width

Brett

 

[mcfarmall]

I think you'll be just fine.

 

[plowhog]

I wrestled with this same decision recently, although with different widths. I decided to get the wider cutter.

When you have the wider cutter and conditions are good, you can use the entire width for best productivity. If you buy the narrower cutter, you don't have that option.

If conditions are bad and overtax the tractor or cutter, then just take a partial "bite" and only cut at a lesser width, say seven or eight feet. Or use max width and slow down.

Unless you grossly mismatch the tractor and cutter, which does not sound like what you are doing, you have a lot of flexibility on how to use the cutter. My cutter required 45 PTO horsepower and my tractor has 44.5 PTO horsepower. After using it for a while, I can say that I have plenty of power to operate my cutter. Things could change, but I don't think I'll ever need to take partial "bites."

The eight foot cutter filled up my trailer, so hauling around a ten footer might be a challenge. But other than first delivery, mine won't be traveling.

 

[jcummins]

I had a 7ft rhino single spindle mower behind an M7040. I moved and got a different M7040, and pulled a neighbors rhino 10ft behind it. They both pulled about the same.

I figured it this way, may not be accurate, but....the 7ft single spindle has 49 sq ft whirling around. The 10ft double spindle since it's only 5ft deep has 50 sq ft whirling around.

 

[Boss 302]

I have an RX6010 and changed from a 6' Bush Hog over to a 10' double spindle Woods and the 6010 handles it fine. You won't have any issues with that setup.

Randall