Mowing GC1700 series rotary mower suggestions/

Limeglo Acres · Apr 3, 2018

Hi to the community!
This is my first post; I have a GC1720 that was purchased new in October 2017. LOVE it! With the weather improving, I want to add a rotary mower to my setup, so I would like to tap into the combined wisdom here for ideas on what to look for.
I am considering two 48" rotary mowers: 1) King Kutter's L-48-40-P-FH that is listed at 470lbs. and suggests 25hp at the PTO, and 2) Bush Hog's Razorback BH4 that is listed at 393lbs. and suggests 15+hp at the PTO.
I know the GC1720 lists the PTO hp at 19.6hp.
My first question: is the apparent mis-match in PTO horsepower an automatic disqualifier for the King Kutter mower?
Thanks!

oldnslo · Apr 3, 2018

What type of conditions are you going to be mowing in? Between buildings and trees, brush, tall grass, etc. I have an older woods 5 ft for my Branson 2400H for mowing grass on reasonably level ground. I also rarely attach the top link so lifting the mower is not a concern.

Limeglo Acres · Apr 3, 2018

oldnslo said:
What type of conditions are you going to be mowing in? Between buildings and trees, brush, tall grass, etc. I have an older woods 5 ft for my Branson 2400H for mowing grass on reasonably level ground. I also rarely attach the top link so lifting the mower is not a concern.

The terrain in this part of WV is very hilly. Some pasture is rolling. Will mostly be cutting small cedars and brush.

I plan on getting some wheel spacers for extra side-to-side stability. My main concern is the PTO horsepower; is my GC1720 19.6HP PTO too little for the King Kutter rotary cutter that suggests 25HP at the PTO?

oldnslo · Apr 3, 2018

I also only have around 19 - 20 HP and found the 4FT would never put a load on the engine unless I was traveling relatively fast for rough cut mowing.

Is the 25 HP gear box rating or suggested HP to operate?

For cutting small trees an brush and you may want to review the specs to see what size tree they are rated for. Do both have the stump jumper option for preventing the drive spindle from hanging up on stumps?

Limeglo Acres · Apr 3, 2018

oldnslo said:
I also only have around 19 - 20 HP and found the 4FT would never put a load on the engine unless I was traveling relatively fast for rough cut mowing.

Is the 25 HP gear box rating or suggested HP to operate?

For cutting small trees an brush and you may want to review the specs to see what size tree they are rated for. Do both have the stump jumper option for preventing the drive spindle from hanging up on stumps?

Thanks for the dialogue, oldnslo! I really appreciate you sharing your experience.
The gear box is rated at 40HP.
The KK mower lists 1" diameter cutting capacity.
The KK mower has a stump jumper.
So, it sounds to me like my GC1720 should be able to handle the King Kutter rotary mower- as long as I don't abuse it, right?