Rotary Cutter Howse Rotary Cutter

Clemson · Apr 30, 2002

This is a picture of my 6' Howse Rotary Cutter. It is the light duty cutter from Howse with a 50 hp gearbox. I should have taken the picture before I cut 30 acres with it!

RoyJackson · Apr 30, 2002

I should have taken the picture before I cut 30 acres with it!

Nah, if we want the pristine pics, we can go to the manufacturer's website. I enjoy seeing 'em working, myself.
So, Clemson..how about filling out the profile (use the control panel link) so we know about your tractor, location, etc.?

Harv · Apr 30, 2002

Hey, Clemson! I have the 5' version of the same cutter.

Before I took mine out for any cutting, I added the <A target="_blank" HREF=http://www.tractorbynet.com/forumfiles/5-33483-ChainGuards.jpg>chain guards</A> ($195). Do you plan to do something similar, or are you able to stay far, far away from cars, houses and living creatures?

Clemson · Apr 30, 2002

I would love to have the chain guards. I think that they are a most worthwhile investment. Unfortunately, I need a plow more than chain guards, so they will have to wait. The only livestock in the pasture right now head south when I start mowing, so I am the only likely target for debris. I did manage to put a few dings in my legs while working over the blackberry bushes.

I was able to handle stuff up through an inch in diameter with no problems, and I have yet to shear a shear bolt, which is a good thing because I am not sure what size they are! My only gripe with the Howse mower is that the manual is really cheezy.

Harv · Apr 30, 2002

<font color=blue>the manual is really cheezy</font color=blue>

I have the very same manual, Clemson, and if you think that one is, uh... sub-par, you should see the one I got for their box scraper. It's a truly content-free publication. /w3tcompact/icons/laugh.gif

BB_TX · May 1, 2002

$195 for chain guards /w3tcompact/icons/shocked.gif
I also have a 6' Howse that I was considering adding chains to. I think I will go to Home Depot and buy some chain, round bar stock, some eye bolts, and make it myself.

Clemson · May 1, 2002

I have considered getting some conveyor belt material and cutting a strip 8" x the length of the cutter. I think I could bolt that on instead of chains. Right now, however, I will live with the shrapnel.

Bird · May 1, 2002

Clemson, I tried the conveyor belt material on two different brush hogs; both a Bush Hog and a Howse. Hope you have better luck than I did; neither one lasted more than a day or two.

Bird · May 1, 2002

I used angle iron, chain, and my little welder and made my own.

Anonymous Poster · May 1, 2002

<font color=blue>...considered getting some conveyor belt material ...</font color=blue>

If you're only cutting "grassy-light" material... Hummmm... it may last a few weeks or so...

As tough as that stuff looks and feels... the rough-heavy stuff you'll end up cutting is tougher... /w3tcompact/icons/frown.gif

You may want to consider just getting a "front" curtain chain to somewhat protect the tractor operator... if you're away from the general population and no OSHA rules to adhere to...