HP difference between 3pt and pull type rotary cutters

C4Ranch · Jun 23, 2015

Hi, looking at a Landpride twin spindle rcf3096 3pt. On Craigslist. Specs say the pull type can run on 40hp but 3pt runs on 50...

My tractor specs out at 45pto hp....

Tractor weight isn't an issue, cab tractor with loaded tires.

Anyone know why 3pt requires more PTO and thoughts if I should stay away frome it since I'm at 45?

smstonypoint · Jun 23, 2015

I'm not an expert, but my impression is that the HP recommendations provided by the manufacturers are based at least in part on 3PH lifting capacity.

You should be OK if you have sufficient lifting capacity. You may have to slow down and/or make less than full-width passes when hogging thick/heavy growth.

Steve

oosik · Jun 23, 2015

I'm no expert either but I think the extra Hp requirements for the 3pt is for the capacity to lift - which is not required for the pull type. Exact same thing as smstonypoint indicates.

LD1 · Jun 23, 2015

Agreed with others.

To actually spin and power the cutter, there should be no noticeable difference. But the 3096 is a heavy cutter that hangs back a ways. Not every tractor between 40-50 would be able to handle it hanging off the hitch. So they just up the min-recommendation to CYA.

The old ford 801 series tractors were rated over 40hp PTO, but would you want to hang a 3096 off the back?

ITs a 1600# cutter. And even on your 5240, you may need some additional weight up front.

Soundguy · Jun 23, 2015

Agreed as well, they spec a higher pto hp thinking it will be a bigger tractor for a lift type, even though the blades are doing the same work on both cutters.

RedNeckRacin · Jun 23, 2015

I would be pretty leery if you aren't above the minimum cutter specs. I have an MX10 3pt and its a load on my 5083E. I have 69pto hp IIRC. Also, since you have HST I would make doubly sure I was over the min specs unless you are just doing light cutting. Anything about waist high will be interesting unless you are in the dead flat.

BWfarms · Jun 23, 2015

The increased rating on a 3 point is because the tractor is doing 3 operations. Lifting, pulling, and turning. The tractor has to have the power to maintain the hydraulic pump holding the mower, the pto has to have power through the changing forage, and the transmission needs power to the ground to maintain speed.

I prefer pull type for multiple spindles. Yes they cost more but they are smoother to operate and don't bounce you around on every bump.

Soundguy · Jun 23, 2015

RedNeckRacin said:
I would be pretty leery if you aren't above the minimum cutter specs. I have an MX10 3pt and its a load on my 5083E. I have 69pto hp IIRC. Also, since you have HST I would make doubly sure I was over the min specs unless you are just doing light cutting. Anything about waist high will be interesting unless you are in the dead flat.

JD must be using small horses these days!

I have an 'old' 1975 ford 5000 70 hp engine, 67 at the pto, I pull a howse 10' 3pt mower with it. Have yet to find something I cound not drive over or cut, from 3-4" green treelings and down. 3" green or 2-3" woody tree makes a little racket back there, but the rpms don't change any.

Stemmy tall weeds are easier to cut than lush dense grass.

RedNeckRacin · Jun 23, 2015

WEll, they may be lighter. I know I could use some more HP when the fields get taller than the front tires, I usually have to mow at around 3.5mph but even at 10 wide thats alotta grass. I don't think these turbo'd engines have nearly the same capability as the inline 6 NA engines! I know the tractors are significantly lighter now.

LD1 · Jun 23, 2015

HST makes it even better cause you can go as slow as you need. I dont see it being an issue at all on a 5240. Its a ~1600# cutter with a load centered somewhere around 2' back. Its basically a pair of 48" cutters side by side.

I run an 1100# 6' cutter on my much smaller tractor with load centered farther back. I cut some thick nasty stuff and rarely if ever do I need to slow to 3rd gear. Most of my mowing is in 4th, 5th, and 6th gear. I actually wish I had an 8' cutter to run. But they are all expensive and heavier than I would want. rough terrain slows me down more times than lack of power. I would rather run a 33% larger cutter at a 33% slower speed and enjoy the smoother ride.

If I had a 5240, there would be no question I would want an 8' cutter. And the only reason I wouldnt consider larger is for trailering purposes and being wider than 8'6"