I have twenty acres of relatively wet and hilly overgrown Vermont pasture. I have a 1428 MF compact tractor with FEL. (28 HP) I have been shopping for a rotary cutter and have been steered away from the "disposable units like King Kutter and Rollins" toward a 4ft MF ($1150.00) or 4 ft Woods unit (1250.00). I am told a 5ft is too much so I need the 4ft. The Woods unit has a clutch which is "a necessity" and the MF unit does not because the clutches "always freeze up" and the "shear pins are safer" (I can add a clutch to the MF for $163.00.) I did have one guy tell me I could use a 5ft Rollins or a 4ft Woods but not a 5ft Woods because of "the difference in gearboxes and weight of the units". "The MF units are built better that the Woods" and vice versa. Another said that "the Rollins is just as good as the Woods or MF units ....you are just paying extra for the paint" UGH! I have read many of the previous posts regarding rotary cutter but at this point I am just confused and would welcome any and all advice. I am not using the cutter commercially. I will mow my fields for to five times a year. There are rocks and stumps and there is some serious mud if any of that matters. Thank you in advance for your help.
Rotary Cutter I Need Your Input on Rotary Cutters Please!
- Thread starter Surgeon
- Start date
- Views: 17253
IslandTractor
Super Star Member
- Joined
- Sep 15, 2005
- Messages
- 15,802
- Location
- Prudence Island, RI
- Tractor
- 2007 Kioti DK40se HST, Woods BH
With the amount of mowing you are doing and if these are fields, not brush, I would think you could get away with a second tier mower if you wanted to save about half the cost. Mowing fields is not that tough on a brush hog so I don't know if you really need to pay for the premium brands. The second tier mowers are decent implements that typically have a little less reinforcement and a less highly rated gear box. They should work exactly the same way, especially for cutting fields.
I don't know your tractor specifically but with 28hp you sure ought to be able to pull a 5 foot rotary cutter. I pull a 4 foot Bush Hog with a 21hp tractor without any problem.
I don't know your tractor specifically but with 28hp you sure ought to be able to pull a 5 foot rotary cutter. I pull a 4 foot Bush Hog with a 21hp tractor without any problem.
Bird
Rest in Peace
You have encountered that dilemma for which there is no good solution.
Just as you have already found, there are many different opinions, but no absolutes. Yes, there are differences in quality between brands, and models within the same brand. However, if you've read very much about rotary cutters on TBN, you've probably noticed that nearly everyone is satisfied with whatever brand they happened to buy. If I were going to be using one commercially every day, I'd probably buy a heavy duty, expensive one, but for personal use, I'll take one of the cheaper ones. I had a Bush Hog Squealer (lower end of the Bush Hog line), then later had a Howse 500 (lower end of the Howse line). In my opinion, the Bush Hog was better quality, but they both did the job with no complaints and no repairs required.
You'll probably notice that a substantial number, perhaps a majority, of TBN members much prefer a slip clutch. I never owned one and never wanted one. The slip clutch does require some attention and maintenance to keep it properly adjusted. If you have a lot of rocks and are going to be hitting them regularly, it's probably worth it. I didn't have hardly any rocks, so for my use, the shear bolts were just fine. In fact, the only time I ever even sheared a bolt was once on the hay baler.
I'm inclined to think that, while the opinions differ, each of the people you've talked to were right; for their particular application and experience, which may or may not be similar to your application.
You know some people just aren't comfortable unless they're driving a Cadillac (or maybe using a Woods, Landpride, Rhino, John Deere, Massey Ferguson, or Bush Hog rotary cutter) while others may be perfectly happy with a Chevrolet (or using a King Kutter or Howse rotary cutter). Just buy the one you like and I'll bet you'll be happy with it.
Just as you have already found, there are many different opinions, but no absolutes. Yes, there are differences in quality between brands, and models within the same brand. However, if you've read very much about rotary cutters on TBN, you've probably noticed that nearly everyone is satisfied with whatever brand they happened to buy. If I were going to be using one commercially every day, I'd probably buy a heavy duty, expensive one, but for personal use, I'll take one of the cheaper ones. I had a Bush Hog Squealer (lower end of the Bush Hog line), then later had a Howse 500 (lower end of the Howse line). In my opinion, the Bush Hog was better quality, but they both did the job with no complaints and no repairs required.You'll probably notice that a substantial number, perhaps a majority, of TBN members much prefer a slip clutch. I never owned one and never wanted one. The slip clutch does require some attention and maintenance to keep it properly adjusted. If you have a lot of rocks and are going to be hitting them regularly, it's probably worth it. I didn't have hardly any rocks, so for my use, the shear bolts were just fine. In fact, the only time I ever even sheared a bolt was once on the hay baler.
I'm inclined to think that, while the opinions differ, each of the people you've talked to were right; for their particular application and experience, which may or may not be similar to your application.
You know some people just aren't comfortable unless they're driving a Cadillac (or maybe using a Woods, Landpride, Rhino, John Deere, Massey Ferguson, or Bush Hog rotary cutter) while others may be perfectly happy with a Chevrolet (or using a King Kutter or Howse rotary cutter).
Just buy the one you like and I'll bet you'll be happy with it.
db2
Silver Member
- Joined
- Jan 31, 2005
- Messages
- 163
- Location
- Central Ontario
- Tractor
- NH TC40DA with Jodale Perry cab, NAA Jubilee
For 30 years I've cut old pasture, trails and a hayfield with a Ford NAA (28 HP) and a 5 foot Ford 908 rotary cutter. Cut everything that the tractor could push over. Seen lots and lots of rocks too. I'm presently shopping for a new mower and have to decide between at Woods or Brush Hog (I'll flip a coin). The lower end models seem equivalent in construction to the Ford 908 and it took a beating and lasted for years. Buy a good name and get cutting. A four foot seems a bit small to me though. Hopefully someone with a similar MF tractor and rotary cutter will chime in.
jbrumberg
Elite Member
- Joined
- Jan 22, 2006
- Messages
- 4,903
- Location
- Cummington, MA
- Tractor
- New Holland TC29DA, John Deere D130
Surgeon:
Welcome to TBN! I do not know the PTO HP of your tractor but I had good results with a Tebben TC96-40 (40") Economy (Rotary) Cutter powered off my old Ford 1100 4WD 13/11PTO HP. I also had a Woods M-40 (40") that I ran for many years off that tractor. Tebben RC's are popular in this area of western MA I currently own a Tebben TC94-500 (60") Medium Duty (Rotary) Cutter that I run off my NH TC29DA (29/23+ HP). I mow ~7 - 9 A's of property similar to yours. Although I have rarely needed it as I know my property after 22 years, I would still recommend a slip clutch on your RC. By the way we at TBN would be more than willing than help you spend your money Jay
Welcome to TBN
! I do not know the PTO HP of your tractor but I had good results with a Tebben TC96-40 (40") Economy (Rotary) Cutter powered off my old Ford 1100 4WD 13/11PTO HP. I also had a Woods M-40 (40") that I ran for many years off that tractor. Tebben RC's are popular in this area of western MA I currently own a Tebben TC94-500 (60") Medium Duty (Rotary) Cutter that I run off my NH TC29DA (29/23+ HP). I mow ~7 - 9 A's of property similar to yours. Although I have rarely needed it as I know my property after 22 years, I would still recommend a slip clutch on your RC. By the way we at TBN would be more than willing than help you spend your money Jay
roxynoodle
Veteran Member
I spent some time recently shopping for a rotary cutter. I was told a 25hp tractor could pull a 5' one. My tractor is only 40 inches wide at the rear wheels so I ended up buying a 42" one. I went with a "Chevrolet" model but I will only be cutting 1 acre with it. I figured with one acre a lower end model would last me forever. I bought an overrun clutch with it. I am not sure if that is the same thing as a slip clutch but several people told me I should have it. My overrun clutch was only $45 so $163 sounded high to me. Your prices you have been quoted on the Woods mower are similar to what I was quoted for Woods and Bush Hog.
ejtaylor822
Gold Member
Hey Surgeon,
With 20 acres, I would get the widest cut I could. I do not see why your 28HP MF would not turn a 5 ft cutter? Sounds like you are getting conflicting information on the Woods vs. Rollins vs. MF. Only thing I can say to that is you just have to look and decide for yourself.
I will say though if you are only cutting 4 to 5 times a year you should give a serious look and the King Kutters. Lots of people use them and are very satisfied with them. I went with an "economy" model and so far am very happy - light cutting several times a year.
As far as clutch vs. shear pin, I prefer the shear pin. To me the clutch is just something else to break, work on, replace, etc. The shear pin pops, just slap in another one, tighten 'er down and your off. If there are lots of stumps, rocks, uneven ground, etc. I could see using a clutch, but, the best thing to do (obviously) is to avoid these if possible.
One other thing if you are cutting around and between obstacles. I would keep the cutter width no more than the tractor. That way if the tractor fits, you know the cutter will as well.
Good luck, let us know how it goes.
Eddie
With 20 acres, I would get the widest cut I could. I do not see why your 28HP MF would not turn a 5 ft cutter? Sounds like you are getting conflicting information on the Woods vs. Rollins vs. MF. Only thing I can say to that is you just have to look and decide for yourself.
I will say though if you are only cutting 4 to 5 times a year you should give a serious look and the King Kutters. Lots of people use them and are very satisfied with them. I went with an "economy" model and so far am very happy - light cutting several times a year.
As far as clutch vs. shear pin, I prefer the shear pin. To me the clutch is just something else to break, work on, replace, etc. The shear pin pops, just slap in another one, tighten 'er down and your off. If there are lots of stumps, rocks, uneven ground, etc. I could see using a clutch, but, the best thing to do (obviously) is to avoid these if possible.
One other thing if you are cutting around and between obstacles. I would keep the cutter width no more than the tractor. That way if the tractor fits, you know the cutter will as well.
Good luck, let us know how it goes.
Eddie
Bird
Rest in Peace
Nope, two entirely different things for entirely different purposes.
jand38
Silver Member
Check the gear box's if all Chinese than welds and gauge of metal, type of rear wheel, width to see of it matches your "pins" it is hard to "ware out" a rotary cutter unless you realy do abuse or let others use it. The first cutting should be the most dificult from than on the cutting should be a lot easier. just my 2cent's worth
CDsdad
Platinum Member
Soliciting opinions from dealers is fine, but remember they are ultimately in business to make money. I'm not saying there aren't good dealers willing to help you make YOUR best decision, but I have found the best brands tend to be whatever the particular dealer you are asking opinion of is selling.
A 5' mower on your tractor shouldn't be any problem.
I recently purchased a Bushhog SQ 600 for my 26 pto hp tractor. I also looked at the Howse and King Kutter brands. I saw nothing wrong with the King Kutter. I probably would've gotten the Howse, but replacement U-joints for them are a pain to get at the local parts house. I wound up paying several hundred more for the Bushhog but I am happy with it.
I have used my father's Howse to cut my 20 acres that I now cut with the Bushhog. I have never had any problem with his Howse, even though his is a lighter duty cutter than mine. The Howse has a shear bolt and my Bushhog has a slip clutch. I didn't purposely select a slip clutch, it just happened to have one. If I had rocky property I'd probably select a slip clutch.
Some models have a more tinny, clangy sound to the decks, some are more solid depending on light, medium, or heavy duty in each model. I've seen a lot of OLD cutters of various brands. Find one that seems solid for your application and with proper maintenance it should last a good long time. Myself, I'm more of a Chevrolet guy.
A 5' mower on your tractor shouldn't be any problem.
I recently purchased a Bushhog SQ 600 for my 26 pto hp tractor. I also looked at the Howse and King Kutter brands. I saw nothing wrong with the King Kutter. I probably would've gotten the Howse, but replacement U-joints for them are a pain to get at the local parts house. I wound up paying several hundred more for the Bushhog but I am happy with it.
I have used my father's Howse to cut my 20 acres that I now cut with the Bushhog. I have never had any problem with his Howse, even though his is a lighter duty cutter than mine. The Howse has a shear bolt and my Bushhog has a slip clutch. I didn't purposely select a slip clutch, it just happened to have one. If I had rocky property I'd probably select a slip clutch.
Some models have a more tinny, clangy sound to the decks, some are more solid depending on light, medium, or heavy duty in each model. I've seen a lot of OLD cutters of various brands. Find one that seems solid for your application and with proper maintenance it should last a good long time. Myself, I'm more of a Chevrolet guy.