Rotary Cutter Is a rotory mower the same as a bush hog?

[biffo]

Live in Europe so not sure of the correct name used in the US. I want to buy a rotary mower to mow 2 small fields, and in rural France small fields are small, maybe 2 acres for the two. The surface is uneven as previously used for cattle and has not had cattle or been mown for 3 years so a bit of a mess. Read a bit about bush hogs which sound like they're made for rough clearance, but are regular rotary mowers the same thing as a bush hog?

I use a 35 hp Kubota and was thinking of 5' or 6' mower. I want to mow maybe only twice each year as there are other areas we maintain in a lot more detail. Heavy duty rotaries are expensive compared with the US and as we are in the US for 5 weeks in a couple of weeks time was going to take a look and check if any companies ship to Europe, so looking for recommendations too if that's ok?

Thanks for any help

 

[jeff9366]

Rotary Mower/Cutter is an implement. Bush Hog is the registered trademark for the firm which invented the Rotary Cutter in the state of Georgia about 1955.

LINK: Over 60 years of proven performance!


I pull a Land Pride (brand) 60", medium duty Rotary Cutter behind my Kubota L3560 / 37-horsepower. Land Pride works great up to 36" grass height. It slows down cutting grass longer than 36" but still does the job.

Your grass may be different from my grass.

Yes, Rotary Cutters are designed for mowing rough pastures. They are nearly indestructible when matched by weight to the task to be accomplished.

 

[mcfarmall]

I thought the Europeans called them "slashers" ...or maybe it was the Aussies...

 

[biffo]

Thank you Jeff, understand now.

It was an exceptional year this year, average grass and weed height was about 5' at it's peak, so will a medium duty cope even if slow? Also, what sort of national sales outlets would I look for for good technical information and supply?
We are travelling via Amtrak, Greyhound and in the mid west to the south a car rental. The last is where we are flexible to call into dealers.

Thank you again

 

[biffo]

I thought the Europeans called them "slashers" ...or maybe it was the Aussies...

That sounds very Aussie, have family there and it's the sort of name they would use

 

[smstonypoint]

Thank you Jeff, understand now.

It was an exceptional year this year, average grass and weed height was about 5' at it's peak, so will a medium duty cope even if slow? Also, what sort of national sales outlets would I look for for good technical information and supply?
We are travelling via Amtrak, Greyhound and in the mid west to the south a car rental. The last is where we are flexible to call into dealers.

Thank you again

The major manufacturers include Bush Hog, Land Pride, and Woods, among others. The rotary cutters are sold through tractor dealers for the most part, rather than directly by the manufacturers. An exception is Tractor Attachments And Skid Steer Attachments For Any Tractor Or Skid Steer.

The major manufacturers provide technical info and dealer locators on their Web sites. You will have to visit dealers if you want to inspect the cutters.

I have my doubts about whether it would be cost effective to have a single cutter shipped to Europe, but that is just a hunch on my part.

Steve

 

[biffo]

Just found the UK name for tow behind rotary mowers, topper. The price for what doesn't look as heavy duty as similar land pride ones are pretty much similar. There isn't a massive choice in the UK, some Italian models which appear good quality but still tiny gearboxes and relatively light. Most appear to use a single blade with pivoting knives at each end, don't know if this is a good idea but guess it allows for shocks to the blade to be dissipated.
When I get back to the UK next week I'll try to take a look but this sort of stock tends to be to order rather than walk into a showroom and see mowers in stock.

In general, what names should I look for good tractor dealers, are some better than others?

 

[Wagtail]

I thought the Europeans called them "slashers" ...or maybe it was the Aussies...

Yep, they're called a 'slasher' down here... call it anything else and you'll get a quizzical look.

Somewhat like all of the (imagined) quizzical looks you give me with my dinky-di 'Aussie-isms'.

 

[jeff9366]

It was an exceptional year this year, average grass and weed height was about 5' at it's peak, so will a medium duty cope even if slow?

YES, a medium duty R/C will cut 60" grass slowly, especially if you have hydrostatic (HST) transmission. Medium duty will cope with grass and saplings up to about 1- 1/2" diameter. Heavy duty will cope with grass and small trees up to 2-1/2" diameter but I do not believe 37-hp will power a HD R/C.

I provided Bush Hog's manufacture's link in Post #2. Did you open the LINK?

SMSTONEYPOINT provided additional brands names which you can easily Google, in Post #6.

I concur with SMSTONYPOINT that you may have the most luck with everytfhingattachments.com, which does direct manufacturer-to-consumer marketing. I have several of their implements which are high quality. They export at least occasionally.

You can purchase from ETA via the web. They welcome visitors at their plant with advance notice.

LINKS (2): Rotary Cutters For 3 Point Hitch of Tractors For Sale

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[motownbrowne]

If all you want to do is mow grass and weeds in a pasture, even a light duty model will suffice. If you're going to have to import one, then I'd probably buy a medium duty because it'll last longer and be more versatile. Also, the shipping would be less of the total purchase price, which would make me feel better about it, but that's just me. If you can buy a light or medium duty Italian model at home, that's probably the way to go.