LB 1914 rotary cutters

[rfmr]

Wondering what LB 1914 owners use / suggest for cutting approx a 4 to 5 acre mix of flat and rolling field. Stumps are not an issue.

Kioti site lists both a 52" and 60" model. I like the idea of the larger cut but considering my acreage should I be concerned about the extra 50lbs.

What brands should I look at? What should I expect to pay for a new one?

 

[bluechip]

It is not so much the weight as the extra load on the engine cutting the wider path. the 52" is the largest I would recommend, unless you are only mowing sparce grass, and not too tall, (if you mow the area several times a year) in which case you can run the 5'. In general, you may not gain much cutting time, because you can put the hole 17pto HP into a 4' cutter. if you are running 5 you will probably have to run slower to keep from overloading the engine so you wont finish any sooner with the 5 at least in heavier grass/brush.

 

[IslandTractor]

When you say "rotary mower" are you talking about a rear finish mower or a bush hog?

The 1914 should do fine with either a 48" bush hog or a 60 " finish mower. Not sure I'd go either bigger or smaller with either based on my experience with the similarly powered CK20.

There are a lot of decent brands out there for both types of mower. There are obviously some benefits with the premium companies (Woods, LandPride, Bush Hog etc) but the lower priced mowers (King Kutter etc) seem to do just fine for most folks. Unless you are going to beat on it, the lower priced mowers represent good value. I bought a Bush Hog brush mower but on reflection could probably have saved a few hundred bucks by going with a KK or equivalent and been pretty much just as happy. I think the premium brands make sense for commercial use but for homeowners or small landscaping uses the less expensive brands are fine. There is no rocket science or high tech involved in these devices and the designs have been optimized for years. The more expensive brands just use more and thicker steel.

Regarding cost: for a bush hog rough cutter you would be in the range of $500 for economy brand to $1000 for a name brand 48" mower. Rear finish cutters are more costly and I'd expect $800 for economy up to $2000 for name brand at the 60" size.

 

[rfmr]

I was talking about a bush hog. Also, being a newbie at this, do most folks leave their FEL on? I was assuming, which I know is dangerous, that one advantage to having it on was to remove any obstacles such as rocks hidden in the tall grass.

Thanks for the help

 

[Highbeam]

FEL to remove the obstacles but more importantly to find them before they hit the tractor. Stumps, rocks, etc. Plus a counterweight.

 

[KRK]

The FEL stays on my LB1914 all the time. Never had it off. And, my machine is extremely happy with a 4-foot bush hog (type) and a five foot finish mower, which, by the way, was the dealer's recommendation. Does a wonderful job.

 

[HRS]

Please, walk over and do a visual check first if you suspect hidden stuff in the grass or even if you don't. Suddenly snagging a stump, etc. with a loader while not expecting anything will cause damage to machine and yourself.

 

[Kiohio]

A 48" or 52" rotary cutter works good behind the LB1914. If finish mower 60" is best.
I have heard of people running bigger and smaller of each but these selections are the best match.

KO