Rotary Cutter looking at 6ft rotary cutters

[Farmwithjunk]

I bought an extra set of blades with my 286 Bush Hog mower. They're desrcibed as "heavy duty/high lift". They were less than $70, shipping included. (From Bush Hog, Selma Ala.)

After I bought them, and they were delivered, I compared them to what is already on the mower as factory equipment. I found the SAME EXACT blades that I bought.

A brand new Bush Hog mower and TWO sets of new blades. That aught to last me about 3-1/2 lifetimes.

 

[Glenn9643]

Mine came with the highlift blades too. I believe the double-edged blades are flat and intended for use in brush more than pasture clipping.

 

[john_bud]

Here are some links to both the Brush Hog and Woods medium duty cutters.

http://www.bushhog.com/agtoc.html

http://www.woodsequipment.com/agricultural/rotary_cutters/single_spindle/60-84_med-duty.asp

In every category the Woods 720 is equal or superior to the BH286, except for minimum cut. BH is 1 1/2" and the W is 2". If you download the BH pdf, you can compare the weights. BH is 962# and the Woods is 1140#. The BH needs an 1 & 11/16 socket and 450 ft/lb of torque to change a blade and with wear, most maintenance shops don't even attempt to unbolt them. They just use a torch and cut them off. The woods uses a clip to hold in the blade pin and a 1/2 ratchet with (I think) a 5/8 socket is all you need.

Both these cutters (and the JD equivalents) will probably outlast the country farmer owners, so you really can't go "wrong" with any of them. My OPINION (based on physical inspection of all 3 and long talks with people that supply maintenance parts for all 3) is that the Woods Brush Bull is the overall best value, for ME. Needing the least maintenance and easiest to do what needs to be done.

Your evaluation and OPINION might differ, that's why there is more than one choice... Buy the one YOU like and smile while using it, knowing it is the best machine for you and your uses.

On blades. The "high lift" blades are for cutting thick weeds, grass and small trees / bushes. The cuttings will be ejected more forcefully and clear the cutting deck, keeping the tractor from bogging down. The double sided blades are flat and as it sounds, can be flipped over giving 2x the usage. They are for cutting thick brush and trees at the max of the ratings.

Ever see the blades for the "Big A-s cutters" they use to clear the trees from the right of ways? They are 4" thick x 8" wide hardened steel and have no sharp edge. Just a rectangular profile. The "dull" edge shatters the trees, leading to them dying and keeping the right of way clear.

jb

 

[Farmwithjunk]

I've owned Woods "Brush Bull" (BB840, and BB8400) I now own a Bush Hog 286. The Woods mower might be "statistically" equal, but when it comes down to it, the Bush Hog will out last the Woods in rough conditions. It's more about WHERE the iron is and not how much there is.

The Woods mowers tended to rust more. (Poor job of priming/painting)

The Woods mowers tended to scalp when set "low" (2-1/2" cut or shorter) (84" models anyway)

Bush Hog offers cheaper parts, and faster delivery through "normal" channels.

Bush Hog sold me a mower WITH SAFTEY CHAINS for less than Woods model WITHOUT chains.

As far as the blade removal. Woods mowers are easy to remove blades WHEN IN NEW CONDITION. Let their clips get rusty, and they aren't any easier to remove. BTDT, got the busted knuckles to show for it.... On my Bush Hog mower, I removed the nut (via impact wrench, coated it with never sieze, and re-installed. I've done a few of them that way over the years. Works like a charm.


Woods makes a good product. Under MOST conditions, it proved to be more than adaquate. Bush Hog offers a good product too. After using BOTH side-by-side, I'll take the Bush Hog mower.

After owning both, I won't say one is decidedly better than the other, just that they have their differences. The Bush Hog is CHEAPER, breaking the tie.

 

[JerryG]

<font color="blue"> The Woods mowers tended to scalp when set "low" (2-1/2" cut or shorter) (84" models anyway)</font>
That has to do with set-up, not design.

 

[Farmwithjunk]

Has to do with position of side skids, relative to mower blades in the case of the BB840. If the skids were touching ground, blades were already slinging dirt. That was a problem on rough ground.

 

[JerryG]

I have had a Woods for several years and have only had a problem getting the pin out one time. That time the pin was bent. Other than that the blades have always come off with a 3/8" ratchet. When I worked at a dealership we never had any problems with removing the blades on the Woods. All of the problems that had to be remedied with a torch or with a 6' cheater bar were always with the mowers that had the large bolt and large nut.

 

[john_bud]

Farm,

Glad that you have had good experience with your BH cutter. That's what counts, getting the job done!

Have a great day,

jb

 

[JerryG]

<font color="blue"> That's what counts, getting the job done! </font>
That is it. Getting it done and being happy with what you have. He is happy with Brush Hog and I am happy with my Woods.

 

[1bush2hog]

When I was shopping for a RC I started out looking at BH and Deere based on their reputation, but ended up going with a Brown RC, as it was less expensive, thicker deck, higher rated gearbox, heavier blades, and better finish.

There are alot of personal opinions on equipment - thanks for sharing yours. /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif