Rotary Cutter looking at 6ft rotary cutters

[haybaler9]

I'm trying to decide between the john deere and bush hog rotary cutters. there both the same price. I had a five foot john deere that I never had a problem with, but i've been told bush hogs are better. I'm going with the medium duty over the light one because of the round pan (stump jumper)
the only difference I can see is the john deere has high lift blades thats good for layed down grass. I would love to hear some experiences from people on both brands.

 

[Farmwithjunk]

I just bought a Bush Hog 286. I managed to get about 2 hours of use before winter set in. Well built, sturdy, and good finish. I don't have much experience with the Deere, other than all of 'em I priced were $300 to $500 higher than the price I went with on the Bush Hog.

No one has a better reputation in the mower business.

 

[browns40]

Hi haybaler9,

I have the MX-5, and it's bulletproof... I can't usher a word of complaint--it's shredded everything I've driven over, right up to 3 inch yellow birch and an unfortunate antique wagon axle hub, and aside from a couple dents, scrapes, and character to the blades, it's my baby...

If I were to buy again, (even though it's not green!) i would be tempted to look at the Woods brushbull... higher gearbox rating, splined PTO shaft, heavier by a fair shake... but from all I've heard, I probably won't get a chance to purchase a "bush hog" again for many years...

Don't know squat about Bush Hog brand, so can't help you there! But must be something to be said for being the namesake of the shredder industry...

Good luck; if you have a JD--keep it green--prettier package if you ever sell! /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

Happy tractoring! /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif

 

[Joe1]

I can't speak for the 6', but I have an LX-4 from JD. I've only got 20 PTO HP so it seems well matched. It cuts well, but I've had to replace two different seals (first time under warranty) in about 18 months. The transmission had also vibrated lose to where only one of the 4 bolts holding it to the deck were tight. I don't know if it was the dealer's fault after the first seal fix or not. I know it's a light duty cutter, but I've not put that many hours on it. I can say it cut weeds and brush up to 7' tall and didn't bog down on much.

It also has a Transmission from China if that matters.

I just got it back this week and other than turning it up to make sure it worked (it was virtualy vibration free) I've not used it again.

I'm not so sure I'd buy another; only because of the seal issue. I would have to look long and hard. However, I don't plan on replacing it so it's a mute point. The slip clutch has worked flawlessly and saved me hours of frustration replacing shear bolts, not to mention the bad words. I believe the stump jumper on mine is also convex.

Here on the California Central Coast, there are not a lot of local farm/tractor suppliers so my initial choices were limited.

 

[kossetx]

Joe, Was it the gearbox lower oil seal? From what I've understood from talking to locals and the dealer I bought it from before I found this site, that if you're mowing heavy stuff, the lower oil seal is going to go out. Mine went out about 300 hrs ago. I did what I was told to do, pump the gearbox full of grease and add to it about every 6 months. I've had no problems with the mower since. Might save you some seal replacement money. Other feel free to correct me if I'm wrong.

 

[1bush2hog]

No one has a better reputation in the mower business.


Not trying to be confrontational, but are there statistics to substantiate this statement?

 

[haybaler9]

<font color="red"> </font> No one has a better reputation in the mower business.


Not trying to be confrontational, but are there statistics to substantiate this statement?

<font color="blue"> </font>
let's just say they have the longest reputation. I'm not trying to start color wars here, I just want peoples experiences with these two brands.
i know john deere makes there own gear boxes on the new LX5/LX6 (not sure about LX4) so I assume there made in the US. I know the bush hog has a double seal setup on the bottom to prevent leaks, does anyone know if deere is the same? i wish the dealer would let me take the machine apart and put it back together before I bought it /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif
I would really like to hear from someone that's tryed the new MX6 with the high lift blades to tell me if it really cuts better than the normal blades.

 

[john_bud]

Haybaler,

If you are looking at the medium duty units, do look into the woods line of BrushBull cutters. They are THE easiest to change blades on. The others will have you using a 6' bar and an impact wrench (if you are lucky) or else you will have to burn off the bolt/nut with an Ox/Ac torch.

They are also the best built (compare weight, blade size, gear box, stump jumper diameter,etc)

Once you get into the medium duty units, the quality goes up as they are bought by municipalities and commercial users, so they are all good, some are just better for your uses.

jb

 

[Farmwithjunk]

You want statistics? Just count how many people refer to them as "bush hogs". Even when they're some other brand. Bush Hog is the first name to roll off of everyone's tongue when talking about rough-cut mowers.

After owning Woods, Rhino, Deere, KK, MF, and a few others, I'd take a Bush Hog mower over any of the rest. And that's no statistic. Just actual "hands on" experience.

 

[Glenn9643]

the only difference I can see is the john deere has high lift blades thats good for layed down grass

I've used a 286 for several years with zero problems. Most of my cutting right now is relatively light, but it has seen some extreme duty in the past. Chains add to the cost, but I recommend them.
As for the blade style, Bushhog's website parts availability indicates "uplift" blades or "double edged" blades for the 286. I suspect that JD nor Bushhog has the market cornered on uplift or high-lift blades, so that shouldn't be a dealbreaker for any good cutter.

 

[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