MX5100 Which rotary cutter?

Curtis Gray · Feb 27, 2012

First off, what a great site! Can hardly pry myself away from here at times.

I Plan to purchase a new MX5100 this week, and am also looking to purchase a rotary cutter to match the tractor. I will be cutting 5 or 6 acres of pasture, and maintaining trails in the woods with the new tractor. I really like the Modern Ag products because they not only are galvanized, but are heavily built.

I'm leaning toward buying a 6ft Super Sunshine Modern Ag shredder(galvanized, weighs 1000 lbs), but would consider other brands as well.

My question is: What do you guys who own the MX5100's use for a rotary cutter, and how much property are you cutting with your rig?

Thanks in advance for your comments.

TripleR · Feb 28, 2012

I don't have a MX5100, but close to the same with a GL5030 HSTC and I use a Land Pride RCR2672 as I cut some pretty heavy brush. I have no idea how much I mow as we have different acreage to cut on two farms and also use a M8540 with Woods DS1260 10' cutter. Total acreage on both farms is 400+, but we have never measured how many acres we cut as we have a lot of paths, pond levies, road ditches etc., but there are times I mow for seven straight days switching between tractors.

Your tractor will power a little bigger cutter, but I really like the six foot cutter.

I am not familiar with the brands you mentioned.

bigbull338 · Feb 28, 2012

your tractor will pull a 3pt 6ft shredder with ease.an the 6ft suits your needs just fine.

Curtis Gray · Feb 28, 2012

Bought the MX5100 today, and expect delivery tomorrow!

Will be shopping for a BB and 6 ft shredder tomorrow.

Thanks for your replies!

Bluegill2 · Feb 28, 2012

Land Pride makes a very heavy duty, well made mower. I have a 5 footer for my L3800.

Have an older cheaper 6 foot mower for the 3750, that I hope will last a few more years.

CaptJCHill · Feb 28, 2012

Look in your owner's manual for the maximum weight allowed for a rotary cutter.This is not the same as the maximum lift capacity.lt has to do with overall ballance of the tractor.For instance my m5700 has a lift capacity of 4200 lbs.but a Max rotarycutter weight of 1200 lbs. I tried my Woods bb7200 (1450 lbs) and they were right! I switched to a BushHog 306 (1100lbs) and the tractor handles beautifully.Now a FEL or lots of weight may have helped on the heavier cutter,but you would still be violating a limit.You might be o.k. on level ground,but I would not chance it, so I went with the lighter cutter.

John

CJBOTA · Feb 28, 2012

Last year I mowed my orchard with a 84" Befco finish mower with ease. This year I am putting into service a 135" Perfect offset finish mower. It is going to be interesting to see if the MX5100 can handle this mower. My peach trees are in rows 20' apart so two passes will do it easy. I am going to have to figure out what I am going to do with my spare time.
CJ

Curtis Gray · Feb 29, 2012

CaptJCHill said:
Look in your owner's manual for the maximum weight allowed for a rotary cutter.This is not the same as the maximum lift capacity.lt has to do with overall ballance of the tractor.For instance my m5700 has a lift capacity of 4200 lbs.but a Max rotarycutter weight of 1200 lbs. I tried my Woods bb7200 (1450 lbs) and they were right! I switched to a BushHog 306 (1100lbs) and the tractor handles beautifully.Now a FEL or lots of weight may have helped on the heavier cutter,but you would still be violating a limit.You might be o.k. on level ground,but I would not chance it, so I went with the lighter cutter.

John

Thanks all for the replies.
I read through the manual last evening, and the weight limit on for the rotary cutter is 7 ft, and 1000 lbs. I personally think that 7 ft. may be to wide. Im seriously considering the Super Sunshine by Modern Ag in the 6ft model. It's galvanized, and weighs 1005 lbs. (No affiliation with Modern Ag).

What do you think?

Kit2821 · Feb 29, 2012

I agree that 7ft is a little much for me. I would rather spend the extra dollar for a heavier duty cutter.

CaptJCHill · Feb 29, 2012

The extra money spent on a quality,heavy duty cutter from a local dealer with parts support is money that will be repaid many times over.Also you can avoid a lot of aggravation and lost time and are more productive with your time.I have used Woods and BushHog with great success,only switching as I sold the tractor and mower together.If you are like me when its time to mow,its time to mow ,darn it! I don't want to mess around with a piece of junk mower welding on it, straightening it out etc. Been there,done it that way,too.

John