Rotary Cutter Pull Behind Rotary Cutter - Pros/Cons/Dangerous

Gatorboy · May 10, 2005

( Your analogy is a bit confusing, and I won't try to decipher it. ) 

A greyhound bus is one long machine with no pivot point, just like a 3-pt mower would be by adding it to your tractor. I've only used pull-type mowers -- I think the 3-pt mowers are more dangerous. Can you run along a fence line and then turn away without worrying about hitting the fence with a 3-pt?

Soundguy · May 10, 2005

You call this a CON? You can back a pull-type in places alot easier than with a 3-pt. 

With respect.. that logic seems to be faulty. With the 3pt as an integral and rigid part of the tractor, by default, it will go exactly behind the tractor, no matter what.. no need to look back.. etc.. On a pull behind.. terain differences will make a huge difference.. for example, a rock, or hill on the side of a drag-style's tire, may make it go in a wrong direction / angle.

That said.. anyone who can back in a trailer should be able to back in a drag mower,, yet.. for 100% percision, like backing between two narrow buildings.. I'll take a 3pt any day.. no need to worry about it getting out of sorts and then turning on you.. etc.

The bus analogy seems to indicate that a mower doubles or triples the length of the tractor.. this doesn't sound right.. For instance.. my 10' width mower is still only about 6.5' deep.. and that doesn't do much to the turn clearance of my NH 7610s..

Soundguy

johan3400 · May 10, 2005

I have a woods 3pt and a bush hog tow type and like them both. I just go slower and more careful when I am backing the tow type. $150 is a good deal, I would go for it.

BB_TX · May 10, 2005

There are pull behind types with 2 wheels on the rear. There are also pull behind types with 2 wheels, one on each side of the deck. Older style I think. You didn't say which it is. If the wheels are on the sides, that would limit how close you can mow to a fence, building, tree, etc.
I guess I am trailer deficient since I could never back a pull behind as fast or as accurate as I can back my 3pt.

thcri · May 10, 2005

Welll, I will through my 2 cents in here. As far as the pull type. I actually would prefer it. My uncle a long time ago had one with a PTO and it also had a hydraulic cylinder on it for raising and lowering. Each wheel had a screw type jack on it for setting the height you wanted to mow at but in case you see a rock you could lift it by the hydraulics. I wished someone made a finish mower this way as I would buy one in a heartbeat. This type would out do any 3pt or mmm finish mower. You could do a lot more with it a lot faster.

As far as backing up, one would think that the 3 point would be easier and for most instances it would be, but I really think if you had to get around something and then back in or back in a 90 degree spot the pull type would be easier. That's just me from my experience with trailers and trucks.

murph

N9PDL · May 10, 2005

I have an old pull behind type that I brought back from the dead. It was a "BMB" brand and I had it sandblasted, I painted it (now JD Green of course!), installed new wheel bearings, and changed the gearbox oil. It works like a charm. I grew up using this type of cutter and I prefer it for MOST work. The only time it is not handy is when you will be doing a lot of sharp turning. The U-Joints on the drive shaft will start to make noise if you turn too sharp. Otherwise, it does not scalp the ground like the 3 PT kind do when you drive in a small dip. It cuts very well. Also, it doesn't seem to put as much wear and tear on your tractor because you don't have all of that weight hanging on your 3 PT hitch. I mow some VERY steep (OSHA would not approve) hills on my property and I feel more comfortable doing it with a pull-behind.

It basically boils down to your preferences, but if you are going to be doing a lot of open field mowing with it I think you will be happier with the pull-behind type. One of these days I'll take some pics of my "John Deere" pull behind and post them on here....

thegreatrandini · May 10, 2005

I agree with you.... Pull type should be great for open mowing... He could always pick up a 3pt model later and have both......

jpierce · May 10, 2005

Updated with pics (see original post)

- Here is the serial tag (can't tell type)

Any guesses??

thcri · May 10, 2005

Take a picture of the unit. It would be great to see an old unit still in service.

murph

KiotiJohn · May 10, 2005

( Updated with pics (see original post)

- Here is the serial tag (can't tell type )
Looks as though it says manufactured by MONO MFG Co. S.A.
S.A. in Mexico is a designation of a private company much like INC. is here. I wonder if it's made in Mexico or another part of Latin America. Of course, the S.A. in this case could simply mean South America, but I'm not inclined to think so.
It's sure not a brand I'm familiar with.
John