Rotary 5' vs 4'

[dinoedwards]

Branson 2400H and use a 5' Woods RC5 and think it's too big.
Might sell it and go with 4' like Mahindra SD4 or Titan 1204.
Thoughts? I don't want to tear up my gear box.
Only use cutter 2-3 times a year but still want to be cautious.
Pto is rated @ 18 and some say 22hp.
Pictured is my RC5 and Branson (Titan) 1204 I can get for $800

 

[oldnslo]

I guess depends on what you are cutting for determining size. I run 5 ft woods on my 2400H but only cut grass and weeds 2 to 3 ft tall on level ground and never connect top link so tail wheel is carrying weight. Have mowed road ditch where grass was over hood with no problem just drive a little slower.

If climbing hills or cutting heavy brush, small trees then would consider smaller 4 ft.

 

[scootr]

Rule of thumb 5 PTO HP per foot of mower width.

 

[dinoedwards]

Thanks, I rarely really use it for clearing brush just tall grass small saplings, letting back wheel carry weight I might try.
Just don't want to tear up gear box. If I only use it 2-3x a year I guess it should be fine not selling the RC5?

 

[airbiscuit]

The shear pin on the mower should break if there is a sudden shock to the mower.

 

[big bubba]

Use it with above recommendations. Rocks, etc in your task? Regardless, keep the knives sharp throughout the season. Makes a world of difference in Spring growth

How do you sharpen? I recommend removing & grinding knives, not crawling under with grinder to avoid cosmetic surgery. Get good ramps or jack stands & remove w/impact wrench.
Keeping in mind the 2" end of the blades do 80% of cutting. Always good to have a few sets on hand to do the job....
don't jump into new yet...

 

[dinoedwards]

Thanks, think I'll sharpen blades and let the Woods RC5 eat, it's a great cutter.
Too much trouble to down size at this point. Thx

 

[big bubba]

well a thought since you use it seldomly. just be safe if you remove blades for sharpening, am sure you will

 

[RayIN]

Run a lower gear in thick or tall stuff, it's not like you're paying by the hour to do the job.
With really heavy cutting just use ½ the cutter width.
It's not worth blowing a head gasket by overworking the engine.