Rotary cutter options, driveline, tailwheel and guarding

[rarvesen]

I have never owned a rotary cutter before and have some basic questions. I will be using the cutter to cut down overgrown weeds in a rocky environment in Central Texas. I'm looking into the Land Pride RCR1860 cutter and had questions on some of the options.

Driveline: shear-bolt, or 2-plate slip clutch
I'm not sure the advantage / disadvantage to each option. Is 2-plate slip clutch the better option? I expect to hit rock while mowing.

Tailwheel: laminated, or solid rubber
I don't have any experience with this. The cutter will not be used that often, when used, it will be going over rough ground with cactus and rocks.

Guarding: chain, rubber, or metal
I'm not sure which type of guarding is preferred. Would rubber most likely need to be replaced in the future?

I really appreciate any feedback. I'm going to talk to the local dealer also, but find it helpful to get opinions from here before talking to the dealer. Let me know if you have other suggestions for a rotary cutter, this will be used with a Kubota L3200 (32 HP, 25 PTO HP).

 

[TripleR]

I'm sure you will get different answers/opinions, but here is what I did.

I use a Land Pride RCR2672 with a slip clutch, chain guards front and back with a laminated tail wheel. It originally had rubber guards, but too much stuff flew out and grass tended to clump up, so I put chain guards on.

I cut some pretty heave stuff and got tired of replacing shear pins over the years, thus the slip clutch.

Either type of tire will work in my opinion. We went with foam filled aircraft tires on our Woods pull type as we thought we would be transporting it on paved roads.

 

[nelsond7004]

Rarvesen, I would personally opt for the slip clutch. You will get tired of replacing shear pins! It might take a little trial and error to get the clutch adjusted at first, but you will be pleased at their performance once it is set to your tractor's PTO hp. I have used both shear bolt and slip clutch rotary cutters and I cannot ever go back to a shear bolt.

As for the tail wheel, I am inclined to say laminated. I have some rocky areas that I mow and the laminate tail wheel seems to do well. One thing I like is it does absorb some impact. Others may have different opinions, but I would think either a laminated or solid rubber tail wheel will work.

Since you say there is rock involved, I would go for the chain guards. The only problem is this option can be pricey.

 

[bilrus61]

I'm looking to get the exact same mower for my mom's B 3030. I've decided to go with the slip clutch/chains/lamanated tire combo. My local dealer has one on his lot (painted orange heheh) and his asking price is $1495 as best I can get out of him. Lots of hums and haws with some disclaimers but thats the price he finally quoted me. What quotes are you getting there in the Lone Star State? I'm in Kentucky.

 

[foreman Etexas]

I'm sure you will get different answers/opinions, but here is what I did.

I use a Land Pride RCR2672 with a slip clutch, chain guards front and back with a laminated tail wheel. It originally had rubber guards, but too much stuff flew out and grass tended to clump up, so I put chain guards on.

I cut some pretty heave stuff and got tired of replacing shear pins over the years, thus the slip clutch.

Either type of tire will work in my opinion. We went with foam filled aircraft tires on our Woods pull type as we thought we would be transporting it on paved roads.

Im gonna agree definetly go with chain guards,as for the tires I would think the aircraft tires would climb the rocks better than the laminate hanging up alittle more on rocks and not rolling but thats just my opinion. We have both...

 

[Soundguy]

i think laminated tires will have the best overall lifespan..

as for shear bolt vs clutch, the clutch, if adjusted properly and checked yearly, is no doubt easier than stopping every so often to knock a new bolt in. also costs more and .. eventually.. wears out... though saves time..e tc.

shields.. any are better than none... could make arguments for either.

rubber guards tend to be quieter and don't come off in pieces like chain.. chain are tougher.. etc.. etc...

 

[BlacknTan]

I've got the slip clutch on my Woods and wouldn't be without it. It's come in handy a few times!
Also got the laminated tailwheel. It does the job and doesn't go flat, so that's good enough for me.
Rubber guards here. I'd probably prefer chains, and chains are probably better, but the cutter came with rubber, and I have no complaints.

 

[Soundguy]

i have a jd 1517 batwing.. it has a combination of rubber and metal guards.. both are working..

now that i have all the rocks, burried lumber and ant mounts mowed flat.. the shear protection is just there for fun...

 

[firstfruitsfarm]

I have had an RCR1860 for about 8 years. The clutch beats shear bolts and if adjusted correctly protects your driveline well. The laminated tailwheel is more durable. In rocky areas, chain guards would be best.

However...the laminated tailwheel is much heavier than the pneumatic. LandPride cut costs on the tailwheel mount. There are only two thin welds mounting the ends of the arms to the pivot tube. You can easily break the entire tailwheel assembly off the mounting arms by backing into a hidden rock or stump or turning without lifting the cutter and striking something in the ground. Bottoming out coming down a hill will do it too. I have welded fillets across the ends of the arms and to the pivot tube to reinforce the weak tailwheel mount, and this has helped a lot.

 

[Soundguy]

backing / hitting damage to a cutter tailwheel is pretty much a given.. even if it's a tank.. if you bulldoze with a tail wheel.. something breaks.

I'd not base my sole purchase decision on the tailwheel mount....

just sayin...