Rotary cutter

[Matt_W]

I am saving up my money to buy my first cutter and have decided on a rotary cutter planned for the spring for my B7610. I am looking to use the cutter for road maintenance and to cut some small fields (weeds mostly) maybe 3 times a year, I would say no more than 2 acres total. I will also have some trails to maintain and most maintanance would be on a hilly surface with very little rocks.
The B7610 limitations in the book state 4' and a total weight of 400#.
In checking it really looks like a lightweight type cutter is really my only consideration for this unit.
I want to get something that will last but debating the brand of a cheaper lighter weight type (king kutter, countryline) or one from a more established company. (woods, bush hog, land pride)
I really like the woods heritage HC54 but not sure if this would be too big? The weight is #485 with a slip clutch and is 6" larger than the cutting limitation.
I also plan to cut with my FEL 352 attached.
What would you guys suggest?

 

[Ductape]

First, I'll say that tractor manufacturers' implement specs should be used as a guide, and not a gospel. I do feel a 54" rotary cutter would work well on your tractor, BUT, it really depends on your terrain and whether or not you are trying to use it to capacity. Keep in mind that the heavier the implement, the more the tail will want to wag the dog. If i were in your shoes, and i were cutting these areas regularly.... not trying to cut to capacity, I'd strongly consider the 54 as long as its not too hilly. A little wider cut means less passes on each mowing..... saving time. I'd also recommend adding weight to the front if you don't cut with a loader on. Generally , I prefer to stay with good brand names, but occaisionally chep out on some things based on my use.

 

[TripleR]

I recently bought a Landpride and Woods DS1260, but they will get a lot of hard use; for what you will be doing, a lighter weight, cheaper models should be fine. My father in law and brother both used King Kutters and others and liked them really well.

 

[DavidAubke]

I've run my neighbor's 5' cutter off the back of my BX2350. When I bought my own I went with a 4' Howse. 17 HP PTO was close but not quite comfortable turning the bigger blades.

With the FEL on, both cutters posed no weight issues. With FEL off, if the 4' lifts off the ground, I lose significant steering control. Looks like the B7610 is a shade heavier. Still prefer mowing with no FEL. I don't like it constantly bouncing up there. Seems like unnecessary stress.

I got the economy grade Howse - something like $650. Cheapest they make and you can see that it's not as sturdy as higher-grade models. During the 20 hours I've put on it, it's taken down more than a few saplings and hit a few stumps. No problems yet but it's still pretty young.

 

[Code54]

I have a 4' on my 7610 and it works great. Don'y go heaver! My 4' (when i have the FEL on) will still lighten the tires on a hill. Mine is a "Tri-s" (I think that is the make) that I bought locally for about $550. It will cut anything for 2" down without a problem. Last weekend I hogged about 2 acres of weeds that were about a foot over my hood without a problem. This was a little hilly and rough in some spots an only took a few hours. On flat or smooth ground it would have been a LOT faster. I would spend the extra 15 minutes every time I cut and just have a 4' for safety and power reasons.
Good luck

 

[redharley]

I use a 4 ft landpride it does all I ask of it,I think letting the loader on is a very good idea.I always let my loader on whether I am feild mowing or chewing up brush thru my woods. I have read many of praise's here about the inexpensive line of cutter's here in these forums for what you describe I do not think you would be disapointed in one.I just happened to find my landpride used if your not in a hurry you might find one also

 

[jambx]

It all depends on what and where your cutting but I think for this size B the 4 ft rotory cutter is a very nice balance between tractor / output and weight.

 

[whistlepig]

I have a Land Pride brush cutter. If I were buying again I would chose Land Pride. They are a bit pricey but well worth the price.

 

[Matt_W]

ducktape: I do believe the tractor could run this cutter safely but as you said it depends on the terrain and in my case there are lots of hills n humps. we live on top of a hill and is fairly flat there but overall I would say not flat.

TripleR: Last year I about 1k saved, not quite enough for a brand name but certainly enough for a king kutter, called tsc and they said they had them in stock. Drove 20 mile and when I was there no king kutters, only country line, asked questions (warranty, some others) and left feeling like the staff was in competent. I think there is king kutter dealer about 40 mile away so I may explore that again. not sure about the country line.

SEOhDave: Looked at the Howse online and would explore buying one of these, did you purchase directly from a dealer or order?

Code54: Thanks for the post, I definately want to be safe than to save time in and with all my hills I have decided on the 4'. I was hoping to streach the cut outside the wheels.

redharley n whistlepig: I went and looked at landpride and liked them, last year my $$ was just not enough to afford one but this spring I will be more prepared.

Protection is something I am definatley interested, are the metal bands, rubber belt type any good??
I am sure chain protection would be the best.

 

[DavidAubke]

called tsc and they said they had them in stock. Drove 20 mile and when I was there no king kutters, only country line, asked questions (warranty, some others) and left feeling like the staff was in competent.

Pretty sure TSC's County Line are just rebranded King Kutters. Maybe the staff thought that went without saying.

SEOhDave: Looked at the Howse online and would explore buying one of these, did you purchase directly from a dealer or order?

I bought from a dealer - Cross & Sons in Jackson, OH. They were offering either King Kutter or Howse at that price. I think they're considered fairly comparable to each other. I mainly based my decision on paint color.