Rotary cutterfor TC-33DA??

[sjr]

I am shopping around for a TC-33DA & I am getting conflicting information from two separate dealers. I am hoping someone can help me out. I am a first-time tractor buyer.
The conflicting information concerns a 6ft rotary cutter & the ability of the TC-33da to handle it. One dealer says no problem, the other dealer says a 6ft rotary cutter is too big & long for the TC-33da and recommends a 5ft rotary cutter. Any advice or direction to find the answer will be most appreciated. My use for the rotary cutter is to maintatin a 4-acre pasture (horses) & create a 5 acre pasture that is mostly thick grass, weeds & invading sumac trees. I would prefer the 6ft rotary cutter to help maximize my time for other projects.

 

[Bob_Skurka]

I use a 5' finish mower with a TC24D, I used to have a 5' rotary cutter that was used with the TC24D as well as with antique tractors. I can't understand why a tractor that has 9 more hp would not be able to handle a 6' rotary cutter.

 

[MikePA]

I have a TC25D and a Woods BB60 rotary cutter. I beleive that my TC25D, and therefore your 33DA, can handle a 6 foot cutter. However, I purchased a 5 foot cutter to match the width of my tractor. This means that if the tractor can get through an opening, so can the cutter. As long as you remember that you have a cutter sticking out on either side, you'll be fine.

 

[JerryG]

If the grass is not to tall and the brush is only twigs, you would be alright with a 6 ft. If you want to be able to take full cuts in waist high thick grass, get a 5 ft.

 

[jinman]

I think you will do fine with the 6' cutter since you didn't describe any tight spots. Certainly, your 3PH will be able to handle its weight fine, but you might need a little weight in the front for counterbalance.

Remember, with a wide cutter you can always cut a narrower swath. By overlapping onto the previously cut area you can vary how much uncut grass you are cutting if the going gets tough. If you buy the narrow cutter, you just can't make it wider no matter how hard you try. /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif

I think you'll be fine with the 6' cutter, but always remember to bring your engine back to idle before shutting down the PTO on your TC33DA. the PTO brake will last much longer if you do that. /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif

 

[choreboy]

sjr

I sought advice on a similar question a few monthas back. I have a TC 40D and easked about a 7' mower.....The forum members werer all helpful, but I got warnings from a dealer and directly from the Woods rep ( 7' Woods Rotary cutter)
that maybe my tractor was a bit undersized.

I have used it the past several weeks for many hours woth no problems at all...other than getting used to having a mower wider than my tractor....sorry, young trees.....

Like you, my needs are for maintaining pasture for a horse and not _heavy duty_ brush cutting as some do. My grass in certain areas was very thick, but it worked fine.

Also, as jinman says, if you gotta take a smaller bite, so be it. You will probably do just fine cutting grass and smaller brush....enjoy it!

If you're a new user as I am, be aware of the load you're hauling behind you and plan your turns accordingly.