Rotary cutters - domed or flat back

[oosik]

I'm considering purchasing a small( 60" ) medium to heavy duty pto driven rotary cutter. I don't have large fields to mow and will not be mowing up next to fence lines or buildings. As is usual in my area - there are no used cutters - I'll be buying new.

However - I do have several small meadows and areas with Buck brush that I would like to mow. My poor old JD G100 has performed admirably but this task really pushes it.

My question - I see that the cutters come it two basic styles. The domed ones and the flat back ones. The literature extols the virtues of both models.

For those of you with experience - what are the real true advantages/disadvantages of these two designs.

BTW - I'm looking at Rhino, Bush Hog, Land Pride & Woods.

 

[Turbys_1700]

Oosik...
The smooth top cutters have the reinforced frame under the top. In my view I would prefer to have that frame on top. Easier to keep clean. Five foot may be what you are looking for but I would go as wide as my rears. I'm sure your tractor is probably around six foot or so. Just a thought.

 

[oosik]

Thanks for that info Turbys. I would have to go to a 7' cutter - my rear tires are 80", outside to outside. That's just more than I would want to deal with. I have, somewhat, that experience with my LPGS. It's 84" wide but not near as heavy as a seven foot cutter would be. Kind of like dragging a tennis court behind on the 3-point.

I would add - I'm not the least bit concerned about "fast" cutting. It's going to be more - getting in/around tight, confined areas. If you can imagine that with a M6040.

I have already spent many hours walking & clearing all the areas where I want to cut. I found "treasures" galore. Rocks, limbs & old barbed wire. The old homesteader really liked his heavy duty, flat barbed, barbed wire.

 

[Shaneard]

I have a Woods bb72X and have zero complaints about it. It has a sort of domed top but you can see some of the frame and since it sits outside that's good to keep the water off. Most every time I mow the yard I walk by it and blow it off just to keep grass and leaves off of it. It is one of the best cutting bush hogs I have ever used. I have been through briars 8' tall and it looks awesome after you've gone through.

My brother had a Land Pride 6' and it was about the same, no complaints but I don't think it left as good of finish as the Woods does.

 

[ericm979]

If you're getting close to obstacles you want the rounded rear or one with angles. The square back type has those corners sticking out to catch on things and keep you from cutting close to stuff you back up to. If you're not then I don't see how it makes much difference.

The supposed disadvantages of the frame on top is that water will pool there and rust, and wet cuttings will collect there. If you don't leave it out in the weather the first is not an issue. I've never cut grass wet enough to cause it to clump and collect on top.

I'd recommend a Kodiak as I'm pretty happy with mine but the shipping from Agri-supply will be expensive. If you're going to be backing into stuff look for one with a sturdy tubular tail wheel bracket. The brackets that are just steep strap can bend easily.

I'm using a 60" cutter even though the tractor is 72" from tire sidewall to sidewall. I'm cutting small areas as I clear brush and I didn't want an extra foot sticking out. Once I have more open space cleared I'll get a wider flail mower.

 

[Sawyer Rob]

Here's another vote for Woods, I like the fact that the top stays cleaner and it leaves a GREAT cut!!

SR

 

[Shaneard]

Found a couple pictures of the briars/grass. These briars were 6-8’ tall and very thick. The grass was also very thick. The Woods chewed right thru it.

 

[oosik]

Thanks to all. I'm taking notes. Sure is nice to learn from your experiences. Learning to use a cutter will be of sufficient interest to me. I really don't need to face my own learning curve on the purchase.

 

[Sawyer Rob]

I know you like to buy "good quality" stuff, so here it is!!

SR

 

[ericm979]

That Woods and my Kodiak have pivots in the link that goes up to the tractor's top link. You can see it above the PTO shaft in Rob's pic.
That allows the cutter to follow the terrain (though it can also allow scalping as you mow over lumps). You can also back up to a bank that you can't drive over to mow at least the bottom part of it.