Rotary decisions

MikePA · Mar 27, 2002

Thanks, John. Those small saplings/brush are similar to what is growing between my ditch and fence row. Their size is too big (and too numerous) for hand shears, too small for a chain saw (they jam up the saw). I could use the blade on my trimmer, but that'd take a long time. Looks like backing my rotary cutter over them and lowering it will be the ticket.

PCNH · Mar 27, 2002

Thanks guys. Now I know I'm not buying used and I'm not buying a medium duty ($1,500 to $2,000), although I would love to own any one of them. I think it's going to come down to dealer and gut feeling.

BB_TX, 29 engine HP.

This may have already been covered, but are there 1 or 2 John Miller III's?

Anonymous Poster · Mar 27, 2002

<blockquote>In reply to:<hr>

When using a 3ph rotary cutter (I just got a 5' Woods BrushBull), is it OK to back over/on top of saplings, brush you want to cut?

<hr></blockquote>

It depends on the cutter, and what you are trying to cut. Some cutters are strongly reinforced in back, whereas others just have angled/bent sheet metal back there. Unless it is reinforced you are likely to bend the sheet metal if you back into something too big.

MikePA · Mar 27, 2002

This may have already been covered, but are there 1 or 2 John Miller III's?
There's only one John Miller, III!

OverlyRun · Mar 30, 2002

Given the size of his photo archive and the breadth of his knowledge, I always assumed there were at least three JM III's.

JohnMiller3 · Mar 30, 2002

...I always assumed there were at least three JM...

Well... you're almost correct... /w3tcompact/icons/blush.gif

Actually, there's at least 5 John Miller's going back to the late 1800's... {never started counting until my Grandpa though...} /w3tcompact/icons/wink.gif

JohnMiller3 · Mar 30, 2002

...There's only one John Miller, III!...

Kinda sounds like something my Mother or Grandma used to say... (and now sometimes my wife...!) /w3tcompact/icons/grin.gif

pennwalk · Mar 30, 2002

I have an old square King Kutter 4' hog. When I tried to back over a briar patch there turned out to be a tree in there. I bent the the upright hitch frame on the hog before I could get on the clutch. When going forward the front axle either knocks 'em down or the tractor stops. So you do have to take care backing the bush hog over unknown stuff.

Chris

pennwalk · Mar 30, 2002

Don't get hung up on deck thickness

I have an old square deck 4' King Kutter. I have hit a few rocks and there is very little denting. On the other hand I bought a Woods M4 for parts which looks like it lost a battle with a giant ball peen hammer, DENT CITY. I'm not sure if the KK is made of thicker metal or if the design just stands up to the punishment better.

Chris

pennwalk · Mar 30, 2002

I think that rotary cutters are pretty simple machines and there is not that much functional difference between the brands. I bought a used 4' King Kutter and it has done everything I have asked of it. It is not as pretty as the new machines and I guess you will have to call back in 20 years to see if it stood the test of time. I think there are a good number of folks here who have gone with the very affordable King Kutters and I can't remember hearing a lot of complaints.

Chris