Rotary Cutter Shorten blades on rotary cutter to match tractor HP

[Capricious]

I think I would just keep looking for a 4 footer, and be ready to jump on it when you come across one.

I was looking for a 4 footer, when what I really wanted was a 42", because while there is about one 4 footer advertised for every (30) or so 5 footers, there is also about one 42" advertised for every (30) 4 footers. At least that's the way it is around here. Even a new 42" is special order, plus shipping, because no dealer will stock them.

Then someone advertised a used 42", first 42 I had seen for sale, and I jumped on it. 80 mph up the highway to be sure I got there before someone else, empty trailer bouncing clear off the road at the expansion joints.

 

[birdman13261]

Are you talking about using a mower (fixed blades) or a bush hog (swivel blades)???
That will make a big difference!! If you use a bush hog as gwdixon suggests you won't have a problem. A mower with fixed blades will not work well at all on heavy brush.

I plan to use a bush hog style cutter with swing blades.

 

[LD1]

I plan to use a bush hog style cutter with swing blades.

Do do you already have a 5' cutter? Check craigslist. There are a few 4' and 1 4-1/2' cutters on there. I check both mansfield and columbus. But remember you never know how it will be posted. I search it 5 ways:
bushhog
bush hog
brushhog
brush hog
rotary cutter

If you have a 5' cutter, what is it? make/model? heavy duty or lighter? It does make a difference in how well a small machine can handle it.

 

[Capricious]

bushhog
bush hog
brushhog
brush hog
rotary cutter

To which I would add, "shredder".

 

[LD1]

To which I would add, "shredder".

just tried that one.

Nothing in my area. Just wood chippers and office paper shredders:confused3:

 

[Capricious]

just tried that one.

Nothing in my area. Just wood chippers and office paper shredders:confused3:

I have seen these things called shredders on a couple of occasions. I used to search under all the names you listed,
along with "shredder".


https://austin.craigslist.org/grq/4593049466.html


https://austin.craigslist.org/grq/4611066104.html

 

[buickanddeere]

You are looking for problems where they don't exist. The concern with be more rotary cutter weight than what the tractor can carry.
Use the proper tool for the job.
Going to shorter blades with lower the tip speed and reduce cutting efficiency .
As preciously stated. Gear down to creeper and take a part width cut.

 

[GolfAddict]

Right on. Sharpen the blades. Since I don't have any brush to mow, just weeds, the blades on my 6-ft Hawkline brush hog are sharpened to the same edge radius I use on my riding mower.

If you are not cutting any brush, saplings, etc., then sharpening blades can help as mentioned. However, be aware that the blades on brush hogs are intentionally not sharp like lawn mower blades, as often a brush hog is also cutting brush.

The "dull" blades will leave the small stumps shattered, rather than a nice clean cut off. A clean cut stump can puncture right through a tire when going through on future cuttings...

 

[birdman13261]

No I don't have a BH yet, hope to get one soon and get to cutting before deer season.

Thanks for CL tips, I will check them out now. Also I use the statewide search site Search Craigslist by state and More., and the cPro CL app.