Should I even consider a 7' cutter?

TomSeller · Oct 3, 2015

Kenneth S said:
I bought the tractor for $1500 not running (figured if it was junk I could easily recoup what I paid for it). I was really skeptical of the Continental gasser (I wanted the Perkins AD3.152 diesel). Now that I have tuned up, it needed a tune-up when I shot that video. Despite it needed a tune-up I was actually impressed with what that little Continental Z134 could do. But I'd still get rid of it in a second for one with the 3 cylinder Perkins diesel.

My Masseys transfer nearly all their engine HP to the PTO. I have two of the successor MF245 each with the AD3.152 diesel on separate properties. Brush Hog Kings. Small, 2WD, turns sharply, 43 out of 45 HP to the PTO. Run forever. Gassers would be okay too.

dntfxr · Oct 8, 2015

Well I finally got time to go check out the cutters. I came home with the 8'er. The 7' one had cat 2 pins so I tried the 8 first. It seemed like a perfect match, and I never even got around to trying the 7'. It's a cheaper brand but it seems plenty heavy enough for my uses. I snapped a couple pics before dark.

dntfxr · Oct 8, 2015

When I got home I checked oil level in the gearboxes and discovered the center gearbox had a little pressure. So i took each vent cap and used a small nail to free the spring loaded plunger inside. They are all working now and should solve the pressure issue.

farmer2009 · Oct 8, 2015

dntfxr said:
Well I finally got time to go check out the cutters. I came home with the 8'er. The 7' one had cat 2 pins so I tried the 8 first. It seemed like a perfect match, and I never even got around to trying the 7'. It's a cheaper brand but it seems plenty heavy enough for my uses. I snapped a couple pics before dark. <img src="http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/files/attachments/443254-should-i-even-consider-7-a-20151008_172149-1-jpg"/>

Nice pick.

Not to hijack but. How do you like the xr4155? I just priced an open station. With loader for 24300. Still in comparison mode.

dntfxr · Oct 8, 2015

farmer2009 said:
Nice pick.

Not to hijack but. How do you like the xr4155? I just priced an open station. With loader for 24300. Still in comparison mode.

I'm loving it so far, I've only had it about a week. It's loaded with features, very quiet and smooth running, plenty of grunt to do real work, yet compact and manuverable enough to fit in tight areas. The loader seems plenty strong, it handles large round bales with ease. Overall the tractor seems to be very good quality. I do have one issue, a very small leak on the transmission but it will be covered under warranty and I think it's just a bad gasket. I just hate to part with it to get the job done lol! Should only take a day to fix though.

TomSeller · Oct 9, 2015

dntfxr said:
When I got home I checked oil level in the gearboxes and discovered the center gearbox had a little pressure. So i took each vent cap and used a small nail to free the spring loaded plunger inside. They are all working now and should solve the pressure issue.

I'd say you have a very nice setup there. Keep an eye on fluids and you should be golden.

Poopdeck Pappy · Oct 9, 2015

I think you made a very smart choice in choosing the 8' over the 7'. Well done.

dntfxr · Oct 10, 2015

Thanks guys I plan on finally giving it a workout in the next few days. I'm anxious to see how it performs! Thanks again to all for the advice and replies. Everyone's experience here is invaluable and much appreciated!

Kenneth S · Oct 10, 2015

The LS tractor you have has 47 pto hp, it should handle the 8' cutter just fine. I'm running a 7' cutter with something like 35 pto hp.

dntfxr · Oct 11, 2015

Kenneth S said:
The LS tractor you have has 47 pto hp, it should handle the 8' cutter just fine. I'm running a 7' cutter with something like 35 pto hp.

Thank you, yep after considering everyone's advice I figured I'd have plenty at the pto for the 8'. And probably enough weight and power for the seven footer as well. But I went with the 8 and I am very satisfied with it. I mowed a couple acres today with it and I love it. The extra width sticking out past my tires is very nice for getting close to trees and fences. It feels light on the tractor when lifted too, despite the 120 and 100hp gearboxes. My poor old 6'er may not see much action anymore hahahaa!

Btw check out the chaff stuck to the front of the hood! The tractors temperature never even moved