Size cutter for my L3430

[TNhobbyfarmer]

There is a thread going on over in the attachments forum that asks a question similar to mine. I didn't want to jump in that thread so thought I'd start one here. I have a L3430GST, 28.5 PTO HP, 4WD with FEL. I cut about 5 acres of fairly hilly pasture type land about 4-5 times a year. I use a 6' light duty Kodiak rotary cutter. Since I cut several times a year, the grass/weeds aren't too thick. However, it does seem that I can bog the tractor sometimes, especially going up hill.

I have another piece of land, mostly wooded hunting property. There are a few areas there that I need to cut once a year, a couple of small fields and some trails. Since it only cut once a year, the vegetation will be thicker. I will transport my tractor there to do that work. I have found a used heavy duty 5' TW60 Rhino cutter for sale. I am thinking about buying it and leaving it at the hunting property so I don't have to transport the Kodiak when I take the Kubota there to cut.

The Rhino website recommends a minimum of 35HP for that cutter. Do you think I will be OK with the Kubota/Rhino setup, or am I pushing the limits too much? Let me know your thoughts. Thanks.

 

[TripleR]

Not the same thing, but we use 5' cutters on our old Ford 600's; about the same HP I think.

 

[Chilly807]

I've got a couple more HP at the PTO, and I run a 5' cutter with no problems. I'd suggest in real heavy going to take a partial cut or use a lower travel speed. You'll be fine. Rule of thumb is 5HP per foot of cut.

Sean

 

[ddb123]

I used to have 37.5 pto hp. Now I have 28. Both tractors handle my 6' hog with no problems, even in thicker vegetation. Main things is keep the rpms up.

 

[BlacknTan]

My B-7800 handles a 60 inch cutter easily, but if my machine and 3PH could handle more weight, I'd step up in duty rating rather that step up in size. Bush hogs have to exist in a pretty tough environment, and there is no substitute for thicker steel.