Rotary Cutter Size Matters

[DanielJ]

Need some advice on rotary cutters. I am looking at buying a 80'ish HP tractor and a bush hog. I am told that the cutter should "cover the tires". That means 77 - 80 inches and a 7' or 8' cutter. I've had some advice that the 84" mowers protrude so far behind the tractor that they can be difficult to maneuver in tight places.

On the other hand the double headed 8 footers don't protrude so far to the rear but are more expensive and really seem wide.

Some sage advice would be appreciated.

 

[rjkobbeman]

I have a Kubota M8540 tractor. I think my R4s sit about 7 1/2' wide but I use a 6' cutter. I was going to get a 7' cutter but decided against it because of the size of that 7'er... it sticks WAY out the back!

I considered an 8' (dual spindle) cutter but decided it was too big to fit in my garage. If I had the space, I would have bought the 8'er.

My 6'er isn't wide enough to "cover my tracks" but that hasn't been an issue for me. Now that I have used my cutter several times, I really like the size. I can maneuver it in places that a biger cutter would prove difficult.

 

[CharlieS]

The main reason for going wider than the tires is for cutting close to obstacles. Some tools are offset for the same reason.

 

[sweettractors]

Need some advice on rotary cutters. I am looking at buying a 80'ish HP tractor and a bush hog. I am told that the cutter should "cover the tires". That means 77 - 80 inches and a 7' or 8' cutter. I've had some advice that the 84" mowers protrude so far behind the tractor that they can be difficult to maneuver in tight places.

On the other hand the double headed 8 footers don't protrude so far to the rear but are more expensive and really seem wide.

Some sage advice would be appreciated.

We sell dual spindle cutters and single spindle type of cutters. Only use dual spindle, if you need that extra cutting width. They have 3 gearboxes on them and also connections between the outboard and center drivebox to maintain. The single spindle 7 or 8 ft is a lot less expensive to maintain and cost less. Ken Sweet

 

[TripleR]

I use two cutters on my 80 HP tractor, a Woods 121 10' 3-point hitch and a Woods DS1260 10'6" pull type. The 121 is really pretty maneuverable. The pull type is a really good cutter, but not very maneuverable.

We got the pull type to cut the heavier stuff the 121 wouldn't handle.

 

[DanielJ]

Thanks to RJ, CharlieS, Ken and RRR for the help. It's nice to get advice from people who have been there and done that. Thanks again.

 

[TripleR]

Thanks to RJ, CharlieS, Ken and RRR for the help. It's nice to get advice from people who have been there and done that. Thanks again.

Good luck. Have you given any consideration to a flail?

 

[sweettractors]

Thanks to RJ, CharlieS, Ken and RRR for the help. It's nice to get advice from people who have been there and done that. Thanks again.

Your welcome and let us know what you do and maybe post some pictures. Ken Sweet

 

[flusher]

Good luck. Have you given any consideration to a flail?

My thought also. You can get an 8ft flail that will cover your tracks without the long overhang on the 3pt hitch.