Rotary Cutter Toughest rotary cutter brands?

BOTAMAN · Nov 5, 2003

I agree with Old Hickory, take a look at the Woods Brush Bull series, while Gatorboy's observations on past Woods cutters have credibility, the new line of Brush Bull cutters are no longer inferior to any other cutter line when you compare apples to apples

Gary_in_Indiana · Nov 5, 2003

I know John Miller III swears by his Brown. He's used it in some areas I'd have thought only a bulldozer would get through.

JerryG · Nov 5, 2003

Get a Rhino or another Bush Hog mower -- stay away from the Woods brand, they have poor qualilty.

I don't know but it seems that most of Woods problems was with their bat-wing mowers. I know that I have a older model 5' Woods and it has been great. I know different folks that also have newer similar size cutters that love them too. The best thing about the Woods cutters is the cutter blade attachment. you don't need a 3/4" drive and a 1 3/4" socket to change them, all you need is a 3/8" drive and a 11/16" socket. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

cisco · Nov 5, 2003

I've a 3 year old Woods BB600, their "medium duty" model with a slip clutch that everyone else would consider heavy duty. Mechanically, it has been perfect, and I've pushed it hard. However, the paint job is far inferior to that of the tractor (Kubota). The tractor and Woods have been sitting outside, and the Kubota looks great (washed it for first time in a year last weekend), while the Woods looks rough, with very noticeable areas of rust. I've heard the same from others, but maybe it does not apply to the most recent Woods stuff - mechanically - top of line, fit and finish - uneven.
Note that there is a major difference in implement weight and pto requirements between the Woods medium and light or regular duty lines.

JRP · Nov 6, 2003

I chose a Rhino TW-72. It has a slip clutch and chain guards. So far it is good. Has good detail like drain holes and square shank blade bolts. Around here most road mowing crews use a big 15' Rhino behind a 7610 Ford. The brand overall is good and should good, long term parts availability. Rhino has at least three grades of cutters: Madium, heavy, and extra heavy.

Modern has cutters with hot dipped galanized decks. The gear boxes, however, are much lighter than on my Rhino.

Old_Hickory · Nov 6, 2003

I am not disputing that Woods might have had a few problems,but a Woods product is far from being junk,matter of fact Woods always had a good name reputation in my area.
If I am correct Woods makes a lot of the Frontier implements for John Deere and I am sure if Woods was that bad John Deere would not have chosen them to make the Frontier line of implements.

The Brushbull is not the average Woods cutter.
The Brown mower is a super heavy duty built cutter as well.

have_blue · Nov 6, 2003

( Woods product is far from being junk)

I pounded my BB60 for 2 years with everything I had, and it was 100% problem free. I now have a BB72, and I'm impressed with the heavy construction.

That said, someone needs to smack Woods' painter across the chops and teach him to paint better. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

JClark · Nov 7, 2003

About 2 months ago I bought a 4' Woods Brush Bull. The constructions seems fairly sturdy, especially the tailwheel mount. Right after it was delivered I cut a few acres of grass and when I started hosing it off the paint blew off in sheets. No primer at all on the metal. Saran wrap would have stuck better. I complained to the dealer and he gave me a $250 credit on it. I am in a continuous process of priming it as more paint comes off.

With the stock shields it left large lumps of grass behind. I installed the front and rear chain guards and it now does a bit better job but nowhere near as nice as my old JD 516. I still regret selling that but it was just to big for my JD 4110.

zuiko · Nov 7, 2003

I bought a JD MX-6 medium duty in July but dont have it yet. Guess they only make them in the winter. I've seen a MX-5 and it looks to be very well built. Wish I had mine. /forums/images/graemlins/crazy.gif

Old_Hickory · Nov 7, 2003

( nowhere near as nice as my old JD 516 )

If the JD 516 is built like the JD 513,you have or had a piece of lightweight junk,I have a JD 513 and I had to do lots of reinforcing.I bought it new and less then 2 weeks it was falling apart,if that Woods mower you have is substandard compared to a JD 516, ithe Woods must be pretty bad.