Using a pull-type rotary cutter

[Mjriegs2]

I am contemplating getting a rhino tr308 pull type cutter(96”) to use on my L4760. Anyone have any experience with a setup like this? Any problems with fitment of cutter to tractor? How about turning radius issues? I have about 43” between the rear tires? This set up will Be used to cut 17 acre field that is some prairie and then overgrown with some bushes and such. No very flat ground either, fairly hilly. Thanks!

 

[JWR]

I'm not going to be able to give you personal direct experience with that cutter nor with a L4760. Looking at the specs however I think the cutter is a little too much for the tractor. The lift version asks for 55 hp compared to your 49hp and the pull type says 39 hp. Theoretically OK....Cutter weighing in at 2350 lbs, that's a heavy one. Understood that you are pulling it, not lifting on the 3pt but still...even the lift version of the same cutter is 1950 lbs. I'm mentally comparing that to my own 7 ft Bush Hog single spindle cutting the same 96" path which weighs 1460 lbs plus some wheel frames, etc., ~ 1600 lbs. I'm using an 81 HP tractor weighing about twice what the L4760 does... Hmmm. I'm not saying you can't pull it. I just think it will not be a robust combo and you may be disappointed. It is hard to judge your situation in Wis / Ill. If you are mostly cutting light material and not going over a lot of steep ground ... you may be OK. I cut a fair % of very steep ground (a lot of which is 45% slope and a few places steeper) in WV and it would not work for me. Just thinking out loud for ya. p.s.: One data point is my pasture renters use a Landpride cutter the same dimensions as what you are considering and with the twin cutter design but lift type. Heavy beast. They use a Kubota M6040 62 hp and about 1500 lb heavier. They are happy with it.

 

[Mjriegs2]

Thanks for the insight. Per Rhino website, the tr308 requires min of 35pto hp to run this machine. Wasn’t thinking weight of machine would be an issue but you may have a point there. I would likely run it with my FEL on which adds about 1500# to tractor weight. Rhino also makes a tr208(min 30pto hp) which weighs about 2,000#. I was the thinking longevity wise, the tr308 being beefier, would last longer/take more abuse, etc.
Was also thinking about turning radius? My L4760 has about 43” between the inside of rear tires.

 

[BigGG]

I wouldn't worry about turn radius. The downside of pull type cutters is that your turn radius is limited by drive shaft misalignment. The Rhino has CV joints, i don't know how much that improves things.

 

[dieselscout80]

I have a Woods C114 rotary cutter (9.5’ wide) that I pull with my New Holland TC45DA.

I can rub the outside of the tongue with the inside of my rear tires if I turn to sharp. Note I have less than 36” between the insides of my rear tires.

I really like the C114 pulling it is smoother pulling (i.e., less bumpy) than a 3 point cutter when setup to leave about 8” of forage after cutting pastures.

If I had the money I’d love to have the Rhino TS10 batwing cutter.