Walco Whistler Rotary Cutter?

[Pierrepont]

I'm shopping for a 5' Rotary Cutter. I've never owned anything like this.

I have a Bobcat ct230.

I have ten acres of field grass to maintain. It's been cut twice a year by a neighbor but now I'm going to do it myself.

A small local tractor dealer has a new 5' Walco Whistler cutter in stock. (Canadian built)

- 10 gauge deck
- shear pin
- 40hp gear box
- 1 year warranty on entire unit.
- $1350

Another option is a Woods Heritage series 5' Cutter

- Used two years.
- 11 gauge deck
- Does not show any abuse or hard use.
- $800

Third option is a Kodiak 5' Cutter.

- 11 gauge deck.
- shear pin
- $1150

Fourth option is a Bush Hog 5' standard duty

- 11 gauge deck
- shear pin
- $1200

What opinions/advice might you have to share? It's hard to find any details on Walco. The Woods Heritage series is a standard duty, entry level unit I'm told. Kodiak is not a big name in these parts. If I were to buy "Bush Hog" should I consider the Squealer Model upgrade?

Thanks.

 

[Bigfoot62]

I always advise that you buy attachments you can find parts for. Stuff happens. Things will break or wear out.
I've never heard of the Walco, but you've probably never heard of a Modern either. Down here, the Modern is a popular brand and the factory is just two hours from me. Plenty of dealer support.

Try to think ahead. You might buy a bigger tractor someday. You don't want to change the cutter if you do, so buy the heaviest duty rated cutter you can currently handle with the tractor you have. I wouldn't ever buy a "standard duty" or economy cutter. I've never heard anyone complain that they bought too good of a cutter.

I prefer a slip clutch on the driveline. Shear pins are a pain. Note: if you get a slip clutch, make sure it works when you start using it every spring.

I looked on their website, and the gearbox on the Woods is rated at 65 hp. To me, that sounds like the way to go, considering the options you've listed.