Just be aware that almost all of the manufacturers make multiple grades of cutters. (JD makes the MX and the HX, and there may be others) For instance, Rhino makes three different 15' models. If you'll look at the HP rating of the gearboxes, as well as the minimum tractor HP requirements, it will tell you a lot about the equipment. I bought a Rhino 7" medium duty cutters, and I'm sure that it will last me a long time, but I have wished that I would have paid a little more and bought the heavy duty model. :ashamed: I've had it about 3 years. Last summer, I had to replace the tail wheel assembly. The replacement was about like the one that would have come on the HD model. Other than that, it's been a good unit.
Something else to consider, you need to ask yourself if you really need a bat-wing. About 18 years ago, I was in the market for a 15' cutter myself. After talking to a local dealer, he convinced me to go with a two spindle, fixed deck 10' cutter instead. About half the cost, less maintenance and moving parts, plus a more rugged design. It's been a great cutter. The only repairs that I've made have been the "pillow block" bearing on the driveshaft and one input spindle on a side gear box. The bearing was my fault, as I crossed a creek chanel and bottomed out the driveshaft while it was still engaged. The input shaft broke when the blades hit a big stump. Both times, I was using the cutter behind a 100 HP tractor.
BTW, it's a Willams-Hardee-Tiger model that is no longer made. Several years ago, they re-organized as Hardee-EVH Manufacturing.
They currently build a "Red-Wing" 10' and 15' cutter, but I don't know how it compares to the one I have. Here's the links to them:
Hardee 10'
Hardee 15'
