Rotary Cutter What size cutter for a new tractor

dirtyj · Nov 4, 2010

Hi

I'm new here and was hoping for some suggestions.

I have about 150 acres in CRP That has is being over run w/ sweet gums. My former tractor and 5 ft deck couldnt keep up so I am buying a John Deere 5205.

This has a PTO HP of 50 and I want (thing I want)an 8 ft deck. Any suggestions? Single blade 7' maybe? The sapplings currently are 2-3" around and w/ this machine I on't plan on letting them get this big again.

Thanks for any advice.

smstonypoint · Nov 4, 2010

I believe the rule-of-thumb is 5hp per foot of cutting width, but your best bet is to check the HP requirements for the various cutters you may be interested in. Most manufacturers list those requirements on their Web sites.

Good luck.

Steve

RoyJackson · Nov 4, 2010

You've got plenty of power now.
All I'll suggest is to look at pull behind cutters as well as 3PH type. You can use a wider pull type with the same PTO HP.

greg_g · Nov 4, 2010

I think I'd be lookin' at twin-spindle 10 foot pull-behinds

//greg//

blueriver · Nov 4, 2010

I agree with the pull behinds ... 10' should be good

TripleR · Nov 4, 2010

We use a 10'6" Woods DS1260 pull behind, but I believe a 50 PTO would be marginal and would probably go with an 8' dual spindle made by Woods or any other good brand. "Builder" uses an MX8 with a hydraulic offset that is really nice.