Rotary Cutter Which flex wing rotary cutter would you buy?

VonD · Dec 3, 2013

I'm finally getting to the point where I can start cutting the hay and weeds on my newly acquired ranch. I have approximately 50 acres that can be cut and a M6800 to pull the cutter and I'm trying to settle on a Bush Hog 2212, Rhino TS-12, or Land Pride RC 2512. The terrain is rolling hills and established. I don't envision cutting new trails through the woods, just managing the hay and weeds. The reason I want a flex wing is the cutting width of at least 12' that tracks the terrain so I can get it done in a weekend (I live 250 miles away), and the wing-up transport width gives me room to pull it into the barn that has a 10' wide door on each end. Beyond that the models appear to be very close with subtle differences in blade tip speeds and dimensions. I have 60+ HP PTO 540 RPM on the tractor so no issue powering any of these. Any experiences with these models/manufacturers or recommendations?

VonD the Newbie

idaho2 · Dec 3, 2013

VonD,

Kodiak Mfg makes a 15' Flex triple spindle.

Idaho2

DT86 · Dec 3, 2013

All three are very reputable brands and I highly doubt you could go wrong with any of them.

Do any of them have deck rings?

deere5105 · Dec 3, 2013

If buying a new cutter today my first choice would be the Bush Hog brand and if cost was a consideration I would be looking at the Howse brand. The Howse offers a lot for the money in my opinion.

VonD · Dec 3, 2013

DT 86 thanks for the question! That prompted more educational research on what deck rings are. None of the models I listed specifically state they have deck rings. Rhino advertises a "wing bar" blade carrier that protects the gearbox output shaft but new specific mention of Deck Rings. Larger commercial models of Land Pride offer them as optional but some bloggers report having issues with blades hitting the rings at higher cutting heights. What do you recommend?

DT86 · Dec 4, 2013

I have a 15' Rhino but only because it came up used locally before anything else, was in great shape for its age and in my price range.

Tip speed, for me, is worth a lot. We had a 10' mower that wouldn't cut worth spit, looking into the specs it had about the slowest tip speed if not the slowest of anything on the market.

Deck thickness would be a close second.

All three probably have a smooth top, which will prevent most grass and seeds from collecting on top and makes it easier to clean them off if they do.

Like I said they are all reputable major players and you probably can't go wrong.

DT86 · Dec 4, 2013

Also the blades hitting the deck ring at height confuses me. The blades and deck ring move together (vertically).

Travis_R · Dec 4, 2013

Bush Hog.

Ken45101 · Dec 4, 2013

I have a Bush Hog 2515 and I've been happy with it but it is a heavy beast. I'm pulling it with the Kubota M9540.

Just a word of advise, when you pull it in the barn, make sure that you pin the wings up. The hydraulics will leak down over time and besides there is the safety issue: you don't want to be next to a wing if a hydraulic line comes loose.