Rotary Cutter Which rotary cutter? MX5 vs BB60

daycab · Dec 7, 2004

I've got a JD 955 (33 hp engine 27 pto) that I need to put a bush hog behind. I've got a john deere dealership and a woods dealer to choose between. I've narrowed my choice down to either the MX5 or the woods Bush Bull 600. They are both right around $2000.

The bush bull is heavier, weighing in at 1,039 lbs, has a faster blade speed, and has replaceable side skids. It requires a minimum of 30 tractor horsepower.

The MX5 weighs 823 lbs,and has a curved top that is supposed to inhibit rust. It requires a minimum of 25 pto horsepower.

I will be using the cutter to cut grass and brush on sections of my hilly 36 acres. Any suggestions or comments will be appreciated. Thanks in advance.

timb · Dec 7, 2004

I've got the MX6, same design approach as the MX5. I like it - and it's worlds better than the only other hog I'm familiar with (which is an old no-name light five-footer.)

Couple of points - you should be able to do better than $2K on the MX5. As I recall - I paid 'only' $1800 for the MX6.

The dual-deck design seems to work - but bear in mind that neither deck is actually as thick as you'll find on other brand (single deck) cutters of simliar overall weight. If the Woods is actually heavier - chances are that (single) deck thickness is a lot thicker than either deck on the MX5. The dual-deck-with-internal-ribs design is very stiff (good) but that thick single Woods deck is probably better able to take a heavy whack from a stone.

OTOH - a 1000 lb-plus cutter is going to need a lot of front weight (or cut with a loader mounted) to safely balance out your 955.

Last - If you're not actually cutting pretty heavy brush - just keeping a pasture/field under control (like me) then either of those may be overkill. A lighter duty unit would probably foot the bill - but I went for the MX6 for piece of mind.

JClark · Dec 7, 2004

When I sold my 950 I also sold the JD 5' medium duty rotary cutter I used with it. It had a flat top and a round back. I replaced it with a Woods Brush Bull to fit my new 4110.

The BB has been a problem from the outset. While it seems to be built like a tank it does not cut very well. As purchased it left big clumps and did not shred and windrow the clipping like my old JD cutter. I replaced the crappy front rubber flaps and the rear guards with the expensive chain guards but that did not help much. In addition, the first time hosed down the BB the paint peeled off in large sheets. At this point I have had to repaint about half the sheet metal on it. The dealer did make an adjustment on the price when I showed him the peeling paint.

I used the JD cutter for 12 years, several years cutting the same field I now cut with the BB. It always did a much better job in bad conditions than the BB does in the best conditions. And the paint never peeled off. Wish I still had it.

YMMV

RoyJackson · Dec 7, 2004

"The bush bull is heavier, weighing in at 1,039 lbs, has a faster blade speed, and has replaceable side skids. It requires a minimum of 30 tractor horsepower.
The MX5 weighs 823 lbs,and has a curved top that is supposed to inhibit rust. It requires a minimum of 25 pto horsepower."

I reckon you could run either cutter with that 955, however suggest you check the 3PH capacity to ensure it's enough for the Bush Bull. Exceeding the limit a little might not be a problem, though...but you'll definitely want front ballast of some sort. Per TractorTips.com, the 3PH capacity is 957 lbs.

Although the Bush Bull might require 30 HP minimum to operate it, I'll wager you have little trouble using it...might have to make some passes less then the full width if the going gets rough.

daycab · Dec 7, 2004

Thanks folks! This is the kind of real world experience I am looking for. I'm leaning toward the MX5, But I'll try and get a better price.

hazmat · Dec 8, 2004

I really think a medium duty 5' cutter is "too much" for your tractor. You are spending big bucks for capacity that you can't take advantage of. I'd look at a standard duty 5' or medium duty 4' ("orchard" mower)

If you are cutting grass & weeds - go for the std duty 5'. If you are cutting heavy brush, go for the smaller medium duty.

If you're set on a 5' medium duty, tell your dealer about our "concerns" and that you'd like to try it out first, or have the option to exchange it after 1 week if it turns out to be too much for the machine.

Good luck & happy cutting.

Dargo · Dec 8, 2004

Where do you need the rotary cutter? I guess I didn't look at your signature. I have a heavy medium duty / light heavy duty 5 footer that I'll sell cheap. I had to move up in size and need to make more room in my barn. I'm in S. Indiana, so I may be too far away. Mine is a medium duty JD that has been beefed up for heavier work.