Mowing Which rotary cutter

[RoyJackson]

I'm still a newbie so excuse if this sounds "newbish"! Wouldn't the PTO hp be the determining factor, you could always add ballast?

You're correct...PTO HP is the first criteria you look at then the size/duty rating and thirdly, cost.
Ballasting must be considered, but I'd wager most TBNers have loaders installed (which serves as the ballast). No loader, then it's highly likely some sort of front ballast will be required.

 

[TripleR]

I'm still a newbie so excuse if this sounds "newbish"! Wouldn't the PTO hp be the determining factor, you could always add ballast?

To a certain extent, but you also have to take into consideration what you are going to be cutting, grass, weeds, brush, how thick, how you are going to cut, ie expected ground speed etc.

Check with some people who have the same or similar machines and see what works for them. Of course the spec sheet will give a pretty good starting point.

I personally like to be a little conservative on cutters. I can pull a 7' with my L5030, but use a Land Pride RCR2672 and 12' or bigger with our M8540, but run a Woods DS1260 10'6" pull type.

 

[Marveltone]

I can't pretend to know exactly what you're trying to cut, but I can show a few pics showing what my Woods HC54 has cut. The first two pictures are poplar up to 1.5" dia., maybe a couple were bigger. Made quite a racket! The next two are a bunch of willow that have taken over old pasture. Some were approaching the 2" mark also. Most were growing in clumps and clusters. I was very pleased with how well it handled it.

Hope this helps.

Joe

 

[TripleR]

I can't pretend to know exactly what you're trying to cut, but I can show a few pics showing what my Woods HC54 has cut. The first two pictures are poplar up to 1.5" dia., maybe a couple were bigger. Made quite a racket! The next two are a bunch of willow that have taken over old pasture. Some were approaching the 2" mark also. Most were growing in clumps and clusters. I was very pleased with how well it handled it.

Hope this helps.

Joe

That is some pretty rough looking stuff, Woods makes excellent equipment. I noticed that Land Pride has introduced some machines to compete with the heavier Woods cutters.

 

[RoyJackson]

I can't pretend to know exactly what you're trying to cut, but I can show a few pics showing what my Woods HC54 has cut. The first two pictures are poplar up to 1.5" dia., maybe a couple were bigger. Made quite a racket! The next two are a bunch of willow that have taken over old pasture. Some were approaching the 2" mark also. Most were growing in clumps and clusters. I was very pleased with how well it handled it.

Hope this helps.

Joe

I'm not surprised how well your cutter held up...I am pleasantly surprised how well your turf tires are doing though.

 

[Freddieboy]

I won't need the Woods 54 for brush, only overgrown pasture on a slight grade. However, I am impressed with it's capabilities, as described.

The 54" Heritage is considered Wood's entry level, light cutter, but it will do well for my needs with some muscle to spare.

Also, since it's an oddball size they are not easy to find, as most folks stock 48" and 60".

 

[Marveltone]

I won't need the Woods 54 for brush, only overgrown pasture on a slight grade. However, I am impressed with it's capabilities, as described.

The 54" Heritage is considered Wood's entry level, light cutter, but it will do well for my needs with some muscle to spare.

Also, since it's an oddball size they are not easy to find, as most folks stock 48" and 60".

I had mine special ordered and it took three months for it to come in. Apparently, Woods was having parts issues last year. I'd hope those issues have been dealt with by now. Still, can't complain about the actual product. It's top notch.

Joe

 

[ranchonodinero]

I have also been looking for rotary cutters. I have the nmh for my bx25 but I really don't want to use it for rough cutting. I am considering both the land pride and bush hog brands but want something with the chain guards as opposed to the rubber ones commonly seen on the smaller cutters.

 

[RoyJackson]

I have also been looking for rotary cutters. I have the nmh for my bx25 but I really don't want to use it for rough cutting. I am considering both the land pride and bush hog brands but want something with the chain guards as opposed to the rubber ones commonly seen on the smaller cutters.

Chain guards are usually optional...not cheap though! My Land Pride (5 footer, about 10 years old) has the rubber guards. They've held up quite well.

 

[TripleR]

Chain guards are usually optional...not cheap though! My Land Pride (5 footer, about 10 years old) has the rubber guards. They've held up quite well.

I have the chains on my RCR2672, but they weren't an option on my small one; sure wish they were.