Rotary Cutter Woods PRD7200 or Bush Hog RDTH72 RFM?

Jaybr · Sep 9, 2008

I've been shopping for a RFM the last few days and I've narrowed it down to these 2. Both look like very nice mowers, warranty is about the same.

Woods is over 100lbs heavier
Woods has 60 hp gearbox vs 40 hp on the Bush Hog
Bush Hog has heavier deck (7 guage vs 8 guage)
Bush Hog has more mowing height adjustment
Bush Hog is $150 cheaper
Bush Hog comes with rear chains

What makes the Woods 110 lbs heavier?

Dealers are equal, their about a mile apart and I've purchased tractors from both of them with no complaints.

I've also looked at King Kutter, Caroni, and First Choice and like these 2 better. I wanted to check out a Befco but closest dealer is 50 miles away.

Help me decide!

daBear · Sep 9, 2008

Bush Hog vs Woods is like Cadillac vs Lincoln or such as that. Some like one while the other likes the other and both are fine. Even though I have a Bush Hog RFM I actually like the Woods PRD models better. I have never ever been disappointed in Woods. Or BH for that matter. If the dealers are equal then it just boils down to what you like the best.

WH401 · Sep 9, 2008

I've got a Woods PRD7200 coming to me on Thursday and while I haven't used it yet, I have no doubt's it will work great. I have had nothing but great experiences with Wood's products. Now that's not to say that BH is not good, I just have never owned one personally, but I have heard good things about them. As the guy said above, it really boils down to which dealer, product, and price you like.

Jaybr · Sep 9, 2008

Add one more to the mix, a Rhino TM72

I was on the road today and stopped by a big dealer in a rural farm town about an hour from home. He sells Woods, Bush Hog, Rhino, and Befco.

They don't stock Befco, but he can order one. His opinion is that the Bush Hog mower does not compare well to the Woods or Rhino. The Rhino looks to be a very well built and designed mower. I like that the deck is shapped such that it won't hold rain water, and the floating hitch is very nice.

Price wise, the Rhino was marked $2700, but he said he'd sell me either the Rhino or the Woods for $2200.

Any opinions on the Rhino.

bbenyack · Sep 9, 2008

Just got a PRD 7200 a couple of weeks ago and couldn't be more pleased!! I never thought I'd get that kind of cut from a 3pt mower. Does a better job than my Cub Cadet rider. I don't think you'd be sorry with this one.

PA hayseed · Sep 9, 2008

Jaybr said:
I've been shopping for a RFM the last few days and I've narrowed it down to these 2. Both look like very nice mowers, warranty is about the same.

Help me decide!

I've beat my woods (bought it new)for about a little over a year, 6' RFM. It has held up. It has cut it's share of dirt, weeds, grass, tree branches, and all the garbage that passing motorists throw out their windows. My only complaint is that it is already showing signs of rust on the bottom front end, and I keep it tarped over when not in use. I did have a wheel fall off while mowing once, but it was due to a crappy pin that came off. The only two drawbacks in the equipment is that wet grass/weeds clog up quickly under the deck (you will hear the difference), and that it scalped the ground in a couple of places in my yard that my old 5' never did. This is probably largely due to the terrain and the additional foot of span.

Hope the input helps. It's hard to make a decision on equipment sometimes without additional information, especially when you don't have money trees growing in the back yard. If they were only $100 who would care or research it that much.

clenhart · Sep 10, 2008

I have the Woods model you are looking at and my Brother has the Bush Hog model. I have had no trouble with mine and love it. He has had problems with the wheels (replaced 2) bearings (1) and belt. I have had mine over 3 years and I believe he has had his about 5. May just be luck of the draw, but I am glad I made the choice I did.

Chip