I'm shopping for my first bat wing mower.
I plan to use it with a Kubota M9960, 90 PTO HP FWA ROPS tractor (do not use cab tractors due to propensity to drive beneath tree limbs).
I mow only my own property, and the parcels are relatively flat to rolling with a couple of exceptions of steep ground that are relatively small. All parcels are clean so I will not hit rocks, stumps, etc., though I will likely scalp occasionally until I get used to the BW mower. I cut things in first with a 53 HP Kubota L6060 hydrostat tractor and 6' cutter so should never snag a tree at the perimeters.
I've done lots of mowing but only with fully mounted cutters, 5, 6, 7, and 10.5 foot. I've never used a bat wing or any type of trailer mower so am asking advise from those of you who do.
I've shopped Woods, Land Pride and Bush Hog, all of which are available at my local CNH/Kubota dealer.
The largest parcel that I will mow is less than 20 acres. I am looking at both 15' and 12' BW models.
I really like the compact size of the relatively new 12' BW cutters but the 15' cutters do not cost much more so seem to be a better deal, especially as I expect a 15' cutter would be easier to sell at some time in the future. I'm getting up there, so will not be doing this too much longer.
I initially favored Woods, as I have 6, 7, and 10.5' (recently sold) Woods cutters and all have served me well. I like the Woods blade change system, but at my age will likely not change blades again.
After recently reading the latest Bush Hog literature, I now favor Bush Hog as their 12 and 15 foot BWs appear to be of more recent design, and have bushings and grease fittings on the tail wheel pivots, lacking on the similar Woods and Land Pride BWs. Prices of similar BH and Woods models at my dealer are similar with BH being a bit lower due to greater BH sales volume. LP prices are noticeably lower than Woods or BH as the dealer is a Kubota dealer and sells more LP mowers than either Woods or LP.
Final thought: Due to age, I will downsize in the foreseeable future. The first thing to go will likely be the 90 HP M9960 Kubota, as I can do without it if necessary. The last thing to go will be my 53 PTO HP L6060 Kubota hydro, as it is so very convenient and versatile for what I do. It is also easy on me. My 6060 could handle a 12' BW in my conditions but a 15' is too much.
Decisions, decisions.
Thoughts, anyone?
Dean
I plan to use it with a Kubota M9960, 90 PTO HP FWA ROPS tractor (do not use cab tractors due to propensity to drive beneath tree limbs).
I mow only my own property, and the parcels are relatively flat to rolling with a couple of exceptions of steep ground that are relatively small. All parcels are clean so I will not hit rocks, stumps, etc., though I will likely scalp occasionally until I get used to the BW mower. I cut things in first with a 53 HP Kubota L6060 hydrostat tractor and 6' cutter so should never snag a tree at the perimeters.
I've done lots of mowing but only with fully mounted cutters, 5, 6, 7, and 10.5 foot. I've never used a bat wing or any type of trailer mower so am asking advise from those of you who do.
I've shopped Woods, Land Pride and Bush Hog, all of which are available at my local CNH/Kubota dealer.
The largest parcel that I will mow is less than 20 acres. I am looking at both 15' and 12' BW models.
I really like the compact size of the relatively new 12' BW cutters but the 15' cutters do not cost much more so seem to be a better deal, especially as I expect a 15' cutter would be easier to sell at some time in the future. I'm getting up there, so will not be doing this too much longer.
I initially favored Woods, as I have 6, 7, and 10.5' (recently sold) Woods cutters and all have served me well. I like the Woods blade change system, but at my age will likely not change blades again.
After recently reading the latest Bush Hog literature, I now favor Bush Hog as their 12 and 15 foot BWs appear to be of more recent design, and have bushings and grease fittings on the tail wheel pivots, lacking on the similar Woods and Land Pride BWs. Prices of similar BH and Woods models at my dealer are similar with BH being a bit lower due to greater BH sales volume. LP prices are noticeably lower than Woods or BH as the dealer is a Kubota dealer and sells more LP mowers than either Woods or LP.
Final thought: Due to age, I will downsize in the foreseeable future. The first thing to go will likely be the 90 HP M9960 Kubota, as I can do without it if necessary. The last thing to go will be my 53 PTO HP L6060 Kubota hydro, as it is so very convenient and versatile for what I do. It is also easy on me. My 6060 could handle a 12' BW in my conditions but a 15' is too much.
Decisions, decisions.
Thoughts, anyone?
Dean