Which brush cutter???...

toolgarage · Sep 24, 2017

I have a '71 Ford 5600 with a 5' bush hog on the back. When cutting 4-5' tall grass, the mower acts like a mulcher, grinding up the tall grass, causing the tractor to really work.

I'm looking for a new 5'-6' cutter, and wanted to hear feedback on the closed rear cutters (bush hog) vs open rear cutters (king kutter) that allow the grass cuttings to exit the rear opening instead of
forcing the grass cuttings out under the rear edge of the deck.

Is the open rear design significantly easier on the tractor?
Other than larger chunks out the rear, any disadvantage of an open rear design?

Not looking for a discussion on which brand is better, more focused on advantages/disadvantages of the two designs.

Thanks!

Tool

old · Sep 25, 2017

I prefer the open back type but they can cause safety problem because of throwing rocks and other such stuff. The open back ones do take less power to run because the stuff flies out the back and that clears it to cut better instead of cutting it into real small pieces

Jim in rush co · Sep 25, 2017

This Woods had same type shield as the Squealer. When dealer got it ready I had them remove the black guard or shield. Also run with the front lower to the ground will pull a lot easier as only cuts each plant once. clippings will be larger. I try to run with blade tip when straight forward about 1/2 to 3/4" lower than rear blade.

ztrmowers · Sep 27, 2017

what makes you think new unit will pull any easier than unit you have

Russ from MN · Oct 2, 2017

Make sure you buy one with a round rather than oval blade mount, sometimes called a stump jumper. My Bush Hog is oval and it has bent a few times and hit the bottom of the deck, never had that problem with a King Kutter.

Bernie/MA · Oct 4, 2017

I wouldn"t want either one. I use a flail chopper with the spout taken off and the back open. It cuts to the side so you can trim around fields without running over what you"re cutting. I use an old JD 16A.

wilson ind · Nov 13, 2017

Jim has the answer. Raise the back maybe a lot higher. Cut only once not grind.

BushogPapa · Nov 14, 2017

If you are cutting any saplings (or small trees)..NO ONE should be near the field.. there can be pieces 4to' long fly out from under and they may travel 100 yds..

I would be more specific about recommending a Flail mower..most will not cut woody plants ( like saplings) without damage to the mower.

Destroked 450 · Nov 14, 2017

You never mentioned what brand bush hog you have, for tall grass and brush you want a open back design, the black panel can be removed from the Bush Hog shown to make it open back.
The mower will pull easier if the front is set around 3/4" lower than the back, this may require adjusting the tail wheel height.
Personally I'd want a heavier model than ether of the ones shown behind a 5600 and also one wide enough to cut out the tire tracks. A 6' BH Squealer is only rated for up to 45 hp, don't know anything about a King Cutter but they look awful light.

We use a 7' early version of the Bush Hog BH27 with the back open behind my MIL's 5600. It handles the mower fine in normal grass up to 3' high and heavy weeds 5-7'. In heavy downed grass I may move over and only take a 5' cut, whatever the tractor can handle but have the extra width for lighter grass.
For pasture clipping I use my 10' Howse mower behind the 5600 and Rhino SR15 batwing behind my 6610, both open back.

Which brush cutter???...

toolgarage

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old

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Jim in rush co

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ztrmowers

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Russ from MN

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Bernie/MA

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wilson ind

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BushogPapa

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Destroked 450

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