I'd like to step up to a bigger, beefier rotary cutter behind the 5320. Due to the terrain I'm working with, gates to pass through and hauling I've settled on an 8', lift type cutter.
So far, my favorite is the Bush Hog 3008, with the Kodiak/ Mahindra HD 8 right behind it. Kodiak builds the Mahindra rotary cutters right here in TN and they sell under both names. I'd go for whichever was less expensive.
Both units are proper Cat II.
The Bush Hog is heavier at 1700 lbs, and I like their hitch design a little better. The lower link mounts look stronger, and the top connection looks like it allows float to follow the ground more. They're powder coated though, which isn't a big selling point for me. I know it holds up better, but would have to be ground off if any welding repairs ever needed to be done, and then the repairs would be painted over. May as well just buy painted to start with. I've also read about a rubber flex coupling the BH uses to connect the gearboxes, the coupling can shear and is very expensive to replace.
The Kodiak is only about 1200 lbs, the lower hitch brackets appear to be slightly thinner than the BH and the top link doesn't float. I can build a U bracket similar to what my current mower has to solve that problem, and the lower brackets should be strong enough- it is a Cat II mower. I haven't found any concerns about driveshaft couplings with the Kodiak/ Mahindras either.
I'm open to suggestions of other brands, or any other input y'all may have. I'm searching for a good used one anywhere between Nashville and Virginia. Found a Kodiak about two hours south of me, but won't be free to get down there for a few weeks. I want to call the local Mahindra dealer tomorrow and see what they can sell me a Kodiak with their stickers on it for. The Kodiak is $4,400 plus tax from the local Co-op, or $3700 delivered via truck freight from AgriMart. Like I said, really love to find a good used one...:laugh:
So far, my favorite is the Bush Hog 3008, with the Kodiak/ Mahindra HD 8 right behind it. Kodiak builds the Mahindra rotary cutters right here in TN and they sell under both names. I'd go for whichever was less expensive.
Both units are proper Cat II.The Bush Hog is heavier at 1700 lbs, and I like their hitch design a little better. The lower link mounts look stronger, and the top connection looks like it allows float to follow the ground more. They're powder coated though, which isn't a big selling point for me. I know it holds up better, but would have to be ground off if any welding repairs ever needed to be done, and then the repairs would be painted over. May as well just buy painted to start with. I've also read about a rubber flex coupling the BH uses to connect the gearboxes, the coupling can shear and is very expensive to replace.
The Kodiak is only about 1200 lbs, the lower hitch brackets appear to be slightly thinner than the BH and the top link doesn't float. I can build a U bracket similar to what my current mower has to solve that problem, and the lower brackets should be strong enough- it is a Cat II mower. I haven't found any concerns about driveshaft couplings with the Kodiak/ Mahindras either.
I'm open to suggestions of other brands, or any other input y'all may have. I'm searching for a good used one anywhere between Nashville and Virginia. Found a Kodiak about two hours south of me, but won't be free to get down there for a few weeks. I want to call the local Mahindra dealer tomorrow and see what they can sell me a Kodiak with their stickers on it for. The Kodiak is $4,400 plus tax from the local Co-op, or $3700 delivered via truck freight from AgriMart. Like I said, really love to find a good used one...:laugh:
