single vs dual wheels on rotary mower

[NHwoods]

I am needing to upgrade my 5' rotary mower to a 6'. Bush Hog, Woods, etc. offer the option of single or dual (separated by 3-4') tail wheels. All our 5' or narrower mowers have been single wheel. Is a double wheel better for the 6' mower? its mostly for the rougher pastures.

 

[GrumpyFarmer]

Good day.

if I were only mowing my pastures(and not brush cutting), and the extra framework for the wheels fits under trees or fence where I would want to use, and cost not too much i would consider to get dual wheels. (But in that case I might also consider to smooth the land and use a finish mower.). If ground is bumpy I don’t know that would be better or not for dual wheels application?

that being said, if doing actual brush cutting a lot of times back and forth and cutting steering / swinging attachment and swing around something that the rounded shape of the cutter allows, but I think dual wheels would reduce that ability when swinging as the dual wheels set effectively makes a straight edge / square that you would be swinging when turning.

not sure if that makes sense or not?

 

[SDT]

I am needing to upgrade my 5' rotary mower to a 6'. Bush Hog, Woods, etc. offer the option of single or dual (separated by 3-4') tail wheels. All our 5' or narrower mowers have been single wheel. Is a double wheel better for the 6' mower? its mostly for the rougher pastures.

No need for the extra expense of dual wheels on a 6' rough cut rotary mower unless you are mowing swamps.

FWIW, a good, e.g., Bush Hog, Woods, etc., HD 6' cutter will have a 5" or 6" tail wheel rather than a 4" wheel.

Dual tail wheels are just more stuff to get in the way.

 

[Caden]

5" or 6" tail wheel rather than a 4" wheel.

As I read it it seems like the wheels have a 3-4 inch separation between them rather than that being the size of the wheel. Maybe I'm wrong.

I agree with both @GrumpyFarmer and @SDT .

I can see benefit of 2 wheel for soft ground but will cost you for brush work ability.

 

[jyoutz]

Dual wheels are just one more thing to hang up on stumps and rough ground. My 6’ cutter with single tail wheel works well and I see no advantage to having another wheel.

 

[GreensvilleJay]

curious, I was wondering if it's about weight on the tail wheel ? is a 6' heavier and needs a 2nd wheel ??

 

[jyoutz]

curious, I was wondering if it's about weight on the tail wheel ? is a 6' heavier and needs a 2nd wheel ??

Nope. My heavy 6’ cutter does well with one tail wheel.

 

[JasonW]

Guess I’m the opposite I prefer dual wheels. I have a 6’ Kodiak with dual wheels and it does better than a single wheel in uneven terrain.

Simple as ruts or low spots that the dual wheel prevents the whole cutter from dropping down into the ground.

 

[NHwoods]

Good day.

if I were only mowing my pastures(and not brush cutting), and the extra framework for the wheels fits under trees or fence where I would want to use, and cost not too much i would consider to get dual wheels. (But in that case I might also consider to smooth the land and use a finish mower.). If ground is bumpy I don’t know that would be better or not for dual wheels application?

that being said, if doing actual brush cutting a lot of times back and forth and cutting steering / swinging attachment and swing around something that the rounded shape of the cutter allows, but I think dual wheels would reduce that ability when swinging as the dual wheels set effectively makes a straight edge / square that you would be swinging when turning.

not sure if that makes sense or not?

Makes perfect sense, thanks.

 

[GrumpyFarmer]

Makes perfect sense, thanks.

Sure thing, NP.

ultimately I think whatever you run behind that MX, so long as sized appropriately, it won’t let you down.

from your credentials it looks like you have some good implements to run behind it. Only thing I would mention is that IMO the MX is almost helpless without appropriate ballast if using the loader. Be careful with that especially on uneven terrain. That being said with proper ballast it is awesome IMO. Mine feels the most planted to ground / most secure with the BH installed…when it’s on I can only imagine that must be how awesome a dozer or large tractor feels.

keep the rubber side down. Would love to see some pics of the farmi in action

 

[jimh406]

My 6 footer only has one wheel. I don't mow that much with it though.

I'd look at all of the brands out there and see how many 6 footers have dual wheels. That result is probably a good indicator on whether two is better or not. Of course, if most offer duals it won't help.

 

[Killer Bee]

main purpose of dual tail wheels on a brush hog is stability and minimizes the deck skids from gouging. same reason finish mower decks have multiple ground rollers and guide wheels.

other than cost impact, I don't really see a lot any drawback to dual wheels.

99% of what I mow is running forward. I would think duals would still negotiate turns and occasional backing over ditches and crossings just fine. dual tail wheels would help keep the deck level to terrain and less digging.

but I'll have to wait until the 6' woods mower with single tail wheel dies to find out for myself. the landpride 15' batwing has 6 hydraulic tail wheels.

good luck with your decision!

 

[SDT]

My 6 footer only has one wheel. I don't mow that much with it though.

I'd look at all of the brands out there and see how many 6 footers have dual wheels. That result is probably a good indicator on whether two is better or not. Of course, if most offer duals it won't help.

Dual wheels on 6' (and 7') cutters are (almost?) always optional if even offered.

 

[GeoHorn]

As I read it it seems like the wheels have a 3-4 inch separation between them rather than that being the size of the wheel. Maybe I'm wrong.

I agree with both @GrumpyFarmer and @SDT .

I can see benefit of 2 wheel for soft ground but will cost you for brush work ability.

They are Not separated 4-6 INches…. They are separated by FEET.

The weight of the mower is better supported by Dual wheels, especially in softer ground. They also better keep the mower leveled. A 72-inch mower probably doesn’t need dual wheels, IMO.

But a mower/shredder that is wider and/or has dual gear-boxes probably needs dual wheels.