42 vs 48 brushhog on bx2370

[mioduz]

I have an opportunity to save a few buck right now on a used brush hog.

I have 2 uses at first. I need to clean up the woods around my house. This will mean I need to maneuver in and out of obstacles to clear up the brush the gown up. 42 sounds better for this.

I also have a 1 acre food plot that I need to mow about 3 times a year. Seams like the bigger the better here

I've heard that the land pride 48s can make the front wheels pretty light without fel

I can get a lightly used land pride 1548, or a nearly new land pride 1242

Opinions??

 

[rc51stierhoff]

I’ve not used a rear cutter with BX, but I have with larger machines. IMO I’d want something that covers the tracks. If playing in the woods or around fences, trees, etc….the wider than the stance the better chance to snag something when branches smacking you in the face and distracted or not watching closely…Basically cover tracks but not too much wider than the track IMO. If planning to do brush cutting, get a good look under your machine and see if any armor would be appropriate (ounce of prevention…).

 

[85Hokie]

Covering the tracks is huge as RC said - and if the front end gets a bit light - add some home made weights.

Even #100 on the front makes a hellva difference in the balancing act.

 

[beckmurph]

My neighbor bought a BX2380 last spring.
Dealer recommended the 48” LandPride.
He mows with the fel on for balance.

 

[hodge]

Measure from the outside of one rear tire to the other. You really want a mower that cuts at least as wide as your wheelbase. If not, you can't mow up to obstacles, because the tires will contact the obstacle before the mower can reach it. I have a friend with a 42" Woods, and it's just too small. As a side consideration, a 42" mower is much harder to resale than a 48".

 

[GreensvilleJay]

hmm, the loader bucket on my BX23S is 48"...my rider has a 42" deck
My vote is for the 48" cutter..
it's a tad wider than your tractor
it'll have better resale value
it 'should' cut a wee bit faster
YES, you'll need some front end weight

 

[jimh406]

I would go with the 48 although the 15 series will weigh more than the 12. The 15 is rated for 2" material while the 12 is only rated for 1" material.

According to Land Pride specs.
RCR1242 weighs 385 lbs
RCR1548 is not much heavier at 424 lbs

RCR1242 specs

https://cdn-assets.greatplainsmfg.com/ari/attach/lp/public/specs/326-047s.pdf

RCR1548 specs

https://cdn-assets.greatplainsmfg.com/ari/attach/lp/public/specs/312-556s.pdf

I don't know if you'll notice that small of a weight difference. My guess is if you need front weight for the 1548, you'll need it for the 1242 as well.

 

[dieselbob69]

I would go with the 48 although the 15 series will weigh more than the 12. The 15 is rated for 2" material while the 12 is only rated for 1" material.

According to Land Pride specs.
RCR1242 weighs 385 lbs
RCR1548 is not much heavier at 424 lbs

RCR1242 specs

https://cdn-assets.greatplainsmfg.com/ari/attach/lp/public/specs/326-047s.pdf

RCR1548 specs

https://cdn-assets.greatplainsmfg.com/ari/attach/lp/public/specs/312-556s.pdf

I don't know if you'll notice that small of a weight difference. My guess is if you need front weight for the 1548, you'll need it for the 1242 as well.

Technically, I believe the weight capacity of the 3 point hitch on the 2370/80 is 400lbs, so the 48" is just over capacity while the 42" is just under....

 

[Vigo]

I dont think there will be a problem lifting it. I also recommend the 48. I wouldnt recommend any cutter any narrower than 48 on an scut in general. Any smaller and it just doesnt make sense because if the size between 48 and 42 is a problem you should probably be mounting and powering this thing with a smaller more maneuverable machine to begin with, like a walk behind. Old Gravelys with brush cutters come up cheap all the time. If that’s not what you need, then 48” is the answer. My .02.

Havent used a BX but same 48” bush hog on my b7100 with 3x55lb front weights, light front end (you will NEED some weight in front of bx if you ever intend to lift mower and turn at the same time, otherwise you’ll be steering with the brakes). Same mower on my b6100 (near identical) with a 500lb fel.. no issues at all. So if you have no fel you will need to carry some weight up front.