Which rotary cutter is right?
John Deere rotary cutters lead the way with innovative design, superior performance, and proven durability. Valuable features are included such as the Double-Decker© design and Max Flow cutting chamber, which prevent water and debris from accumulating on the smooth, dome-shaped top deck while the flat bottom deck absorbs the punishment from rocks and stumps.
The top deck stays smooth - no dents, no dings, no holes. The internal supports sandwiched between the top and bottom decks are key to the smooth and structure-free Max Flow cutting chamber, while at the same time provide added strength and durability.
To help promote safe operation, John Deere rotary cutters are equipped with front and rear safety-chain shields. John Deere rotary cutters continue to advance in value with larger, more powerful gearboxes, redesigned blade holders, and updated constant-velocity (CV) drivelines (special to the flex-wing models).
Here are situations when a rotary cutter is needed:
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Clipping pastures encourages grass growth, optimizing on valuable pasture acreage.
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Cutting grass and stalks helps control insects.
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Routine cutting keeps weeds from reseeding.
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It is the most cost efficient way to cut roadsides, parks, cemeteries, airport fields, hydro, gas, and telephone easements, and all other types of open properties.
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Cutting grass waterways encourages root development and helps prevent erosion.
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Knocking down stalks is essential in no-till and minimum-till fields.
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Shredding stalks such as cotton, corn, and milo speeds up decomposition.
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Clearing out brush is easy.
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Use a rotary cutter to control undergrowth and grass in orchards, vineyards, and groves.
John Deere rotary cutters are available in three duty-level categories, three different spindle configurations, four hitch types, and three flex-wing sizes.
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Mid-duty
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MX models are available in 1.5-m (5-ft), 1.8-m (6-ft), 2.1-m (7-ft), 2.5-m (8-ft), 3.2-m (10-ft), and 4.6-m (15-ft) cut widths.
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This duty-level category cuts brush up to 50.8 mm (2 in.) in diameter.
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Heavy-duty
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HX models are available in 3.2-m (10-ft), 4.2-m (14-ft), 4.6-m (15-ft), and 6.1-m (20-ft) cut widths.
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HX6 is available in 1.8-m (6-ft) and the HX7 is available in 2.1-m (7-ft) cut widths; they cut brush up to 101.6 mm (4 in.) in diameter.
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Commercial-duty
NOTE: CX models are heavier built to cut at a 101.6mm (4 in.) capacity level more frequently and for longer durations.
Hydraulic height leveling system makes cutter leveling easy and safe
A manual-implement jack is in base equipment
The HX15, CX15, HX20, and CX20 come standard with an industry-exclusive hydraulically-operated height leveling system with a swing-away parking stand that makes raising and lowering the cutter easy and safe. In addition, a manual-implement jack is in base equipment, so hitch leveling can also be adjusted without hydraulics. With this addition, the cutter will remain in the same position for long periods of time.
Four larger, more durable gearcases
Cross-section of gearcase
The HX20 and CX20 Flex-Wing Rotary Cutters utilize a four-gearcase design. This is far superior to a three-gearcase design because the wing drivelines are able to operate at a range of angles, from 22 degrees down and up to 45 degrees. The wings fold up to 90 degrees for transport-lock purposes.
Additionally, the transfer of power from the tractor is dedicated to the transfer gearcase while the cutting is handled by three separate and properly sized individual gearcases. This results in superior drivetrain reliability and durability:
- HX20 uses a 250 continuous hp and 300 peak hp splitter gearcase, and 150 continuous hp and 205 peak hp center and outer gearcases.
- CX20 uses a 250 continuous hp and 300 peak hp splitter gearcase, and 150 continuous hp and 216 peak hp center and outer gearcases.
Large, tapered roller bearings and forged gears provide a long trouble-free operating life. Horizontal shafts in all gearcases are 1.5-cm (1-3/4 in.) in diameter to resist torque spikes. Output shafts have a tapered spline for a tight connection with blade holders.
Gearcases are backed up by a five-year warranty.
Transport lock offers a safe wing-up position
Transport lock ensures wings stay secured
A transport lock flips over the lift cylinder for backup to the hydraulics when transporting or servicing the cutter.
A wing lock is provided for additional safety during transporting or servicing. Additionally, the wing locks are spring-loaded so they can unfold against gravity on slopes up to five degrees.
Tight turns can be performed
Tight turning radius (CX15 shown)
Hitches have a narrow profile and are 57.2 cm (22.5 in.) wide to allow a very tight turning radius, even when the tractor is equipped with dual wheels.
Continuous and greaseable wing-frame hinges
HX20 hinges
CX20 hinges
Center sections and wing sections are connected via 2.5-cm (1-in.) diameter continuous hinge pins. Hinge bushings are constructed of 15.2-cm (6-in.) long forged-steel segments and are greaseable to prevent hinge pins from seizing.
- The HX20 uses nine hinge bushing segments per side.
- The CX20 uses 16 hinge bushing segments per side, for a continuous hinge (front to back), providing superior resistance to the wear and tear caused by commercial usage.
Flex-wing constant-velocity (CV) driveline is easy to attach
CV driveline
Benefits of the CV driveline:
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Lock-slide collar, included on all John Deere’s drivelines, helps the attachment to the tractor using your hands on the driveline and not on the collar.
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Professional seals on the cross kits allow for a lubrication interval up to 50 hours.
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Grease zerks in the cap cross kits provide easy access for field lubrication.
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Large, dimpled floating disks reduce wear and improve the grease retention.
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Precision spherical ball-and-socket bearings distribute loading evenly and provide a long life and high performance.
A lightweight driveline with a lock-slide collar makes it fast and easy to attach.
Gearcases and blade holders provide better performance
Gearcase and blade holder shown
The John Deere gearboxes:
- Large seals
- Large housing
- Large output shaft
- Precision forged bevel gears
- Large bearings
- Stump jumper
Re-engineered gearcases and blade holders provide the following:
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More horsepower
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Faster blade-tip speed
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Better performance
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Quieter operation
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Increased durability
Heavy-duty axle with spring suspension
Spring suspension on all four-wheel assemblies
The HX Series Cutters feature a heavy-duty axle with six wheels and spring suspension on the four-wheel standards. Optional dual-wing wheels are available. A lower-priced four-wheel rigid axle version is also available.
Five-year limited gearbox warranty provided on every John Deere rotary cutter
Five-year warranty on all flex-wing gearboxes
Five-year warranty on all rotary cutter gearboxes
John Deere is so confident in the reliability of the gearbox, the warranty has been extended. John Deere rotary cutters come with a 5-year limited gearbox warranty.
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Capacity
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| Cutting width |
6,096 mm
240 in. |
| Cutting height |
For clearance over terraces 25 to 406 mm
1 to 16 in. |
| Cutting capacity (diameter) |
76.2 mm
3 in. |
| Cutting chamber depth |
267 mm
10.5 in. |
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Tractor compatibility
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| Tractor PTO HP range |
56 kW
75 hp |
| Tractor PTO |
540 or 1,000 rpm |
| Static Vert Drawbar Load Rating |
1,165 kg
2,560 lb |
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Wheels
|
| Type |
Option 2
4-bolt 21x7x12 16 PR Severe-Duty Ag Tires
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|
Hitch
|
| Hitch width |
For tight turn capability 570 mm
22.5 in. |
| Jackstand |
Stays vertical while raising/lowering |
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Dimensions
|
| Transport width |
3,400 mm
134 in. |
| Overall width |
6,250 mm
246 in. |
| Overall length |
5,760 mm
227 in. |
| Deck shape |
Easy-clean, dome-shaped top deck |
| Deck type |
Double-decker design for superior strength |
| Deck thickness |
Upper
3 (11) mm
.118 (11) in.
Lower
3.5 (10) mm
.138 (10) in.
|
| Shirt thickness |
6 mm
.25 in. |
| Hinges |
Intermittent cast steel segments - greaseable; single 1-in. (2.5-cm) diameter full-length hinge pin |
| Approx. weight |
3,050 kg
6,710 lb |
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Drivelines
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| Size |
Main
CV ASAE Category 5 splined telescoping profiles
Connecting
ASAE Category 4 splined telescoping profiles
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| Protection |
Main
No-seize, slip-clutch driveline
Connecting
No-seize, slip-clutch driveline
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Gearcases
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| Number |
4 |
| HP rating |
Transfer
186 continuous / 224 peak kW
250 continuous / 300 peak hp
Center
112 continuous / 153 peak kW
150 continuous / 205 peak hp
Outer
112 continuous / 153 peak kW
150 continuous / 205 peak hp
|
|
Blades
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| Thickness |
13 mm
.5 in. |
| Width |
102 mm
4 in. |
| Overlap |
152 mm
6 in. |
| Blade rotation |
CW, CCW, CCW |
| Blade tip speed |
540 RPM
Wing 4,903 (295 km/h) m/min
16,087 (183 mph) fpm
Center 4,914 (295 km/h) m/min
16,122 (183 mph) fpm
1000 RPM
Wing 4,988 (299 km/h) m/min
16,364 (186 mph) fpm
Center 4,974 (298 km/h) m/min
16,319 (185 mph) fpm
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| Material flow system |
Smooth, obstruction-free Max Flow cutting chamber for a clean cut and no windrows |
| Blade holder |
Type
Bar or stump jumper for protection of blades and carrier against obstruction damage
|
|
Hydraulics
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| Wing lift |
Standard, includes spring-assist unfolding |
| Wing flex |
90 up, 22 down degree (angle) |
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Wheels
|
| Suspension |
Spring suspension on all 4 wheels standard |
| Row width adjustment |
Yes |
| Wing-leveling adjustment |
Easy-adjust turnbuckle with bearing |
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Shielding
|
| Front |
Chain |
| Rear |
Chain |
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Warranty
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| w |
w |
Accessories and Attachments
Constant Velocity with Lock-Slide Collar Driveline, Category 5, 1000 RPM - 34.925 mm (1 3/8 in.) - BP18400
CV drivelineBenefits of the CV driveline include:
- Lock-slide collar, included on all John Deere drivelines, helps during the attachment to the tractor allowing the operator to keep their hands on the driveline and not on the collar.
- Professional seals on the cross kits allow for a lubrication interval of up to 50 hours.
- Grease zerks in the cap cross kits provide easy access for field lubrication.
- Large, dimpled floating disks reduce wear and improve the grease retention.
- Precision spherical ball-and-socket bearings distribute loading evenly and provide a long life and high performance.
A lightweight driveline with a lock-slide collar makes the tractor to cutter connection faster and easier.
Constant Velocity with Lock-Slide Collar Driveline, Category 5, 1000 RPM - 44.45 mm (1 3/4 in.) - BP18401
CV driveline Benefits of the CV driveline include:
- Lock-slide collar, included on all John Deere drivelines, helps during the attachment to the tractor allowing the operator to keep their hands on the driveline and not on the collar.
- Professional seals on the cross kits allow for a lubrication interval of up to 50 hours.
- Grease zerks in the cap cross kits provide easy access for field lubrication.
- Large, dimpled floating disks reduce wear and improve the grease retention.
- Precision spherical ball-and-socket bearings distribute loading evenly and provide a long life and high performance.
A lightweight driveline with a lock-slide collar makes the tractor to cutter connection faster and easier.
Bag of Hardware - For Shredding Attachment Kit - AW32489
HX20 Center Section Wheel Spindle for 38 In. Rows - W50394
Shredding Attachment Kit - BWA1489
Shredding attachment with 8 blades per sectionShredding attachment adds 12 blades to the shredder for a total of 24 blades in all. Used when extra shredding is required. Compatible with bar-type blade holders only. These attachments are not required for normal operating conditions.
Stalk Shredder Attachment - BW15812
Suction Blade 1/2" X 4" (CCW) - W49171
Suction Blade 1/2" X 4" (CW) - W49170
Suction Blade Straight (CCW) - W46974
Suction Blade Straight (CW) - W46973
Front Safety Shield - Second Row Chain - BW15672
Second-row chain shieldsThese second-row chain shields take the place of double-row chain shields by making it possible to add on the second row instead of replacing the single row with a double row. All newly ordered and existing flex-wing rotary cutters built after 01 June 2005 can now be converted to double-row shields.
Rear Safety Shield - Second Row Chain - BW15673
Second-row chain shields These second-row chain shields take the place of double-row chain shields by making it possible to add on the second row instead of replacing the single row with a double row. All newly ordered and existing flex-wing rotary cutters built after 01 June 2005 can now be converted to double-row shields.
