What is the best cutter for your job?

John Deere rotary cutters lead the way with innovative design, superior performance, and proven durability. Valuable features such as the Double-Decker™ design and Max Flow cutting chamber 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 powerful gearboxes, blade holders, and compatibility with a wide range of tractors.

Here are situations when a rotary cutter provides value:

• Clipping pastures encourages grass growth, optimizing valuable pasture acreage.

• Cutting grass and stalks helps control insects.

• Routine cutting keeps weeds from reseeding.

• 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.

• Cutting grass waterways encourages root development and helps prevent erosion.

• Knocking down stalks such as cotton, corn, or milo speeds up decomposition. This is essential in no-till and minimum-till fields.

• Clearing out brush.

• Control undergrowth and grass in orchards, vineyards, and groves.

Decide what model to use based on:

• The size of the area to mow versus the size of the machine – the bigger the area to mow, the bigger the mower needs to be in order to be efficient during mowing hours. Similarly, the limitation of a small area will guide operators to use a smaller mower.
• The amount of time and frequency it will be used – for longer hours and more frequency, choose a heavier duty machine.
• Tractor compatibility – if there is a tractor the operator will be using, look for the tractor compatibility sheet to identify appropriate options.

John Deere rotary cutters are available in two duty-level categories:

• Mid-duty

  • RC M models are available in 1.5-m (5-ft), 1.8-m (6-ft), 2.1-m (7-ft), 2.5-m (8-ft), and 3.2-m (10-ft).

  • This duty-level category cuts brush up to 50.8 mm (2 in.) in diameter.

• Heavy-duty

  • RC R models are available in 3.2-m (10-ft) and 4.2-m (14-ft).

  • This duty-level category cuts brush up to 76.2 mm (3 in.) in diameter.

  • RC6R is available in 1.8-m (6-ft) and the RC7R is available in 2.1-m (7-ft) cut widths; they cut brush up to 101.6 mm (4 in.) in diameter.

Front and rear safety chain shields are standard

Front and rear safety chain shields are standard equipment. They offer protection yet allow material to pass into the cutting area with minimal obstruction:

• They help deflect thrown material and improve shredding.

Double-Decker™ helps to maintain your cutter clean

All the RC M and R Series Rotary Cutters have the patented Double-Decker™ design. The smooth dome-shaped decks provide easy cleaning and water runs off for longer product life. Deck thickness increases as the size and cutter duty level increases

Heavy-duty John Deere-designed gearcases

The heavy-duty gearcase with non-seize self-adjusting slip-clutch driveline is shown at left.

The gearcase horsepower rating is as follows:

• 150 hp (112 kW) continuous
• 210 hp (157 kW) peak

Cast-metal gearcase features:

• Tapered roller bearings and forged gears for longer life (forged gears are stronger because as the gear is heat-forged into shape, the grain of the metal changes to follow the outline of the teeth).
• Output shafts are splined, not just keyed, for extra strength.
• Gearcase is solidly mounted to the frame for a long, trouble-free life.

  • Six mounting bolts (not four) are used.

  • Possibility of flange locknuts fracturing from stress or working loose in tough operating conditions is reduced.
  • Frame metal underneath the gearcase is double thickness for more strength.

The factory preset, four-plate slip clutch protects the driveline:

• Especially valuable when operating in brush
• Preset at the factory and never needs adjusting

• Fully shielded driveline for safety

Deep-cutting chamber provides a better shredding action

The fast blade-tip speed ensures clean cutting and fine shredding of material.

• RC6R: 13,623 fpm (69.2 m/sec) and 155 mph
• RC7R: 16,061 fpm (81.6 m/sec) and 183 mph

A forward tip adjustment allows the cutter to be tilted forward slightly, so most of the cutting occurs in the front while the shredding action occurs toward the rear:

• Improves cutting job
• Reduces horsepower requirements

The tapered rear opening spreads shredded material across entire width of cut:

• Reduces windrowing
• Leaves an even blanket of mulch

 Warranty

John Deere is so confident in the reliability of the gearbox that rotary cutters come with a 5-year limited gearbox warranty.

There is also 1-year warranty on the complete machine, including drivelines, clutches, and many other components.