Having the right cutting and shredding equipment is crucial for maintaining your land. Whether you’re clearing brush, lawn mowing fields, or shredding crop residue, John Deere has got you covered. They have a wide range of cutters and shredders perfect for farmers, ranchers, and landowners with different needs.
Picking a suitable cutter or shredder for your lawn and agricultural equipment greatly affects your productivity and efficiency. Making an informed decision is vital since there’s a lot on the line. In this guide, we’ll cover all the types of John Deere cutters and shredders, what they offer, and how to keep them in good condition. Whether you’re a small farmer or a prominent landowner, this guide will help you pick the perfect equipment and get the most out of it.
Key Takeaways
- John Deere rotary cutters are a piece of equipment used for farming, landscaping, and maintaining large properties that cut and mow grass, weeds, and brush.
- There are four different types of John Deere rotary cutters, including Frontier™ Standard-Duty rotary cutters, medium-duty rotary cutters, heavy-duty rotary cutters, and Flex-Wing rotary cutters.
- John Deere shredders are used to shred crops and vegetation by breaking down plants and crop residue, making them easier to handle and eliminate.
- There are three different types of John Deere rotary cutters including 115 shredder, 120 shredder, and the 520 shredder.
What are John Deere Cutters?
John Deere rotary cutters cut and mow grass, weeds, and brush. People use them for farming, landscaping, and maintaining large properties. These cutters have sharp blades on a spinning drum, making cutting efficient. They attach to tractors or vehicles and can be adjusted to different heights and angles for the desired cutting. Farmers and landowners love John Deere cutters because they’re reliable and can handle tough terrain and thick vegetation.
What Types of Rotary Cutters Does John Deere Have?
John Deere offers a wide range of rotary cutters to meet the varying needs of its customers. Here are four different types of John Deere cutters you should consider:
Frontier™ Standard-Duty Rotary Cutters
The Frontier™ standard-duty rotary cutters come in different sizes, from 48 to 72 inches. Your specific model will determine the power take-off (PTO) horsepower needed, ranging from 18 to 90. The models in this range are the RC20 Series and RC40 Series. These rotary cutters are great at cutting through vegetation and overgrowth, and they’re versatile and can be used for many different applications.
Medium-Duty Rotary Cutters
Medium-duty rotary cutters also come in different widths and power options. The widths range from 60 inches to 10 feet and 6 inches. The required power can be anywhere from 20 to 90 PTO HP. Five models available are the John Deere RC5M, RC6M, RC7M, RC8M, and RC10M. Customers can choose the cutter that suits their needs for effective cutting.
Heavy-Duty Rotary Cutters
John Deere has a bunch of heavy-duty rotary cutters for different needs. They have a working width from 6 ft. to 13 ft. 9 in. and need 40-45 hp to 50-90 hp, depending on whether it’s a lift or pull type. The models available are RC6R, RC7R, RC10R, and RC14R. They’re made to handle thorny vegetation and cut efficiently and precisely for agriculture and landscaping.
Flex-Wing Rotary Cutters
The John Deere flex-wing rotary cutters come in 12 ft. to 20 ft. working widths and require 40 to 75 hp. The specific model will determine the exact specifications. John Deere offers FC12E, FC15M, FC15R, and FC20R models for various applications, providing efficient and reliable cutting.
What are the Key Features of John Deere Rotary Cutters?
John Deere rotary cutters are known for their exceptional quality, durability, and efficiency. Here are some key features that make John Deere rotary cutters a top choice for professionals and landowners alike.
Fast, Reliable Mowing and Trimming
John Deere rotary cutters can handle thick grass, dense brush, and weed control. These cutters function effectively since they are sturdy and long-lasting. John Deere rotary cutters are efficient and precise in their work, whether you need to clear your land or have a large field.
Cutting Width Options
The different cutting width options make the rotary cutters versatile and suitable for different cutting tasks. John Deere offers various cutting widths to meet other requirements and preferences. Users can choose the cutting width that suits their needs, whether for clearing brush in tight spaces or efficiently mowing large fields.
Sturdy Double-Deck Design
John Deere rotary cutters have a double-deck solid design. It has two cutting decks stacked on each other, making cutting tasks efficient and effective. It also gives a smoother, more precise cutting action, leaving a clean and professional finish. Whether cutting overgrown fields or clearing pathways, the sturdy double-deck design of these cutters will make your job effortless.
Adjustable Cutting Heights
The adjustable cutting heights give users greater control and precision when cutting. Whether you need to cut, quickly adjusting the height ensures you can achieve the desired results. Additionally, the ability to adjust the cutting height also helps to minimize any potential damage to the ground or underlying surfaces.
What are John Deere Flail Mowers?
John Deere flail mowers use a series of rotating flail knives or blades, which are attached to a rotating drum. As the blades spin, they strike and shred the vegetation, resulting in a more even and fine mulch than traditional rotary mowers.
What are Flail Mowers Used For?
Flail mowers are great for agriculture, landscaping, and roadside maintenance. They’re perfect for clearing extensive areas of overgrown land, trimming hedges and shrubs, and maintaining fields or pastures. They also mulch and spread the cut vegetation back onto the ground, which helps it fertilize naturally.
What are the Different Types of John Deere Flail Mowers?
Here are the types of John Deere flail mowers, and you can choose the best flail mower for your specific needs by understanding your options.
25A Flail Mower
The John Deere 25A flail mower can adjust the cutting height to your liking. The 25A has a heavy-duty gearbox with a 65 horsepower rating, so it’s durable and powerful. It can be used with any category one 3-point hitch, making it convenient for various tractors.
360 Flail Mower
The 360 flail mower has a strong gearbox and drive shaft that lasts long. It also has a tough hood and end plates to protect it and make it stronger. The HC section belts make the mower even better. The John Deere 360 Flail Mower can easily handle tough cutting tasks with all these features.
370 Flail Mower
Like the 360 models, this flail mower has a heavy-duty gearbox and drive shaft, ensuring durability and long-lasting performance. It also features a heavy-duty hood and end plates, providing added protection and strength. What makes the 370 flail mower different is that it offers the choice between a side-slicer or optional smooth-cut knives, allowing users to customize the cutting style based on their needs.
390 Flail Mower
With the 390 offset flail mower, you can adjust the cutting height for the desired grass length. The 390 flail mower also has a robust gearbox and drive shaft, so it’ll last a long time. The HC section belts are reliable and help it perform well. Plus, depending on your need, you can choose from a 12- or 26-inch offset.
What are the Key Features of John Deere Flail Mowers?
The John Deere flail mowers have a lot of cool features, such as:
Gearbox
The gearbox is designed for heavy use and has a 65-hp continuous and 90-hp intermittent rating. So it’s powerful enough for all sorts of cutting tasks. And the best part? The gearbox has a two-year unlimited warranty, giving users peace of mind.
Hood
The hood is made of a 3/16-inch material that resists wear and dents from fast-flowing debris. This means the hood will stay intact, even in harsh conditions with lots of debris. It protects the mower’s internal components, making repairs or replacements less likely.
Skid Plates
Skid plates are on the outside of the mower, and they absorb shock when it hits the ground. This protects the mower and makes mowing smoother. Even the 390 model has an adjustable skid shoe for different terrains.
Knife Options
One more feature of the flail mower is the option to choose from different knife types. The side-slicer knives are great for cutting jobs, like clearing dense vegetation or rough terrain. The smooth-cut blades give a more trimmed look, perfect for golf courses and lawn maintenance.
What are John Deere Shredders?
John Deere shredders are used to shred crops and vegetation. They break down plants and crop residue, making them easier to handle and eliminate. Farmers and agricultural professionals commonly use them to clear fields, prepare land for planting, and manage crop waste. These shredders are durable, reliable, and high-performing, so they’re popular among farmers.
What are the Different Types of John Deere Shredders?
Shredders are made to break down organic material like crop residue, branches, and leaves. Here are the types of John Deere shredders:
115 Shredder
The 115 drawn flail shredder has a heavy-duty gearbox, which makes it durable and long-lasting. The steel rotor bearings make it even more robust and more reliable. Plus, grease fittings in the rear make maintenance and lubrication easier. The square rotor design of the 115 Shredder is super strong, so it can easily handle challenging shredding tasks.
120 Shredder
The 120 drawn flail shredder model has front rubber deflectors that stop debris from hitting the operator. It also has a heavy-duty gearbox for durability and efficient shredding. The steel rotor bearings are designed to handle rigid materials. In addition, there are rear grease fittings that make maintenance easier.
520 Shredder
This shredder is equipped with front rubber deflectors, which help to prevent debris from bouncing back and causing damage. The heavy-duty gearbox ensures that the shredder can handle laborious and demanding tasks. Also, the steel rotor bearings contribute to the durability and longevity of the 520 drawn flail shredders. The square rotor design is specifically crafted to provide superior strength.
What are the Key Features of John Deere Shredders?
John Deere shredders have a great set of key features, including:
Re-cutter Bar
The re-cutter bar creates a vacuum and chops up crop residues. This is great because it makes the residues smaller and easier to deal with. It also helps prepare the fields for the next planting season, which allows soil health and higher crop yields.
Fastening System
The fastening system removes clogging from mud or crop residue and runs smoothly. The bracket design keeps the knives and rings secure, making the shredders last longer and work better. This nifty feature makes John Deere shredders reliable and simplifies shredding altogether.
Rotor Knives
These shredders are equipped with 248 knives mounted the entire length of the rotors, ensuring no stalk is missed during the cutting process. Users can choose from side-slicer knives or smooth-cut knives. This allows for a versatile and efficient shredding experience. Additionally, these rotor knives ensure a more finished and trim look to the shredded material.
Rubber Deflectors
Rubber deflectors aren’t necessary, but they’re essential because they keep debris and stuff under the shredder instead of flying around and hitting the tractor or the operator. The best part is that they’re made of rubber, so they won’t rust and will surely last you a long time.
What are John Deere Grooming Mowers?
Just like cutters and shredders, the John Deere grooming mowers maintain and groom lawns and fields. These mowers cut and groom grass and vegetation effectively. People like homeowners, golf courses, and large properties use them for a professional look. These grooming mowers come in different sizes and models for all grooming needs.
What are the Different Types of John Deere Grooming Mowers?
These grooming mowers are designed to cut grass and create a neat appearance. Here are some types of John Deere grooming mowers and their specific functions.
Frontier™ Grooming Mowers
These mowers, like the GM10E Series, come in cutting widths ranging from 4 to 9 feet, allowing users to choose the size that best suits their needs. The mowers feature a single- or dual-belt drive system, ensuring efficient power transmission for optimal performance. With a high blade speed, these mowers can deliver thorough cutting and uniform distribution of grass clippings. These are also category one iMatch™ compatible, which can be easily attached to compatible tractors. This is also available for those looking for a rear discharge option.
Frontier™ Flex-Wing Grooming Mowers
The Frontier™ flex-wing grooming mowers, like the FM40 Series, are designed to provide a quality cut, even over uneven fields. With their wide working widths, they can efficiently handle large areas such as sod farms, golf courses, and parks. The Frontier™ flex-wing grooming mowers come in cutting widths ranging from 12 to 17 ft. (3.7 – 5.2 m) and offer additional features like a rear chain shield, a transport light bar (optional on FM40), and a hydraulic wing latch release, which is optional.
What are the Key Features of John Deere Grooming Mowers?
Here are the remarkable features of the grooming mowers that make them stand out and a popular choice for landscapers and property owners.
Superior Cut Quality
Grooming mowers, like the FM41 series, have excellent cut quality. The mower deck controls airflow, so the cut is even and streak-free. You can mow faster and still get a high-quality cut because of the 18,000 ft./per minute blade-tip speed. Even at 5 MPH, the cut quality stays good. The parallel side frame and deck baffling on the rear half of the decks help spread the material evenly, so there are no clumps or windrowing.
Cut Height and Deck Overlap Adjustments
Easily control the cutting height by adjusting the front and rear caster wheels, which range from 1 ½” to 5 ½”. This allows you to choose the perfect cut height for your needs. In addition, the mower decks have a 6” overlap, ensuring an even cut in different conditions. If you need to mow on steeper or uneven terrains, you can adjust the deck overlap by 8.75”.
iMatch™ Quick-Hitch Conversion Kits
These iMatch™ quick-hitch kits work with the GM10, GM10E, and GM20 grooming mowers and are needed for the iMatch system. With the iMatch system, you can easily attach and detach the grooming mowers, so switching between different attachments is super convenient.
Swivel Tires
These tires are designed to follow the ground’s contours and prevent scalping. With four swivel wheels, these mowers can easily handle uneven terrain and keep a consistent cutting height. The wheel arms are made of strong, reinforced steel, so they’re durable and stable while you’re using them.
High Blade-Tip Speed
The high blade-tip speed is super important because you get better mowing quality, even when going faster. These mowers also have precise blade overlap, which helps them perform nicely and give you an excellent, clean cut. Whether you care for a lawn, field, or grassy area doesn’t matter.
How to Maintain John Deere Cutters and Shredders
Maintenance tasks for cutters and shredders include inspecting for wear or damage, lubricating moving parts, cleaning blades and cutting mechanisms, and replacing worn-out components. It’s also essential to follow the manufacturer’s guidelines and recommended maintenance schedule for each model to prevent breakdowns or accidents. Regular maintenance of cutters and shredders helps extend the lifespan, improve efficiency, and avoid costly repairs or replacements.
Where Can I Buy John Deere Cutters and Shredders?
If you need John Deere cutters and shredders, you can easily find them at your local John Deere dealer. These dealerships are located nationwide and offer a wide selection of cutters, flail mowers, shredders, and grooming mowers. With their reliable and durable products, you won’t have to worry about cleaning your yard. Contact your local John Deere dealer today for the high-quality cutters and shredders you need for landscaping or agricultural tasks.
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