10 Questions You Should to Know about 50 HP Rotary Cutter Gearbox

21 Apr.,2025

 

Rotary Cutter - bush hog gearbox rating & sheer pin vs. clutch

I'm a greenhorn, and looking to buy a bush hog. I've got two questions. What does the gear box rating mean. I see some are 40 hp and others are 60 hp. Does that mean my tractor pto hp shouldn't exceed those gear box hp ratings? Second, is a slip clutch worth the extra money? I'll be cutting mostly pastures. Thanks for all the help you're giving me!
witterbound said: What does the gear box rating mean. I see some are 40 hp and others are 60 hp. Does that mean my tractor pto hp shouldn't exceed those gear box hp ratings? Second, is a slip clutch worth the extra money?
1. 40 and 60 are the small boys. They go up considerably from there. But to the point, it's a number that relates to your tractor's PTO horsepower rating. If you're rated for 45hp at the PTO, don't buy a mower with a 40hp transmission.
2. Yes, but again it's dependent upon the horsepower rating. They're not as common on the low end implements.

//greg// The slip clutch is a great thing - but requires steady mainenance. If you don't want to spend the extra 15-20 minutes every time you use use it, then save the bucks and just get the shear bolt.

A slip clutch will freeze up in as little as a day if left in a moist area, or in 1-4 weeks in a typical barn environment. The only way to know if it is free or not, is to loosen the bolts and slip it, the tighten them back correctly. A shear bolt is a hook up and go deal - until you pop them. If you are just doing a pasture, you probably won't pop more than a half dozen bolts in 10 years.

jb
witterbound said: I'm a greenhorn, and looking to buy a bush hog. I've got two questions. What does the gear box rating mean. I see some are 40 hp and others are 60 hp. Does that mean my tractor pto hp shouldn't exceed those gear box hp ratings? Second, is a slip clutch worth the extra money? I'll be cutting mostly pastures. Thanks for all the help you're giving me!

http://www.landpride.com/ari/attach/lp/public/manuals/311-254m.pdf
Start at Page 17...you'll find discussions on both 4 bolt and 8 bolt slip clutches... Well I'm definitely working on exceeding a few shear bolts in 10 years . I've gone through 3 in the last 3 weeks as I've been clearing some cactus and trying to avoid rocks. Seems my 6' frontier has a lot of iniritial (sp) weight and I need to be very carful when going over some of the vegitation on the property. I'm looking at adding a slip clutch because of the number of shear pins I'm going through and a $3.50 a pop it's going to get expensive. In Arkansas, I'll likely be hitting a lot of rocks, as they seem to grow in some areas I'll likley be bush hogging. If I hit a rock am I likely to shear a pin, or will the bush hog blades flex enough to save the pin? I though that the "unfixed" blades on a bush hog kept it from binding up like mowers can. Is that wrong, or are the unfixed blades just one defense, the sheer pin being or clutch being the backup?
john_bud said: The slip clutch is a great thing - but requires steady mainenance. If you don't want to spend the extra 15-20 minutes every time you use use it, then save the bucks and just get the shear bolt.
Maybe I got a good one, because I haven't found that to be true. I used to disassemble/clean/reassemble/adjust mine twice a year. Skipped one of them a couple years ago, so the thing went a year without maintenance. Still worked fine. Even though mine's parked out in the pasture year round, I've had no problems at all cutting the maintenance back to once a year.

//greg//

High-Quality Gear Boxes for Sale - FIMIC Implement LLC

Gearbox Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What types of gearboxes do you offer?

We offer a wide range of high-quality gearboxes for rotary cutters or bush hogs (not the brand) and rotary tillers. Our collection includes replacements for RTI-50 rotary tiller top gearboxes, 40HP Omni-style rotary cutter gearboxes,  65HP Frontier rotary cutter gearboxes, HOWSE brand gearboxes, and John Deere MX series gearboxes, among others.

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2. How do I choose the right gearbox for my equipment?

Choosing the right gearbox depends on factors like horsepower requirements, gear ratio, mounting bolt pattern, input/output shaft splines, and application type. If you’re unsure, our team can assist you in selecting the best gearbox for your specific machinery.

For more information, please visit GTM.

3. Are your gearboxes compatible with all brands of agricultural equipment?

Our gearboxes are designed to be compatible with various agricultural and industrial equipment brands. However, we recommend checking the specifications of each product or contacting our support team to ensure compatibility with your machinery.

4. Do you offer custom gearbox solutions?

Yes! If you need a custom gearbox for a unique application, we can provide tailored solutions based on your specific requirements. Contact us with your specifications, and we’ll help design a gearbox that meets your needs.

5. What maintenance is required for the gearboxes?

Regular maintenance is essential for extending the lifespan of your gearbox. We recommend periodic lubrication, checking for wear and tear, ensuring proper alignment, and replacing seals or bearings as needed. Always follow the maintenance guidelines provided in the product manual.

6. Do your gearboxes come with a warranty?

Yes, all our gearboxes come with a one-year warranty that covers defects in materials and workmanship. The warranty period varies by product, so please check the product details or contact us for specific warranty information.

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