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Features
NOTE: Only for single spindle and multi-spindle.
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:
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Clipping pastures encourages grass growth, optimizing 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 such as cotton, corn, or milo speeds up decomposition. This is essential in no-till and minimum-till fields.
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Clearing out brush.
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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:
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Mid-duty
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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).
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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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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.
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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.
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NOTE: R Series are heavier built to cut at a 101.6 mm (4 in.) capacity level more frequently and for longer durations.
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.
The John Deere RC gearboxes:
- Large seals
- Large housing
- Large output shaft
- Precision forged bevel gears
- Large bearings
- Stump jumper
RC 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
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.
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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.
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The factory preset, four-plate slip clutch protects the driveline:
- Especially valuable when operating in brush
- Preset at the factory and never needs adjusting
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Fully shielded driveline for safety
The RC6R and RC7R gearcases come standard with a five-year warranty.
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
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.
Five-year limited gearbox warranty provided on every John Deere rotary cutter
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.
Specs & Compare
Capacity | Current Model |
Cutting width | 2,134 mm 84 in. |
Cutting height | 50 to 229 mm 2 to 9 in. |
Cutting capacity | 101.6 mm 4 in. |
Cutting chamber Depth | 300 mm 11.8 in. |
Tractor compatibility | |
Tractor PTO HP range | Minimum 34 kW 45 hp |
Tractor PTO | 540 rpm |
Hitch | |
Type | Lift-type |
Category | 2, 3N |
Dimensions | |
Transport width | 2,261 mm 89 in. |
Overall width | |
Overall length | |
Deck shape | Domed |
Deck type | Double decker |
Deck thickness | Upper 3 (11) mm 0.118 (11) in. Lower 3.5 (10) mm 0.138 (10) in. |
Side skirt thickness | 6 (3) mm 0.25 (3) in. |
Approx. weight | 625 kg 1,378 lb |
Drivelines | |
Size | Main ASAE Category 4 |
Protection | Main Non-seize, slip-clutch driveline |
Gearcases | |
Number | 1 |
HP rating | Center Continuous 112 kW 150 hp Peak 152 kW 205 hp |
Blades | |
Thickness | 13 mm 0.5 in. |
Width | 102 mm 4 in. |
Type | Single suction |
Overlap | |
Blade tip speed | 540 RPM 4,751 m/min 15,586 fpm 285 km/h 177 mph |
Material flow system | Integrated |
Holder | Type Round stump jumper (single suction) for protection of blades and carrier against obstruction damage |
Wheels | |
Type | Laminated |
Row width adjustment | |
Shielding | |
Front | Chain |
Rear | Chain |
Additional information | |
Date collected | |
Key Specs | |
Blade tip speed - 540 rpm | |
Cutting capacity | |
Cutting width | |
Deck thickness - Upper - Lower | |
Drivelines - Size - Main | |
Hitch - Category | |
Protection - Main | |
Shielding - front/rear | |
Side skirt thickness | |
Tractor PTO HP range |
Offers & Discounts
3.9% APR fixed rate for 24 months1
on New John Deere Rotary Cutters
- 3.9% APR fixed rate for 24 months1
- Offer available 26 October 2024 through 03 February 2025
Up To 20% OFF1 Rotary Cutter Blades
for various rotary cutter models.
- 15% OFF 18 blades or more
- 20% OFF 120 blades or more
- Includes John Deere and A&I products
- Mix or match brands to reach offer minimums
- Plus 8% OFF2 rotary cutter parts with purchase of 18 or more blades
- Offer valid 01 February 2024 through 30 April 2024