Yesterday, I used my new 15' batwing mower for the first time after the right side gearbox had been replaced with the correct CCW unit. Tried it about three weeks ago only to discover that the right spindle was rotating CW rather than CCW, as designed. As you can imagine, it didn't cut with a D on the right side.
Before buying this Woods BW-15.50 unit with 8 used aircraft tires and light kit, I shopped just about all brands. I do not need a 15' BW and really wanted the new Land Pride Heavy Duty 12' model but it was simply too expensive. With 6 new aircraft tires and optional over running clutch (really wanted that) it would have cost me at least $2,500 more than did my 15' 15.50 with 8 AC tires and $300 optional light kit. Lights are standard equipment on the LP but the ORC was an (about $400) option, not available from anyone else so far as I know.
Took some time to get things dialed in but pleased once I had. Cuts close and well, more closely and better than does the Woods BB840X, 7' cutter that I had been using temporarily prior to purchasing a BW.
I no longer clear ground so was cutting only grass and annuals and was rolling along at about 6 MPH in the flat, smooth areas. Cutting was superb, even at 1". 6 MPH with the 7' mounted cutter is right at the edge of poor cutting with the 7' cutter even at 600 PTO RPM. Could have mowed faster but would have needed to change from low range 6th gear to high range 1st gear precluding gearing down for turns, rough spots, etc., without stopping to change ranges.
Pulls rather easily. My 90 PTO HP Kubota M9960 hardly knew it was back there at about 2,000/52/30 engine/PTO RPM. With the 7' cutter, I used EPTO, resulting in about 600 PTO RPM at about 1,750 engine RPM. Engine worked harder as it's far from 90 PTO HP at 1,750 engine RPM. Used about 4 gallons in 3+ hours. Probably would have used as much or more with the 7' cutter in EPTO, as job would have taken longer.
Overall, rather pleased, but will likely set mower up an inch or so as afraid that cutting so closely may kill grass given how dry things are here.
Dean
Before buying this Woods BW-15.50 unit with 8 used aircraft tires and light kit, I shopped just about all brands. I do not need a 15' BW and really wanted the new Land Pride Heavy Duty 12' model but it was simply too expensive. With 6 new aircraft tires and optional over running clutch (really wanted that) it would have cost me at least $2,500 more than did my 15' 15.50 with 8 AC tires and $300 optional light kit. Lights are standard equipment on the LP but the ORC was an (about $400) option, not available from anyone else so far as I know.
Took some time to get things dialed in but pleased once I had. Cuts close and well, more closely and better than does the Woods BB840X, 7' cutter that I had been using temporarily prior to purchasing a BW.
I no longer clear ground so was cutting only grass and annuals and was rolling along at about 6 MPH in the flat, smooth areas. Cutting was superb, even at 1". 6 MPH with the 7' mounted cutter is right at the edge of poor cutting with the 7' cutter even at 600 PTO RPM. Could have mowed faster but would have needed to change from low range 6th gear to high range 1st gear precluding gearing down for turns, rough spots, etc., without stopping to change ranges.
Pulls rather easily. My 90 PTO HP Kubota M9960 hardly knew it was back there at about 2,000/52/30 engine/PTO RPM. With the 7' cutter, I used EPTO, resulting in about 600 PTO RPM at about 1,750 engine RPM. Engine worked harder as it's far from 90 PTO HP at 1,750 engine RPM. Used about 4 gallons in 3+ hours. Probably would have used as much or more with the 7' cutter in EPTO, as job would have taken longer.
Overall, rather pleased, but will likely set mower up an inch or so as afraid that cutting so closely may kill grass given how dry things are here.
Dean
