R15 ROTARY CUTTER

Flex Wing Rotary Cutter

  • 15 ft. cutting width
  • 540 or 1000 PTO RPM
  • Rear wheel torsional suspension with sealed bearings
  • New frontal suspension and swivel hitch options





Features



NOTE: Only for flex-wing models E, M, and R.

 

John Deere flex-wing rotary cutters lead the way with innovative design, superior durability, and proven performance. Valuable features are included such as a dome-shaped smooth deck, which prevent water and debris from accumulating on the top of the machine and makes it easy to clean up.

 

Built with a superior structural design that will satisfy different applications and segment desires, the single deck on the flex-wing cutters adds volume on the cutting chamber, allowing the machine to process more material and translating into an improvement in cut quality. The cutting chamber design allows the material to flow through the area and be discharged evenly throughout the width of the machine.

 

To help promote safe operation, John Deere rotary cutters are equipped with front and rear safety-chain shields and lighting kits to comply with U.S. regulations. John Deere rotary cutters continue to advance in value with larger, more powerful gearboxes, redesigned blade options, and updated constant-velocity (CV) drivelines.

 

Here are situations when a rotary cutter provides value:

  • Clipping pastures encourages grass growth, optimizing on 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 is easy.
  • Control undergrowth and grass in orchards, vineyards, and groves.

Decide what model to use based on:

  1. 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.
  2. The amount of time and frequency it will be used – for longer hours and more frequency, choose a heavier duty machine.
  3. Tractor compatibility – if there is a tractor the operator will be using, look for the tractor compatibility sheet to identify appropriate options.
  4. Choose the right features to satisfy specific needs – check out the value and benefits for each option to determine which one is the best fit for the work

John Deere flex-wing rotary cutters are available in three duty-level categories and four width sizes.

  • E-spec
    • Sizes: 3.7-m (12-ft) and 4.6-m (15-ft)
    • E-spec models cut brush up to 50.8 mm (2 in.) in diameter
    • Two tire options to choose from
    • Available in 540 rpm
    • Tractor compatibility – see chart
    • Great choice for the property owners with light-duty applications
  • M-spec
    • Sizes: 4.6-m (15-ft) and 6.1-m (20-ft)
    • M-spec models cut brush up to 76.2 mm (3 in.) in diameter
    • Includes additional options to satisfy most customer needs
    • Available in 540 or 1000 rpm
    • Good match for medium-duty customers and their versatile jobs
  • R-spec
    • Sizes: 3.05-m (10-ft), 4.6-m (15-ft), and 6.1-m (20-ft)
    • R-spec models cut brush up to 101.6 mm (4 in.) in diameter
    • Available in 540 or 1000 rpm (R10 only available in 540 rpm)
    • Excellent for road side mowing and more demanding applications

John Deere flex-wing rotary cutters are equipped with chains and lights as standard in all models.

Front and rear safety chains
Front safety chainsFront safety chains

Chain shields offer protection to the operator and the area surrounding the cutter, yet allows uncut material to pass into the cutting chamber with minimal restriction.

Optional double-row chains for R-spec modelsOptional double-row chains for R-spec models
Lighting kit
Lighting kitLighting kit

Lights are required for U.S. regulations on implements wider than 3.05 m (10 ft). All cutters come standard from the factory with lights.

Transport lock
Transport lock on wingsTransport lock on wings

Always use the transport lock on the wings and back axle while transporting or moving the machine.

Five-year limited gearbox warranty provided on every John Deere rotary cutter
Five-year warranty on all flex-wing gearboxesFive-year warranty on all flex-wing gearboxes
Five-year warranty on all rotary cutter gearboxesFive-year warranty on all rotary cutter gearboxes

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, as well as drivelines and other components.

John Deere flex-wing rotary cutters are equipped with a single dome deck to allow material debris and water to be easily removed from the top of the machine.

Dome shape – clean top deckDome shape – clean top deck
R spec machines

R-spec machines come standard with these features that will reduce overall maintenance time.

Maintenance-free bushings
Sealed hingesSealed hinges

There is no need for greasing, as the machine includes internal pre-greased bushings and sealed hinges.

Sealed bearing hubs
Sealed bearing hubsSealed bearing hubs

There are no falling caps, as they are sealed for no greasing.

Back torsional suspension
Torsional suspensionTorsional suspension

This requires minimal maintenance; operators only need to check that bolts are tightened every 40 hours.

Specifications


Key Specs r15-rotary-cutter
Current Model
Cutting width4.6 m
15 ft
Cutting capacity (diameter)101.6 mm
4 in.
with hammer blade: 127 mm
5 in.
Tractor PTO HP range41 kW
55 hp
Transport width9.1 ft (2.8 m) at wing wheels
Deck thickness - upper - lower7 gauge - 4.55 mm
0.18 in.
Shirt thickness3 gauge - 6 mm
0.24 in.
Approx. weight2838 kg
6258 lb
Drivelines - Size - MainCV ASAE Category 6, splined telescoping profiles
Blade tip speed - 540 rpm - 1000 rpm87.8 m/s
288 fps
GearboxesFive years
Capacity
Cutting width4.6 m
15 ft
Cutting height25.4-406.4 mm
1-16 in.
Cutting capacity (diameter)101.6 mm
4 in.
with hammer blade: 127 mm
5 in.
Cutting chamber depth254 mm
10 in.
Tractor compatibility
Tractor PTO HP range41 kW
55 hp
Tractor PTO540 or 1,000 rpm
Static Vert Drawbar Load Rating
Hitch
TypeStandard self-level hitch clevis with 57.2-cm (22.5-in.) narrow-profile width
Ball-type self-level hitch with 57.2-cm (22.5-in.) narrow-profile width and 2-degree rotation freedom to each side
Swivel hitch
Category
Hitch width
JackstandMechanical jackstand in base for all machines. Hydraulically operated height, stays vertical while raising/lowering.
Dimensions
Transport width9.1 ft (2.8 m) at wing wheels
Overall width4.7 m
15.4 ft
Overall length5.3 m
17.3 ft
Deck shapeEasy-clean dome-shaped top deck
Deck typeSingle dome deck
Deck thickness

7 gauge - 4.55 mm
0.18 in.
Shirt thickness3 gauge - 6 mm
0.24 in.
HingesIntermittent cast steel segments - maintenance-free single 2.5-cm (1-in.) diameter full-length hinge pin
Approx. weight2838 kg
6258 lb
Drivelines
SizeMain
CV ASAE Category 6, splined telescoping profiles
Connecting
ASAE Category 5, splined telescoping profiles
Protection
Connecting
No-seize, slip-clutch driveline
Gearcases
Number4
HP ratingTransfer
Continuous: 186 kW
250 hp
Peak : 224 kW
300 hp
Center
Continuous: 93 kW
125 hp
Peak: 168 kW
225 hp
Outer
Continuous: 93 kW
125 hp
Peak: 168 kW
225 hp
Blades
Thickness13 mm
0.5 in.
Width102 mm
4 in.
TypeSuction
Overlap152 mm
6 in.
Blade rotation
Blade tip speed540 RPM
79.2 m/s
259.8 fps
1000 RPM
80.5 m/s
284 fps
Material flow system
Blade holder
Type
Round stump jumper and standard deck rings for maximum protection of blades and blade carrier against obstruction damage
Option of double blade bar for extra shredding
Hydraulics
Wing liftIndependent; includes spring assist unfolding
Wing flexFor transport: upward 90 degree (angle)
Working angles: upward 45 degree (angle)
downward 22 degree (angle)
Wheels
TypeOption 1
Sealed bearing on hubs
5-bolt, laminated: 21x5.25x9
Option 2
5-bolt, 24PR severe-duty ag): 26x9x14.5
5-bolt, 24PR severe-duty ag foam filled: 26x9x14.5
SuspensionTorsional suspension
Row width adjustmentYes
Wing-leveling adjustmentEasy adjust turnbuckle with bearing
Shielding
FrontSingle-row chain guard
Optional: double row
RearSingle-row chain guard
Optional: double row
Warranty
GearboxesFive years