If you need to mow large areas, there’s a good chance that Woods makes a mower deck that’s perfect for your needs: their Batwing cutters lead the market for flexible deck solutions, while their single and multi-spindle cutters make it easy to turn any tractor into a mower. There was just one thing missing: a ditch bank cutter. The new DBH5.31 and DBH6.31 finally fill this niche, offering the reach and flexibility to cut steep slopes. By introducing industry-first features and the largest cutting area to the segment, these attachments are a compelling option for anyone who needs to remove vegetation along roadsides, ditches, and waterways.
Maximum Coverage for Faster Cutting
The DBH6.31 is the only 6-foot wide bank cutter available today, cutting job times when trimming large ditches. If you need something a little more compact, the DBH5.31 is 5 feet wide, but still retains all the features of the 6.31.
Segment-Leading Power
The PTO drives a pump that operates at 19 GPM at 4,000 PSI. With 40 HP of force at the cutting head, the ditch cutters are the most powerful in their class. Blade tip speed is 14,860 feet per minute with a PTO speed of 540 RPM, and 14,441 FPM at 1,000 RPM. This gives the cutter enough power to slice through plants up to two inches in diameter. If you’ll be using the cutter near its maximum capacity, Woods offers an optional hydraulic cooling system. The only one of its kind on the market, it manages hydraulic temperatures to deliver consistent performance and reduce downtime for difficult jobs.
The ½ inch by 4-inch cutting blades are more than up to the task, but sharpening and replacing blades this big can be awkward. Fortunately, these ditch cutters come with Woods’ Quick-Change blade system. This allows the blades to be replaced from the top of the deck using a single ¾ inch wrench.
Deck
The deck has a 9.4 inch deep cutting chamber and uses a deck top made from 10 gauge (0.135 inches) steel supported by 3 x 4-inch tube frame. A two-inch tubular bumper around the perimeter of the deck protects the attachment in collisions. 5/16 inch chain guards surround the deck to deflect debris flying off of the blade.
Control
The built-in hydraulics allow the deck to be pivoted up to 90 degrees both up and down to hug the turf, no matter how steep. A fully hydraulic deck extension arm adds 30 inches of reach, letting the blades reach out up to 152 inches from the tractor. Cutting height can be set anywhere from 2-10 inches. Gauge wheels and a frame-mounted tail wheel can be added, letting you set the cutter against the ground and keep it mowing at a consistent height.
When going to and from work sites, the deck can be folded up for a 119-inch transport width with no frame overhang, keeping the tractor clear of nearby vehicles.
Tractor Compatibility
Both the DBH5.31 and DBH6.31 are designed to be used with tractors rated at 60-150 HP. These cutters attach using Cat 2 and 3 hitches, and they’re quick hitch compatible. They connect to the tractor’s PTO using an ASABE Cat 4 driveline. Counterweights are required for the left side of the tractor.
Warranty
Woods offers a 6-year limited warranty on the gearbox, a 3-year warranty on the spindle, and a one year warranty for the rest of the attachment.
Big or Small, Shank’s Can Help You With Your Outdoor Equipment
Shank’s Lawn Equipment has helped their customers with everything from walk-behind mowers to big commercial equipment like these ditch cutters for over 35 years. If you’re looking to add equipment to your fleet, or need parts and service for your Woods attachments, visit us at 4900 Molly Pitcher Highway, Chambersburg, PA. To get here from I-81, take Exit 10 to Marion and drive East one mile.
We also ship parts and accessories across the U.S. and Canada, making it easy to get what you need to keep your equipment in service. To order, visit us online at www.shankslawn.com.