Rhino TS12: Problems, Durability, Repairs

Although lawnmowers are fine inventions, it can be time-consuming to use them on large patches of grass and bushes. And while lawn tractors are a bit faster, they're still not quite it. That's where rotary cutters come in. These tractor attachments can handle extensive landscaping projects that require cutting through dense bushes and other types of foliage. Rhino TS12 is one example of such an attachment. It's designed specifically for smaller tractors, making it much more accessible than its competitors. Ever since its debut, it's earned mostly good reviews. The question is - does it live up to its reputation?

In this article, you'll learn the following about Rhino TS12:

• What it is
• 8 problems you may run into while using it
• How long it lasts
• How much it costs

What is Rhino TS12?

Rhine TS12 is a rotary cutter designed for smaller tractors with a power take-off of 35 to 50 horsepower. Made by the RhinoAg company, it offers several benefits compared to its competitors.

First off, it's much smaller. Since it is lower to the ground, it achieves better mowing results than other rotary cutters in its class. The smaller size makes it much easier to turn as well.

It comes with many safety features that protect both the user and the blades themselves.

Important specs:

• Cutting width: 12 feet
• Cutting height: up to 2 inches, you can adjust it
• Blade tip speed: 16,000 FPM
• Estimated weight: 2,250 lbs
• Gearbox rating: 250 horsepower

8 common problems with Rhino TS12

Your Rhino TS12 can run into some complications, just like most tractor attachments can. This doesn't mean it's a bad model. However, it's still a good idea to know what kind of problems you can expect from a piece of equipment you're about to buy. Forewarned is forearmed, especially when it comes to heavy-duty attachments.

Here are 8 common problems you can run into if you have a Rhino TS12:

1) The blades dull over time

Unlike regular mowers, you likely won't use your Rhino TS12 rotary cutter on a carefully manicured lawn. But while it's designed for rougher terrain, it can quickly dull its blades. If you use it in a rugged environment, expect frequent blade replacements.

This problem gets worse the more you use your Rhino TS12.

Solution:

Since the blades dull naturally as they grind against rocks and other debris, there's not much you can do about it. And while you can prevent it by avoiding rough terrain, this is rarely an option. Thus, you can only change the blades regularly to keep your Rhino TS12 in good condition.

2) Leaky gearbox

The gearbox is the part that connects your Rhino TS12 to the power take-off of the tractor. It uses oil that lubricates the part, reducing friction. This allows the rotary cutter to function properly.

However, the Rhino TS12's gearbox is prone to leaking. When this happens, the excess friction and heat can generate both your tractor and the cutter itself. The oil is toxic to the environment, which is another reason to be mindful of leaks.

The most common reason behind these leaks is faulty bearings.

Solution:

Fixing or replacing the faulty gearbox are the only two solutions to these issues. Unfortunately, you won't be able to handle either without a professional mechanic.

3) The blades can become deformed after some time

Although the Rhino TS12 cutter is great for most mowing tasks, the blades aren't that sturdy. If you run into a bigger slab of stone, the blades can become misshapen. In the worst-case scenario, they may break completely. As a result, your cutter won't cut grass and other foliage evenly.

Solution:

Be careful where you use your Rhino TS12 as it can be very fragile. If there are many rocks or stones in the area, consider moving them out of the way with other attachments first. Once the blades bend or break, you'll have to replace them before you can use the cutter again.

4) The belts tend to slip

The Rhino TS12 rotary cutter uses a system of belts to function. It is these belts that transfer power from the power take-off to the cutter itself. Unfortunately, these belts are not the most stable and tend to slip. When they slip, your Rhino TS12 will move a lot slower. This leads to reduced performance.

Solution:

If you think your Rhino TS12 is underperforming, check the belts immediately. The sooner you check them, the easy it is to fix the issue - it's often enough to reattach them. If you ignore this problem for too long, the belts may deform and even snap. In this case, you'll need to replace them.

5) Leaky hydraulic cylinder

The hydraulic cylinder is another part of Rhino TS12 that can develop leaks. But in this case, it doesn't affect its power.

The hydraulic cylinder allows the deck of the rotary cutter to move. However, it needs hydraulic fluid to do so. In case of a leak, the arm won't move as efficiently. This will make your Rhino TS12 feel clumsy and difficult to operate.

Solution:

First, refill the hydraulic fluid and check if the issue persists. If it does, you'll need to visit a mechanic to find and fix the leaks.

6) Fragile deck

The Rhino TS12's deck is designed to be small and low so it can better fit smaller tractors. But this can be a double-edged sword. While it makes the rotary cutter cut foliage more efficiently, it makes it more susceptible to damage. If you run into some debris, the deck can become misshapen. This will make further mowing very difficult if not impossible.

Solution:

Understand what your Rhino TS12 can and cannot handle. If you have to use it on rocky terrain, you should first perform some landscaping to prevent damaging it.

7) It tends to overheat

The rotary cutter tends to overheat, especially if you use it for too long during one session. This can be made worse by hot weather or hostile terrain. Overheating is very dangerous as it lowers the machine's lifespan. In extreme cases, it may cause it to break down on the spot.

Solution:

Understand why your Rhino TS12 overheated in the first place. It could be as simple as insufficient oil levels. Make sure you refill them as part of your regular maintenance. Spread your workload across a bigger time window to prevent it from happening.

8) Damaged power take-off shaft

The power take-off shaft connects your Rhino TS12 to your tractor. If damaged, the rotary cutter won't work at all. Fortunately, this happens very rarely. And when it does, it's because the Rhino TS12 is already too old and worn.

Solution:

Regular maintenance will prevent the PTO shaft from breaking down in most cases. But if it does break down, you may need to replace it. Depending on the scale of the damage, it may be more cost-efficient to buy a new rotary cutter instead.

How durable is Rhino TS12

It is difficult to gauge the life expectancy of Rhino TS12. This is because it depends on several factors such as the terrain where you use it, how often you use it, and how well you take care of it. But as a rough estimate, your Rhino TS12 should last for several years or up to 2,000 hours of use. It can be less if you buy a used model.

This is assuming you take good care of it. Without proper maintenance, your Rhino TS12 will break down much faster.

How much is the Rhino TS12?

The average price of the Rhino TS12 falls between $10,000 and $15,000. But keep in mind that this is just a rough estimate. The exact price depends on factors such as your dealership, location, and warranty. Used models will naturally be cheaper. This is good value for money, especially when you compare it to other models in its class. Just keep in mind that Rhino TS12 isn't suitable for rugged terrain. If you know you will need to use it in a rocky area, consider going for a different rotary cutter.

Our final thoughts on Rhino TS12

Rhino TS12 is a rotary cutter designed for smaller tractors. Its main selling points are great versatility and ease of use.

However, Rhino TS12 does have its shortcomings. For instance, it's prone to leaking. This applies both to the gearbox and the hydraulic system. A leaky gearbox leads to reduced cutting efficiency while hydraulic leaks make it harder to operate. Unfortunately, fixing these issues is best left to a mechanic.

Another set of issues is related to its durability. The blades and the deck itself are designed for cutting bushes and patches of grass. However, they can't handle hard objects such as stone. Thus, you can't use them on these terrains. If you do, the blade can dull and even bend. In some cases, the entire deck may become deformed. This reduces its overall performance.

An overheating engine and slipping belts are also common issues with Rhino TS12.

The key to solving these problems is maintenance. Check the state of your rotary cutter at least once a month to keep it healthy. Make sure you lubricate all the moving parts and refill all fluids to the recommended mark.