The 6ft slasher is the workhorse of Australian farms. It tops pasture, keeps tracks and fence lines clear, and knocks down weeds before they seed. It’s also the most crowded part of the slasher market, with almost every brand offering a 1.5m–2.0m machine that looks the same in the brochure.
What separates them is the gearbox rating, the deck, and whether the build matches your tractor. This guide explains how to pick the right farm slasher for your horsepower, the difference between the Fieldquip LE and XLE Series, and how both compare with other farm slashers sold in Australia.
The short version: for a 40–75hp tractor, choose a slasher with a 75hp gearbox, like the Fieldquip LE Series. For a 60–100hp tractor, choose a 100hp gearbox, like the XLE Series. Both come in 1.5m, 1.8m and 2.0m widths with a 5mm galvanised deck, and a 1.8m (6ft) model costs $7,075 (LE) or $7,719 (XLE) inc GST.
LE and XLE: specs and pricing
| Model | Working width | Min tractor HP | Gearbox | Weight | RRP (inc GST) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| LE60C | 1.5m (5′) | 40hp | 75hp | 350kg | $6,569 |
| LE70C | 1.8m (6′) | 45hp | 75hp | 420kg | $7,075 |
| LE80C | 2.0m (6’8″) | 50hp | 75hp | 500kg | $8,845 |
| XLE60-920C | 1.5m (5′) | 60hp | 100hp | 360kg | $7,115 |
| XLE70-920C | 1.8m (6′) | 60hp | 100hp | 430kg | $7,719 |
| XLE80-920C | 2.0m (6’8″) | 60hp | 100hp | 510kg | $9,529 |
Prices are RRP from the Fieldquip retail price list effective 1 March 2026 (PDF) and may change without notice. Confirm current pricing with Fieldquip before purchase.
Both ranges share the same core build:
- 5mm galvanised deck
- Offsettable design for fence-line and edge cutting
- Category I & II linkage
- Pivoting headstock with chain backstays
- Adjustable skids
- 540rpm PTO with friction clutch (heavy-duty clutch on the XLE)
- Front and rear chain guards
- Red or yellow gearbox (specify when ordering)
Options: an adjustable wheel kit for each width ($1,371 inc GST) and, on the LE, a combination friction and overrun clutch ($720 inc GST).
LE vs XLE: which one do you need?
The LE and XLE look almost identical. The difference is under the deck: the XLE has a 100hp gearbox and a heavy-duty friction clutch, where the LE has a 75hp gearbox. That one change decides which tractors each can safely run behind.
| LE Series | XLE Series | |
|---|---|---|
| Gearbox | 75hp | 100hp |
| Tractor range | 40–75hp | 60–100hp |
| Clutch | Friction clutch | Heavy-duty friction clutch |
| Price difference (1.8m) | $7,075 | $7,719 (+$644) |
| Best for | Mid-size farm tractors, regular pasture topping | Bigger tractors, heavier growth, harder work |
Choose the LE if your tractor is 75hp or under and most of your slashing is pasture, tracks and fence lines.
Choose the XLE if your tractor is over 75hp, or if you’re under 75hp but regularly slash heavy, rank growth and want the extra gearbox margin. Running a tractor bigger than the slasher’s gearbox rating risks damage when the blades hit a stump or heavy patch, and the XLE costs only a few hundred dollars more.
Which width?
| Your tractor | Best fit |
|---|---|
| 40–50hp | LE 1.5m |
| 45–75hp | LE 1.8m, or LE 2.0m from 50hp |
| 60–100hp | XLE 1.5m, 1.8m or 2.0m |
| Over 100hp, or contract work | XHD heavy duty slasher |
How the LE and XLE compare with other farm slashers in Australia
| Brand / model | Width | Tractor HP | Deck | Gearbox | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fieldquip LE70C | 1.8m | 45–75hp | 5mm galvanised | 75hp | 420kg |
| Fieldquip XLE70-920C | 1.8m | 60–100hp | 5mm galvanised | 100hp | 430kg |
| Silvan 108 Medium Duty | 1.8m | — | 5mm galvanised | 75hp | — |
| Silvan 131 Heavy Duty | 1.8m | 50–75hp | — | 75hp (100hp optional) | — |
| FarmTech HD75-1800 | 1.8m | — | 5mm folded top deck | 75hp | — |
| Jarrett Redback RB6-100 | 1.8m | — | 5mm body, 6mm aprons | 100hp | 520kg |
| John Berends HD153 | 1.45m | 40–75hp | 6mm body (galvanised optional) | 75hp | 340kg |
| Howard Nugget 180 | 1.83m | 36–100hp | 4mm galvanised | — | 465kg |
On paper, most 6ft farm slashers are close. The differences that matter in the paddock:
- Galvanising as standard. The LE, XLE and Silvan 108 come galvanised. On some rivals it’s an option or a different model, so check the exact spec you’re quoted.
- Offset vs centre mount. The LE and XLE are offsettable. The Silvan 131 is a centre-mount machine. If you cut along fences and tree lines, offset matters.
- Gearbox at 100hp. The XLE and Jarrett Redback both offer a 100hp gearbox as standard on a 6ft machine. Silvan offers 100hp as an option on the 131.
- Deck thickness. John Berends runs a 6mm body on the HD153; most machines here use 5mm. The Howard Nugget 180 uses 4mm.
The bottom line: for a farm tractor between 40 and 100hp, the LE and XLE give you a galvanised 5mm deck, offset capability and a clear upgrade path from 75hp to 100hp, with published RRP. If you need contractor-grade strength, look at the XHD heavy duty range instead.
Frequently asked questions
What size slasher is best for a 60hp tractor?
A 1.8m (6ft) slasher is the usual match for a 60hp tractor. The Fieldquip LE70C (45–75hp, 75hp gearbox) and XLE70-920C (60–100hp, 100hp gearbox) both suit. Choose the XLE if you slash heavy growth or may upgrade your tractor.
What’s the difference between the Fieldquip LE and XLE?
The XLE has a 100hp gearbox and heavy-duty friction clutch; the LE has a 75hp gearbox. Both share a 5mm galvanised deck, Cat I & II linkage, offset design and the same 1.5m, 1.8m and 2.0m widths. The XLE suits 60–100hp tractors and the LE suits 40–75hp tractors.
What happens if my tractor has more horsepower than the slasher gearbox?
The gearbox can be overloaded when the blades hit a stump, rock or heavy patch. That shock load is a common cause of gearbox failure. Always match the slasher’s gearbox rating to your tractor’s horsepower or go higher.
How much does a 6ft slasher cost in Australia?
A 6ft farm slasher generally costs between about $5,000 and $10,000 depending on gearbox, deck and finish. As of 1 March 2026, the Fieldquip LE70C (1.8m) has an RRP of $7,075 inc GST and the XLE70-920C (1.8m) $7,719 inc GST.
Is a 2m slasher better than a 1.8m slasher?
A 2m slasher covers about 11% more ground per pass, but needs more tractor. The Fieldquip LE80C needs at least 50hp and the XLE80-920C at least 60hp. If your tractor sits at the bottom of its range, the 1.8m will hold speed better in heavy grass.
Can the LE and XLE be offset?
Yes. Both are offsettable, so you can cut close to fences, sheds and tree lines while keeping the tractor clear.
See the LE and XLE ranges
Full specifications and enquiry details are on the LE Series and XLE Series product pages. To find stock near you, use Find a Dealer or call Fieldquip on 1800 454 150.
Comparing more sizes? See our single rotor slasher guide for the full range, the compact Sabre range for smaller tractors, or the XHD heavy duty range for contract work.
Prices are recommended retail prices (RRP) in Australian dollars, including GST, from the Fieldquip retail price list effective 1 March 2026. Prices exclude freight and may change without notice. Confirm current pricing with Fieldquip or your local dealer before purchase. Photos may show optional equipment.
Competitor specifications and prices are drawn from publicly available manufacturer and dealer information as at [publish date] and may have changed since. Check current details with the relevant manufacturer or dealer. All brand names and trademarks belong to their respective owners; Fieldquip is not affiliated with or endorsed by them.
This article is general information only. Machine suitability and performance depend on your tractor, terrain and operating conditions. Always operate equipment within its rated capacity and in line with the operator’s manual.
