Brush Hog Woes

[R-G]

I have been looking for a 6'er, in my area for 2 weeks now with no luck.
Didnt think it would be all that difficult, 5'ers seem to be all i can find within my budget of 1000.00. A 7'er would be the perfect width and h/p range for the tractor but they are too pricey and huge. After reading the safety forums and reading a few horror stores about them maybe ide be better off with a 5'er, a bit smaller to drag around and would take a few more passes to get the job done but a little peace of mind might be the best for me. This being my first tractor i am second guessing myself about it and really dont know what to do. As for safety ill be adding a ROP through the link provided on this site, will be adding stay bars to keep it under control. What do you experienced people think about this? Sorry about the rambling but i dont want to make the wrong decision and regret it later.........................

 

[Z-Michigan]

Definitely support your decision to add ROPS and 3ph stabilizers. If you have an option, I would recommend the telescoping stabilizers - same type that comes standard on most CUTs (Kubota, NH, etc.). Having the telescoping option will make implement hook-up easier.

7' brushhog is getting pretty big. 6' isn't too bad. Not sure what your local dealer (stealer?) options are but you should be able to find reasonable quality 6' cutters in the $1000 or less range. The Heritage from Woods should be that range, a Frontier RC1072 might be, and the Farm Force line now at TSC also would probably be sub $1000.

 

[JoeinTX]

R-G, if that is your tractor in the picture (didn't check your profile) then 6' is the most you should look for it.


To that, I am surprised that you aren't seeing any 6', 3pt rigs new in the $8-900 range. Check on-line and see about an order. I see new 6-footers from BH, Rhino, Woods, etc in this range for a medium duty unit. Go Howse or KingKutter and it could be less.

I bought my 5' brand new in 2005 on the web and paid $100 per foot for it. Steel prices are high, but not that high.

 

[Ford850]

R-G, Looks like you have a Ford 871. I've used a 6 foot king Kutter on my ford 850 for several years. The 6 footer is all I can handle on the 850 due to it's weight, but it does a good job covering the tractor's tracks. I made check chains running from the lower pins on the mower to the top link on the tractor to hold the weight while mowing. Power is no problem with it though. Those 800's are good old tractors.
One other thing to look at prior to buying... find out what the lowest cut height is for the mower. KK jumps from a 2" minimum cut on their 5', to a 4" minimum cut on the 6'. I would like to cut lower than 4" at times, but can't.

 

[R-G]

Ive been checking local places and internet, cheapest i have come across is 1600.00. Although there is a bunch our west would be very expensive to ship. I guess east coast prices are higher, in the meantime grass is still getting taller at camp. Yes thats my tractor in avatar pic, its my first and i love the fact that so many things can be done with it, if i can find the right attachments lol. Im hooked!!

Ford850, Ill check the cutting heights, thanks for the tip.

 

[scott_vt]

Mornin R-G,
I see your partly in Ct, keep your eyes open in the Bargain News ! They pop up from time to time !

 

[RoyJackson]

Check craigslist.org under Farm and Garden.
I was going to link the site, but it keeps defaulting to the York, PA link.

 

[Z-Michigan]

If you have a pickup or a flatbed trailer, or can rent one, take a drive west or south and you will be able to find what you're looking for sub $1000.

I continue to be puzzled at the apparently large disparity in tractor and implement pricing between New England and everywhere else.

 

[R-G]

I continue to be puzzled at the apparently large disparity in tractor and implement pricing between New England and everywhere else.

Tell me about it!! If i had the time i would load up and head west, but thats not an option i can do. I have found 2 that im going to look at today, a new squealer for 1650.00 and a new landpride RCR25 with rubber guards for
1853.00. Plus tax. I have seen a few on e-bay that are 1/2 the price, imported from ITALY? Found new KK (1340.00) but lowest it cuts is 4". Im getting tired of looking, might as well bite the bullet and spend the going rate for 1 around here.

 

[Soundguy]

I agree.. 6' is the best choice for that 8xx, especially if you get into 'heavy'. It would probably spin a 7' drag fine.. till it got thick..

Soundguy