Horsepower for 6 foot Brush hog?

[CharlieS]

Short answer is no. 24 hp at the pto isn't near enough. Several years ago we tried a 6ft on 32 pto hp, mowing moderate grass. tractor would choke down in all but the slowest speeds.
Now with 45 pto hp In heavy mowing of tall grass or heavy brush i can still choke the tractor when with a 6 foot deck.

 

[EddieWalker]

I have a 6 foot cutter with 35 engine hp. I have enough power to run the mower, but when I live the mower, my front tires become very light. I need 100 pounds of counter weight on the front bumper so I can steer!!!!!

Eddie

 

[wcampbell47]

I attached a 7' dual spindle mower (bush hog sq84t) to my B3200 (23 pto hp, 32 engine hp) and used it in heavy salt grass here on the coast. The front end was light but steerable when the mower was lifted. When mowing I listened to the mower and engine and slowed my forward speed when the mower hit a tough patch of grass. Otherwise I ran in Low Range with the propel pedal all the way down at 2400 RPM.

I would not drive off into scrub with this combination. I would tackle moderate grass all day. The same tractor drives my 4' Land Pride finish mower with more than enough power.

Look at this chart to see if it helps.

TractorData.com - Mowing with tractors

 

[Mickey_Fx]

A lot depends upon the mower. Can your tractor handle the weight of the 6' model you have in mind? Second and is important IF you have heavy grass to mow. How well does the deck design clear mowed grass from out under the deck. Either of these things can make a BIG difference.

 

[LD1]

I have a 6 foot cutter with 35 engine hp. I have enough power to run the mower, but when I live the mower, my front tires become very light. I need 100 pounds of counter weight on the front bumper so I can steer!!!!!

Eddie

Mine is the same case.

I have 34HP engine (29PTO)...and it is pleanty to run the 6' cutter at a decient speed. But I have a lighter kubota, and leaving the FEL ON is a must.

 

[grnspot110]

I use an old JD 5' cutter on my JD 790, works well with my tractor. I had a 7' Rhino when I bought the 790, carried it about 1/4 mile to load it when I sold it. More weight than the 790's 3-pt really needed! ~~ grnspot

 

[jshwhite]

Yep, I agree on the 5ft. It does make a difference what type of stuff you are cutting, but I still wouldn't go over 5ft. I have 37hp and run a 6ft. When I hit heavy stuff, it can bog down easily.

 

[Mudfarmer]

Thanks Guys
I'll stick with the five foot. Maybe save some bucks by hauling the one I've got between two places. As for the four foot, when it hits an obstruction with the little Kubota B7100 (18horse) it lugs down the engine and gives me time to ease off. With the JD 3005 the shear pin breaks before I even notice that the mower is struggling- try mowing half an acre with a broken sheer pin. Best to right size the implement. That's why I asked.
Mf

 

[kubotakid USA]

NO LESS than 40hp diesel

 

[LD1]

NO LESS than 40hp diesel

Is that 40HP engine, or 40HP drawbar?

What about a gas tractor?