Rotary Cutter 7 foot bush hog too big for 44 PTO?

[Kit2821]

So I have read many of the threads that suggest 5 HP at the PTO per foot of rotary cutter. I had planned to purchase a reasonable 6 ft ROtary.

Just found a good deal on a MX-7 which is rated for 50hp at pto minimum. How rigid are these recommendation?

My guess is I'd be ok with the 7ft hog, but I'd just have to mow slower. Thoughts?

 

[Ram4x4]

With 44HP at the PTO you should be fine with a 7 footer.

 

[TripleR]

My L5030 has 44 PTO HP and the manual says it can run a 7'. I run a 6' as I have a 10' on another tractor.

 

[TRR]

I have a 45 pto hp and the dealer wanted me to buy an MX7 but the cost over and MX6 was about $2k so I went with a 6. Since then, I've wondered about getting an 8' or 9' mower. I have seen a 15' bat wing on a trailer connected to a JD 5055E. Don't know if it was being used just for transport or if they actually ran it. Bottom line, you should be fine.

 

[bilrus61]

Well I'll the odd man out here. I think you could use it but you'll end up going at a crawl and gain nothing in the way of saving time. I use a MX6 with a kubota L5040 which is 44 pto hp and I have to slow down in thick stuff with it. New blades and not mowing all that low either. If I'm clipping broomsedge I can buzz right along but heavy fescue...gotta get in 2nd gear. Also all that extra weight back there whamming back and forth won't do your three point hitch very much good. Even my MX 6 makes me whince when I transport it. Oh and both the MX5 and MX6 have had output shaft issues, the shaft breaks and its a $1500 fix! It would appear that it was related to the spanish made gearbox. I've not heard of or seen one with the current chinese made gearbox having this issue. So might ought to check the gearbox and if its a "made in Spain" I would steer clear.

 

[k0ua]

Maybe this chart will help:

TractorData.com - Mowing with tractors

James K0UA

 

[deere5105]

I would recommend staying with a 6' unit. I run a JD MX6 behind my JD 5303 which is rated at 56 HP at PTO. As some have stated, pending what type material you are cutting will have a lot of bearing on how well your tractor handles it. I have run this same MX6 cutter behind my previous JD 5105 that was 46 PTO HP. I don't notice a tremendous difference but will say in thick 2' tall bahia grass you definitely know it's back there. The 7' unit is also a BIG cutter and will be a pretty good load on the 3 PT. If changing I personally would look at an 8' unit over a 7' due to it being shorter in length. Will be curious how you like the MX7 with your set up if you go this route.

 

[RoyJackson]

I'd go with the MX-7...
Worst case is you'll have to slow down or take partial width passes if your tractor bogs.