Rotary Cutter Can i brush hog it?

[brs077]

Hey all, I've got a 2014 NH workmaster 40 and a lot of thick brush to clear. As you can see in the picture, this is the tractor parked in the middle of what I'd like to clear. Most of it is less than 1.5" thick, but it is dense. Will this tractor be strong enough to pull a rotary cutter big enough to clear it?

Regardless, I've been looking at cutters and the Rhino 172 and Woods BB72x are both available nearby, as is the NH model. All three are similarly priced and slip clutch driven, with similar specs. Does one have a better track record? The WM40 has a 3ph lift capacity of 1300 lbs, and is 38 hp, 31hp at the pto. Would the loader be enough ballast, or would I need additional weight up front? Any other questions I should be asking?

 

[bumperm]

I think it'll cut it. May have to take it slow. Just make sure the rear of the cutter's rear deck is higher than the front so it doesn't tend to bog the cutter down so much.

 

[Wagtail]

G'day and welcome to TBN from Downunder.

The FEL with the bucket will be enough ballast although, with that amount of bush, I'd go for suitcase weights up front to get you visibility. Even if you've already walked the area you're planning on slashing (and I HOPE you have... there's no telling what nastiness is hiding in there) the perspective is different from the seat of your rig.

Best of luck & enjoy the site, Mate.

 

[LD1]

That's what a bush hog is made to do. I personally like leaving the loader on and running it low but curled back. The heal of the bucket will detect things you don't want to mow over with adequate time to stop.

 

[TripleR]

We've cut lots of brush that bad and worse with 3"+ saplings using a LP RCR2672 and Woods DS1260, as mentioned, hat's what appropriately sized cutters are designed to do. I also use my FEL as "feeler" and protector, also hand to help you back if your front wheels drop into a ditch, ravine etc. Be sure to keep your screens clean.

 

[Utopia Texas]

You are only going to have to go slow the first cutting to get rid of the thick brush and for safety. Once you get a feel of the property and have the larger plants down a once in a while mow will be much easier with that sized tractor. I've mowed property that thick with a Ford 8N though I had to cut trees down over 2" in diameter first with a chain saw and then mow over them on the ground. Just go slow and easy the first time.

 

[Gary Fowler]

I used a light duty Howse bush hog to cut material that size and larger using a Yanmar 4220 (42 HP engine) with no issue with the equipment. You just have to go slow especially when you approach a large sapling. Let the BH blades slowly eat into it to cut it then walk over it slowly. Be prepared to lift the BH up when going over larger trees and slowly lower it down onto the limbs so it eats them slowly. Use the FEL to bend everything over so nothing touches the tractors steering rods. Most CUT have them in front of the axles for some reason which is a dangerous spot for them when in heavy brush.

 

[breadtrk]

I started with this.

And this is the first part done.

Go slow with the bucket low. Did this with an LS XR3037 and a Fred Cain 5 footer.

 

[k0ua]

We've cut lots of brush that bad and worse with 3"+ saplings using a LP RCR2672 and Woods DS1260, as mentioned, hat's what appropriately sized cutters are designed to do. I also use my FEL as "feeler" and protector, also hand to help you back if your front wheels drop into a ditch, ravine etc. Be sure to keep your screens clean.

Dang! That is really covered. What were you in to? Some sort of weeds?

 

[LD1]

Dang! That is really covered. What were you in to? Some sort of weeds?

Get lots of that in my area too hogging. Especially in the fall. Not sure if the names are correct or if its a regional thing, but goldenrod and ragweed are what does it around here mostly.

Cleaning the radiator and grill is kinda standard procedure for me now. When I see the temp gauge start creeping above normal, I know its time to stop and clean. Sometimes thats once every 15 minutes, other times I can mow all day and no issues. I actually prefer to mow early mornings or after a light rain. Seems to help with the issue.