Bush Hog question...

[Typhoon]

I just bought my TC29D early in the spring of 2003, and this is my first tractor. It came with a 5ft Bush Hog brand rotary cutter, and when I got the tractor, I had never bush hogged before in my life. So, bush hogging is a whole new world to me. I still have a lot to learn for sure! Here is my question.... The bush hog that I have is the light-duty, 5ft "Razorback". It is considered "light duty" and the manual states that it has a cutting capacity of up to 1" diameter. Now, I understand the major differences between light, medium and heavy duty cutters... i.e. deck thickness, blade thickness, etc. But my question is,,, what actually determines the size limit of what I can cut? For example... the heavy duty cutters have a thicker deck... BUT I have a hard time believing that if I try and tackle something that is 2" in diameter that it is going to damage the deck or the blade. Don't get me wrong, I am careful and I try not to ever get into anything bigger than 1"... but lets face it, when you are hogging around your woods, sometimes you are bound to hit something that is maybe a little bigger than 1". Or maybe you hit a stick laying on the ground that is 2" in diameter or something. So to sum it up, what is the size of some of the stuff that you guys have tackled with a light-duty cutter? Is it going to tear my cutter up if I hit a tree that is 2" in diameter? IM pretty new at this so go easy /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif
Thanks!

 

[RoyJackson]

Personally, if I can run over it, I'll pulverize it with the cutter.
My cutter is a 60" Land Pride..also a "light duty". And I'm running a tractor considerably less powerful then your '29.

If my loader bucket can knock it down or if I can back over it without the cutter trying to climb up at the tail wheel, I'll give it a try.

Of course, you've got to factor in a modicum of common sense when you do this...

 

[nobull1]

I have the same model as you and it came with a L275 that I purchased.When I got it the blades were bent way out of shape and had to be replaced /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif.I have used this for 6 years and cut whatever and have had no problems other than having to sharpen blades and shear pins.I treat my equipment with respect and try not to abuse it but this piece has had it's fair share.Why it is light duty who knows not me ,I didn't until a year ago know that it was /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif.If you use common sense I don't think you can hurt it IMHO

 

[Bird]

I don't think any of us want to recommend that you do something the manufacturer says not to do, but for me, personally, I did it about like Roy Jackson, with both a Bush Hog and a Howse light duty rotary cutters and never broke anything.

 

[rdbrumfield]

The shear keys or slip clutchs are designed to protect the gearing, shaft, and tractor. The biggest problem with the light duty mowers is that the tin wear is a bit light. I use blades that are tipped up at the trailing edge so that the cutting edge cannot dig into the upper deck. I have opened them up like a sardine can. Since, I put in plates on the underside to protect the decking, lasts much better. I would recommend not backing up into the slightest hard brush as you will bend the skirting in the rear.

 

[BB_TX]

I run a 6' Howse light duty and do pretty much like Roy Jackson. If I can flatten it with the FEL so that it will not rake underneath the tractor too much, I will. I had a lot of cedars 2"+ that I backed over. I raise the cutter about 1' off the ground and slowly back over the tree. Then lower the cutter and slowly pull forward. I would not do that with a 2"+ oak or other hardwood. I frequently run over deadfall or driftwood from the creek. My deck shows a slight circle where the blades have contacted, but no damage to speak of.

 

[HayDR]

You have bent you blades and now your cutter will not cut grass as clean as it should. Replace you blades.

 

[BB_TX]

You are probably right to a certain extent. However, I did check the blades both with the cutter standing on edge so I could inspect and sharpen the blades, and also flat on the ground. Both blades hang pretty much evenly and they are not bent up toward the deck. And it still cuts evenly, that is, there is no noticeable difference from one pass to the next. I only mow pasture and ditches, so I don't have a problem yet.

 

[RobS]

Hey BB, you sure that circle on your deck is from the blades hitting or "other flying debris" such as stones, bigger chunks of saplings etc. I've noticed a similar circle on lots of well used brush hogs /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

 

[BB_TX]

Yeah, I am pretty sure it is the blades. It is actually only about a third of a circle. But it is a perfect arc right at the end of the blades. I have some flood plain near my creek and frequently run over large chunks of wood hiding in the grass. I suspect when I hit one of those, the stump jumper flexed enough for the blade(s) to hit the deck on that side.