Bush Hogging

[durganman]

I recently acquired via inheritance a small farm that has about 19 acres in fescue. There is also a MF 135 (gas) tractor and nearly new bushhog. The fields a essentially level with gentle sloping in places.

My problem is that I have never used a tractor with bush hog. I used a red belly Ford with plow and disk 40 years ago but have not sit on a tractor since.

What gear should I use when bushhogging?

The tractor has a two stage clutch. Do I need an overiding clutch.

Is there anything in particular I need to watch for?

Thanks in advance for your help.

 

[hazmat]

Welcome to tbn!

I'm not familiar with your MF tractor, but generally speaking a two stage clutch means that if you push it in halfway, you disengage the transmission, push it in all the way and you disengage the PTO (in addition to the trans).

The over-running clutches are for tractors that do not have an "independent" PTO. These tractors generally only have a single stage clutch. The momentum of the bush hog would backfeed the trans & the tractor will keep moving forward even though you've pressed in the clutch.

So you probably don't need the clutch, but I'll defer to someone who is familiar with the MF 135.

As far as what gear, start slow & work your way up untill either the tractor is bogging down, or you reach an unsafe speed. Kind of trial and error.

A couple suggestions.

1. Try to find the operator's manual for the tractor. You might be able to order a reprint from MF or try Ebay.

2. Assuming your property is in a rural area, invite your neighborhood farmer over for a couple hours to "show you the ropes". Be sure to thank him for his time with a homecooked meal etc.

3. Be safe. Consider adding a ROPS (Roll Over Protection System) to the tractor if it doesn't have one. Your local co-op extension might have a program that makes this more affordable.

4. Keep asking questions here on tbn. Be sure to try the search feature - lots of great info in the "archives"

 

[Indydirtfarmer]

No need for the over-running clutch. The 135 massey has "live power" PTO which eliminates the need for that clutch.

I would suggest starting out in low range/ 3rd gear. Adjust up or down as needed from there. The Massey Ferguson 135 is/was the finest small utility tractor EVER made. There are more modern one, but no BETTER.