Bush Hog advice

[IslandTractor]

Dealer emphasized that the tractor would get light in the front end when hogging uphill, with the 3ph.

That is only true if you have the mower lifted off the ground or have the toplink tight. A rotary mower is designed to carry about half it's weight on the tailwheel. There is some weight on the side links but those are pretty close to the rear axle and wouldn't have much lever arm to unweight the front wheels.

 

[Redgoatea]

I have some very hilly terrain that I've been discovering with my 6' BH. I have my tires set four inches wider than the hog so I won't snag unseen objects in the brush. I'm also glad the hog isn't wider as I've already scalped a fair bit of bumps, mole hills and rugged terrain. The second I hit something (stumps, branches, a half buried bucket) I just raise the 3pt BH.

Can you raise a pull along when it starts chewing into things that are bad for it?

 

[TripleR]

I have some very hilly terrain that I've been discovering with my 6' BH. I have my tires set four inches wider than the hog so I won't snag unseen objects in the brush. I'm also glad the hog isn't wider as I've already scalped a fair bit of bumps, mole hills and rugged terrain. The second I hit something (stumps, branches, a half buried bucket) I just raise the 3pt BH.

Can you raise a pull along when it starts chewing into things that are bad for it?

You may not be able to on some of the older ones, but mine is hydraulically controlled, so just hit the lever like on a three-point.

I am not advocating one over the other, just pointing out things to consider. Conditions and even personal preference will play a part in which one someone prefers.

 

[beppington]

If the fields are that wild you MUST, I say MUST have a filter-screen before the radiator or you will overheat the engine with all the crud that is vacuumed up.

I can attest that the filter-screen in my Kubota has been used to the hilt ... moreso than I ever realized it would be when I first got it. I was bush hogging 5'-6' weedy stuff with "whispy" tops. Those whispy tops were getting sucked right on to the filter-screen. I was shocked at how completely packed the filter-screen was the first time I looked at it. Now I check it more frequently.

 

[beppington]

A wide deck will scalp high spots on uneven ground, doesnt do much good for the blades.

I don't think bush hog blades are actually sharp even when new, are they? And, the blades are on shackles. I've never had any problems when the blades have hit dirt. Probably better if you don't, I guess, but no problems so far.

 

[Redgoatea]

You may not be able to on some of the older ones, but mine is hydraulically controlled, so just hit the lever like on a three-point.

I am not advocating one over the other, just pointing out things to consider. Conditions and even personal preference will play a part in which one someone prefers.

I can't advocate for one over the other as I didn't even know they made pull alongs. Hence my question. The dealers around me don't carry them that I've ever seen and none of my neighbors or friends have one. Sounds interesting but I use my BH as my ballast.

 

[TripleR]

I can attest that the filter-screen in my Kubota has been used to the hilt ... moreso than I ever realized it would be when I first got it. I was bush hogging 5'-6' weedy stuff with "whispy" tops. Those whispy tops were getting sucked right on to the filter-screen. I was shocked at how completely packed the filter-screen was the first time I looked at it. Now I check it more frequently.

When mowing this kind of stuff, I often keep a leaf blower handy and about mid day, pop the hood and blow everything out. For a complete cleaning I will then use an air compressor when I finish or before I start in the morning.

I don't think bush hog blades are actually sharp even when new, are they? And, the blades are on shackles. I've never had any problems when the blades have hit dirt. Probably better if you don't, I guess, but no problems so far.

No, they sure aren't sharp when new and don't need to be. I have checked them on all the new ones we have bought and the ones our neighbors bought and they are pretty dull. I have found it next to impossible not to "mow some dirt" when bush hogging and occasionally get into some gravel crushed stone, no matter which size you are using. I imagine a person can if they are not worried about how long a job takes and is very, very careful, but follow any of the farmers around in my area and you will see where they have grounded out from time to time. I have gone through almost an entire season with my Woods DS1260 and Land Pride RCR2672 and neither need sharpening yet and I have mowed a LOT of trees, brush, dirt and some rocks. The blades are very tough. Yes, I still cringe when I bottom out, but it is just part of doing business sometimes.

I can't advocate for one over the other as I didn't even know they made pull alongs. Hence my question. The dealers around me don't carry them that I've ever seen and none of my neighbors or friends have one. Sounds interesting but I use my BH as my ballast.

I personally can't see any real use/need for a pull type cutter under eight feet as the weight difference is just not enough to make that much difference. We went with a pull type because of the weight of the DS1260 or any medium/heavy duty cutter. One of the reasons for the older pull type cutters was because some tractors did not have a three-point hitch.

 

[Transit]

Here is another surprise, there are also front mounted mowers.

 

[TripleR]

Have you considered a flail mower? There are some really good threads on here about them and the weight distribution may be better for steep hills. leonz and some others swear by them. I have never used one. You might want to check them out.

 

[beppington]

Have you considered a flail mower? There are some really good threads on here about them and the weight distribution may be better for steep hills. leonz and some others swear by them. I have never used one. You might want to check them out.

I swear by them :thumbsup: ... for the right usage, that is. My dad's Caroni TM1900 doesn't "feel" like you should use it to try to cut the same size diameter saplings as a bush hog, so I do use the bush hog when bigger brush is involved. It does work great for cutting regular grass, very thick grass, tall weeds, very small saplings, & the results generally look like a lawn. In fact, when cutting a lawn with it, it makes the lawn look great.

Not the same flail mower as my dad's, but here are two videos that show exactly the results I get:

YouTube - FLAIL Mower HD by Tytan
YouTube - "Perfect" Model KP compact Flail Mower