Rotary Cutter mower sizing question

red alder ranch · Jul 31, 2011

I just bought a Yanmar 3220D, and depending on which specs you read, it is either a 32 or a 35 HP engine. I need a brush hog, pretty much right away, and I was wondering what size of mower this tractor can reasonably run. I found an older 6' mower in good shape on Craigslist not far away for $625, but his ad says it is for 35 HP and up, which would put my tractor right at the bottom end of being able to use it. Usually I would rather have a little more "slack" than that. Is it reasonable to expect this tractor to run a 6' mower comfortably? The PTO is a four speed, if that helps me out at all.

thanks!

Wolfy · Jul 31, 2011

Your tractor is probably a 32 hp. The higher figure is the gross hp, a useless real world figure. But even a 30 hp should run a 6 ft mower.

red alder ranch · Jul 31, 2011

thanks. I've been reading all the related threads I can find, and it looks like some of the issues with smaller tractors and larger mowers are not just about the HP required to spin the thing, but also the weight of the tractor and the lifting capacity of the three point. In those areas, I think I've got room to spare. And I rarely cut anything much tougher than blackberries and other soft brush anyway. I'm not usually trying to take down saplings of any size with the mower.

Wolfy · Jul 31, 2011

If the mower is close by, maybe you try it first.

merlintractor · Jul 31, 2011

Wolfy said:
Your tractor is probably a 32 hp. The higher figure is the gross hp, a useless real world figure. But even a 30 hp should run a 6 ft mower.

Agree...Your PTO hp is probably about 30; should be ok to run a 6' mower.