Bush Hog 296 question

[Rmd8136]

I will use cutter for fire breaks and food plots. I will also be reclaiming some naturally regenerating area that get eat up with sweet gum saplings . These things reproduce like rabbits. I am new to tractors and implements and want to get something that will last. I expect to be cutting 1.5 inch stuff with margin for error in my judgment. I figured if it was rated for 3 inch I should be OK. I called Bush Hog and they claim occasional use for 3 inch. I just felt like for the money (2795 with chains) I was getting good value. I strongly considered the Woods 720x but could not find it that cheap. I also asked Bush Hog about their min PTO rating of 45 HP for the 296. I ended up with JD5065e (53 HP PTO) so I am OK regarding minimum

 

[Piston]

I will use cutter for fire breaks and food plots. I will also be reclaiming some naturally regenerating area that get eat up with sweet gum saplings . These things reproduce like rabbits. I am new to tractors and implements and want to get something that will last. I expect to be cutting 1.5 inch stuff with margin for error in my judgment. I figured if it was rated for 3 inch I should be OK. I called Bush Hog and they claim occasional use for 3 inch. I just felt like for the money (2795 with chains) I was getting good value. I strongly considered the Woods 720x but could not find it that cheap. I also asked Bush Hog about their min PTO rating of 45 HP for the 296. I ended up with JD5065e (53 HP PTO) so I am OK regarding minimum

You made an EXCELLENT decision and will be happy for years to come. Also, at that price, you got a really good deal for a brand new 296 WITH chains. I'm looking at adding chains to mine and its going to run me between 400-500 dollars for front and rear! I'm considering making my own.

 

[JHTFarmer]

No problem lifting that cutter with a chain or sling around the gearbox. That box and its mounting bolts are designed to take the full force of a 130hp PTO chopping down 3 inch trees.

 

[Rmd8136]

Should the plastic shields be anchored (need grease) or be allowed to spin freely?

 

[ssls6]

Should the plastic shields be anchored (need grease) or be allowed to spin freely?

My 286 came with shield chains to anchors the drive shaft shield. I normally don't grease the shield, been doing it this way for the 13 years I've owned it (bought it new for $1800).

 

[Rmd8136]

So the plastic just rides against rotating shaft w/o failure? Mine has plastic grease fittings with no spring loaded dust ball cover. I guess it polishes the surface and there is hardly any friction. Glad to know yours has lasted w/o grease. The dealer was very specific to point out u-joint and tail wheel grease fittings. But no mention of shields. The manual calls them out however. Does not sound critical

 

[deere5105]

So the plastic just rides against rotating shaft w/o failure? Mine has plastic grease fittings with no spring loaded dust ball cover. I guess it polishes the surface and there is hardly any friction. Glad to know yours has lasted w/o grease. The dealer was very specific to point out u-joint and tail wheel grease fittings. But no mention of shields. The manual calls them out however. Does not sound critical

I run a 10 year old JD MX6. Guards secured with chains and may have greased the covers once. Haven't thought much about it. Interesting question.

 

[ssls6]

So the plastic just rides against rotating shaft w/o failure? Mine has plastic grease fittings with no spring loaded dust ball cover. I guess it polishes the surface and there is hardly any friction. Glad to know yours has lasted w/o grease. The dealer was very specific to point out u-joint and tail wheel grease fittings. But no mention of shields. The manual calls them out however. Does not sound critical

When I saw those shield nipples I looked at them and decided a) the shield carries no load, b) nothing is behind to contain the grease, and c) grease caked with dust would do more harm than good. They are there to keep things from winding up around the shaft. If they do need grease then it is really not obvious to me. Keeping them clean seems to make more sense.

 

[Zebrafive]

There is one (Bush Hog 296) with front and rear chains on ebay. Says 2012 with 20hours use for $1950 in Hoxie, Arkansas

 

[fieldman12]

Thanks for the price info. I have a Bush Hog SQ720 which is the cheaper built model that is about 12 years old. It has been a good rotary cutter and my 5055E Deere plays with this 6 footer so you should be just fine.