950, 5ft bushhog overheating

Anomic · Jun 29, 2013

So ive had my 950 for a couple months now (about 20hours) and love it!

Im concerned with the overheating im experiencing when bushhoging. Has never overheated when using it for anything else (box blade, dirt scoop, skidding logs etc)

When bushhogging i am
4wd (brakes are worn out and i have some slopes so it seems safer to help keep me from slidding downhill)
Have weights believe 25olbs on front bracket -- no loader
I usually run in 5 or 6th but have seen overheatting in all gears incuding 2-3 when im in tight areas.
I keep it at "pto rated" rpm marker which is 2150rpm
My field is 8acres and gently slopping. I can run the tractor sideways but like to do up and down to be safer
First cut it was HIGH 3-4' of weeds so i thought that was the problem. This time i hit it at 1.5' and still am overheating
80-90* ambient temp. Have tried working at dusk when its in the 70s but didnt seem to help
Ive usedmthe aircompressor to blow out the vent screens and all around the radiator it was not that dirty
Generall after 30-40 minutes running the dummy light comes on and i idle down and pop the hood open to let it cool down until light goes off usually 10minutes. Then i can run about 15-20 until light comes back on and i have to elt it cool down again!!! A real pain.
The raditor looks newer than the tractor but i have no idea how old. Fluidmin overflow tank looks clean and level goes up when it is warme up

So my questions are
Should the 950 be able to run the bushhog in those conditions without overheting or is it normal?
Is the dummy light accurate orr should i try to install a real gauge?
I tried running it in a lower gear and it dosnt help. Im at minimum rpm to run the mower so cant change operation.
Whats my next step.

Bigfoot62 · Jun 29, 2013

Just don't bush-hog any more!

Seriously now.
It's a small tractor, so it could just be overloaded with the 5' cutter. Have you tried just cutting half the width at a time?
If you've tried that, then it could be a mechanical problem. Here's a few items to check.
You have a 25-35 year old tractor. Could be something as serious as a stopped up radiator core, or as simple as a loose (or slick) fan belt, a bad radiator cap, etc. I would suggest a bad thermostat, but it most likely would overheat at other times.
It's really a shot in the dark. I've seen some really strange things cause overheating.
You need some real numbers on the temp. You could install a mechanical gauge, but it will be easier (and probably cheaper) to pick up an infrared temp gun. They even sell them at HF tools for about $30-40. It's a "no-contact" thermometer that you just "point and shoot." (can be used for lots of things) If you get the temp gun, check the temp of the engine block compared to the top of the radiator, compared to the bottom of the radiator, etc.

farmgirl19 · Jun 29, 2013

I think an air compressor can drive debris deeper into nooks and crannies, thereby plugging things a bit more, just deeper and out of sight. So if using it, blow from the backside toward the front, not the reverse.

Anomic · Jun 29, 2013

Well the fan pulls air really good its not that. Plenty of air coming across the radiator. But first thigs first am i asking to much of the tractor or should it be able to handle that work?

farmgirl19 · Jun 29, 2013

Then I'd follow the advice Bigfoot gave, of trying to mow half swaths and see if it can handle that, without overheating. I can do with the 1050 what you are trying to do, but I have a little more power. So, I'd like to say yours can do it, but will need a bit of "troubleshooting" to know for sure.

I also mow down small mesquites and other 1 inch diameter trees. That is why I think your 950 should handle simple mowing. But I am just extrapolating here.

amaxwell · Jun 29, 2013

I would also suggest trying to cut the grass a little higher for an easier drag on the bushhog and see if that helps,if it does i would think a 5' cutter is too much for the tractor.

Anomic · Jun 29, 2013

Great now i have to buy a new tractor lol. Ill get a heat gun as suggested and see if radiator and motor are same temp. It takes quite a while to hog as is half stripes will take forever! I cut about 6" high and try to hit it before it get much over 2'

farmgirl19 · Jun 29, 2013

It takes me several days to mow 31 acres. I usually run in 4th gear, because I think it makes a prettier cut, than the higher gears. I can always tell when I am close to finished sometimes, and kick it into 5 or 6. When viewed from the house, the swaths are obvious.

I deal with mole mounds, fire ant mounds and sometimes thick weeds and grass. I can still bog a little in 4th, but no overheating issues, if all grills are clean of debris.

Of course, a new tractor sounds fun!

If you cut half swaths, and there is no overheating, then at least you should have your answer.

sal64 · Jun 29, 2013

are we talking a jd950? if so i had the same prob once with my 950 5foot brushhog i mow on steap side hills, also grass about nee high and it was 90 degrees. i really didnt solve the prob i just mow when its cool in the evning never in 4weel.and havent had a prob so far.