Rotary Cutter 7 or 8 ft Rotary Mower

[5030]

Good to know, I never shipped anything with curtainside trailer.

Pretty much SOP for hauling steel today, especially when delivering to multiple customers like we did. We might have 5 stops on one trailer every day and tarping and untarping would have been a deal breaker for most of us. When I started there (I worked there around 28 years), we had to tarp everything. When they went to curtainsides, it made everyone's job a whole lot easier. protected the finished material better as well. We used to haul master coils from the mills in Cleveland, Warren, Pa and East Chicago back to Toledo and even with black iron coils, the mills all demanded they were tarped. I remember one time I loaded a master coil at Servistal in Cleveland and the crane operator gave me a hard time about how I wanted to load it. He wanted to load in eye parallel but I wanted it loaded suicide. We went round and round until he went and got his supervisor who told him I owned the coil (the company had pre bought it) and he would load it any way I wanted it loaded or he could clock out and go home. Needless to say, he loaded it the way I wanted it.

Reason why we loaded master coils suicide is we had to unload them ourselves at the warehouse with a 'C' hook and because I was the crane operator at the company end, I loaded all of them the way I preferred. Working for them, not only was I overhead crane certified but hi-lo certified as well. Many times we loaded our own trailers at the plants when there was no crane or forklift operator available.

Even back then, the company ran a JIT operation so we were always on a tight schedule. We did mostly first and second tier automotive and most were on appointment only.

In fact we were at that time, Chrysler's number one supplier for interior steel components and number 3 with Fords.

I could tell some great stories about dealing with unionized auto plants and lazy workers... The old saying, UAW, You Ain't Working, applies.

 

[sandman2234]

This was copied straight from FMCSA's website.​

WIDTH REQUIREMENTS​

The maximum width limit for CMVs on the NN and reasonable access routes was originally established at 102 inches, except for Hawaii where it is 2.74 m (108 inches). (See discussion of Reasonable Access on page 12.) To standardize vehicle width on an international basis, the 102-inch width limit was interpreted to mean the same as its approximate metric equivalent, 2.6 meters (102.36 inches) (Figure 1).

Federal width limits do not apply to special mobile equipment, which consists of self-propelled vehicles not designed or used primar-ily for the transportation of persons or property and only incidentally moved over the highways. Special mobile equipment includes the following, when moving under their own power: military or farm equipment; instruments of husbandry; road construction or maintenance machinery; and emergency apparatus, including police and fire emergency equipment. Federal rules do not require States to issue overwidth permits before allowing operation of special mobile equipment. However, if States wish to allow other vehicles more than 102 inches wide (i.e. non-special mobile equipment) to operate on the NN, then States must issue special overwidth permits.

The width is 102 or the metric equivalent of 102.36, however 104 may be allowed by your state without permits. So just because you got away with it, or it wasn't enforced, doesn't make it law.
David from jax

 

[sandman2234]

Also note:
Tarping systems for open top trailers or semitrailers are excluded provided no part of the system extends more than 3 inches from the sides or back of the vehicle.


On the O/P question,
I own and haul a Bush Hog 3008 twin spindle mower. I haul it around town a lot, but two or three times a year I haul it to our property in Georgia. I have not been stopped for the over width issue, but to make things clear, my F350 and Big Tex trailer are not commercial, do not carry DOT numbers, and are for my own personal use, so are not required to enter into weigh stations that I pass in Florida and Georgia.
The 3008 twin spindle mows a very clean cut path, so much better than my 6 foot bush hog. I haven't used a 7 foot mower in many, many years, but I remember the cut of mine to be rougher than the 6 footer. Was it because of the condition of the blades or just how that particular mower cut, I can't say. However, on several occasions, I have been complimented on the cut left by the twin spindle 3008.
At this point, I would suggest asking your local law enforcement officer for a little guidance, but I learned the hard way that a lot of time, what they tell you one week, isn't going to fly a few weeks later.
I probably should go out and measure my 8 foot cutter.
David from jax

 

[BackRoad]

If you're running a batwing, you must have enough tractor to operate a 7' or 8' rotary mower. Personally, I would go with the bigger size, if your tractor and trailer will handle it. You're not going to be stopped if you drive sane, and size does matter with mowers. You would gain a foot for every pass and eliminate a pass about every 6th or 7th with the bigger mower.

My experience is rotary mowers (bush hogs, brush hogs, slashers) benefit most from the momentum of high mass blades for knock down power. My belief is it is maximized with a single spindle turning bigger blades rather that dual spindles turning smaller, lower mass blades.

Finish mowers work well with multiple spindles. I've got an 8' (3) spindle finish mower that cuts smooth and close like a lawn mower. It all depends on what your requirements are...Just my view

I use a 60 hp Kubota MX6000 to operate a 7' Woods BB84 (Brush Bull 84") single spindle rotary mower. It's smooth and purrs at 540 RPM. I don't take it after much more than 2 to 2 1/2 inch brush or saplings. I use the grapple to rip out anything bigger to get rid of roots.

Pictured below, the scrub bushes in the background were later pulled with the grapple. I'm backing into the weeds to cut so the end of season seed chaff doesn't clog the radiator. But pulling it for normal field mowing, you don't even know it's attached...no vibration, it just hummms along!

 

[sandman2234]

My experience is rotary mowers (bush hogs, brush hogs, slashers) benefit most from the momentum of high mass blades for knock down power. My belief is it is maximized with a single spindle with 2 bigger blades rather that dual spindles turning smaller, lower mass blades.

Finish mowers work well with multiple spindles. I've got an 8' (3) spindle finish mower that cuts smooth and close like a lawn mower. It all depends on what your requirements are...Just my view

If you're running a batwing, you must have enough tractor to operate a 7' or 8'. Personally, I would go with the bigger size, if your tractor and trailer will handle it. You're not going to be stopped if you drive sane, and size does matter with mowers. You would gain a foot for every pass and eliminate a pass about every 6th or 7th with the bigger mower.

I use a 60 hp Kubota MX6000 to operate my 7' Woods BB84 (Brush Bull 84") rotary mower. It's smooth and purrs at 540 RPM.

While I agree with your first paragraph, my Bush Hog 3008 using twin spindles far outperforms a 6 foot mower as far as cutting size and quality of cut. (I can compare a 6, as I own one) The blades on that unit are serious blades, not the typical lighter weight blades found on most brush cutters purchased by homeowners. The momentum of the blades cutting a smaller circumference is also regulated by blade tip speed which allows the same blade to cover the area being cut more often than a single spindle.
I pull a Bush Hog 3008 with an M7040 and it is so much better than my Howse 6 footer, that it isn't even worth comparing. The cut is better, the capacity of the cut is better and the time savings of cutting two feet wider is worth its weight in gold.
David from jax

 

[BackRoad]

I've always respected your insight and contributions Mr. David...!

 

[Hay Dude]

This was copied straight from FMCSA's website.​

WIDTH REQUIREMENTS​

The maximum width limit for CMVs on the NN and reasonable access routes was originally established at 102 inches, except for Hawaii where it is 2.74 m (108 inches). (See discussion of Reasonable Access on page 12.) To standardize vehicle width on an international basis, the 102-inch width limit was interpreted to mean the same as its approximate metric equivalent, 2.6 meters (102.36 inches) (Figure 1).

Federal width limits do not apply to special mobile equipment, which consists of self-propelled vehicles not designed or used primar-ily for the transportation of persons or property and only incidentally moved over the highways. Special mobile equipment includes the following, when moving under their own power: military or farm equipment; instruments of husbandry; road construction or maintenance machinery; and emergency apparatus, including police and fire emergency equipment. Federal rules do not require States to issue overwidth permits before allowing operation of special mobile equipment. However, if States wish to allow other vehicles more than 102 inches wide (i.e. non-special mobile equipment) to operate on the NN, then States must issue special overwidth permits.

The width is 102 or the metric equivalent of 102.36, however 104 may be allowed by your state without permits. So just because you got away with it, or it wasn't enforced, doesn't make it law.
David from jax

If you have an F-360, you can defy Federal laws and tow a 104” trailer.
All the rest of us are restricted to 102”

I know, because I have driven CDL trucks for 30 years, and continue to do so today.

 

[Hay Dude]

This was copied straight from FMCSA's website.​

WIDTH REQUIREMENTS​

The maximum width limit for CMVs on the NN and reasonable access routes was originally established at 102 inches, except for Hawaii where it is 2.74 m (108 inches). (See discussion of Reasonable Access on page 12.) To standardize vehicle width on an international basis, the 102-inch width limit was interpreted to mean the same as its approximate metric equivalent, 2.6 meters (102.36 inches) (Figure 1).

Federal width limits do not apply to special mobile equipment, which consists of self-propelled vehicles not designed or used primar-ily for the transportation of persons or property and only incidentally moved over the highways. Special mobile equipment includes the following, when moving under their own power: military or farm equipment; instruments of husbandry; road construction or maintenance machinery; and emergency apparatus, including police and fire emergency equipment. Federal rules do not require States to issue overwidth permits before allowing operation of special mobile equipment. However, if States wish to allow other vehicles more than 102 inches wide (i.e. non-special mobile equipment) to operate on the NN, then States must issue special overwidth permits.

The width is 102 or the metric equivalent of 102.36, however 104 may be allowed by your state without permits. So just because you got away with it, or it wasn't enforced, doesn't make it law.
David from jax

I tried to tell Mr “104 inch” aka “F-360” aka “former trucker” aka “farmer”, that Ag equipment can be over-width (>102”) and he does not think ag can be over 102”.

I have had 100’s of cops watch me roll down the road 11’-12’ wide with large ag equipment, and not one has done anything but wave to me.

So there’s that. Otherwise all good!

 

[sandman2234]

I tried to tell Mr “104 inch” aka “F-360” aka “former trucker” aka “farmer”, that Ag equipment can be over-width (>102”) and he does not think ag can be over 102”.

I have had 100’s of cops watch me roll down the road 11’-12’ wide with large ag equipment, and not one has done anything but wave to me.

So there’s that. Otherwise all good!

Yeah, I didn’t even want to step into "Ag" because it isn't in my wheelhouse. I only know what I know, but 102 is something I know!
David from jax

 

[dieselscout80]

This was copied straight from FMCSA's website.​

WIDTH REQUIREMENTS​

The maximum width limit for CMVs on the NN and reasonable access routes was originally established at 102 inches, except for Hawaii where it is 2.74 m (108 inches). (See discussion of Reasonable Access on page 12.) To standardize vehicle width on an international basis, the 102-inch width limit was interpreted to mean the same as its approximate metric equivalent, 2.6 meters (102.36 inches) (Figure 1).

Federal width limits do not apply to special mobile equipment, which consists of self-propelled vehicles not designed or used primar-ily for the transportation of persons or property and only incidentally moved over the highways. Special mobile equipment includes the following, when moving under their own power: military or farm equipment; instruments of husbandry; road construction or maintenance machinery; and emergency apparatus, including police and fire emergency equipment. Federal rules do not require States to issue overwidth permits before allowing operation of special mobile equipment. However, if States wish to allow other vehicles more than 102 inches wide (i.e. non-special mobile equipment) to operate on the NN, then States must issue special overwidth permits.

The width is 102 or the metric equivalent of 102.36, however 104 may be allowed by your state without permits. So just because you got away with it, or it wasn't enforced, doesn't make it law.
David from jax

I didn’t know about that .36” might save me someday.

And thanks for the quote.