Mowing 7 Foot Mowing Deck

[Ryang]

I'm getting ready to purchase a TC45DA with FEL and wanted to know if I could hook up a 7 ft mowing deck to the tractor or would it be to heavy? I'm looking at a medium duty.

Thanks
Ryan

 

[PineRidge]

Ryan a 7' deck would do just fine with your NH.

 

[LeadPoison]

I would double check your manual's max weight for a cutter.

My 54 HP (M4900) only is rated to 1200 pounds for a cutter. I run a 6 foot Woods BB720 (6 footer) and it weighs 1140. It is a medium duty cutter. A 7 foot cutter really extends the weight far behind the tractor. Make sure you have lots of weight upfront or a loader.

 

[Soundguy]

Wow that's light...( load limit).. My ex NH 1920 did 1800 24" rear of the balls.. 33 hp tractor.. Keep in mind that the tractor will only feel all the weight when the mower is lifted...

Soundguy

 

[FamilyFarm]

Rotary cutter rating and 3 pt rating two different things.

 

[Soundguy]

Rotary cutter rating and 3 pt rating two different things.

Are you refering to weight or HP?

His 39 pto hp machine should be able to deliver over 5hp per foot to the mower. By most rules of thumb.. that should be adequate+.

I would also hope that lift wise.. that the mower should be well within the weight on the 3pt.

If you are refering to some other variable, please clarify your answer.

The CUT NH tractor I traded was rated for a 6' mower.. and was a 33hp machine.. of which about 30 was pto. I can't help but think a tractor with 12 more eng hp and 10 more pto hp should be more than adequate for a 7' 3pt mower.


Soundguy

 

[FamilyFarm]

I can only speak regarding Kubota as that is all I have owned. In the manual for each tractor, there is a stated maximum for each implement, both width and weight. I'm not saying the tractor might not handle more than that, but that is their "safe" rating. For instance, my L5030, which is 43 pto hp, tractor weighs 4100 lbs (no implements), it is rated for 84"/1058 lbs. rotary cutter. The L3130/L3430 models are rated for 72"/770 lbs. The L3830L4330/L4630 models are rated for 72"/926 lbs. Obviously the 3 pt system on any of these tractors will pickup more weight than that.
Terry

 

[Soundguy]

Cool.. and since he has a nh and not a kubota.. I can see we still need to see his tractors recomended specs.

Soundguy

 

[firemanpat2910]

One thing to think about is if you plan on trailering this set up. My Ford will run a 72" bush hog all day with no problems. Lifting high enough to clear the ground with the tail wheel when ever I want but when putting it on the trailer it likes to do wheelies.

 

[Farmwithjunk]

Many variables must be considered. Power-wise, you PROBABLY have enough tractor for MOST mowing conditions. But that wasn't the question. Your concern is weight. Then there's design (brand) of mowers to consider. A 7' mower is an anomily. The difference between 5' and 6' is insignificant compared to the difference between 6' and 7'. I've owned in the last few years, a 6' Woods mower, a 7' Woods mower, a 6' Bush Hog mower, an 8' (twin spindle) Bush Hog mower and a 10' Bush Hog cutter (also twin spindle). The 8' and 10' mowers FELT lighter than the 7'er. That has to do with how far back the weight extends. The 10' Bush Hog was almost 600 lbs heavier, but the same tractor handled it MUCH better. (reason why I don't still have it? It was worn out and J.U.N.K. when I bought it used) When shopping for the new 7'er, I noticed some brands hitch points were different. Woods gives you more clearance between the leading edge of the mower deck and the tractors tires. ( I was told that's for clearance for their front chain guards) The end result is the mower extends back ANOTHER few inches over one that's closer coupled. In the Woods line, I've also noticed that there's a marked difference in weight of the tail wheel supporting structure. The 7' model (even with single tail wheel) is heavier than their 6' model. That few pounds makes a difference too. My 7'er has dual tailwheels, adding a few MORE pounds to an already tail-heavy mower.

Consider what sort of mowing you're doing. Extreme rough ground, hilly ground, or small areas where you'll be lifting the mower off the ground quite a bit might dictate how much weight is safe and how much is too much. When the mower is in the "down" position, it doesn't make that much difference. It's when you have it lifted, with tailwheel off the ground, that things get dicey. (Relatively) Flat ground is an advantage when packing around a big heavy cutter.

Another thing to consider. Do you trailer your tractor/mower? I stay with 6 and 7 foot cutters for transport width issues. I trailer mine to take care of several properties belonging to our family. (Lucky me...! Given responsibility of caring for property in a family trust) When loading the 7' mower (on a well weighted tractor I might add) it has a tendency to make the front wheels reach for the sky when topping the trailer ramps. Not exactly a re-assuring feeling sometimes. (Especially when the trailer is on a slightly out-of-level spot)

I'm just about to the point of discontinuing use of the 7' mower, in favor of the 6'ers exclusively. The 1' difference doesn't amount to that much time. Other option is buying a 10' pull-type, and leaving it at the site where I need to mow.