A Tractor Without Attachments Is Just a Slow Ride to the Mailbox

[DavidVT]

I have a 60" deck on my brush hog and am happy how that works behind by 3430.
I don't have the check chains yet and am thinking it would help how the deck goes over the small hills and valleys on my property. My point is learn about the extra bit and parts to make the brush hog shine!

Then again, looking at that photo, it could have been taken on my property. Two horses (inexpensive pasture pets) keep that better looking that I can with the tractor!!!

 

[have_blue]

I believe my tractor's 36h.p. PTO would run a 72" without a problem although both my brother-in-laws who have considerable experience with commercial quality equipment say you need at least 40h.p. at the PTO to be happy with the larger mower.
With these thoughts in mind which would you buy?
Used - Bush Hog 285 60 Deck 750lbs ($1000 1300)
New Bush Hog SQ172 72 Deck 750lbs ($1000 1300)

I have the SQ172. Your tractor will pull it fine. It's a great compromise between weight and duty rating. The gear box, deck, and blades are heavy enough to last forever if not abused, yet the machine isn't too heavy for 35hp PTO tractors. Keep the blades extra sharp and the deck an inch low in the front, and I promise you will be impressed with the quality of cut. The hitch pins are so wide apart, there is no problem with the skids gouging when turning corners. Therefore, you can cut very low compared to most rotary cutters. I think the manual says 1"!

And believe me, that extra 1 foot width cuts way down on your mowing time.

 

[scott_vt]

First, I appreciate everyone taking the time to post replies. After a couple hours of reading TBN posts, I'm 95% sure I am going to by a Bush Hog. Reasons for this decision are: reputation for durability and a quality cut, lasting value and if I can't find one used there is a dealer in town.
Having reached this conclusion I still am unsure what model and size will meet my current and long-term needs. I have narrowed the playing field down to the Bush Hog Squealer or the 280-series cutters. I like the BH Squealer because of the lighter weight and cost; the 280-series has a heavy duty (110 vs. 65 h.p.) gearbox and comes with standard slip-clutch.
My biggest concern is size, 5-foot vs. 6-foot. Other then the time spent cutting a large field, is there ANY reason to buy a larger deck? The smaller deck just covers my rear wheel tracks so that is not a factor. Also the property has several small hills and gullies and several fence/tree rows to mow around. Based on other TBN member comments, I believe my tractor's 36h.p. PTO would run a 72" without a problem although both my brother-in-laws who have considerable experience with commercial quality equipment say you need at least 40h.p. at the PTO to be happy with the larger mower.
With these thoughts in mind which would you buy?
Used - Bush Hog 285 60 Deck 750lbs ($1000 1300)
New Bush Hog SQ172 72 Deck 750lbs ($1000 1300)

Good Afternoon Beltzington,
I have used the Bush Hog Squealer 60" behind my Massey 1040 for years and it has been a great combination. The only drawback is that my mower doesnt entirely cover my rear tires. My Massey 1040 has 28 PTO Hp and it runs the 60" mower fine in most places. The only time it gives the tractor a real workout is on the steep hills mowing through some thicker spots ! I think you would be fine with the bigger mower with the additional 8 PTO Hp. My mower is a light duty unit which is fine for what I have to mow on my property. I have even pushed back the hedgerow lines a bit which meant I had to mow some small saplings and had no problem doing that.

So I guess my vote is for the larger mower on your machine !

 

[SouthernX]

Don't forget the maintance you'll have with a flail: all those swing blades have to be sharpened and eventually replaced. That's why most parks and schools who used to use flails switched to rotarys.

Yes, I agree. Flail mowers seem to have fallen out of favor. My NH dealer says he never gets any request for flail mowers and was only aware of one place that used one. And, they are expensive. I would think that maintenance on the blades we be very time consuming. Just a guess on my part but I think flail mowers probably are best suited for ground that is flat. When you put them on uneven ground I think they probably become a problem (just my opinion, I haven't actually used one). I was thinking about getting a flail mower at one time but after looking at them I decided against it. In the end I figure if you want to rough-cut get a bush-hog, if you want to fine-cut get a finish mower.

 

[8934]

Go with the 72" mower. If the grass is too thick for your tractor just go slower, or only take a "1/2 bite". It will speed your mowing time, and make it easier to cut next to trees, fences etc.

 

[Airic]

Not questioning anyones desision as conditions and uses very but, for the most part I don't get the need for a bush hog unless you have a lot of land, it's very rough, or you cut far less frequent. I see alot of people cutting with a bush hog every week to mow their lawns and I scratch my head wondering if I'm missing somthing. Mabe the first cut would be good with a bush hog but after that a finish mower would provide a much better result. Is it price, tractor style, or somthing else.

 

[SouthernX]

Not questioning anyones desision as conditions and uses very but, for the most part I don't get the need for a bush hog unless you have a lot of land, it's very rough, or you cut far less frequent. I see alot of people cutting with a bush hog every week to mow their lawns and I scratch my head wondering if I'm missing somthing. Mabe the first cut would be good with a bush hog but after that a finish mower would provide a much better result. Is it price, tractor style, or somthing else.

I agree with your thinking. I suppose one possible explanation is that, quality mowers being so expensive, some people "compromise" and opt for a bush-hog to do both. Of course it could be that, in some peoples minds', owning a bush-hog is a lot cooler than owning a finish mower.

 

[pitt_md]

Not questioning anyones desision as conditions and uses very but, for the most part I don't get the need for a bush hog unless you have a lot of land, it's very rough, or you cut far less frequent. I see alot of people cutting with a bush hog every week to mow their lawns and I scratch my head wondering if I'm missing somthing. Mabe the first cut would be good with a bush hog but after that a finish mower would provide a much better result. Is it price, tractor style, or somthing else.

I have a couple of horses and they are about the worst grazers god ever created. I only want to clean up the pastures a couple of times a year so I use a bush hog.
Some people have said to be sure and keep the blades sharp on your bush hog. They come brand new with about a 1/16-1/8" flat surface on the leading edge of the blades. If thats what you are calling sharp I'll agree.
A light duty rotory cutter will do the job just fine. You really do not need to go up to a medium duty unit.