Brush cutter behind tc40da

boomer4snow · Jul 12, 2005

hello all, looking at buying a brush cutter, havent decided on tthe brand yet, but I would like to know if a TC40da would handle a 7' wide model. I will be improving old logging roads, cutting alongside 1/2 mile of fencerow for the driveways, and basically keeping the non lawn areas knocked down. I expect it to be a little rough at first, then after a cutting or two, just maintanance. mainly just big weeds, and tall field grass not many trees. I do want to back into a few 5'-6'multifloral rose bushes and turn them into fluff though.

jinman · Jul 13, 2005

I think the 7' rotary cutter would be fine for the TC40DA. You may have to slow down a bit during the first cut, but you'd probably have to do that even with a smaller cutter.

Just two things come to mind about the cutter. First, it will stick out beyond your rear tires, so you will have to pay close attention that you don't hit your fence or other objects you are mowing close to. Take it slow and you should have no problem. The second thing is to be very cautious when engaging and disengaging the PTO. Engage the PTO at low RPM and feather the control so the PTO clutch doesn't suddenly engage. When you disengage the PTO, be sure to lower the engine RPM before placing the PTO knob to OFF. That way your PTO brake doesn't have to work so hard to stop the rotating cutter.

Good luck in your selection. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

have_blue · Jul 13, 2005

boomer4snow,

I have a TC35, and pull a 6 footer. It's "just right", meaning it's the biggest cutter I could handle both power and weight-wise. Scaling things up by 5hp and a little more weight for your TC40, I think a 7 footer may be a good match.

If you choose one of those big, heavy duty 7 footers, I think your boomer will be a little challenged for weight. The tail could try to wag the dog.

If you let the grass and weeds get ahead of you, you will be challenged for power and have to cut slowly.

Sounds like a standard duty (or at most medium duty) cutter is what you need. After your initial brush cleanup, it will have an easy life.

BadDog · Jul 13, 2005

I run a 6' BushHog 286 medium-duty brush cutter on my TC55, without any problem. I can easly run a 7' or greater, but for the same reason as stated below (overhanging the tractor width) I chose to stay with a 6' version to avoid snagging on trees (a really good way to bend your hitch connections or worse). I have no multifloral roses left on my property, which started out as 20 acres of raw forest.

I strongly recommend you select a medium duty cutter vs. a light duty and less expensive version. It will save you money in the long run with the ability to handle pretty much any obstruction without needing a lot of attention from a welder. Then, that's me... ...I tend to be a 'bull in a china shop' with equipment and I'm not prone to being easy on things, so I usually choose heavier duty equipment when I can afford it.

Regardless of your choice, just make sure that the HP rating on the implement matches the HP output of your tractor, and you have likely made a good decision.

As for the PTO advice, follow it and your PTO brake/clutch will last a lot longer. I've had mine replaced once already, thankfully under warranty... before I decided to go easy on it.

boomer4snow · Jul 13, 2005

Thank you for all the comments so far. Thanks to this website, I learned the proper way to engage/disengage the PTO before I even had the tractor. I actually want the mower to overhang the R4's on the tractor a bit so I can get closer to the fences/ditches etc without putting the tractor in a tough spot. I have a very nice snapper brush mower 26" wide with a 18 hp motor for right up next to the fences and all the close in work, but it takes all day to really get the drive ways right. I plan on researching the medium duty cutters and buying this fall as I am working out of state thru the winter and prob can get a sweet deal on a cutter out of season and no state tax, every nickel helps. I will be building the house next year and am "collecting" implements to help create a home when I am ready. Only prob is my dad is enjoying the tractor for me 100 hours this year so far, but it make his life easier, and I get a weekly report on what amazing things it did. Also nothing worse on a tractor than letting them sit.

Keep the comments coming, since everybody so far is in agreement with the 7 footer, anybody wish they had a smaller one? and what brands are people happy with? I keep my equipmemt stored inside, and do pretty good maintanance, but I don't baby anything either. Remember I tow this thing with a 425 hp turbo diesel and use a 7 ton 22' trailer, so I tend to like the overkill side of things. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

Soundguy · Jul 13, 2005

Actually.. by going 7' you are pretty much completely out of the 'light' duty line.. Mostly out of medium duty as well.

Howse makes a good HD line.. i have one of their 10' mowers.. it's a brute.. 1/2 inch plat uprights.. thick enough deck metal that I can walk on without bowing it ( 160# ).. I've accidentally knocked down / uprooted 3"-4" sweetgum trees with it by turning to wide.

Soundguy

NewHollandOwner · Jul 13, 2005

SQ84 can be had for around $1,500-$1,600 with the slipper and a solid rear tire. Will be fine behind your tractor.
(Keeping in mind what everyone else has already said).