Brush Hog conversion from PTO to Hydraulic

Xfaxman · Jun 20, 2017

Yep, mine is built into the motor.

MossRoad · Jun 20, 2017

I'm not sure what mine uses, if any. I know I have to idle the engine back before engaging the hydraulic PTO diverter valve to minimize the THUD! WHAM! of the mower or brush cutter blades if I flick the switch at higher engine RPMs.

TractorGuy · Jun 26, 2017

Why not replace the gearbox with a hydraulic motor instead of driving the gearbox with one?

Have you read this thread in land clearing? http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/land-clearing-equipment/375089-fel-road-maintenance-cutter.html
It goes on a ways before the MFG of the unit being discussed chimes in with details.

Todd727 · Jun 27, 2017

JD855guy said:
Why not replace the gearbox with a hydraulic motor instead of driving the gearbox with one?

Have you read this thread in land clearing? http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/land-clearing-equipment/375089-fel-road-maintenance-cutter.html
It goes on a ways before the MFG of the unit being discussed chimes in with details.

He needs to add a spindle between the motor and the blade carrier. It's just much simpler and cheaper for him to connect the motor to the existing gearbox. I've been down this road.

TractorGuy · Jun 27, 2017

Todd727 said:
He needs to add a spindle between the motor and the blade carrier. It's just much simpler and cheaper for him to connect the motor to the existing gearbox. I've been down this road.

I overlooked that. I was thinking they bolted the blade holder directly to the motor but I see now that is not the case.

piaffepony · Jun 28, 2017

Well crap. I came here to ask about this very thing and I'm reading the replies and it's like trying to read IKEA instructions in Korean.

I had to trade in my JD5055 for a NH175 Skid when I got divorced (I use it more and X got my skid in the divorce). I still have the 7' mower that we bought with the tractor and was curious how much it would cost and what it would take to convert from PTO to Hydraulic so I could attempt to maintain some of the larger patches of weeds that the horses don't eat and are too much to handle for my zero turn. Did I mention I have 62 acres and 30 horses to maintain as a single mom?

My question is.. how much time and $$$ are you budgeting for this conversion project? My brother is a professional mechanic and I can handle some fabrication... have you found any good resources on HOW to accomplish this exactly? As in something that breaks it down Barney style for novice diy females like myself? I'm trying to figure out if it's worth the time and effort or if I need to just sell a kidney and buy one.

aczlan · Jun 28, 2017

The first things you need to know are how much flow you have and what pressure it is at.
This is an L175 skid steer? If so, per New Holland L175 Skid Steer Loader it has a 17GPM pump and it puts out 2600PSI.
Take that information and go to Low Speed High Torque Hydraulic Motors | Hydraulic Motors | Hydraulics | www.surpluscenter.com and find a motor that is rated for that pressure and flow.
Based on the above, I would use a motor such as 7.63 CU IN PTO DRIVE MOTOR | Low Speed High Torque Hydraulic Motors | Hydraulic Motors | Hydraulics | www.surpluscenter.com it will also need a mounting bracket such as SAE A 2-BOLT CAST IRON PUMP & MOTOR FOOT MOUNT | Foot Mounts | Hydraulic Pump Mounts | Hydraulic Pumps | Hydraulics | www.surpluscenter.com and a bypass valve (to let the bushhog spin down when you shut off the hydraulics): 3/4 NPT 3 GPM 15-3 PSI HYD CUSHION VALVE | Relief & Cushion Valves | Hydraulic Valves | Hydraulics | www.surpluscenter.com
You will also need fittings and hoses, all in all, Surplus Center has everything for around $535 shipped, here are the PNs that I would use:

QTY	Item No.	Description	Price Each	In Stock	Extended Price
1	9-7368-125	7.63 CU IN PTO DRIVE MOTOR	$269.95	Yes	$269.95
1	9-HB-A	SAE A 2-BOLT CAST IRON PUMP & MOTOR FOOT MOUNT	$63.80	No	$63.80
2	9-2503-12-12	JIC 12M x 3/4 NPTM 45 ELBOW	$3.65	Yes	$7.30
1	9-4019-75-H	3/4 NPT 30 GPM 1500-3000 PSI HYD CUSHION VALVE	$74.20	Yes	$74.20
2	9-6900-10-12	SAE 10M x 3/4 NPTF SWIVEL	$3.69	Yes	$7.38
2	9-078-12	3/4"x12" 3/4 NPTM x 3/4 NPTM SAE 100R16 Hydraulic Hose Assembly 3000 PSI	$11.95	Yes	$23.90
2	9-078-60	3/4"x60" 3/4 NPTM x 3/4 NPTM SAE 100R16 Hydraulic Hose Assembly 3000 PSI	$25.95	Yes	$51.90

Subtotal:

$498.43

That motor would connect to the tractor end of the PTO shaft, you would also need to reinforce the deck to mount the motor to it (or mount it to the plate on the skidsteer side.
You will also need a way to mount the bush hog on the skidsteer quick attach and the hydraulic quick connectors to tie the hydraulics in.

Aaron Z

Todd727 · Jun 28, 2017

So, on top of the parts Aaron listed, you will need this:

Titan 3/8" Quick Tach Attachment Mount Plate Skidsteer bobcat kubota (38 MP)

Then you'll need to round up some scrap steel to reinforce as Aaron mentioned. You will have to weld or bolt the deck to the above plate. You may be able to use some of the 3-point bracing to strengthen the deck and attach everything to the mount plate.

I just did all of what you are talking about. Too bad you aren't closer, it really only takes about a day to get it all put together.

TractorGuy · Jun 28, 2017

piaffepony said:
Well crap. I came here to ask about this very thing and I'm reading the replies and it's like trying to read IKEA instructions in Korean.

I had to trade in my JD5055 for a NH175 Skid when I got divorced (I use it more and X got my skid in the divorce). I still have the 7' mower that we bought with the tractor and was curious how much it would cost and what it would take to convert from PTO to Hydraulic so I could attempt to maintain some of the larger patches of weeds that the horses don't eat and are too much to handle for my zero turn. Did I mention I have 62 acres and 30 horses to maintain as a single mom?

My question is.. how much time and $$$ are you budgeting for this conversion project? My brother is a professional mechanic and I can handle some fabrication... have you found any good resources on HOW to accomplish this exactly? As in something that breaks it down Barney style for novice diy females like myself? I'm trying to figure out if it's worth the time and effort or if I need to just sell a kidney and buy one.

Here is a 6' mower for less than 3 grand. Might be worth it to sell your tractor model and just buy one?

This is a ebay pic for a rough looking mower that looks like it may be a home conversion. Could be useful for fabrication ideas.