Rotary Cutter Brush Hog for Kubota L3200

[GrouseHunter]

I recently purchased a used Kubota L3200 (manual trans 4x4) and am looking for a brush hog. I am going to go look at a used Brush Hog model 295, which is a 5ft wide model and from what i've read most folks recommend 5hp(PTO)/ft of mower width. The L3200 has 27hp at the PTO, however the Brush Hog specs sheet say it requires a minimum 35hp tractor. Also, the model 295 weights 906lbs, and the max weight for a rotary-cutter mower in the operators manual is 770lbs. Wondering if anyone has operated that model or similar with similar tractor specs.

 

[Bullwinkle123]

The *minimum* estimate should be 5 PTO HP/foot of cutter. That said, it sounds like you meet the minimum, it's interesting that the manufacturer recommends more. Whether the minimum is enough may depend on what sort of stuff you're cutting too. I.e. how frequently cut, how tall, wet, thick, sapling growth, etc.

As for the weight, what does the manual say for the lifting specs on the 3ph? That 770lbs might be totally accurate when you consider how far the weight of a rotary cutter extends away from the tractor. And if it's accurate, then nothing good will come of trying to run a heavier cutter.

I'm a rookie, whatever I say is likely wrong, but I do have a 6 foot cutter and it works great, but I have much higher power to weight/width ratios than you're describing.

 

[old and tired]

Lots of the recommendations are on the "safe" side... my 23.5 hp PTO rating runs a 5 footer with no problem. YMMV... Also, my counter weight is over 800# that I use regularly... pretty sure the 3point hitch lift capacity is just shy of 2k.

 

[rush389]

I run a five footer with 19.4 PTO hp. And it works just fine. But all I cut is tall weeds. I think the recommendation is for getting the most out of your bush hog. You can certainly cut some stuff with less power, but if you see some of the stuff guys in here cut sometimes you値l realize why they recommend so much power!

 

[MESSMAKER]

Should be OK.

 

[Bullwinkle123]

In my case I only cut my field once a year just before autumn, and since it is surrounded by forest it is aggressively populated with fresh saplings every year, as well as all the 4-5' tall other things that sprouted up during the year. I also like using the cutter to occasionally clear forest paths, also full of saplings, and I can just mow them with impunity.

 

[widefat]

I run a 5' light duty with an L3200 with no problem. BUT - IMHO (which is worth less than a cup of coffee) the rating is based on the capability of the cutter vs. tractor. The 295 is rated for 3 1/2 inch "stuff". The Bushhog 100 series also comes in 5' - but is only rated for 1 1/2" stuff. The added power requirement goes to the assumption that you will be cutting more hefty crap.
So yes, if you stick to hogging stuff 1 1/2 inch or less, you will be ok. Also, the 295 probably weighs 40% more again than the 100 series, so your tractor has to deal with the added weight.

 

[s219]

I run a 6' unit on my L3200 and it's never come close to struggling.

 

[John_Mc]

I run a 5' light duty with an L3200 with no problem. BUT - IMHO (which is worth less than a cup of coffee) the rating is based on the capability of the cutter vs. tractor. The 295 is rated for 3 1/2 inch "stuff". The Bushhog 100 series also comes in 5' - but is only rated for 1 1/2" stuff. The added power requirement goes to the assumption that you will be cutting more hefty crap.
So yes, if you stick to hogging stuff 1 1/2 inch or less, you will be ok. Also, the 295 probably weighs 40% more again than the 100 series, so your tractor has to deal with the added weight.

This is exactly the issue here. It's similar to a Woods BB60 vs a Woods BB600. I've run a BB60 on my NH TC33D (33 HP, 27 HP at the PTO) for about 18 years now and it's a great match match. The BB600 is still a 5' brush hog, but it is significantly heavier duty (and a whole lot more weight). I would not run it on my TC33D. I don;t have the power to come close to using it's full capabilities, and while my tractor could lift its 1000# weight, I would not want to be driving around with that much weight hanging that far back off the 3 PT hitch. Bouncing that 1000# around that sits so far back from the 3 pt arms when I'm transporting from place to place is hard on the 3 Pt hitch. That is likely the reason why your tractor has a 770# limit for a brush hog.

 

[Maxify55]

LOL
Want to see my Mitsubishi MT372 {15hp/12 PTO hp} lift and cut with a ETA 48" brush hog.
Can you work the implement?
Yes
Is it at the implements' most efficient horse power to weight ratio?
"Here, hold my beer."
Work with what you've got.

You can buy the better piece of equipment in years to come.
When you can afford it.
Like most of the rest of us did.
I've got some fond memories of those years building this place.
We did what we could with what we had or could afford.