Brush Hog Secrets

[mowingcorey]

I first ask about tilling secrets - thanks for everyone's help and advice. Now, what about brush hogging. I have a 4ft Howse cutter. Not having a live PTO, letting off the clutch with the PTO engaged seems to put a lot of strain on the tractor, for my tires and blades are starting at the same time. At what engine RPM speed should I start at? Any other advice would be much appreciated. Thanks.

 

[Tractors4u]

You need to get an over-run coupler when using the bush hog. When you press the clutch in the tractor will stop and the bush hog will wind down without pushing the tractor.

 

[normde2001]

" At what engine RPM speed should I start at? Any other advice would be much appreciated. Thanks"

Slow, the same rpm as if you didn't have the brushhog.

 

[tawilson]

The direction you mow is important. My brain fuzz's up after a few months of not doing something, but I believe you need to keep the unmowed grass on your left side for better mowing do to the rotation of the blades.

 

[reb]

I find that it is easier cutting with my 1500D if I start the cutter with the transmission in neutral and wind it up a bit before moving the tractor. That way the blades are up to cutting speed when I start.
My cutter is a JD 413. The operator's manual recommends operating with the uncut portion on the right hand side. That is to allow grass knocked down by the tractor tires on the previous pass to be picked up and cut. This is for counter-clockwise rotation (looking down) of the blades. If yours turns the other direction, I would assume you should go the other way.

 

[tawilson]

I've got the 513. I just know I always did it wrong till I read the owners manual. Been a long time since mowing season last year.

 

[Soundguy]

This is common for us ford 8n owners.. Get an orc.. then le tthe mower spin up at low rpm, in neutral, then increase rpm to mowing rpm... then clutch and get into gear.. slip clutch and start mowing..

Soundguy