Brush Hog Setup

[Piperflyer]

What is the proper way to set up your brush hog (rotary mower) for cutting? What tricks if any are there to brush hogging?

 

[RickB]

To shred material into short pieces, set the rear of the deck a little lower than the front. To cut tall grass and get it out from under the deck (& use less power and fuel), set the front a little lower than the rear. To do a better job of picking up the previous pass wheel track, travel so the blades are travelling rearward on the side of the machine towards the mowed grass.

 

[Bird]

Good concise answer, RickB.

 

[jinman]

In addition to RickB's good advice, I'd like to add a couple of things about the hookup to the tractor.

1. The toplink should be adjusted so it is in the midrange of the float mechanism on the cutter. This is assuming you have a float device. It may be an elongated slot. If so, set the toplink length for the middle of the slot.

2. Each time before cutting, make sure the tailwheel is greased and all bolts on it are secure and it has a good pin to hold it in the pivot. Also check that all the bolts on its A-frame are tight and secure.

3. Check that your lower link pin are tight and that all the bolts on the mower's 3PH A-frame are tight and secure. Do not assume that the mower was assembled perfectly by the factory or dealer.

4. Check the gearbox for oil and that the bolts on it to the frame of the cutter are tight so the gearbox will not move.

5. Check that the slip clutch is adjusted properly if you have one. If you have shearpins, make sure you have a few spares and a hammer, punch, and adjustable wrench and pliers are a good thing to carry for changing shearpins.

6. Walk the area you are going to cut so you know where obstructions may be. If it's too big to walk or drive over, be very cautious the first time you cut it.

That's about it for what I can think of off the top of my head.

 

[jbrumberg]

Excellent and "to the topic advise". The only thing I can think of is that if mowing with the FEL attached- keep the bucket low. Jay

 

[kebo]

I would add it's always good advice to wear eye protection, gloves, and hearing protection. See the thread on hearing protection under the Owning/Operating forum. Also, don't forget the seatbelt!!

 

[shakin]

i would have to agree with the safety equipment i am constantly looking over my shoulder at the hog these thins throw stuff everywhere even the chains or rubber guards. also remember hog make very good rock breakers i found that out this week the pieces go everywhere.

 

[RickB]

I think we've got it just about covered, guys!

 

[dnetherland]

Have throttle at idle to engage or disengage pto if 2 stage clutch or independent pto, then bring rpm up to speed once engaged (usually around 2300 RPM). Once cutting make one pass around the outside of the field. On the next pass make a cut down the center. On the next pass cut the outside of one half, cross the middle cut and cut the inside of the other half so that turn radius remains the same with each cut. This keeps you from making tighter and tighter turns and saves on backing up and making figure of eights.

Don

 

[have_blue]

Only thing I can add to RickB and Jinman's posts are, make sure you don't forget ice cold pop to fill the cup holder.

Since this question comes up often, we should think about combining the best parts of the above replies, condense them, and make a sticky out of them. But then,,, it would take all the fun out of the debates, and squelch new ideas.