Bucket off with bushhog attached

[LHS Inc]

Always the best bet...try it and see how it works for you.
Ultimately, you might want to consider dropping the loader off and putting suitcase weights on the front.

Thanks Roy. Suitcase weights sound interesting. I hadn't put much thought into them. How many would it take to substitude the weight of my 300CX loader?

Would the tractor be more stable with the suitcase weights than the loader?

Without the loader on the tractor I would also be able to balance the weight on the trailer better.

Any idea how much the weights would cost?

Thanks again.

 

[RoyJackson]

Thanks Roy. Suitcase weights sound interesting. I hadn't put much thought into them. How many would it take to substitude the weight of my 300CX loader?

Would the tractor be more stable with the suitcase weights than the loader?

Without the loader on the tractor I would also be able to balance the weight on the trailer better.

Any idea how much the weights would cost?

Thanks again.

Depending on the weight of your cutter, I'm thinking 4 or 5 suitcase weights (@ 42lb each) would be plenty. They're about a dollar or so per pound. Since you have a 60" cutter (I'm guessing 700lbs), 4 would probably do the job.
Used suitcase weights are hard to find...and not much cheaper then new, so you may as well go new.

As far as stability, using the suitcase weights would be would be more stable then the loader sans bucket. Most of the suitcase weight is below the axle. The loader frame is above the axle, hence higher center of gravity.

 

[megaboz]

I have a 2520 and have 90 lbs of weight and still run the fel with a howse 5ft brushog. And it isn't enough on some hills going up, especially if I have the brushog lefted off the ground. Granted the 3xxx series weighs more, but just saying the size of the kills will make a difference.

I agree that not having the fel makes the tractor feel more stable, but on a steep enough incline it is almost a must. Plus going down hill makes it a great emergency brake if the tires lose traction.

 

[p0peye]

Do some of you use the bucket lowered enough to gauge for large rocks or roots? I would think this would be a good use of the bucket to help save the bush hog a lot of bumps and bruises at least for the first pass. Sure you walk the area but some areas are so thick you will miss something I am sure. Is this a good idea if not why?

 

[RoyJackson]

Do some of you use the bucket lowered enough to gauge for large rocks or roots? I would think this would be a good use of the bucket to help save the bush hog a lot of bumps and bruises at least for the first pass. Sure you walk the area but some areas are so thick you will miss something I am sure. Is this a good idea if not why?

I always run with the bucket lowered for the reasons you wrote...this has been topic of more then one TBN thread.
However, the OP is asking about operating without the bucket so he can more easily transport the tractor/cutter on a trailer.

 

[LHS Inc]

Do some of you use the bucket lowered enough to gauge for large rocks or roots? I would think this would be a good use of the bucket to help save the bush hog a lot of bumps and bruises at least for the first pass. Sure you walk the area but some areas are so thick you will miss something I am sure. Is this a good idea if not why?

I agree its a great idea to run the bucket low to find any hidden obstacles/hazzards. It's a monthly job and I've already cut this one area twice with the bucket on so I feel comfortable with the condition of the field.

Its more of a trailer issue than anything else. I can fit it all on the trailer now as the pic below shows but I can't balance the laod. I thought about getting a longer trailer but to get one because of just one implement doesn't make much sense.

Roy's suggestion of suitcase weights have got me thinking and I'm leaning towards that. Gonna do some more research on it.

Also a pic of the slope I'm cutting on the two acre lot, the reason I still want weight on the front.

 

[Dutch445]

I think you are fine with just the tractor and the RC cutter. If it were an MX5
or an RC72 I would be more concerned. nice setup

 

[LHS Inc]

I think you are fine with just the tractor and the RC cutter. If it were an MX5
or an RC72 I would be more concerned. nice setup

Thanks

 

[Code54]

After seeing your photos I would not be concerned with cutting that with the bucket off and no weight. With the hog down in cutting position it should not be an issue at all. Nice looking setup!

 

[Mechanos]

I agree its a great idea to run the bucket low to find any hidden obstacles/hazzards. It's a monthly job and I've already cut this one area twice with the bucket on so I feel comfortable with the condition of the field.

Its more of a trailer issue than anything else. I can fit it all on the trailer now as the pic below shows but I can't balance the laod. I thought about getting a longer trailer but to get one because of just one implement doesn't make much sense.

Roy's suggestion of suitcase weights have got me thinking and I'm leaning towards that. Gonna do some more research on it.

Also a pic of the slope I'm cutting on the two acre lot, the reason I still want weight on the front.

Is the trailer currently nose heavy or tail heavy? Have you tried backing the tractor onto the trailer?