Mowing Bush hog size??

[settersonly]

Is there a rule of thumb in selecting the size/width of bush hog. I will be buying my first one, pulling it behind a JD 790 and mowing about 7 acres total.

 

[smstonypoint]

Is there a rule of thumb in selecting the size/width of bush hog. I will be buying my first one, pulling it behind a JD 790 and mowing about 7 acres total.

The rule of thumb is that 5 HP (PTO) is required per foot of cutter width. Many manufacturers produce light-, medium-, and heavy-duty cutters with different tractor HP requirements.

Steve

 

[RedNeckRacin]

x2 What he said.

 

[RG1]

I've always heard 4 HP per foot. That seems to go along with what JD recommends as well since they recommend a 5' rotary cutter for my 4115 or the 2520 with 20 PTO HP. The JD Implements and Accessories catalog says that your are fine with a 5' cutter, either std or medium duty behind a 790/3005. IHTH

 

[EddieWalker]

I have a six foot cutter and would hate to have anything smaller. It cuts wider then the width of my tires, so I can have an instant trail with one cut, or easily drive along the edge of where I'm cutting and not miss anything. Go as wide as you can, and remember that if you haven't cut in awhile, it will go slower, but once you have it under control, you can cut faster and you don't need as much power. The 5hp rule is good for new land that hasn't been cut in awhile, but I don't think it's as important once you have that first or second cut done.

Eddie

 

[smstonypoint]

To follow up, the OP should check the manufacturer's specifications as to the minimum HP requirements for the cutter/cutters that he is interested in. I expect that those requirements are based in part on the weight of the cutter and the lifting capacity of 3PHs.

Steve

 

[RG1]

To follow up, the OP should check the manufacturer's specifications as to the minimum HP requirements for the cutter/cutters that he is interested in. I expect that those requirements are based in part on the weight of the cutter and the lifting capacity of 3PHs.

Steve

Well said.

 

[kebo]

I have a JD 790 and would recommend using a 5ft bush hog behind it, that's really all you would want behind it too. Although, I am certain it will run a 6ft bush hog, as long as the grass or brush isn't too tall/wet/thick.

I have a hunch you want to get the biggest mower that the 790 will run because you will be cutting 7 acres with it. The truth is that either with a 5ft, a 6ft, or a 7ft, it's gonna take you a GOOD WHILE to mow 7 acres. If you have a 6 ft and the grass gets way ahead of you one month because you have other things taking up your time, it will only bog the mower down and lug the tractor (slowing it down) when you finally do get to mow it. That just means that it will probably take longer to cut it with a 6ft, than if you were cutting it with a 5ft deck, since the 5ft won't be taking as big of a cut. Lot's of variables here to keep in mind. Not to mention that the a 6ft will put more weight (compared to a 5ft) on the back, so raising it up will make the tractor light on the front, and the JD 790 is a light (relatively speaking) tractor to start with. Another reason why I would recommend a 5ft mower. Good luck with your choice!

 

[jd870]

For a JD 790 I would recommend a 5ft.standard duty rotary cutter.