Mowing Bush Hog vs Finish Mower

[poman]

I have about decided that I do not want to rick damaging my finish mower trying to mow about five acres that I own that is a lot 'ruffer' than my front yard. I am thinking about getting a bush hog to mow that property. Suggestions are welcome as to a implement that you would recommend for this task. I have a NHTC33D to work with. All suggestions are appreciated.

Poman

 

[Claus]

What could you damage? Blades? They are cheaper than a Brush Hog.... Once it is cut, there should be no further problems.
Happy Motoring
Claus

 

[jinman]

Poman, I'd run down to the nearest TSC and get their 5 ft cutter. That's about the right size for your tractor. Also, get a pocket full of shear bolts, because you may go thru a few before you get the hang of engaging your PTO. Anyhow, the TSC cutters are made by King Kutter and are built to take the "surprises" you find when rough cutting property. If you use your finish mower, you may damage the frame and sheet metal if you hit something big. Also, finish cutters generally cut too close to the ground and if you are not watering, you may actually cause your grass to dry out too quickly. A rotary cutter set to cut much higher is better for unwatered acreage. I'd definitely suggest the TSC 5 ft cutter at about $550. ...my two cents...

JimI

 

[alan40]

Hey poman, I also have alot of lawn that at one time was an old pasture. I use a Toro wheelhorse around the house for about 3 hours of mowing and a 5 ft. Brush hog rotory cutter for the rest.(2 hours) I also have a good size field and woodlot that I mow two or three times a year that a finish mower couldn't handle.If you lower the rotory cutter down low it gives a pretty good cut and can take a beating. The only draw back is not having any gage wheels. When you turn you can really dig up some sod./w3tcompact/icons/frown.gif My fix to that was to take about 3 swaths at each end of the field so I had room to pick up the rotory cutter, turn and not worry about missing anything when I turn./w3tcompact/icons/smile.gif
Take care,
Al

 

[lblair]

What could you damage...your wallet. My mid mount finish mower was 2800 my brush hog was 450. One is made for several jobs. The other is made for ONE. I consider my mmm a perfectly tuned watch. My brush cutter on the other hand is a tree eater! My opinion is not to hammer on the finish mower. Just my 2 cents. Larry

 

[poman]

Thanks jinman, I will check out TSC.

Lblair, I agree with you. My rear finish mower did not cost as much as your mmm, but a lot more that a brush hog. I will look at the one at TSC and go from there.

Thanks for input.

poman

 

[gandalf]

I have a 72 in Bushhog and an 84 in Farmking finish mower that I power by my TC40D. They both do an excellent job but aren't for the same type of cutting. A finish mower lifts and sucks up the grass and mulches it into tiny pieces, with virtually no "tire" tracks left in the grass. If used when the grass is wet or to tall, the grass clumps up and doesn't discharge well. To be efficient, a finish mowers blades must be kept very sharp and believe me, mowing field grass with sticks and branches and the inevitable rock will dull a blade in no time flat. When that happens, there are three blades to sharpen. I have 40 acres and normally use the finish mower on the area around my house and pond which is about 10 acres. Then I switch to the bushhog to do the rest, which is all flat kentucky fescue. Sometimes I get lazy and just do it all with the finish mower but it takes its toll on the unit. My bushhog will not give a nice clean cut like the finish mower but it doesn't seem to ever dull or care how it's used or abused and it keeps on goin'. I like to cut when it's raining since there's very little dust to contend with and the "hog" loves it but the finish mower doesn't. If you can afford it, get a "hog" for the field and save your finish mower for the nice areas. Hope this helps! Sam

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