bushogging speed

[JDRandyC]

I'm new to bushogging and tractors too for that matter. Anyway, I have a NH 3930 and Bushog 286 6 ft rotary mower. What speed should I use? Field is pretty flat. I tried it in 3Low and although it seemed kind of slow, I was comfortable at that speed, Was wondering if I should instead be mowing a 1High. Does it matter if you are in a low or high gear?

Thanks for any input

 

[Johndeere3720]

It really depends on how tall the brush is as well as how thick it is. Since I mow thick brush, i run in 2nd low and when im mowing premowed areas, I can run in 1st high if desired.

 

[sweettractors]

If you mow in Low 3, and feel comfortable, that is where I would mow at. As you get more confident, you may try going faster, if the terrain and undergrowth permits. Ken Sweet

 

[TripleR]

Nothing set that I know of. I mow with rotary cutters from four foot pulled by a 25 HP HST to a ten foot six inch pulled by a 72 or 90 HP geared unit and I mow at the speed that doesn't bounce around too much and gives a good cut.

 

[savageactor7]

JD it all depends what you cutting. If it's 'your' field and it's just tall grass or golden rod well I'd cut it as fast as it would still cut efficiently. On the other hand if it's a lot full of brush and stumps you might consider lowering the FEL to feel for stumps and going a lot slower.

Decades ago we started clearing brush with back breaking chain saws then we got a straight shaft weed whacker with a saw blade that was good with broom stick sized brush...that was a nice improvement.

With a brush hog so much progress can be made in a day that I don't mind going slow and being careful.

I was going slow and careful when I twice noticed the chain snap on the housing to release the 'O' ring that held the 6" round plate that held the 90 weight gear oil.

Then I put that rag on the chain to stifle the chain snap...since then no problem but I still go slow and keep my head on a swivel.

 

[rekees4300]

There is less strain on the tractor and mower by going slow. Also if you hit some hidden obstacle like a sink hole or fallen limp you will have more time to minimize potential damage. Never assume your field is good to go just because it was last year. Stuff happens.

 

[RoyJackson]

I'm new to bushogging and tractors too for that matter. Anyway, I have a NH 3930 and Bushog 286 6 ft rotary mower. What speed should I use? Field is pretty flat. I tried it in 3Low and although it seemed kind of slow, I was comfortable at that speed, Was wondering if I should instead be mowing a 1High. Does it matter if you are in a low or high gear?

Thanks for any input

Which gear doesn't matter...if 3Low is a comfortable speed, that's the speed you want to run.
Nobody else's opinion matters either...you've got to operate at a speed you're comfortable with and is safe.

 

[Haoleguy]

JDRandyC - Over the past few days I have been cutting 2 fields with my rotary cutter and I base my results based on cut quality and diesel consumption. I'm cutting 3-4 ft grass/grain and weeds in one field and weeds/vines/ferns/grass in a reclaimed field. For the grass/grain field I find that I'm either using 1.6mph at 1600rpm(low 4) to navigate around rocks or 2.8mph at 2300rpm(medium 2) when the cutting is straightforward. For my field reclamation project that field I'm going slow 1.2-1.6mph at 1600rpm(low 2-4) because of hidden rocks, branches, and dips.

 

[wendallb]

I agree that what ever speed you are comfortable with probably best for you but I find that mine does a better cut at slower speeds. Slower seems to be better cut and also gives you more time to react if a problem developes.