Can one just build a bush hog?

[andrewj]

I spent a little much on a JD lx6 that did not last long. almost everything on it is broke due to my abuse, and the hidden stumps/rocks in land I was unfamiliar with.

so, I can't see paying 2 grand for a 7 heavy duty foot cutter. Can I just buy plate steel 7 by 8 or so, brace it, add 3 pt attchment, tail wheel, and gearbox?

Anyone know how much just the deck would cost if made of 1/4 inch steel?

 

[CDsdad]

I saw a homemade one as a child. An older gentleman near my grandparents could build anything.

He had a 6' bushhog that was built like a tank. I saw him run over a 4" memosa tree with it and just shredded it. I know memosa's are soft but the thing was bigger than anything I've ever seen anybody run over. It had a 100 hp gearbox that looked as big as the deck. He pulled it with a 70 hp Massey Ferguson. He had his own cane mill and also cut hair, a regular jack-of-all trades.

I don't know what it would cost to build one today, but it could definitely be done. Sorry to ramble.

 

[Willl]

Somebody here built one, very tank like.

I'll search, you search and we'll meet back here.

 

[Willl]

I see you found it !

On topic ?, oh please. Did you forget where you were ?

 

[andrewj]

haha, yeah, not sure what came over me there! I want a big 8 foot model and I have a welder and a little know-how. I just thought I could build a 2k machine for 500 bucks.

 

[shaley]

If you find a source for a angle gearbox let us know. I would think it would need to handle 20hp min or more like 30hp. I can make a deck

 

[MrJimi]

If you have enough hydraulics and GPM and PSI, you can go hydraulic motor direct drive, Its done on skid steers all the time, check links like
Skid Steer Attachments - Bobcat Skidsteer Loader Equipment & Accessories - John Deere Case Mustang Gehl and look at what they are doing
Jim

 

[shaley]

I've got 20GPM but I want a PTO mech drive. I see Agri Supply has a gearbox 40HP for $99.00. Blade RPM would be 800 RPM. Do we want one big blade or 2 or 3 smaller blades?

 

[CharlieTR]

Can that JD be fixed up?
If you decide to build one you might want to find a pre-built Stump Jumper and the pins to hold the blade. My "Fred Cane" RC has one big stump jumper, about 24 inch diameter. But I don't think it would be too hard to balance one if you have to make it.

 

[Soundguy]

Wow.. i can't help but think a little bit of dillignece might have saved that mower.. perhaps a slip clutch.. etc.. It's not my opinion that JD mowers are particularly flimsy.

To answer.. yes.. I'm sure you could weld one up... better??? cheaper??? hmm..

Soundguy

I spent a little much on a JD lx6 that did not last long. almost everything on it is broke due to my abuse, and the hidden stumps/rocks in land I was unfamiliar with.

so, I can't see paying 2 grand for a 7 heavy duty foot cutter. Can I just buy plate steel 7 by 8 or so, brace it, add 3 pt attchment, tail wheel, and gearbox?

Anyone know how much just the deck would cost if made of 1/4 inch steel?