Enough HP?

[Mud Mechanik]

My tractor is rated at 60 engine hp and the manual says 46.6 pto hp, I have an opportunity to buy a 10 foot pull behind rotary cutter that is in great shape and can get it at a steal of a price. The cutter is a heavy duty bush hog brand with 3 big gearboxes and slip clutches. I know the general rule is 5hp/ft. and I will pass on the deal if it will do damage to my tractor by using it. I normally cut just grass with it and even that is only 2 times per year, what do ya'll think.....purchase or pass?

 

[TripleR]

Check with foremanEtexas, I believe he pulled one with hid M5140.

My inclination would be to buy it; sure you could resell if it doesn't work for you.

I've never used anything bigger than a 10', so my advice isn't worth much.

 

[Soundguy]

i wouldn't try to landclear with it.. but at 4.x hp per foot it will surely clip grass. if it binds.. btake an 8' cut.. or better yet.. simply reduce groundspeed a tad... drop a gear..e tc.

I have a feeling it will run fine.

I run a 10' lift type on a ford 5000 with alot more pto hp.. but the mower never even touches the rpm.. meaning it's surely not taking too much of a chunk.

for S&G's I have pulled that mower on my 4600 ford .. not lifting it mind you.. just running it around.. 52 pto hp.. she ran it fine in my pasture cutting bahia stemmy black tops and some underbrush weeds grown up in the old hay pile areas.

 

[Gale Hawkins]

I agree with Soundguy. Our 265 MF is engine HP is near 60 the 7' in heavy stuff and bushes can set it on fire but with it keeping the front end on the ground is the big job even with front end weights.

Dropping down a gear or two in heavy stuff should keep you moving I expect and still let you cover a lot of ground.