How long should it take to bush hog an overgrown field?

[Sawyer Rob]

I half ruined a previously good shoulder this way. I needed six weeks of physical therapy to return the shoulder to 80% of what it was. Now, three years later, I have the beginning of arthritis in the shoulder. The tractor and Bush Hog survived the hidden stump encounter without damage.

PRESERVE YOUR HEALTH.

Yup, the one you DON'T see, is always the one that get's you!

SR

 

[Sawyer Rob]

I don't see how it's any different than what I've already been doing with it. I've scraped off 1/2 acre of under brush without any issue.

Hey, have at it....it's just a john deere, you are probably ready for something better by now anyway... ha ha ha

SR

 

[corl]

If its over grown you would be best off mowing it before it turns green and then you could disk it for planting. 1.5 inch cut is wishful thinking if you are mowing an overgrown field. More like 4 inches with a bush hog. I do the overgrown pasture in the winter when the ground is frozen. Goes faster and is in better shape by spring.

 

[Jim Timber]

More like 4 inches with a bush hog.

I'm talking about stem diameter, not length of grass.

 

[Gary Fowler]

That grass looks like the tough stuff around here that I just call wire grass because it wraps around my weedeater like wire. With that and the saplings, you better estimate 2-3 MPH for cutting time.

 

[Jim Timber]

I'm going to suggest we rip the stuff with the root grapple. That should give him the best quality dirt to work with and keep the puppies paws safe (and the tractor tires) from stubble stumps.

 

[Furu]

I think the average speed based on your photo is under 2 mph closer to 1 mph. Some place slower some faster thus average comment.
If you really want to mulch up the remains well then even slower as otherwise you will leave lots of straggly stuff behind. If it is not smooth then the speeds that folks are quoting are not even close. If you can do an acre an hour you will be very lucky I would expect under that if you want a good product. Depends on how you define good product.
That is based on my experience on fields that look like that photo; but I could be misinterpreting what I am seeing in the limited view provided.

I do this type of work with bigger equipment and in worse conditions. Forestry mulching

 

[nybirdman]

I wouldn't want to drive MY tractor through thick brush/grass with the bucket down! All it takes is one good hit, and you WILL have a repair bill! That's one of the dumbest idea's I've heard in a long time... lol
I would rather hit it with the bucket than the BH.I am going very slow if I suspect rocks or stumps.Most likely to be rocks in my area.

 

[rekees4300]

Figuring I can rent a 6 or 7 footer, how many acres an hour should I be able to clear with 1.5" or less stems?

Dunno about the mowing time, lots of variables involved. However, I would strongly suggest you walk over the area BEFORE bush hogging. Hitting a rock, log, metal fence post, or sink hole, etc. would not be good for the bush hog or your tractor.

 

[Jim Timber]

I do this type of work with bigger equipment and in worse conditions. Forestry mulching

A mulching head is out of the budget for this one. They're 1K a day plus fuel. If I rented one, I would be working for free. After looking at it, I might tell him to rent one and decline the job.

I have a full size utility tractor. What kind of bigger equipment are you talking about? Dozer?