How to avoid holes while brush cutting?

[60047]

I have 10 acres of of five-foot growth. There are quite a few holes in the ground from when the property was a tree farm. Is there some kind of attachment (DIY or manufactured) that I can put on the bucket to act as a lookout for holes and really uneven terrain?

 

[ultrarunner]

Short of a sonar fish finder not sure how you would remotely determine depth…

 

[60047]

I’m not looking for any precision. Anything that can indicate to me that the ground is not flat would be useful. Maybe something as simple as pushing a cart or wagon.

 

[bcp]

Build that cart or wagon with two tongues and with swivel wheels. Have two hitches on the tractor front. Then it will stay in front of the tractor with no effort.

Bruce

 

[WM75Guy]

I have 10 acres of of five-foot growth. There are quite a few holes in the ground from when the property was a tree farm. Is there some kind of attachment (DIY or manufactured) that I can put on the bucket to act as a lookout for holes and really uneven terrain?

Use an offset flail mower. After you make the first pass you can see the open ground in front of you as it cuts to the side.

 

[60047]

Offset flail is a great idea. Too bad they can’t be rented. But would rather pay for one than tip over.

 

[mikester]

Rent one of these and clear to the dirt. Then fill the holes.

 

[old and tired]

Why don't you use the FEL to dig some dirt up, then fill up the holes and plant grass?

If it's too many holes, disk it all up and start over...

 

[oosik]

Walk the ground - flag the holes - then do your cutting.

 

[mudober]

I watch the weeds when you see shorter then the rest there is a drop off

 

[Birdhunter1]

I've many time held my bucket 6-10" or so from the ground while mowing new to me ground. That way if you do hit a hole then the bucket hits the dirt on the other side making it where you drop just enough to notice.

 

[Slowpoke Slim]

I don't know of any attachments that would warn you of a hole as you're moving forward. As someone that frequently finds surprises in the tall grass and weeds, I would just say keep your bucket low in front of you, and proceed slowly. When you see a sudden opening in the thick grass, beware. If it's really too thick to see through, even a few feet in front of you, that's when I really slow down and take it easy. I've never dropped into a hole per se, but I have found a few natural springs that way.

Sounds like it's your land, so once you mow it a few times, you should be able to learn where the pit falls are. Maybe you can mow it more frequently to keep the growth down and the hazards will be easier to see.

 

[Smokeydog]

Mowing my fields takes the skills and concentration of a NASCAR driver. Mostly left turns. Everything is sloped at different amounts with different dips, bumps and holes. The size of tractor and tires tires makes a huge difference. Trees, trees trees some to go under, around, over or fallen. Ground hog holes, hornets, yellow jackets and rocks that weren’t there the last time add to the challenge. Mow with a 6’ grapple on the FEL. Sometimes the grapple scraping the ground on the rough sloped ground. Yesterday found a new wet spot the rear tractor tire went down 6-8” into mud. On a side slope that much is pretty scary. Even after mowing for fifty years same fields there are always surprises. You would think someone would pay me for the challenge and excitement to get to mow?