Mowing How to bush hog ...

[BurningBushFarm]

OK guys -- hope someone's online.
I am heading out to try the bush hog.

I know I have read something online ... maybe even seen something ... about the right way to do this.

(Saw one example where the front of the bush hog held about 2" higher than the rear ...)

So -- what's the deal. I did a search and am not finding the "how to" directions I had hoped to check against what I think.

Gotta a link for me? Or a 5 point list?

Hubby is so nice and just has finished fiddling with some little things on my beautiful tractor

 

[sweettractors]

I personally run my cutter level or with the back a little higher than the front. I want the discharge to go out the back, not the front. With that said, You should always go by your owners manual instructions and selling dealers advice. Ken Sweet

 

[rmully]

Follow Ken's advice and also walk the property the first time as hitting a rock or a stump can put a dent in the ego and the pocketbook .. not to mention your head. Best of luck!!

 

[BurningBushFarm]

Ahh yes.

No manual for cutter. Bought used.

That's why I use this place!

What you said makes sense. I will be cutting fairly high as it is pasture and I don't want to destroy the grass ... just take out the weeds.

Thanks Ken. I may search more diligently online also.

 

[BurningBushFarm]

Good idea.

I am pretty familiar with my hay field as I walk it a lot to check fences and for holes that would do in my critters. And I am going to be going slow.

We were blessed with this property that has an established hay field (for many years as far as we can tell) so many of the hazards have been taken care of. There is one "hump" which the balers don't like (we have a neighbor bale.)

 

[California]

... and the way to get the rear of the mower higher than the front, is to shorten the top link.

Also the lever to the right of the seat has an adjustable stop that you can set to establish the lowest it will cut. Setting that is easier than eyeballing the height every time you lower the mower.

If you bought the mower used then its rear wheel height is probably set correctly. But you might want to adjust the mower real high if this is the first exploratory pass across unknown debris.

Wear a leather jacket or something for personal armor. Its rare but rotary mowers can fling junk with deadly force.

I run well below full rated speed. I don't care about a neat cut, I'm more concerned about not throwing stuff too hard. In this orchard there is always pruning debris to discover. Use only the PTO's lowest (540) speed!

One more thing to watch for - the inertia of the mower spinning will push you forward even after you put in the clutch. Don't let this shove you into a fence, etc.

 

[clemsonfor]

I personally run my cutter level or with the back a little higher than the front. I want the discharge to go out the back, not the front. With that said, You should always go by your owners manual instructions and selling dealers advice. Ken Sweet

Ken not everybody buys things from a dealer, as in her case. So there was no dealer that sold her this stuff. Im not trying to jump on you cause you did not know that but more so just reminding you some of us dont buy anything from a dealer.

 

[sweettractors]

Ken not everybody buys things from a dealer, as in her case. So there was no dealer that sold her this stuff. Im not trying to jump on you cause you did not know that but more so just reminding you some of us dont buy anything from a dealer.

I forgot to mention, That once the Used brand is identified, most owners manuals are available online free of charge. Ken Sweet

 

[BurningBushFarm]

Just found the manual for free online.

Any personal helpful experiences will be appreciated.

 

[LD1]

...One more thing to watch for - the inertia of the mower spinning will push you forward even after you put in the clutch. Don't let this shove you into a fence, etc.

This is an excellent point. But usually not true with newer tractors and overrunning clutches/independent pto's and all.

But if it is an older tractor that does NOT have an ORC, I would recomend a trip to TSC and pick up an external one.

What tractor do you have??