Rotary Cutter HP Recommendation on 8 ft Cutter

[JBowie]

I run a Bush Hog 3008 3ph lift type with a MF251xe (48eng/45pto) and a BH 2426 loader on front. 7700lbs configured like this. Weight is OK, no problems there but if the grass hasn't been cut in 6 months, I had better be patient because it is agonizing, slow, loud, and hot. If I try any faster than 2rd gear low range, I will overheat the tractor in the current 100 degree heat.

That looks like a very similar setup to what I'd be trying. Thx for the feedback.

 

[gabby]

Thanks, I hear you. That was my original thought, but other than a proxy for weight, there doesn't appear to be any logical reason to have a different hp requirement for different connections. It seems odd for the mfr to recommend 30 hp for a pull behind and 50 hp for a lift. Even if you are using some of the hp to "lift," (and I'm not sure you are, other than running the hydraulics?), you aren't lifting and mowing at the same time, are you? :confused3:

I prefer pull type mowers. 30 hp is not even close to enough hp for an 8 foot mower. 50 hp is a big stretch.

 

[Gator6x4]

I don't think I would want a eight (8) foot rotary cutter on a tractor with only 50 PTO horsepower unless I was cutting 6-8 inch grass, taking 3/4 width cuts and came to spend a lot of time cutting. As PoorPlowboy says it will be loud, hot, slow and sweaty.

 

[case245]

I HAVE A 7040su kubota the dealer say an 8 foot cutter he also said i could run a 10 foot so id say an 8 foot max in thick stuff as high as the hood of the tractor that 5 foot on my tractor and with bigger tractor you have more weight to handle the swing cutter my tractor has a fel 4x4 loaded rear tires cast center wheel im guessing 8500 ibs my tractor wieghs could be more my 3500hd srw the safety chains n the trailer would hit the road once in a while transporting the tractor

 

[JBowie]

Although I don't seem to have any of the more open areas, here are some pics of the type and size of brush I'll need to cut, at least the first time:

 

[bilrus61]

I had a Rhino TW96 8 footer on my former tractor, a Kubota GL4200. It has 37 pto power and if you went in 1st or 2nd gear it could take down about anything. However put it in 3rd and it would lug the engine if stuff got very thick or tall. Engine would over heat pretty fast unless you kept the screen very clean. Mowing low really takes the horsepower. If you mow a little high its much easier for the tractor to do. Sharper blades work wonders also.

 

[foreman Etexas]

to mow yard (8ft)
few hrs to kill (12ft)
gotta get'r done (15ft)
:laughing:

 

[JBowie]

I appreciate everyone's comments on this thread. I'm still not certain how well the 5140 is going to work with the 8' shredder -- experience appears to be on both sides of the equation. However, they've both been ordered and I hope to get them tomorrow. I have to remind myself that I started this search by looking at a Mahindra 4010, then a Mahindra 4025, then a Kubota MX5100, then a JD 5055E, and decided on the M5140. My guess is that I will have more than enough tractor for my place, and if the shredder is too large, I bet I can find someone interested in a nearly new heavy duty 8' shredder.

And, I am looking forward to posting "after" pics to go along with the ones above.

:thumbsup:

 

[djradz]

I appreciate everyone's comments on this thread. I'm still not certain how well the 5140 is going to work with the 8' shredder -- experience appears to be on both sides of the equation. However, they've both been ordered and I hope to get them tomorrow. I have to remind myself that I started this search by looking at a Mahindra 4010, then a Mahindra 4025, then a Kubota MX5100, then a JD 5055E, and decided on the M5140. My guess is that I will have more than enough tractor for my place, and if the shredder is too large, I bet I can find someone interested in a nearly new heavy duty 8' shredder.

And, I am looking forward to posting "after" pics to go along with the ones above.

:thumbsup:

I think you will be fine, but performance will probably be very dependant on what you are cutting. If it is shorter or thinner, I am sure you will have no problems, if it is very long or think and has trouble getting discharged, even a larger machine might have some difficulty. If you find you do, simply cut more often or at a higher setting. Not a big deal.

 

[foreman Etexas]

I would look at a 3point sprayer and spray some,TSC has some stuff Pasture Pro that is like Grazon. It is safe to spray with cattle on pasture and will help get a handle on them weeds. With cows on there I dont believe his grass is going to be very thick,and if he does just toping the weeds and not cutting the grass would be the thing to do,if running cows on it also. Thats why I like the pull-type set it and go and him not having draft control,I think will have to work shredder being a 3point,if its uneven. Hey JBowie MAY have a tropical storm coming into Gulf,hope you get some rain out of it...