Looking for a new brush hog for new tractor

[Farmwithjunk]

Hi,

I am looking for a new brush hog for my new Montana 4340C and would like some opinions of what people are using, likes and dislikes, and cost.
The tractor is 43hp sync reverser.

I figure I will go with a 6ft min. Can I go bigger?
I have looked and priced at my local dealers.
- John Deere MX6 w/chain guards $2800 w/tax
- John Deere MX7 w/chain guards $3900 w/tax
- Kodiak 6ft w/chain guards $1700 w/tax
- Woods 6ft w/chain guards $3300 w/tax
- Bush hog 6ft w/chain guards $1900 w/tax

All include slip clutch which was highly recommended by all dealers.

So what does everyone think? What should I go with? money is somewhat an issue, but want something that with hold up over the long haul.

Oh, and I will be mostly cutting grass which will be max. 5ft tall. And some light brush no more than 2in. thick.

Thankyou in advance for your help and opinions.

Some how, I don't think all things are equal. With the difference in price between Woods and Bush Hog, you must be comparing different duty ratings. I'm a Bush Hog advocate. But that's too much of a gap in price to explain any other way, With the quoted price on the Woods, I'd suspect you're looking at a BB7200 (heavy duty) vs a medium duty Bush Hog model (or possibly even light duty) . That said, medium duty is probably more than adaquate for your needs. It would help to know actual models in question to make a final judgement. The Deere models quoted are rated as medium duty also. Good mowers, but I still prefer a Bush Hog branded mower.

I own and operate a commercial mowing business. I've had negative experience with Woods and have nothing but glowing recommendations for Bush Hog. However, I use heavy duty models in mowing conditions that would probably allow light to medium duty.

Long story short, I'd like to know specifically which models of Woods and Bush Hog mowers you're quoting.

 

[rbargeron]

........Most of the grass that I will be mowing will only be a foot or two tall each cutting. Only one neighbor that I mow around 6 acres for will be mowed twice a year about 4 - 6ft tall. Harder on the tractor but I get more money for it.

Kinda late in this thread to be suggesting a different machine- but have you considered the Woods RM-990 mower? It is built commercial quality - very strong and does a good job - leaves a clean looking field. It has swing-back blades, four castors, and cuts 7-1/2 feet wide. I've used one for 10-11 years and it's still going strong. Review here.It will chew up 1" brush ok. It's wide but short behind the tractor so it handles well. It performs best with at least 32-35 pto hp. Weight is around 1200 lb. I have a 6' rotary too but with the RM-990 I almost never use it.

 

[Soundguy]

You could probably pull a 7'er.. but I'd go with 6'. the 7' models are usually single spindle.. and get quite heavy.

I like round stump jumpers.. etc.

soundguy

 

[JDeerekid]

Some how, I don't think all things are equal. With the difference in price between Woods and Bush Hog, you must be comparing different duty ratings. I'm a Bush Hog advocate. But that's too much of a gap in price to explain any other way, With the quoted price on the Woods, I'd suspect you're looking at a BB7200 (heavy duty) vs a medium duty Bush Hog model (or possibly even light duty) . That said, medium duty is probably more than adaquate for your needs. It would help to know actual models in question to make a final judgement. The Deere models quoted are rated as medium duty also. Good mowers, but I still prefer a Bush Hog branded mower.

I own and operate a commercial mowing business. I've had negative experience with Woods and have nothing but glowing recommendations for Bush Hog. However, I use heavy duty models in mowing conditions that would probably allow light to medium duty.

Long story short, I'd like to know specifically which models of Woods and Bush Hog mowers you're quoting.

I am sorry the price for the woods is $2300 and it is the BB72X
The Bush Hog is the SQ172

 

[EastTexFrank]

I have a Bush Hog SQ172. I use it behind a L4740 with 40 pto hp. I mow on some pretty steep slopes and I think my tractor would really struggle with a 7' mower going uphill. That was one of the reasons for getting the medium duty mower in the first place instead of a heavy duty one. Bush Hog sells it as a medium duty mower but it is really a light/medium mower but if all you are doing is cutting grass and small 1" saplings, it will do fine. If you are going to be backing into brush, hitting stumps and trees, you'll bend it up in no time flat. I'm talking from experience here. The metal on the skirts is fairly thin so whoever said that you might need to reinforce the deck and sides gave you good advice if you are going to get more extreme with it.

I haven't used it all that much but so far it functions as it is supposed to considering what it is.

 

[SCDolphin]

I have a Woods BB72 for about one year and I have enjoyed it. Woods blades have a different system of bolting the blades to the stump jumper which makes it easier to service and remove blades. It is a heavy sucker

 

[oldgoat2]

I have a Bush Hog SQ160 and a Bush Hog 297, both under 2 years old. They both hack things off okay but I've seen better quality cuts from other brands. I bought the bush hog because they are as tough as any and have always been easy to get parts for years down the road. If you are not mowing over logs, fence posts, rocks, and other debris, I agree you might want to consider a finish mower. The mid and top grade finish mowers are really tough and, with rear discharge, can handle lots of material. Those are my first choice if possible. I use a 7' Buhler on my L3400 Kubota with ease.

 

[dknarnd]

If you want to go 7' Bush Hog makes an light duty offset with twin spindles. I have one a and used it last year on my 40hp New Holland. It is short so the weight sits close to the tractor and is not a factor.

The blade tip speed is a little slow but it works good if you keep the blades sharp. With a conventional style cutter I wouldn't go larger then 6' unless you are on flat ground all the time.

 

[agford4x4]

I bought a Mohawk shredder over the bush hog. It was just as heavy and constructed better in my opinion. Plus, it was much cheaper. I dont know how bush hog gets away with what they charge.

 

[JDeerekid]

I just wanted to let you all know that I went with the Bush Hog SQ172 and also got it in Green to somewhat match my tractor. I comes with a slip clutch and front and rear chain guards. I went with this because it will not be to big if I get in really tall and thick grass and I will not be going into alot of brush and If I do its not that thick. Thankyou all for your information and help.