m7040 Capable of handlinga 12ft bush hog?

[PLMLLC]

I just picked up a property that has about 50 acres of field that will be bush hogged... half flat and the other half very hilly. Pretty steep stuff in areas. What is everyones opinion... Looking at a Kubota m7040 to pull a 12ft bush hog... will it handle it? or do I have to go to m8540? Thanks

 

[nybirdman]

Do you already own the 12 ft.BH?That's pretty big for 50 acres.
I think the rule of thumb is 5PTO h.P. per ft. of BH.You also have to consider the weight on the 3 point.

 

[gwdixon]

I think a M7040 should be fine depending on the density of what you need to cut. With 12' of cutting swath very tall vegetation or saplings/bushes would have to be cut fairly slowly the first time through. After the first cutting the next time through should be much easier.

My M7040 uses an 8' bush hog (3PH) that will zip through just about anything. If the foliage is taller than the tires then I take it more slowly to ensure a good cut but not because the engine lugs.

I haven't ever seen a 12', 3PH, mower so don't know if they exist. A pull-behind is the obvious choice for that width. Plus, if it is a bat-wing style you can maneuver it through gates or on the road.

The manufacturer of the 12' mower should have some literature on what HP is needed to effectively run the mower so that would be my first source of reliable information. We here on TBN can only guess what you need as far as the variables of terrain, vegetation, and so forth.

 

[wmonroe]

Is it a pull behind? With proper ballast, filled tires and cast centers, you should be fine on your hillsides. I have some very steep hills on my place and proper ballast and 4x4 makes it work. Like has already been mentioned if the cutting load is too much the first time just take a smaller pass and then you can keep up with it after that.

 

[TripleR]

Foreman Etexas pulls a 12' Woods DS1440 with his 7040's or use to, he was thinking of going with a bat wing at one time.
http://www.woodsequipment.com/uploa...rature/Rotary Cutters - DS1260 and DS1440.pdf

 

[PLMLLC]

Ok. Thanks for all the info. I was looking at a 12ft bush hog bat wing pull behind mower.
The property has been hayed for the past 7 yrs and I just want it mowed now.
I don't want to take days to cut it but think the 15ft bat wing isn't necessary.

 

[TripleR]

Ok. Thanks for all the info. I was looking at a 12ft bush hog bat wing pull behind mower.
The property has been hayed for the past 7 yrs and I just want it mowed now.
I don't want to take days to cut it but think the 15ft bat wing isn't necessary.

We use a 10' Woods DS1260 pull behind with our M8540 to mow that much or more and agree with you, we have access to a Woods 15 foot bat wing, but have never needed it.

 

[ovrszd]

I carry a 3pt 10' with my M9540. It's a load and requires suitcase weights on the front. Handles the PTO part easily.

If you are going larger than 10' you definitely want pull type.

Good luck with your choice.

 

[bigbull338]

we run a 14ft ridged with a jx80 case 4x4.an its just a tad smaller hp wise than my 7040SU.an it pulls that shredder with ease.so i know your tractor would pull a 12 no prob.now you might have to drop into a lower gear on the heavy stuff.