Need advice-Too much HP?

[slmartz]

Hey everyone,

I could use some advice. Our smaller tractor is down, and I need to finish mowing our church property. The only tractor I have available right now is our Ford 8000 (about 100 HP). The mower we use is a Frontier FM1015 batwing, which is rated for 35–80 HP.

My concern is that the 8000 might have too much horsepower and could damage the mower’s gearbox or driveline, especially since we’ve got some hilly ground. I don’t want to tear up equipment just to get the job done.

Has anyone run an FM1015 (or similar light batwing) behind a higher-HP tractor? If so, what precautions should I take — like running at lower RPMs, moving slow, JUST DON'T DO IT, etc.? Again, just don't wanna tear up equipment and figured I'd turn to some more seasoned vets for advice.

Thanks in advance.

 

[MAX-24-Dean]

I would play it safe and just have the church find someone else to mow it or have the church pay to get it mowed.

 

[LouNY]

The mower should have shear pins or a slip clutch. Check them and get the job done. Drop down a gear and don't crowd the mower and it should be fine.
You are not that far over the recommended hp, just bring the throttle up to close to pto speed and get mowed.

 

[CliffordK]

Whew, those mowers are expensive.

I'm not sure if I'd want a mower that couldn't be over-powered by 20%.

Does it have a slip clutch or a sheer pin? Are those in good shape? Pull the sheer pin, and does the shaft spin freely?

That looks like a generally a finish mower. What is the terrain you're mowing like? Have you hit any hazards that might eat up a mower?

Is the weight of the tractor and tire tread acceptable to the client? Will the bigger tractor cause damage to the turf?