if bushing hogging (rotatory cutter), preffer FEL on. with bucket.
if i removed the bucket and the entire FEL (arms) my front end of the tractor would be up in the air. i need the counter weight.
if i was doing a good amount of bush hogging, say fence lines around a field, and sides of a road were there were no trees, most likely remove just the front bucket itself.
but for me on this property, the bucket is required. to many branches (large branches) can fall down, and the areas that need bushing hogging are riddle with hills and washouts. and need to back down to water edge of lakes and streams. the bucket is a life saver of getting un stuck.
on thing i do like about having bucket on and low down to the ground while bush hogging, the bucket lays stuff down to the ground, and keeps crap from plugging up the radiator or poking a hole in the radiator.
no bucket on, and tend to quickly plug up the screen / grating and radiator with little sticks and leaves, that could cause tractor to over heat.
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RFM (rear finishing mower) is not a bush hog (rotatory cutter) RFM is for the front yard. rotatory cutter is to cut down tall weeds, and brush.
RFM, i would be looking to reduce as much weight as possible. so when i do mow front yard, i do not leave ruts in the front yard.
for pastures and wooded area and fence lines and like. i could care less about ruts and weight, and it is more about getting unstuck, and making sure i do not run over thing.
