Tractor Sizing Rotary Cutter (bush hog) size for a YM2500

[cybermica]

Greetings. I recently purchased a Yanmar YM2500 (2wd) tractor and I’m now searching for an appropriately-sized rotary cutter. I believe the tractor is rated at 25 PTO horsepower and 30 engine horsepower. The track width (outside to outside) at the rear tires is 64 or 65 inches. I have 9.5 acres of mildly hilly land (no steep grades) that is mostly pasture (grass). I’d like to be able to mow against fences, etc. and would therefore like to be able to use a 6-foot rotary cutter. However, I see the power requirements on 6-footers are “at least 30hp.” Does anyone know whether or not the YM2500 will adequately power a 6-footer, or am I stuck with a 5-footer, which is narrower than the tractor?

 

[kenmac]

5 PTO H.P. for every FT. of cutter. 5 FT. cutter = 25 PTO HP
6 FT. cutter = 30 PTO HP.

 

[normde2001]

"The track width (outside to outside) at the rear tires is 64 or 65 inches."

That sounds awfully wide for a Yanmar. Is that with reversed or non-OEM wheels?

 

[cybermica]

The wheels look factory, although I couldn't swear it. They also look to be dished outward, so I'm guessing they've been reversed (seems like a good idea for stability). I guess one answer is I could re-reverse the wheels and get some overlap with a 5-footer, but I'd prefer the stability of the wide stance.

I'm assuming the 5hp/blade-foot is a guideline. Thanks for the response.

Has anyone out there actually tried a 6-footer on a YM2500?

Thanks again,

Mica

 

[kenmac]

I have a 3110 tractor with a 5 footer & at times it's all the tractor / engine can handle. I would try a 6 footer but, I (myself) wouldn't buy 1 for my tractor.Hey, if that's what you want . Go for it . If it won't work, you may be able to trade it for a 5 ft.

 

[normde2001]

I doubt you will get any real answers, as there are only a couple of 2500's on any of these forums. A big problem is that Yanmars are very light tractors. A 6' mower will probably weigh 1/2 your tractors weight.

 

[Travis_R]

You don't want to put a 6' on a YM2500. I have a YM2500. I just traded my 5' Bush Hog Squealer to my uncle for his much lighter 5' King Kutter rotary cutter. We are both well satisfied.

The YM2500 didn't like the Squealer at all. It lugged the engine down a lot.

Keep a 5' on there. Your tractor will thank you for it.

Travis R

 

[kemary]

I also have a 2wd ym2500. I have an old 5 foot brush hog that is very heavy duty. It weighs over 700 pounds. I have one steep hill that I've mowed up and down and the front end is very light, but I do not have any front end weight. I used the neighbbors 6 foot King Kutter brush hog just to try it and it was noticeably lighter than my 5 footer and the tractor had no trouble with it. I was mowing grass about 15 inches high, no brush, and the engine never bogged down. If I buy another brush hog it will be one of the lighter model 6 footers. I have the same problem with the 5 foot being narrower than the rear track width of the tractor which is a pain mowing along the fences. My tractor measures 62 inches outside to outside on the rear. Jack

 

[Tom_Veatch]

I've run a borrowed 5' cutter (JD305?) behind a YM2220D which is slightly below the "5HP/FT" guideline (4.4HP/FT). The cutting was on level ground, grass and weeds 4 to 5 ft high, no heavy brush or saplings, and the tractor didn't seem to be overloaded in the least.

Did have an overheating problem due to the heavy chaff which kept clogging the radiator screen. Other than that, the tractor didn't seem to really notice that it was dragging that cutter around.

Based on my experience, plus your having 3 more HP, and your statement that you'll be mowing pasture, I'd at least try to get hold of a 6' cutter and try it before saying that it couldn't be done.

 

[chriswheeler]

I have a YM3000 that is almost the same machine as your 2500. Weight of the cutter will turn out to be the largest factor helping you decide. My 3000 could power a 6 footer. I don't have very heavy stuff here to mow, mostly weeds less than 2 foot tall, no heavy brush. That said, I don't think my 3000 would like to lift the 6 footer after running the 5 for the last 3 years. I can mow right up to a fence line with the 5, it's more than wide enough. What ever you get, make sure to buy a overunning clutch and the chain guards to go with it. The clutch costs less than $50 and will save you a bunch of trouble keeping you from running into things when you want to stop. (important safety item) The guard on my 5 footer costs $125.
Chris