Stupid brushhog question

[Knute]

I haven't used one of these yet, obviously or I wouldn't have this question...is a pull behind brush hog on a piviot like a trailer or is it attached solidly to the rear of the tractor?

If it's solid how do you mow along a fence? When you turn doesn't it swing wide causing the brush hog to swing into the fence?

Sorry in advance for the painfull question.

John

 

[Gatorboy]

A pull-behind is similar to a trailer.

 

[fenneran]

But it is attached (hopefully) solidly to the 3-pt hitch. Mine is a little wider than the width of the tractor, so I run up the fence line and weave a little for the posts. When I get to the end I have to turn slowly so it doesn't swing into the fence like you've described.

-Frank

 

[Gatorboy]

<font color="blue"> But it is attached (hopefully) solidly to the 3-pt hitch </font>

I don't even use my 3-pt hitch -- which is the reason for my pull-type mower. The mower will then act just like a trailer would. You really hone your backup skills with this type of setup.

This is the best picture I have online of my setup.

 

[Knute]

So there's a small amount of play so the PTO doesn't bind, but essentially the brush hog or rear mount mower is solidly attached and will swing wide.

I bet that takes some practice getting close to things and still get away from it without bumping.

John

 

[Knute]

Thanks Dave, I didn't realize the PTO would allow that much movement (still new at the tractor stuff).

Are there, or maybe I should say what are, the disadvantages of that type of setup vs one that is solidly attached to the 3 pt? One advantage or your setup is obvious, you can turn when you're running along a fence. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

John

 

[Gatorboy]

A pull-type is the only kind I have ever used. I'm not sure of any disadvantage there is to using one. I'm sure a pull type cuts much better in turns for it is not whipping around like one that is solidly attached on the 3-pt hitch.

 

[BB_TX]

This <font color="blue"> link </font> shows a picture of both a 3 pt type and a pull type. The pull type connects to the drawbar only and pulls like a trailer. The disadvantage to this type is if you need to back into a corner or under some low brush, it would be like backing a trailer. If you rarely have need for that, and if you are good at backing a trailer, then it would be no problem.

 

[Golfgar4]

Other advantages of a 3pt mower would be that you can raise and lower the mower onto, say, thick brush, chew it up and then pull away. You can also, much more easily than the straight pull behind (except for experts like Gatorboy! /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif) back the mower under low tree branches, fence lines, etc.

 

[Bird]

John, what is known as a pull behind or pull type has a tongue that attaches to the drawbar, so it does handle like a trailer. The 3-point brush hog is just that; attached solidly to the 3 points. So, yes, when you turn, it swings out the opposite direction; something you just get used to. When I mowed alongside and very close to the fence (on the left side for purposes of this example), when I came to a corner or place I needed to turn, I simply stopped and backed slowly while turning the wheel to the right; i.e., swung the brush hog to the right, away from the fence, then straightened up, made the turn, and backed the brush hog into the corner.