Tractor Purchase

[rockyridgefarm]

<font color="orange"> if the tractor can lift it, and the PTO can turn it without a problem, then it's not a mismatch </font>

Not entirely always completely true...

Disclaimer: I have a Deere 6' cutter on a Deere that they doe NOT recommend. I am definately pushing the envelope as to what will fit...

Several other factors come into play. The most dangerous position is cutting across a grade, where the cutter will want to pull the tractor sideways down slope. A cutter that can be lifted by the 3 point MAY be too heavy for this cutting. ( I always cut up or down, never accross a slope...)

There are other factors that the engineers try to figure on when matching implements. I have never had any issues on dry ground, but last night I tried to traverse a field after a monsoon. I nearly lost it several times... So differant ground conditions cvould really come into play a lot

 

[KiotiJohn]

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( There are other factors that the engineers try to figure on when matching implements. I have never had any issues on dry ground, but last night I tried to traverse a field after a monsoon. I nearly lost it several times... So differant ground conditions cvould really come into play a lot )</font>
You make a very good point. I'm spoiled by the very flat land we have here in Florida, and that situation hadn't occurred to me. Of course, as you state, that type of cutting should be done up and down, not side to side, but it's not that cut and dried either. Making turns may sometimes require a little side to side that can't be avoided. If the 6' is significantly heavier, there may be a problem, but I suspect there could be a problem with even a 5' in that situation. Thanks for pointing this out. Our different situations should really dictate what we do. John

 

[rockyridgefarm]

Yup, and differant soils can make for fun...

Last night I carried some bales that are never a problem. But after our monsoons, I sure was glad my tractor has a yellow seat!!!

 

[ChrisW]

Sorry guys, I sold it last night.

Chris

 

[Keith_B]

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( Yup, and differant soils can make for fun...

Last night I carried some bales that are never a problem. But after our monsoons, I sure was glad my tractor has a yellow seat!!! )</font>

It has been so sloppy at our place that the last few round bales I have put out with the old big blue Ford 4000 have required me to steer in the fields with the brakes as much as the steering.

While the proper bush hog sizes are rated by hp it is difficult to use hp as the only criteria when selecting the cutter and tractor combo to use. I know of a lot of N series Fords that have handled five and six foot bush hogs with relative ease, and done so for decades. These cutters are way oversized for a machine putting out 25hp and under, but they cause no problems just the same.

Nevertheless, if I am going to run a six foot bush hog I am gonna want at least a 35hp tractor. It has to work less hard to accomplish the job.

 

[Soundguy]

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( Maybe I am old fashooned but I still prefer breaking and disking over tilling )</font>

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( What makes you say that you consider this a mismatch? )</font>

I agree.. My ex-nh1920 would run a 6' mower. And spun a 5' like no tomorrow. An ant mound would shear the pin without the rpm needle so much as vibrating.


Soundguy

 

[Kiohio]

Hmmmm,
I always prefer the side of caution over sales.
I don't condone the use of a 6' rotary behind a CK25/30.
A rare circumstance may be very flat ground and LIGHT 6' rotary, then again there is always a chance the person may move. I prefer to sleep at night peacefully and not worry about it. We have nothing but hills in our part of the country. Our recommendations for where we are: 4' for a 20, 5' for 25 and 30(unless clearing land then a 4' on the 25), 5' or 6' on the 35 (usually a 5') and 6' on the 40 and 45.

There are so many different things to take into consideration. I have heard of LB1914's running 6ft finish mowers, LK3054's with 11ft batwings....you name it.

I have a customer running a VERY heavy old JD rotary on his DK35 with no trouble, he is also VERY experienced at running equipment.
It all makes a difference in what is recommended.

KO