Mowing What size Bush Hog, 5' or 6'?!

[Bluegill2]

Thanks Sean. You got a valid point.


BlueGill2, I believe your tractor has 5-6 HP more than mine. For me to go to 7' got me wondering and scratching my head ...

Stop scratching and go with a 5'. Or a 6' if what you are cutting is not too thick.

A 7' will work if you keep the blades sharp, but I would not want one that large on a L3200.

 

[94BULLITT]

Like I said my Bobcat Ct235 would pull a 5' with ease and it was similiar in pto to your tractor. I could have pulled a 6' with that tractor. Is a 5' as wide or wider than your tires? If you go with a 6' and would ever get a bigger tractor it should be wide enough. Were you going to buy a new or used rotary cutter? If you went with a used you may be able to try it before you buy it. I think there are too many variable in the 5hp per foot rule like engine cubic inch, gas or diesel, flywheel weight, and torque. I don't know how much more pto power the Bobcat was than the 8N but it pulled the rotary cutter way better.

 

[kubotacres]

Considering you have the same identical tractor as mine I will give my .02. Although my L3200 WILL pull a 6' with ease, I've found the 5' to be the better between the two. I like that the 5' doesn't have the "overhang" and I can cut within a few inches of my fence.With my 5' rotary cutter it's dead even with the width of my tires.I can also cut most of my pasture in 3rd with a good clean cut.Also don't forget with the transmission driven PTO, startup with require more effort to get the blades going in the brush...Unless of course the cutter is raised. I think you would be happier with the 5'... my .02 of course.

 

[ZAR2USA]

Thanks guys. I bought a new 5' Bush Hog. Spent 6 hrs cutting with it and am very please. Thanks for all the input. It help me when it came to the decision making process to help with affirmation on my choice. Appreciate everyone's input.

 

[ovrszd]

Considering you have the same identical tractor as mine I will give my .02. Although my L3200 WILL pull a 6' with ease, I've found the 5' to be the better between the two. I like that the 5' doesn't have the "overhang" and I can cut within a few inches of my fence.With my 5' rotary cutter it's dead even with the width of my tires.

This is a lengthy discussion in itself.

I like a cutter that's wider than my tractor. Then if I miss by inch and clip a fence post or tree, I'm not clipping it with my tractor tire. Also can clip over the edge of a ditch without fear of dropping the tractor tire in it.

 

[kubotacres]

I know for certain that If I had to watch the cutter instead of keepin my eye on my tractor, I'd be ripping tpost's up left and right. I'd much rather keep my eyes ahead instead of straining my neck to watch the cutter.Each to their own.

 

[TripleR]

I know for certain that If I had to watch the cutter instead of keeping my eye on my tractor, I'd be ripping tpost's up left and right. I'd much rather keep my eyes ahead instead of straining my neck to watch the cutter.Each to their own.

It depends on what you get use to, I routinely trim along fence lines with a 10' 6" pull type rotary cutter and don't hit anything. You get use to judging distance by looking at your front tires or bucket.

I also use a 6' 3PH rotary cutter on another tractor for places where the bigger mower won't go.

 

[94BULLITT]

It depends on what you get use to, I routinely trim along fence lines with a 10' 6" pull type rotary cutter and don't hit anything. You get use to judging distance by looking at your front tires or bucket.

I also use a 6' 3PH rotary cutter on another tractor for places where the bigger mower won't go.

Mirrors probably help too.

 

[riptides]

If your looking behind you while pulling a cutter, your not trusting how your driving in front of you.

 

[kubotacres]

If your looking behind you while pulling a cutter, your not trusting how your driving in front of you.

:thumbsup: