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

[ovrszd]

Hmmm, guess my point was missed. I don't think I or TripleR said anything about looking behind us all the time. We are just accustomed to having the cutter outside our tread.

Like I said, this can be a lengthy discussion.

 

[Verticaltrx]

Hmmm, guess my point was missed. I don't think I or TripleR said anything about looking behind us all the time. We are just accustomed to having the cutter outside our tread.

Like I said, this can be a lengthy discussion.

I'll add something else to it then.

Originally, single spindle rotary cutters were intended to be a good bit narrower than the tractor. This is so with the wheels set out the cutter is mowing undisturbed grass between the tire tracks. I've tried a 5' cutter on a tractor large enough to do this and the cut was greatly improved with no grass springing back up in the wheel tracks. Now I'm sure most people today think this is a crazy idea, but it is an interesting concept (read about tractor size and tread spacing in all the manuals for JD single spindle cutters). When you go to a dual spindle cutter this is a moot point, and they do a better job of lifting the wheel tracks anyways.

As for the OP, I think 5' was definitely the right choice for that tractor.

 

[TripleR]

Mirrors probably help too.

You may be right, I guess I'm not even aware of how much I use my mirrors. The tractor I use to use didn't have mirrors so for 12 years I got use to going by the front wheel track or bucket to gauge my distance. I have only been using mirrors for a couple or three years and do use them backing up etc., but I find it often almost impossible not to turn around and look back; old habits die really hard and maybe never.

 

[ovrszd]

You may be right, I guess I'm not even aware of how much I use my mirrors. The tractor I use to use didn't have mirrors so for 12 years I got use to going by the front wheel track or bucket to gauge my distance. I have only been using mirrors for a couple or three years and do use them backing up etc., but I find it often almost impossible not to turn around and look back; old habits die really hard and maybe never.

Yeah, one of the first things my Dad taught me about operating a tractor was to always be aware of the implement you are pulling. I am constantly looking over my shoulder. Saves a lot of embarrassing marks across the field from plugged or failed equipment....

 

[herefromthere]

Rather than create a duplicate thread, I'll resuscitate this one.

I also have an L3200 and am contemplating a bush hog. From the previous posts, it seems most people are looking at this from a mowing standpoint. My main use will be cutting/clearing brush like blackberries, salmonberries, alder saplings, etc. I live west of the Cascades in the Pacific NW, so any bare ground will grow a weed of some sort within about 10 minutes. One of the things I see doing with this is clearing trails through brushy areas in the woods.

That brings up the question of using the 5' and having to do lots of back and forth to make the trail wider than the tractor or getting the 6' to be able to make one pass. After the trails are in, I'd also be going back and mowing the weeds a few times a year. Initially, this will also involve very uneven ground and lots of variable vegetation. I'm counting on removing the FEL bucket (at least) and having to get some weights as part of this. It's a 66" skid steer attach, so it's wider than the track width.

The Kubota dealer feels I can use either, since I won't be mowing a field of heavy grass. (If I had fields to mow, that would push the recommendation toward the 5' width.) Mostly I'm interested in the best tool for the job, but it's worth noting that there is a pretty big price jump from the 5' to the 6'. What have others done, and what would you recommend. Thanks in advance!

 

[LD1]

I'd get the 6' cutter.

And if you "were" mowing a large field of heavy grass, that would actually push my recommendation more toward the 6' or even bigger.

Since you have a HST, you can go infinitely slow. So you really wont ever "run out" of power. Just need to slow down.

In dense thick stuff, the 6' will cut the same acreage in the same amount of time as a 5' cutter. Little bigger, go a little slower. But same cutting rate as it is based on your HP.

BUT, where a large one can save time, is when you have to slow down for reasons other than bogging/lack of power.

 

[Rocky Hoffler]

I have same predicament I need to replace rotary mower have a 5 ft. not as wide as tractor would like to go with 6 ft. but my problem tractor and 5 ft. mower barely fits on my 18 ft. trailer. I guess I could replace trailer with a 20 ft. one or just get a 5 ft. mower and learn to be happy anybody have any ideas?:cool2:

 

[bullbreaker]

I'd get the 6' cutter.

:thumbsup:

L3400 SQ172

 

[Bluegill2]

I have same predicament I need to replace rotary mower have a 5 ft. not as wide as tractor would like to go with 6 ft. but my problem tractor and 5 ft. mower barely fits on my 18 ft. trailer. I guess I could replace trailer with a 20 ft. one or just get a 5 ft. mower and learn to be happy anybody have any ideas?:cool2:

I'd definitely want a 6 foot cutter on a L4600!

 

[TomSeller]

I like the 6' size myself, seems to take a lot less time to mow most anything, that 1' makes a difference.