What size of bush hog do I need?

[IMCA38]

Hi
I have found a great deal of knowledge on this board, so I thought I'd tap it again.
I have a Massey (Iseki) 1225 (22.5hp) that I use to pull a 60" RFM. The setup works great on my yard.
However, I have an area of tall pasture-type grass (generally about 2' tall when I get around to cutting it). The RFM will knock it down, but it generally takes 2 good passes to get any kind of cut. Also, this area does have some stray stumps, etc. so it isn't the place I want to run my RFM a whole lot.
ANYWAY- I'm thinking about a bush hog type of mower for this area. Is that the appropriate implement for the job? If so, should I look for a 48" or 60" unit. My tractor is just under 48" wide at the back tires (R4). I can pick up 60" units nearly every week at area farm/acreage auctions. However, a 48" unit will likely have to be purchased new.
Will my Massey pull a 60" bush hog in this type of stuff? I don't think it is as nasty and thick as the stuff a lot of people bush hog in.
Thanks
Todd

 

[KiotiJohn]

I don't see any reason that it wouldn't. You have enough PTO horsepower, and I believe that tractor is plenty big enough for the extra weight of a 5' over a 4' mower. I pull a 4' on my CK20HST with no problem in similar materials and it never bogs down. Manual states I could use a 5', but I prefer the smaller size due to so many trees in my property. It's much easier to maneuver. However, it that's not a concern for you, I would go with the 5', because then you can get up closer to fences and other close things that I can't. John

 

[JerryG]

It might run a 5', but if you want it to be efficient buy a 4'. It's just like the commercial that use to be on television, the pickup that pulled the train. It might do it, but why over load it?

 

[KiotiJohn]

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( It might run a 5', but if you want it to be efficient buy a 4'. It's just like the commercial that use to be on television, the pickup that pulled the train. It might do it, but why over load it? )</font>
Jerry, I would agree with that if he were buying an RFM where uniform grass cutting can really tax a mower, but he's going to be cutting brush mostly, and that's not usually as hard on a mower. Another aspect is that for that first cut, he could narrow the cutting area a little until after he's gotten it under control, and then a 5 ft should breeze right through it. I don't mean a Heavy Duty 5', but a light to medium duty should work well. That said, except for being able to get up closer to objects, I'm happy with my 4' and my tractor has 21 engine HP. John

 

[PBMAX]

IMCA38, My lil TC21D is only rated 16hp at the PTO and the Flyer I have now from NH rates the rottery cutter at 48 or 60 in. The original flyer I picked up before I bought it only rated it for 48" rottery cutter. Not sure why they chaged their minds......

If I rec-o-lect correctly even the dealer said based on HP it sould be OK, just go easy in heavy stump and tree cutting. So even with the 4' I watch the sapling sizes... Say no more than an 1" or so..... Besides it's more fun wiht the FEL!!!!

I us a 48" because of the price FREE!!!!!!!! My brother in law bought a 7' cutter to go with his 70hp JD.. Said If I want it come get it....... I thinkI was there before he hung up.... /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

Needless to say if my 16hp rated TC can handle one I can't see why yours can't.

Just my .02 cents

 

[755inNY]

<font color="blue"> It might run a 5', but if you want it to be efficient buy a 4'. It's just like the commercial that use to be on television, the pickup that pulled the train. It might do it, but why over load it? </font>

I don't think that is a reasonable comparison at all. Maybe if he wanted to fun a 10' flexiwing cutter but not 60".

This question has been brought up before on TBN. Many people have responded they have run a 60" rotary cutter on 15 to 18 PTO HP with no problems. I've cut everything from tall pasture grass to heavy brush to small saplings with a 60" cutter on 15 PTO HP. If by "efficient" you mean faster, then I would agree that you might be able to go faster with a 48" cutter. But, given the uneveness of typical pasture ground, I am going as fast as I would want to go. You are not going to wear out the tractor faster by using the 60".

As the writer mentioned, 60" cutters are readily available in the used market as well as new. The 60" probably does not cost much more than a 48".

Jeff

 

[Gary_in_Indiana]

I'm reluctant to inject practical logic into such a theoretical discussion, but here's an idea. /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif Why not buy one of those cheap, used light duty 5' rotary cutters and see how it works for you. Personally, my guess is that it'll do more for you than you might think. If it's not adequate for your needs, you can still order a new 4' model and probably sell your used 5' for what you paid for it, give or take a few dollars. /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif

Good luck with whatever you decide. I hope this helps. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

 

[JerryG]

If I have a implement that I don't have enough power to run at the full width and through the rated brush size, it is to big. If I have enough power to cut chest high grass, the full width of the cutter and enough power to cut rated size brush, then it is sized right. Any time you can't do these things, you will be trying to tax the tractor anytime that you encounter these conditions.

 

[755inNY]

<font color="blue"> If I have enough power to cut chest high grass, the full width of the cutter and enough power to cut rated size brush, then it is sized right. </font>

And if you only need to cut 2' high grass instead of chest high, as the poster described, maybe you don't need quite as much power. I say size the implement for the stuff you are going to do not the stuff you won't.

 

[JerryG]

If I can't use a piece of equipment for what it was designed, I wouldn't own it.