Yanmar 1100

GRIZZLEY78414 · Oct 6, 2005

Hi guys
I would like to ask ya's opinion on what size of rotary cutter (or Shredder as we say in Texas) to get for my tractor a small Yanmar 1100 with 14 horsepower. Comes in at a daintly 1080 lbs 3 weights up front. Been looking at a "Bush Hog" SE42 or a "Rhino 42" or a Howse 3ft. The heavist of the three is the Howse 3ft and rated for 10-20 hp. The lightest is the Rhino 42. but it is rated for 15 hp minimum. The "Bush Hog" SE42 is rated for 10-20 hp and weights less the 3ft Howse but more than the Rhino 42. I want to know which would work best. I got 2 acres I need to keep up with. I'd appreciate ya's input.
Thx.....

Onthesauk · Oct 6, 2005

I've got a 1500, (rated at 15hp,) and run a 4 foot brush cutter. I think you can run anything up to that size so long as you don't get into anything too big. You can always cut higher or cut slower and go over it a second or third time.

kenmac · Oct 6, 2005

5 tractor hp per 1 ft of cutter size

XmasTreeGrower · Oct 6, 2005

Grizzley

I have two of the cutters you mentioned for my 1100D; the 36" Howse, and the 42" Bush Hog Squealer.

The 36" Howse is by far a better match for the Yanmar. You will need to re-drill the lower pins several inches lower to better match up with the lower link heights.

The 36" Howse also has a stump jumper, whereas the Bush Hog just has two swing blades, that are pretty light weight.
Both cutters have the annoying habit of "digging in" the front edges if you hit undulating patches. The Bush Hog is the worst of the two; in fact the Bush Hog Squealer is the poorest performing cutter I have ever encountered.

The 1100 has plenty of power for the 36", and will handle tall grass with ease. The tractor/cutter combo really does not have enough mass to tackle anything meaningful in terms of big saplings, roots, etc. Don't forget that you will need some suitcase weight for the front end, or you will definitely be doing some "wheelies" when you try to pick up any of these cutters.

I know the Howse is not well thought of in general on these forums, but for this application it works as well as can be expected.

Thanks
Bill

GRIZZLEY78414 · Oct 6, 2005

Ok, so you think the Howse is better than the Bush Hog?
I liked the Bush Hog because of the lighter weight and the 1/2 of foot additional cutting width. The Bush hog SE42 is listed as 305 and the Howse i believe is 346.

I been told to watch out for wheelies with the weight of a Shredder. I got (3) 40lbs weights to balance it the front.
I got mostly bermuda grass and a few small huisache and brum brush at the land.

XmasTreeGrower · Oct 6, 2005

Lighter is not better when it comes to bush hogs.

Trust me, the Bush Hog Squealer is a miserable performing piece of equipment. The extra 6" and the much smaller discharge chute area will bog your tractor down quick.

Missed your part of the post where you already had some weights up front. You should be fine.

Thanks
Bill

Jagmandave · Oct 10, 2005

I pull a Howse 4ft behind my 1602 D with no problems, and it cuts any and everything it hits, the tallest thickest grass I've mowed was about to the top of the tractor (4' tall?). I have a front end loader so it counterbalances fine, both ways (the howse counters a load in the FEL well too)
Oh, keeping the blades sharp helps too..............

GRIZZLEY78414 · Oct 10, 2005

XmasTreeGrower
i got another question for you. I have a chance here to get a 42 inch "Bush Hog" for $450.00.
I know what you think of the "Bush Hog". I am just wondering how did your Yanmar 1100d handle moving around the 42 inch "Bush Hog" and the 36 inch Howse. Loading and unloading onto a trailer or otherwise. Thx your opinion is appreciated.
i am just trying to make the best choice with my mula.

Cord · Oct 11, 2005

I havn't pulled a bush mower behind my 1110. I do know that when loading my tractor onto a trailer with the chipper behind and 100lbs of counterweight that the nose is very light. If it starts to roll back and you stab the brakes the tractor will stand up. Take it slow and you'll be ok. If it starts to go wrong, let the tractor coast off and try it again.