Molalla1
Elite Member
My pastures are at least 4' now, but we have had some very warm weather here, I'm going to have to get at it! Nice looking job HD . . .
The Life of a Custom Mowing contractor
- Thread starter Hay Dude
- Start date
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OP
Hay Dude
Super Star Member
- Joined
- Aug 28, 2012
- Messages
- 18,597
- Location
- A Hay Field along the PA/DE border
- Tractor
- Challenger MT655E, Massey Ferguson 7495, Challenger MT535B, Krone 4x4 XC baler, (2) Kubota ZD331’s, 2020 Ram 5500 Cummins 4x4, IH 7500 4x4 dump truck, Kaufman 35’ tandem 19 ton trailer, Deere CX-15, Pottinger Hay mowers
Thanks! I have so much to cut, I can’t even comprehend it. lol
OP
Hay Dude
Super Star Member
- Joined
- Aug 28, 2012
- Messages
- 18,597
- Location
- A Hay Field along the PA/DE border
- Tractor
- Challenger MT655E, Massey Ferguson 7495, Challenger MT535B, Krone 4x4 XC baler, (2) Kubota ZD331’s, 2020 Ram 5500 Cummins 4x4, IH 7500 4x4 dump truck, Kaufman 35’ tandem 19 ton trailer, Deere CX-15, Pottinger Hay mowers
Back at it today. We had a week of mostly rain, so as usual, I am playing catch-up.
First, a small “maintenance” type Customer. This is actually a large water detention basin, but I don’t think it really does anything. Even after rain, no water or mud. But it has to be kept clear & cut.
We do ‘em all…..big or small! lol
And done. Time to hit the road.
From thr water retention basin, I drove about 5 miles to a large development with a lot of open space fields.
Got there about 3PM and started mowing.
Probably about 15 acres on this piece so far. It’s 6:30 and some of the residents will complain if you mow too late. Another 15-20 to go tomorrow and then on to the next one. I have occassionally cut hay off this field, but it’s been too wet and I’m flat out of time.
Man I’d like to have a CX-20. lol
Back at it tomorrow!
First, a small “maintenance” type Customer. This is actually a large water detention basin, but I don’t think it really does anything. Even after rain, no water or mud. But it has to be kept clear & cut.
We do ‘em all…..big or small! lol
And done. Time to hit the road.
From thr water retention basin, I drove about 5 miles to a large development with a lot of open space fields.
Got there about 3PM and started mowing.
Probably about 15 acres on this piece so far. It’s 6:30 and some of the residents will complain if you mow too late. Another 15-20 to go tomorrow and then on to the next one. I have occassionally cut hay off this field, but it’s been too wet and I’m flat out of time.
Man I’d like to have a CX-20. lol
Back at it tomorrow!
Last edited:
EddieWalker
Epic Contributor
Sure looks nice after you cut it!!!!
Runner
Elite Member
- Joined
- May 12, 2007
- Messages
- 2,951
- Location
- Missouri
- Tractor
- 2024 Cub Cadet Ultima ZTXS5 54, 2007 John Deere 2520, 1989 John Deere 185, 1960 Panzer T70B
Hay Dude, I really enjoy this thread. You have one of my dream jobs. I know it's not all fun and games, but what a great "office view". Mowing the pasture is one of my favorite tractor activities, especially in the spring.
OP
Hay Dude
Super Star Member
- Joined
- Aug 28, 2012
- Messages
- 18,597
- Location
- A Hay Field along the PA/DE border
- Tractor
- Challenger MT655E, Massey Ferguson 7495, Challenger MT535B, Krone 4x4 XC baler, (2) Kubota ZD331’s, 2020 Ram 5500 Cummins 4x4, IH 7500 4x4 dump truck, Kaufman 35’ tandem 19 ton trailer, Deere CX-15, Pottinger Hay mowers
I like it, too. After a while, it becomes a bit more like a job, but I still love it.
OP
Hay Dude
Super Star Member
- Joined
- Aug 28, 2012
- Messages
- 18,597
- Location
- A Hay Field along the PA/DE border
- Tractor
- Challenger MT655E, Massey Ferguson 7495, Challenger MT535B, Krone 4x4 XC baler, (2) Kubota ZD331’s, 2020 Ram 5500 Cummins 4x4, IH 7500 4x4 dump truck, Kaufman 35’ tandem 19 ton trailer, Deere CX-15, Pottinger Hay mowers
Today started out like most days. On the way to work I spotted a nice snapping turtle on the way to get the tractor.
And now to cutting. Yesterday, I left with a customer only part way done. Today I worked on finishing it before noon.
This Reeds Canary grass is really thick & heavy. I was hoping not to clobber a spring fawn.
Below: Finished this meadow and you can see 3 buzzards. Went back to look, it wasn’t a fawn. Probably a rabbit.
On to the next area and a reminder of how muddy it is.
I finally finished up this one and here I am at the next one, below:
Done for the day and after stopping at a friends from church, I’m headed home. This full moon reminded me of the wonders of God- the world, the universe and all that is.
And now to cutting. Yesterday, I left with a customer only part way done. Today I worked on finishing it before noon.
This Reeds Canary grass is really thick & heavy. I was hoping not to clobber a spring fawn.
Below: Finished this meadow and you can see 3 buzzards. Went back to look, it wasn’t a fawn. Probably a rabbit.
On to the next area and a reminder of how muddy it is.
I finally finished up this one and here I am at the next one, below:
Done for the day and after stopping at a friends from church, I’m headed home. This full moon reminded me of the wonders of God- the world, the universe and all that is.
LittleBill21
Elite Member
how often do you sharpen your blades?
OP
Hay Dude
Super Star Member
- Joined
- Aug 28, 2012
- Messages
- 18,597
- Location
- A Hay Field along the PA/DE border
- Tractor
- Challenger MT655E, Massey Ferguson 7495, Challenger MT535B, Krone 4x4 XC baler, (2) Kubota ZD331’s, 2020 Ram 5500 Cummins 4x4, IH 7500 4x4 dump truck, Kaufman 35’ tandem 19 ton trailer, Deere CX-15, Pottinger Hay mowers
Depends on hours of use and what I’m cutting. A crappy place with rocks & hog mounds can turn a set of blades into baseball bats right quick.
I‘d say I will sharpen them after a week of cutting on average.
The last few days have been very wet, so grass is lodged in some areas and cut quality is lower than I usually get.
Why you ask?
