4ft brushhog? Any suggestions?

Bowhunter · Dec 17, 2004

( $650, the dealer I bought my tractor from was trying to sell me the same for $800 telling me how good of deal he was making me. )
Wow that's a deal. A friend of mine paid around $1000 for a BB48 three years ago.

btolle · Dec 17, 2004

I had a 42" Howse that was "OK" but I sold it with the old tractor.

I am picking up a 4' Modern Competitor tomorrow morning at local Kubota dealer, I happened to be there this morning picking up some filters when it was unloaded off the truck.

$695 + $55 adder for hot dip galvanized deck.

Modern is made in Beaumont, TX and I have gone to their warehouse to pick up parts for a box blade, they would be handy for you since you are in Orange.

One difference in the Modern (vs. the Howse) is it has an access plate on top you can take off to get the the bolts that hold the blades on. Should make it easier when it is time to grind or replace blades. I am not familiar with other brands so I don't know if this is a standard feature or not.

Check deck thickness on whatever you buy. The Modern has a 3/16" deck and weighs 560 pounds.

I think the Beaumont Kubota dealer sells the Modern cutter. I would certainly consider the galvanized option for the small upcharge, especially if it is going to be stored outdoors.

TSC in Beaumont sells the King Kutter I believe but I haven't looked at them too closely.

Bill Tolle

fireshawn · Dec 17, 2004

I have been using my hog alot this week, in some pretty rought stuff. I do tend to use stuff to it's full capictity. I couldn't be happier w/ it's performance. It is a Dale Phillip's . Huge blades, heavy metal on the body, and like I said, I have been rough on it. Here is a pic of the tractor and the blade and then I will show you some afters.

fireshawn · Dec 17, 2004

before any work

fireshawn · Dec 17, 2004

same spot after

fireshawn · Dec 17, 2004

I know of one place in Liberty Hill that has these. They are extremely heavy duty. I am looking at also getting a box blade from the same manufacturer. Good look, and get a front guard for that cutter!!!

DmansPadge · Dec 18, 2004

Looks like it'll take care of business! I also like the orange color since it'll be pulled behind a Kubota! I made a quick stop by my Kubota dealer today to pick up a few things and got some brochures on brush hogs. One of them was a brochure on Modern Attachments. I didn't realize Modern is made right here in Beaumont. I'm going to look at those first because it is a local company. I don't know how wide spread Modern is, but they have about 4-5 manufactoring facilities in Jefferson and Hardin county. Here is a link if anyone is interested. Modern Attachments

Thanks.

Soundguy · Dec 18, 2004

( I like that you go your own way and don't hold a grudge )

That t0-20 must be about ready for a rebuild... that tractor will / should handle a 5' hog fine. That machine is essentially 'power-identical' to a ford N series.. except that you guys have OHV.. and we are running L-heads, and a ford N handles a 5' fine.. A NAA ( close to a 30/35.. handles a 6' cutter fine. )

Soundguy

DmansPadge · Dec 18, 2004

( ( I am picking up a 4' Modern Competitor tomorrow morning at local Kubota dealer, I happened to be there this morning picking up some filters when it was unloaded off the truck.$695 + $55 adder for hot dip galvanized deck.Modern is made in Beaumont, TX and I have gone to their warehouse to pick up parts for a box blade, they would be handy for you since you are in Orange.One difference in the Modern (vs. the Howse) is it has an access plate on top you can take off to get the the bolts that hold the blades on. Should make it easier when it is time to grind or replace blades. I am not familiar with other brands so I don't know if this is a standard feature or not.Check deck thickness on whatever you buy. The Modern has a 3/16" deck and weighs 560 pounds.I think the Beaumont Kubota dealer sells the Modern cutter. I would certainly consider the galvanized option for the small upcharge, especially if it is going to be stored outdoors.))

I made my last post before reading your reply. As I said in my previous post, I went by Beaumont Tractor today to get my hydraulic fliud and an air filter. I didn't have much time so I didn't talk to a salesman about the Modern cutters but I did pick up a brochure. I'm going to give them a close look. I'd like to support a company in my area if they are well built units. Just flipping through my brochure today I also though the Competitor would be my choice. The galvanized dip is a great option. I might have to keep it outside due to garage space. It would be under a shed, but none the less, would be out in the elements. One question about the galvanized.... if in years to come and it needed a little patching/repair how would welding on it be? I've got access to an old cracker box ac/dc welding machine. Would that work? Maybe a special rod would be needed? I'm not much of a welder... just good enough to stick stuff together! /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif

Thanks Bill.

DmansPadge · Dec 18, 2004

( Pray for our troops!!)

I like that signature enought that I'm gonna have to steal it from you and add it to mine. I'm sure you want mind and maybe some others will follow suit.

horseman1 · Dec 18, 2004

I would personally grind off the galv on both sides of where I was going to weld and still keep my nose out of the plume. The gas created from welding gav metal is poisonous and in large amounts can kill. Others may have a different opinion and they may be able to not breath when they weld, but I do /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif.

Otherwise, you grind it off and it welds up just fine.

Kurt

DmansPadge · Dec 18, 2004

( I would personally grind off the galv on both sides of where I was going to weld and still keep my nose out of the plume. The gas created from welding gav metal is poisonous and in large amounts can kill. Others may have a different opinion and they may be able to not breath when they weld, but I do /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif. Otherwise, you grind it off and it welds up just fine.)

Thanks for the tip. With as little use as it will get hopefully any repairs will be a long time in the future. I'm just trying to think ahead.

MajMac392 · Dec 18, 2004

That is a "very" good price on a Woods 48". The dealers in So. Maine get $1000-1100 for them. Of course we are up at the other end of the food chain so transportation is more. I found the IMC brand in a 48" to be the cheapest in this area. About $625 or so at one dealer, others wanted $850 for the same item.

horseman1 · Dec 18, 2004

I'm looking for a 4' myself to pull behind a JD 2210, so make sure you let us know how you like whatever you decide on! Good luck.

Kurt

Volfandt · Dec 23, 2004

I ran a 5' Howse bush hog on a Ferguson TE20 for approx 14 yrs without any major problems on either. Just sold both a few weeks ago! The TE20 had no problem at all working the 5' Bush hog. Only sheared the shear pin once and it happened well after I had bottomed the blades out on a hill. I used chains suspended from the TE20's toplink bracket pin to the front of the bush hog for cutting height adj. Kept me from continually working the lift. I used to cut approx 3 acres every other week with 'em.
Besides it's smooth operation, I also liked the slotted top link connector on the Howse bush hog which allowed it to pivot up and/or down a few inches over slight hills and dips.

I've just upgraded to a BX23 very recently and since I had very good service out of the Howse 5'er, I'll definitely price a Howse 4'er when I get in the market for a 4' bush hog for the BX23.

DmansPadge · Dec 23, 2004

Last night I was on my way to work and about 1/8 mile from my house I noticed a brush hog at the end of someones driveway with a for sale sign on it. I was dark, I was doing about 55 mpg, I just happened to get a quick look at it. So this morning I figured I'd drive back by during the daylight to see what it was. It had a sign on it that said... For Sale - $150 obo. By the looks of that hog, they will have to pay $150 to have somebody haul it off. There were holes in the deck big enough to stick your fist through... and there were many of them! This thing must be 50 years old and have 10000 hrs on it.

Ohh well... you can't win 'em all.

have_blue · Dec 24, 2004

( I was doing about 55 mpg, Ohh well... you can't win 'em all. )

Yea, but your gas mileage is certainly a winner. /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif

Merry Christmas to all!

RobertN · Dec 24, 2004

I have an mid 80's Kubota B8200HST. I bought it used a few years ago from a local Kubota Dealer. When I got it, I also got a 4' Kubota rotary mower(used too). It has worked well for me. It is pretty beefy and can handle anything my tractor can.

DmansPadge · Dec 24, 2004

( I was doing about 55 mpg

Yea, but your gas mileage is certainly a winner.)

Ha! It's funny how one key mistyped can completely change the meaning! If I was doing 55 mph I'd be lucky to get 18 mpg! /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

DmansPadge · Dec 27, 2004

I finally go around to calling and getting some prices for a brush cutter. I have four local dealers who sell the Modern Cutters. It's a 4ft with a galvanized deck and frame. Everyone I talked to said this cutter would be the best for the price. My Kubota dealer quoted me $825, so I called the others to see if somebody would beat that price. NH quoted me $865 and said that is cheaper than what the painted version should sell for? /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif Then I called a JD dealer and he has yet to call me back. So finally I called a Case dealer and they quoted me $755. That sounds more like it! Here is a link to the cutter. Tell me what you think? All the dealers I called sell other brands and all said the comparable cutters from other brands were not any better and would cost more. I guess these sell a little cheaper because they are made within 20 miles of all these dealers and I assume there is less freight charge.

Thanks guys.