Bush Hog on L3800

[Notforhire]

I have a six foot Bush Hog Squealer. I was wondering if it will be too heavy for a L3800. I am only mowing light pasture, so I wouldn't think HP would be an issue, just the weight.
Opinions?

Bill

 

[MikeInEburg]

You may consider referring to your owners manual, but you should be fine.

 

[RoyJackson]

I'm sure your Kubota has the lifting capacity...just not sure if the tractor has the mass to transport it safely.

You might need front ballast of some kind, if you intend to lift the cutter for transport and still want to steer your tractor. If you have a loader, that should suffice. If no loader, consider suitcase weights.
Another alternative, if you don't need to transport the cutter too far, is to loosen the top link enough (or disconnect it) and tow the cutter using the tailwheel. I used to do this with my old Deere 670 and 790. Both tractors had the lifting capacity for the cutter's weight, but turning (when the cutter is raised) could result in a "tail wagging the dog" situation.

 

[LD1]

If I remember right, the 6' squealer is ~750-800lbs.

Your tractor will lift it just fine, cause its withing the weight limits. The problem is WHERE the weight is. And its a good ways back there. That means the front end will get light when it is raised. Souldnt be too bad if you have flat ground, BUT....going up any kind of an incline can cause steering issues and wheelie popping:laughing:

IF you have a FEL on you tractor, just leave it on and problem solved. I have a ~1100lb 306 bushhog behind my L3400 (same as 3800), and it is JUST fine with the FEL on.

I tried without the FEL on once, and with the cutter raised, you could grab the grill guard and lift the front end up with one hand:confused2:

 

[Notforhire]

Thank you for your opinions.
I haven't purchased the L3800 yet. I do own the mower, which I use on my current NH TC40D. I was hoping to avoid having to sell my 6' Bush Hog, then having to buy a 5 footer. I would however do that if there was going to be a large pucker factor. I'm getting too old for wheelies.:laughing:
The new tractor will have a FEL, and my pasture is mostly flat.

Thanks again, Bill

 

[LD1]

Thank you for your opinions.
I haven't purchased the L3800 yet. I do own the mower, which I use on my current NH TC40D. I was hoping to avoid having to sell my 6' Bush Hog, then having to buy a 5 footer. I would however do that if there was going to be a large pucker factor. I'm getting too old for wheelies.:laughing:
The new tractor will have a FEL, and my pasture is mostly flat.

Thanks again, Bill

You will be fine with the FEL. And even with the FEL off, you should still be fine if your pasture is flat:thumbsup:

 

[mixerdriver]

I have an L3710DT that I use an old 6ft. Bush Hog brand cutter with. It handles it fine but I always take off the FEL and install my suitcase weights on the front to balance it out. The loader has enough weight to counter-balance the bush hog but it sticks out so far I feel more comfortable with it off since the bush hog sticks out far on the rear. Just makes it easier to maneuver in the semi-tight quarters I have to mow.

 

[Notforhire]

I always take off the FEL and install my suitcase weights on the front to balance it out. The loader has enough weight to counter-balance the bush hog but it sticks out so far I feel more comfortable with it off since the bush hog sticks out far on the rear. Just makes it easier to maneuver in the semi-tight quarters I have to mow.

On my New Holland (trade in for L3800) I used to drop the bucket (QA) for the same reasons.

I bought the NH used. I needed to remove the front wheels for service, and discovered that the tires were loaded.

I don't know any reason not to load front tires, but I had never heard of anyone doing it. This was a first for me.

Anyone recommend this practice?

 

[johnrex62]

On my New Holland (trade in for L3800) I used to drop the bucket (QA) for the same reasons.

I bought the NH used. I needed to remove the front wheels for service, and discovered that the tires were loaded.

I don't know any reason not to load front tires, but I had never heard of anyone doing it. This was a first for me.

Anyone recommend this practice?

I was under the impression that loading the front tires put excess stress on the front axle and is not recommended. I think my Kubota manual actually says somewhere to never load the front tires due to the axle configuration. I will have to dig it out and look it up.

 

[redsox1]

I've got an L3800 and w/ the FEL attached it handles my Landpride 6' brush hog fine, never felt light in front. I think the weight of the Landpride is close to yours. As mentioned though w/ the FEL on front and brush hog on back it makes for a long foot print and is harder to maneuver in areas I normally get around easily in.