Buying a shreddar

[Bill and Alisa Barrick]

We are having a 6' shredder delivered on Monday and now we're being told our tractor will only pull a 5'. The tractor is a 135 Massey Ferguson, 38 hp. The people we're buying from assured us that it would easily handle this shredder. Now we're being told they will sell attachments that don't necessarily work best for your equipment.

Can you advise us? We originally bought the tractor to put a front end loader and then were told it wouldn't be able to take it (obviously we're new to this). We really don't want to make the same mistake.

Thanks for any help.
Alisa Barrick
Farmer Bill's
Cooper, TX

 

[mjarrels]

Rule is 5 HP per foot of rotary mower... you can run a 6 footer without any problems.

mark

 

[RoyJackson]

You should be able to run the 72" cutter (aka shredder) with no problems...just use some common sense. If the machine bogs down, shift to a lower gear and/or make a partial pass (not the full width of the cutter.

Since you're new to this...
You have an older tractor that has no ROPS or seat belt (you don't want a seat belt if no ROPS). It's highly unlikely that old MF will have any operator presence shut off switches either. The tractor may start when it's in gear, so don't turn the key unless you're on the seat and everyone else is clear.
Once the gear is selected and the throttle set at an RPM, that tractor will move whether you're on the seat or not. There have been a number of cases when the operator fell off and was ran over by the tractor or implement.
If possible, walk the area you're going to shred first. Look for any ruts, humps or debris that could roll the machine. Any debris that's hit by the cutter blades will fly fast and, possibly, far. The operator does not need an audience, so keep everyone clear of the area. I do carry a cell phone or a walkie-talkie when I brush cut...just in case (and so I don't miss lunch)
Go slow! I cannot emphasize this too much! Cutters won't leave much left of a person if ran over.

Another thing...slightly off topic. If you need to tow or pull something, use the drawbar only! Rear rollovers happen if a tow or pulled load is rigged anywhere above the rear axle.

Did you buy the cutter (shredder) from a private owner or a dealer? Either way, it's "caveat emptor" (buyer beware) but you might have some recourse with a dealer.
There's a wealth of infomation and links on TBN (suggest you peruse the Safety forum first). Those forums can help you make better decisions. Of course, we TBNer's just love to spend other people's money so do your best to glean the good info from the BS.


Good luck!

 

[jbrumberg]

Bill and Alisa:

Welcome to TBN !. I checked the "specs" on TractorData.com. You should have no problems with a 72" rotary cutter. I would really heed Roy's advise. Mow slow and be aware. Jay

 

[scottie]

it should also be able to take a loader, there are thousands of 35,135, and 235's
out there with loaders on them.
Scottie

 

[Bill and Alisa Barrick]

Thanks for the advice. The 6' is scheduled for delivery tomorrow by a local dealer. The warnings came after we ordered it and after the disappointment with the front end loader we panicked.
Our MFis an old model that was rebuilt. We were told that the older tractors weren't made to support a front-end loader just rear.
We have 30 acres that are very flat and we don't have a roll bar. We are definitely walking the land and there are a few dips but not much.
I'll look at the safety discussion.
Thanks again.
Alisa

 

[mlauk]

I just bought a 6' shredder for my MF 2135 (industrial version of 135). Hooked it up and works great. It might only be a problem if you bought a heavy duty shredder like a Bush Hog 286 or equivalent.

 

[oliver28472]

My brother pulled a 10' Bush Hog for years with a 485 Case-IH rated at 42 hp. Plenty of 135's around with loaders. Do you have power steering? If you put a loader on you will need it. Just don't get too ambitious about picking up real heavy stuff. You'll need weight of some sort in the rear. That means wheel weights, fluid in the tires, etc. If the shredder is 3 point hitch, it will be a pretty good counter weight but may be in the way.

 

[Bill and Alisa Barrick]

Thanks for the advice. The 6' works great. I really helps to have a place like this to get information!
Bill and Alisa
Farmer Bill's
Cooper, TX

 

[schmism]

I can easyly pull my 5' behind my TC33.... i would say for regular mowings (knee tall pasture) i could pull a 6'..... but when cutting some thick pasture that was waist high 5' was all the my tractor could manage while not at a snales pace.

in short your 6' should work out great.