Ck-20 brush cutting

[tmccarty81]

Hello, Going to be buying a ck20 man trans tractor this week. I need a brush cutter. The dealer will be selling me a kioti brand 48" brush cutter. Anyone have and thoughts on this, I need to do some heavy cutting may hit stuff up to 3 inches. Tho mostly everything will be under 2 inches. I understand that its not going to do the job as fast as a larger tractor but money is tight now adays. Other choice of course could be buying an aftermarket cutter.
Thanks

 

[Thomas]

Welcome to TBN.

You may want to crawl/chew slowly over 3" stuff if concern cut 3" first,also exta shear pins/bolts.

 

[tmccarty81]

Thanks, It is supposed to be a slip clutch. Now its not like I have a lot of 3" stuff to go over but some may get hit. I dont mind getting the chain saw out and grabbing the heavy stuff then mowing over the rest.

 

[manganos]

I have a WOODS 42" brush bull and it works great behind my Mahindra 2516. I could stand to go to a 5' model. I'm thinking the 42" would be a good match with your tractor or the 48".

 

[gauthier]

Not a good idea,about an inch dia is about as much as you want to do,and that might be more than you want.Don;t forget about stubs sticking up as well,they can puncture your tire.

 

[MarkV]

Kioti use to sell and may still sell First Choice implements under the Kioti name. They were considered pretty good but I think you will find that they are rated as light duty mowers for brush up to 1 1/2 inches. Even with a heavier duty mower you are pushing it with a 20 hp tractor. Do your investment a favor and spend a few hours with a chainsaw before you attack 3" stuff. That is pushing the limits of heavy mowers on big tractors.

MarkV

 

[tmccarty81]

Thanks for the input,i dont mind using the chain saw. But after I clear the areas I want to be able to maintain it once I'm done clearing. As far as stumps how tough are the r4 tires? Also with this brush cutter is this as good or better then a DR push mower.

 

[MarkV]

You will have no problems cutting after you take out the largest stuff with a saw. I have had a DR in the past I would say your mower will be better.

MarkV

 

[manganos]

I think you will find the R4's are the best tire for the job as they have a good sidewall rating. Take some before and after pics. I just got done doing what you are planning and I'll try to snap off some pics of my backyard after a little work

 

[jda1961]

do yourself a favor, buy a good powersaw for the 2 to 3 inch stuff, the excersise will do you good plus it will make your cutter last longer

 

[jda1961]

Thanks for the input,i dont mind using the chain saw. But after I clear the areas I want to be able to maintain it once I'm done clearing. As far as stumps how tough are the r4 tires? Also with this brush cutter is this as good or better then a DR push mower.

ag tires are the best, industrials suck, unless you like getting stuck.

 

[MarkV]

ag tires are the best, industrials suck, unless you like getting stuck.

Well I would have to disagree in this situation. The industrials have a much better ply rating when it come to puncture resistance. Ag's may be better in the mud though.

MarkV

 

[manganos]

Yes for cutting brush the R4's are your best choice. For wet work R1's are better. I do agree there but I was suggesting the best tire choice for his intended use.

Well I would have to disagree in this situation. The industrials have a much better ply rating when it come to puncture resistance. Ag's may be better in the mud though.

MarkV

 

[gilbertmsg]

I can cut up to 2" at most with my 4' hog. I think you would be doing harm to both your tractor and bushog with anything larger. I agree with most to use your chain saw to start with. CK20's are tough though.

Eddie

 

[tmccarty81]

Thanks for all the great answers, this is my first real tractor. I been using a chainsaw, and echo brushcutter with a blade, so I have the tools for heavy brush its just been super time consuming. My neighbor has a large kubota and helped me on a small patch and ever since then I said to myself I need a tractor. Would love a larger tractor but the wife would throw me out. Im glad I found this forum and hope I will be able to help others in the future. Btw, ill take some before and after pics for others to see.

 

[Mark_G]

I have a 5' brush bull, a DR and 3 chain saws. The Dr works great but a chain saw is your best bet for 3"+ stuff. My old DR is good to about 3", but I have also broken the front off 3 times ( I don't baby it). If and or when it dies I would get another. The Brush bull consumes more in a swath but not material as thick. Part of that is the added control of the DR since I can slowly lower/pivot it into the material to cut it off if it is big.

 

[gauthier]

R4'S are the best tire out there for your average small tractor owner,have had both[r1's and r4's,was moving snow this winter 2 ft plus,4wd no problem,was thinking of getting chaines before,won't spend the money now,they are tougher in thorns,and wider for stability when brushogging on slopes,if they are loaded they can't be beat.

 

[tmccarty81]

I see people talking about loaded tires. I used to sell tires awhile back however we really did not get into industrial/farm tires. Are you referring to actually loading it with a substance? I know some people had calcium in their tires or over loading the pressure.

 

[MarkV]

I see people talking about loaded tires. I used to sell tires awhile back however we really did not get into industrial/farm tires. Are you referring to actually loading it with a substance? I know some people had calcium in their tires or over loading the pressure.

Loading tires in the tractor world means adding liquid ballast. Farmers have been doing it for generations and for us compact tractor owners it is a real plus for traction and stability. Calcium chloride is an old standard because it doesn't freeze and weighs more than plain water. Its problem is that being salt based it can rust rims and will kill vegetation if it leaks. There are several newer alternatives such as Rim Guard, which is beet juice, that prevent rusting and freezing. Some of us use windshield washer fluid or water with non-toxic antifreeze.

MarkV

 

[Gil Case]

Re: loading tires, don't forget that they can be loaded with foam. A little more expensive, but never a leak problem. The ride may or may not suffer, but since I do not run my tractor on the road, I have not noticed a difference in the ride, but as ballast it can't be beat.