GC2400 w/ 5' Brush Hog

[walhondingMF]

I asked this in the massey specific forum but I could probably ask this here as well.

I have an older light duty 5' IH brush hog available for me anytime I want it. I have a gc2400 sub compact tractor that I would like to run it on once a year to mow my trails and clear some brush. I won't be mowing any heavy grass. Mostly just backing over some brush. I know the brush hog has shear pins in the shaft so that removes some worry about damage to the tractors PTO. I am also very particular about starting my PTO at low RPMs and not slamming it in. I have plenty of weight to add to the front of the tractor as well for counter weight.
I've read mixed opinions and just want to hear from people that are doing something similar or think its a terrible idea. I just don't have the money to buy a brush hog, especially a 4' because used ones at a cheap price are hard to find. This is my dad's and its the best price... free.

 

[bearthebruce]

Sort of a rule of thumb is you need 5hp for each foot of width of the brush hog. I doubt you have 25hp - which is why you mentioned you would not be cutting heavy thick grass. If the 2400 runs 20hp, I think you would be fine if you get the machine in balance. That hog probably weighs 650-750lbs. You need to compensate on the front end for that weight as you suggested/guessed. Then I think you should be okay if you don't push things and take your time.

I run a Massey compact tractor with a similar 5' brush hog. I do cut heavy tall grass. It does bog down and I have to run slower to cut the pasture. I cut on hills with slopes to 20 degrees. That hog hanging off the back forced us to add a front loader - it was in our plan - but to help balance that hog especially on the hills, we need the FEL and weight in the bucket under certain conditions.

If you have a concern, why not try it. Leave the bucket on the front.. maybe put something in it. Hook up and give it a whirl. If you find it is not cutting well because of the lack of power, you'll know you need to drop down to the 4' brush hog.

 

[oldnslo]

I have a 5’ woods on my 2400H. I have not had any power issues mowing grass on flat ground and never connect top link since on flat ground with no brush so weight is also not a concern.

If you are going to backing over brush then top link should be used to limit how high the deck can lift.

 

[jeff9366]

Massey Ferguson GC2400 Power

Engine (gross): 22.5 hp

PTO (claimed): 18.7 hp


With <19 PTO horsepower I do not think your tractor has enough power to cut brush full 60" swathe width. You will likely have to cut in partial swathes, 36" to 48" cutting width.

I doubt your GC2400 has sufficient PTO power to break a shear bolt on a 60" cutter, which is likely designed around 27 PTO horsepower.

Go ahead.


Consider a Ratchet Rake bucket attachment for brush.

Front-End Loader - Ratchet Rake // Today

I had a snarled mass of wild grape vines and brush near a gate. Decided I should clear it today, before everything emerged from dormancy. Photo #1 Ratchet Rake on bucket. Downward oriented teeth make this attachment excellent for pulling brush and light grading, but you cannot dig a hole...

www.tractorbynet.com

 

[wirlybird]

Not an apples to apples but I have a John Deere 756 (755) I have run a 5 foot big Bee on.
The JD is rated at 20 HP and estimated at 15-18 PTO HP.
It does a surprisingly good job with the Big Bee.
I set it for about a 4 inch cut height at the front and set the rear to be 2-3 inches higher than the front. This allows the cuttings to escape quickly out the back and reduces the "mulching" effect if the rear is lower. Takes less HP to run this way.
I can bog it down but it does surprisingly well.

The main thing I would be very cautious of is backing into stuff. That 5 foot cutter is a fair amount of mass and if it forces sideways hard you could bend or break things on the tractor 3 point.

Mine also has a hard time breaking a grade 2 shear bolt so keep that in mind.
It probably will work ok but just take it slow and easy.

 

[blackd]

I run a JD 506 5" cutter on my GC2400. I can easily turn the cutter input shaft by hand. I think my hand is far less than the ~19HP out of the PO shaft. ;-)

 

[walhondingMF]

I'm glad to hear that it's not uncommon to put a 5' on a sub compact and that I just need to treat it with caution.

Should I be concerned about the brush hog pto doing any damage to the tractor pto? I would even consider putting a lighter shear pin in the brush hog so that breaks sooner than anything expensive.

 

[oldnslo]

If lighter shear pin is an option I would consider it. Shear pin a couple of dollars and few minutes down time. Potential Busted gear in tractor is a few more dollars and significantly more down time.

I put the 1/2” bolt in my drill press and filed a groove in the bolt at the shaft diameter. Not real fancy but should make weaker at that point. And shear clean vs smear.

 

[BCSherman]

FWIW I have a 5” brush hog. Believe the model is SQ60 (60” squealer) behind my JD 750 which is rated at 18hp at the PTO. It does OKAY. Just have to be smart about it and listen to your machine. I used to mow a very steep field with lots of junk. When it seemed to lose power just lift the deck a bit and maybe drop down to a lower gear. Ideally it would have a 4’, but this is what my father bought years ago not knowing the 5hp per foot rule.
Hope this helps.

 

[wirlybird]

FWIW I have a 5” brush hog. Believe the model is SQ60 (60” squealer) behind my JD 750 which is rated at 18hp at the PTO. It does OKAY. Just have to be smart about it and listen to your machine. I used to mow a very steep field with lots of junk. When it seemed to lose power just lift the deck a bit and maybe drop down to a lower gear. Ideally it would have a 4’, but this is what my father bought years ago not knowing the 5hp per foot rule.
Hope this helps.

My 5 footer works surprising well on my JD756. You do have to listen to your machine and respond. Another thing you can do in heavy stuff is raise the rear a little, should already be 1-2 inches higher than the front, and it will reduce the HP demands some.