John Deere HD rotary mower - 09 series?

[Zebrafive]

I am thinking about a Rhino TR96, very heavy built. Just have not had a chance to price one yet. Triple gear boxes don't scare me. Only draw back I see is more blades to buy.

Those trees sound more like cut and pull than mow.

 

[AKfish]

I am thinking about a Rhino TR96, very heavy built. Just have not had a chance to price one yet. Triple gear boxes don't scare me. Only draw back I see is more blades to buy.

Those trees sound more like cut and pull than mow.

Yup... some definitely will be! More likely will be root, grab and pull - with my 110TLB - or a small excavator.

Really liked a JD 50D I rented last fall. Amazing how that small an excavator can tackle some really big trees - and win!

AKfish

 

[jenkinsph]

Alot would depend on how much of this you have to do and how fast you need it done. I would also consider a large chipper behind the tractor and use the 110 to pull the stumps. When clearing in my area the cost of debris removal can be upwards of $14/yd, so being able to chip everything and have it break down quickly and easily is a real plus. Also reduces the amount of time hauling and handling too. I like the fact that in a very short time of a week or so the cleared land is ready to use.

I can easily see running a shredder over larger areas is faster but it still leaves a mess and takes time to break down and rot everything enough for a hayfield.

 

[AKfish]

Alot would depend on how much of this you have to do and how fast you need it done. I would also consider a large chipper behind the tractor and use the 110 to pull the stumps. When clearing in my area the cost of debris removal can be upwards of $14/yd, so being able to chip everything and have it break down quickly and easily is a real plus. Also reduces the amount of time hauling and handling too. I like the fact that in a very short time of a week or so the cleared land is ready to use.

I can easily see running a shredder over larger areas is faster but it still leaves a mess and takes time to break down and rot everything enough for a hayfield.

Takes forever to break the woody debris down! Likely 3-4 years at least and the hay yield is quite a bit lower.

Burning, bury or haul it off. Burning is a liability nightmare, burying messes up the field and hauling is very expensive up here, too. Trick is to find a location that will accept the material. Landfill won't take that stuff -- way, way too much space required and if one person is allowed -- there'd be no end to it!

Everything considered; it's easiest to just chew up as much as possible and leave it in the field to rot. Great field in 5 years!

AKfish

 

[jenkinsph]

AKfish,
You could add some 39-0-0 fertilizer to the debris to speed up the break down.

 

[ddivinia]

What did you end up buying?

I am looking at a used 609. I am not sure it will work on my 4520.

D.

 

[AKfish]

What did you end up buying?

I am looking at a used 609. I am not sure it will work on my 4520.

D.

A new tractor and HD 8' rear blade...

I backed out of the hay field rennovation job. Maybe next year. There's lots and lots of scrub trees that will have to be dealt with - thicker' than dog hair!

Likely take 3 years at the very least, before I could expect any kind of hay crop.

Might be pushin' things a bit with the 609... you've got 45hp @ pto, yes? Right on the edge - likely be OK if you don't tackle half-growed trees!!

AKfish

 

[Walter63]

Dusty,
I just posted under "Attachments" with a question about a Deere 709 and the blade options. I've got a nearly new machine and the cut is pretty rough. Any thoughts?