MMM v. Bushhog

Ctytrctr · May 17, 2012

I've been reading y'alls threads for a while, but just now took the time to register. Mostly because I'm hoping to steal some of the wisdom out there. I have about 11 acres of field to mow on Memorial Day weekend. I have a B2920 I can use which has a mid mount mower. I called the local rental store and they say a Woods rotary cutter for a 30hp tractor will cost about $100. So the question is can I cut a field any faster with a 60'' bush hog than with a MMM of the same width? The field is probably still less than 10" high.

I grew up in the burbs, so sorry if the question is pretty 101. Thanks for any help.

Ctytrctr · May 17, 2012

I now noticed that I put this under the wrong thread. What a rookie!

SSdoxie · May 17, 2012

No problem on th thread someone will move it for you.
Cutting 10" high grass will go much faster using a rotary cutter (bush hog type). If you need a more lawn looking finish, I sometimes run over with the bush hog then come back a cut another inch or 2 off with the finish mower.

KennyG · May 17, 2012

It really makes a difference what you are trying to get done. If you just want to knock it down to a minimum and you don't care what it looks like or how much you damage the "grass", the bush hog will be much faster. If you want it to look like a lawn, I would suggest using the MMM and doing the first pass as high as you can run it (probably at least 4 or 5"). Then you can mow it again shorter. If this field has grass you don't want to damage, I would mow it long with the MMM, then wait a week and mow it shorter.

ruffdog · May 17, 2012

The rotary cutter will go much quicker through 10" grass. It won't look as nice but you won't have the windrows to deal with either.

timswi · May 17, 2012

10" with an MMM can be done depending on the desired finished product and the terrain, you might have to go over it twice. All the way up once and desired level on the second pass...I have to do this on 2 acres from time to time.

Single pass with a BH will probably leave klumps/windrows everywhere...Don't know what you're trying to achieve.

yelbike · May 17, 2012

The only reason I would use the bush hog is if your mowing BUSH or expecting unknown obstacles. Save your money, use what you already have. Enjoy your day, mow high then pass over it again at your finished height. Go slower for best results. Enjoy your seat time. Who cares if it takes you the extra hour or two.

Just my two canadian cents.............which maybe worth more or less depending on the time of year!!!:laughing:

joshuabardwell · May 17, 2012

I've been pondering this question a lot myself, and I'd like to hear a little more about what you mean about damaging the grass. Reason I ask is, I seldom have actual bush to mow, but I don't have any proper lawn either. I have sheep pasture. It seldom gets more than about 8-10", so I reckon I could stay on top of it with a finish mower, but I could give a darn about that picture-perfect groomed-lawn look, so I thought why not get a bush-hog and be able to mow when I want to and hog when I need to. Maybe make a little side money hiring out the bush-hog while I'm at it (as I hardly ever see anybody hiring for finish mowing jobs, unless they're looking for a proper landscaper). What do y'all think about this logic? Should I be looking for a finish mower instead? Does anybody out there use a bush-hog as their primary mower and just say the heck with finish mowing?

KennyG · May 17, 2012

Grass is system of roots and blades. It's a balance. If the grass blades get longer, the root system expands. If you suddenly cut it way short, it stresses the plant. Lawn experts generally recommend only taking 1/3 of the blades off at a time. In other words, if your grass is 9 inches tall, cut it down to 6 inches. If you want to mow it at 2 inches, don't let it get over 3 inches.

What happens if you cut more off every time? The grass will get "clumpy" and the stress on the grass which will encourage weeds (that don't seem to care how short you cut them).

big e · May 18, 2012

joshuabardwell said:
I've been pondering this question a lot myself, and I'd like to hear a little more about what you mean about damaging the grass. Reason I ask is, I seldom have actual bush to mow, but I don't have any proper lawn either. I have sheep pasture. It seldom gets more than about 8-10", so I reckon I could stay on top of it with a finish mower, but I could give a darn about that picture-perfect groomed-lawn look, so I thought why not get a bush-hog and be able to mow when I want to and hog when I need to. Maybe make a little side money hiring out the bush-hog while I'm at it (as I hardly ever see anybody hiring for finish mowing jobs, unless they're looking for a proper landscaper). What do y'all think about this logic? Should I be looking for a finish mower instead? Does anybody out there use a bush-hog as their primary mower and just say the heck with finish mowing?

I got by with just a bush hog for years. Tune it so it is level and you can mow quite short. Actually looks dang fine. Sharpen those blades.