Mowing Mowing a Family Friend's Field

[jyoutz]

I agree that there is something very satisfying when mowing an overgrown field.

We have totally different versions on keeping "the loader bucket low".

I like to take off the bucket, and then I keep the loader just at the top edge of my front grill so I can see where it is while mowing. Any lower, and I can't see it. Any higher, and it's in the way of my view.

I like to keep my loader bucket on when rotary cutting. Because I use it as a trash can for limbs and other stuff I find. I also carry ant bait in the bucket in case I run into any ant hills.

 

[EddieWalker]

Just in counter situation:

I talked to my cousin in South Dakota the other day. He had just got home from helping a neighbor mow 80 acres of alfalfa. Took him four hours.

Was going back the next day to ted and bale.

When things are right, operations run smoothly and quickly.

20 acres an hour is amazing!!!! How much HP does he have, and how wide is the mower?

 

[EddieWalker]

I like to keep my loader bucket on when rotary cutting. Because I use it as a trash can for limbs and other stuff I find. I no also carry ant bait in the bucket in case I run into any ant hills.

That makes sense. I really should pick up the branches when I come across them because I usually forget where they are after I'm done mowing. My goal is to come back with my other tractor that has the grapple on it, and pick them up, but I usually keep mowing until dark and never get around to it.

I still have a lot of trees on my land, and the bucket made it that much harder to maneuver in and around them. I still use the loader to push branches, and even fallen trees out of my way. I've thought about removing it for a little bit more maneuverability, but since I've never done that before, I'm not tot motivated to learn how.

 

[pmsmechanic]

I'm glad some of you can enjoy having the loader on while mowing. I couldn't stand it. There's just something about the freedom (I don't know what other word to use) of not having the loader on that appeals to me.

 

[John0829]

I agree with that, having the loader on is just packing around extra weight to bang and bounce as I travel over the rough ground. I do not try to mow at top speeds but it will still happen if I were to leave the loader on, I hate feeling and hearing that happen. If I think there are limbs or debris that needs to be removed I'll make a quick trip around with the loader before putting on the cutter.

 

[pmsmechanic]

I'll quite often do what I need to do with the loader and then remove it. It's under a minute to remove and a little longer to reattach.

 

[jyoutz]

I agree with that, having the loader on is just packing around extra weight to bang and bounce as I travel over the rough ground. I do not try to mow at top speeds but it will still happen if I were to leave the loader on, I hate feeling and hearing that happen. If I think there are limbs or debris that needs to be removed I'll make a quick trip around with the loader before putting on the cutter.

I guess a quick trip around depends on how many acres you have to mow.

 

[Runner]

I have mowed the pasture with/without bucket and there are advantages and disadvantages. I like having the bucket on for counterweight and to be a trash can. It also helps to intercept some of seeds and other garbage that would otherwise hit the front of the tractor first.

However, it also inhibits maneuverability around trees, etc., so I mostly mow without it now. I am currently most likely to have my front quick hitch mounted because I have to use it to move other attachments out of the way to get to my rotary cutter and it's easiest to just leave it on.

 

[NoTrespassing]

I'm glad some of you can enjoy having the loader on while mowing. I couldn't stand it. There's just something about the freedom (I don't know what other word to use) of not having the loader on that appeals to me.

Yea, I don't like the bouncing of the loader when mowing but my ground isn't very smooth.

 

[old and tired]

Without the loader on, I feel like I have 5 more ponies under the hood... and a race car as a tractor!!!!