Proper Use of Attachments?

[woodlandfarms]

I have to say I have been totally thrilled with this group. I have asked two questions, and each has been answered many times with great advice.

This all said, I would love to maybe start some threads on how to properly use attachments. In my case inparticular, I plan to purchase a brush hog, box scraper, sprayer and one day a chipper. I was planning on a Kubota L3400 Hydro but that may change.

So, to each, what is the proper size vs HP. Are there better brands (I have seen posts on Box Scrapers but nothing on chippers or brush hogs). Any tricks, like shear botls and such, any special maintenance tricks? Just general " fatherly " advice?

I ask because I have few people for advice. I used to live on a farm, but those days are long gone, and my current crop of friends are city folk.

Thanks to all again.

 

[Doc_Bob]

This all said, I would love to maybe start some threads on how to properly use attachments. In my case inparticular, I plan to purchase a brush hog, box scraper, sprayer and one day a chipper. I was planning on a Kubota L3400 Hydro but that may change.

.

With pictures.
Bob

 

[wilkesland]

Others will chime in I'm sure, but you may want to give the search engines on this site a whirl. There have been a ton of posts regarding chippers and brush mowers as well as for other attachments. I've found a lot of extremely useful information in these prior posts.

Like you, I am impressed with the folks who hang out here at TBN. They are, as a group, the most helpful, courteous folks I've encountered in participating and lurking in various forums.

 

[dooleysm]

I'll give you what little advice I have. I have an L3000, so a little smaller than the L3400 you are planning on. I run a 5 foot bush hog on mine and it's all my tractor can handle, sometimes. I'm on some pretty hilly terrain, so keep that in mind, and I let things grow up pretty tall before I get to them. I have to go pretty slow through some of the thicker weeds. Keep that in mind if you opt for the 6 foot bush hog. You might get away with it if you go slower or don't have the thick weeds to go through that I do. I will say that bush hogging is one of the most satisfying things I've done. Very nice to see a big batch of weeds reduced to rubble in your wake!

As far as the chipper goes, I had visions of a chipper at one time, but after reading on here and seeing the cost, I've put that out of my mind. I can go and rent a chipper for a day every now and then and still come out waaaaaay ahead on that front.

I can't help you with the sprayer or box blade, as I have no experience with either.

 

[hz293]

Woodland farms, I'd suggest putting a little more info in your profile so we know where you live, size acreage etc.. It's possible someone who can help lives nearby and can help with your questions.

Harris

 

[woodlandfarms]

Sorry for the vagueness.

I bought 40 acres of rolling to severe rolling in Woodland, Washington. It has been neglected for at least 10 years. The blackberries are everywhere, but it is a diamond in the ruff. Just from walking around with a weedwhacker we can see the beauty of the property. Have been speaking to a bunch of the local dealers, one very nice gentleman tried to hook us up with a New Used Kubota 3420 today, but it was sold in just a few hours.

I have the money for 25 to 30 HP, but it looks like I need 40... Wondering now about used.

This all said, my thread was just to get some experienced advice so the curve won't be nearly as severe

All the best

Carl

 

[N80]

I'd recommend, as I almost always do, a simple basic no frills, but powerful tractor like the Kubota L4400 or the JD 990.

As for attachments, there is a whole forum here for that and enough knowledge here to fill up a book with the finer points of each type. Check out the Attachment Forums and ask specific questions about specific implements. These fine folks got me started too and so far their advice has been right on the money.

 

[Soundguy]

A rough starting point of at least 5 pto hp per foot of rough cut mower will get you in the ballpark. ( for mowing.. )

As for box blade.. figure on getting one to cover your rear tracks, if possible.. If ya got a wide tractor ( turf tires ).. ya might not be able to achieve that, and will have to downsize due to traction / drawbar hp issues.. etc.

Soundguy

Soundguy

 

[daTeacha]

When I was tractor shopping quite a few of the brochures available free in the showrooms listed the attachments that worked with the various models. The NH book showed specs for the attachments, too. That kind of stuff should be a good indicator how much implement various size tractors can handle. Of course, you do have go to the trouble of going to the showrooms, looking at the new hardware, drooling all over the place, and maybe buying something, but that's a risk you have to take.

 

[schmism]

When shopping for my tractor i was shocked at how cheep the used TC45 (series) were. I could have bought one of them for the same price i payed for my smaller TC33.

but as it is, the 33 is all i need sooooo....

 

[patrick_g]

The book rates my Kubota L4610HSTC at 39.5 HP at the PTO (40 HP on the reglar gear tranny version) I have a HD brush hog rated for up to 80 PTO HP and beat the heck out of it but never hurt the drive mechanism/gear box. The deck is very HD with boxed in bracing but I have managed to break welds and bend it a bit by backing into too big of a tree too fast. It has never been damaged beyond easy repair due to its substantial construction. It is very heavy and makes a terrific counterweight for the FEL.

My box blade is pretty substantial too, weighing in at 1300 lbs and has hydraulic raise and lower scarifiers. It makes a pretty good counterweight too, not quite as good as the brush hog since it doesn't extend back as far but it allows for closer in manuevering.

My disk is also HD but everything else else is "KING CUTTER" or equivalent and has to be used as if I were a rational sane and otherwise sentient being.

The only shear bolt I ever sheared was on my PHD. I have twisted off U-joints when allowing them to get into much of an angle.

I strongly recommend getting something more HD than required and enjoying a more trouble free time of it. I have never seen anyone who bought flimsy implements and then congtatulated themselves on their wise move the 2nd or 3rd time they were hard down for repairs while their time window was lost.

I also never heard any complaints about a tractor being too powerful and getting the work done too fast.

Pat

 

[Soundguy]

I have never seen anyone who bought flimsy implements and then congtatulated themselves on their wise move the 2nd or 3rd time they were hard down for repairs while their time window was lost.Pat

On the other hand.. I -have- seen peopl ewho have bought economy products and congratulated themselves for saving 2x to 3x the money of a HD unit, when a HD unit was not needed.

I mowed for a few years with a 5' mower.. economy KK brand. Paid 500$ for it. Used it.. now it rarely ever gets hitched up, as I mow with 2 larger mowers.

Had I dropped 1000-1500$ on that mower.. It would ahve still done everything.. except it would have cost me more money.

I never had a moments trouble out of the kk... Course i never backed over any trees with it either..

Soundguy

 

[DaneJasper]

It's also interesting to note that more horsepower will mean you've got to buy larger and more expensive impliments.

For example, I've got an 80 PTO HP New Holland, and when buying a flail mower, had to buy something more heavy duty as a result. Many impliments have both a minimum AND a maximum horsepower.

-Dane

 

[Soundguy]

Big time... That's the 'pretzle' factor.

Not enough tractor pto hp.. and you get unsatisfactory results. Enough is 'good' and a little extra is great... too much makes pretzles out of implements!!

One thing I've found that larger implements tend to be more HD due to size, even if they are an economy brand.... My 10' howse mower has a lot of steele in it.. good box frame.. heavy deck plates.. etc..

Soundguy