Rear Finish Mower PTO finish mower to brush hog

[florentberger]

Wondering if anyone could comment on this.
I have an old PTO finish mower. I have bought a Zero turn to make it easier to get around trees and plants.
Hoping to convert the old finish mower to a brush hog. Does anyone know if that is possible and if there is a kit to do that?
Thanks in advance!

 

[leonz]

Hello neighbor,

Is it raining in the triple cities yet?

Finish mowers are not ment for brush cutting due to the
design of the mower deck which has baffles to create some
suction to throw the cuttings to one side or the other or the
rear.

The blades are not thick enough or strong enough for
brush cutting without creating more issues for the mower
where the mower would plug more often and you would
need to clean the deck more often.

You could use it for that but it would take longer and the
bearings would not last as long.

You could use the zero turn but you would have clean it
more often grease it more often.

Purchasing a second mower deck would allow you to do
this BUT as you have a rear mount you could accomplish
the same thing as long as you have a spare set of blades.

 

[bcp]

Depends on the size of the brush you have in mind to cut. Lots of difference between 3/8 inch brush and 3/4 inch, for a belt drive and light blades.

Bruce

 

[Wild Bill the 2nd]

Depends on the mower and the brush.
I have an 84" Woods finish mower with probably 1/2" thick blades and it will take care of a lot. Maybe 3/4 to 1"
Obviously hardwood saplings can be a bit tougher on things than lighter stuff.

Save the 2-3" stuff for a brush hog

 

[teg]

You should be able to trade or sell the finishing mower for a bush hog type mower...

 

[zzvyb6]

I also run my 84" Woods as a brush hog. Its rear discharge and easily spits out 1-1/2 to 2" saplings. I raise the deck up several inches and it chomps down all brush with gator type (mulching and mashing) blades.

 

[Will_C]

I don't cut brush, but I find my finish mower will handle grasses if they get 12-15" tall. I just raise it all the way up.

Will

 

[DK35vince]

You should be able to trade or sell the finishing mower for a bush hog type mower...

+1
Sell the finish mower and buy a brush mower. The right tool for the job will work a **** of a lot better.

 

[florentberger]

Thanks for the replies.
Had the thought of just trying it and see what happens. Not looking to cut the really think stuff, but it would be nice to go up to an inch.
I know the blades are different in a brush hog, thought that if I was able to but those on, it might take a little longer to get the up to speed but the effect would be the same.
If it jams up I might just take the advice and try to trade it or sell it for a brush hog.

 

[Fallon]

A finish mower has a lightweight deck. A rotary cutter (brush hog us a brand name) has a thick steel deck designed for abuse. Sell the finish mower & get the right tool for the job.

A rotary cutter has thick steel bars that are never sharpened not sharp blades like a mower. When they hit trees, the trees are shattered not cut. If you cut them you often end up with sharp punji stick like stumps that will spear tires & do other nasty things.