Skid steer big enough?

[rickdavis81]

I知 almost finished with my grapple bucket build and was looking at building a mower out of a 5 brush cutter. I壇 only be using it for mowing brush and small sapplings in our timber where it痴 easier to fit than the tractor. I have a Case 1840 without high flows. Doing the calculations it looked like I壇 be lucky to have 20hp coming out of the hydraulic motor. Am I wasting my time and will be disappointed in performance? Not expecting anything to spectacular just not to have to clear it all by hand.

 

[Xfaxman]

You might consider coping this design with the hinged SSQA plate: Grace Manufacturing | Home of the Tree Terminator

What is the aux flow rate on your skid steer?

 

[rickdavis81]

From what I can find it痴 15.3 gpm at 2300 psi. Which is only 20 hydraulic hp

 

[Rustyiron]

Rick I wouldn't want to mow a hayfield with one, but for breaking down 5' of overgrown "woody" brush it will get it done. I'll lower my mower down on the tall stuff, or drive forward about 10' into it at about half height, lower it and back out, repeat to the left or right. That method also exposes hazards on the first pass in. This also is with a big 30 gpm SS but a regular (not high flow) "Ambusher" rotary mower. Just be patient.

 

[Xfaxman]

That is the low end of the flow rating for the brush hog I pictured, so if you can get the hydraulic motor sized right, it should work for the 5 foot cutter.

 

[rickdavis81]

I壇 use the tractor for mowing lol. Looks like I need around a 6 cu in motor to achieve approx 540 rpm. I found an older heavy duty mower I was going to use for the donor. Supposed to go look at it this week