Topper (Rotary Cutter/Bush Hog) - with or without rear wheel?

[aesmith]

Hi,

We have a 4 foot topper as they're called in the UK, I think that's a "rotary cutter" or "bush hog" in the US. This is the beast ..

Compact Grass Toppers Fleming Agri - In-line and semi offset toppers

Fleming Agri compact grass toppers suitable for parklands, sports fields, equestrian and agricultural use. In-line and semi offset toppers

www.fleming-agri.com

We've been using it for a couple of years just running on the skids, but I have been wondering if it would work better raising the sides and using a rear wheel to set the height. Particularly when turning, rather than having to lift the deck then drop it back once the turn is complete. Also because the skids can dig in and make a bit of a mess.

What I'm not sure of is how the height is set at the front with this setup. Do you need to set the three point so the fully lowered height matches the height set by the wheel? With the skids I just drop it fully down in float position and the mower follows the ground.

Thanks, Tony S

 

[K5lwq]

I usually have the front level or down just a bit from the back. Yes, I set the front height using the 3pt.

 

[TmbrWlkr]

Asktractormike.com has a video on setting up a topper as you call it. Good channel.

 

[Have tractor did travel]

The height of the brush hog (or topper) should be determined by what you're trying to do with the land on which you are cutting. If you're raising hay, and therefore cutting weeds, set the height to 6" to 8". If you're just getting rid of brush, with no agricultural use of the land, then set it as you wish.
You want the front of the brush hog to be lower than the back, so the blade only cuts one time. If you have the front higher, then the blade cuts once, and then as the tractor moves forward and the rear of the brush hog encounters the brush, the blade cuts a second time - waste of energy.
I'd sure use the wheel. The revolving action of the wheel makes it easier to pull than sliding the deck along the ground.

 

[ROUSTABOUT]

Hi,

We have a 4 foot topper as they're called in the UK, I think that's a "rotary cutter" or "bush hog" in the US. This is the beast ..

Compact Grass Toppers Fleming Agri - In-line and semi offset toppers

Fleming Agri compact grass toppers suitable for parklands, sports fields, equestrian and agricultural use. In-line and semi offset toppers

www.fleming-agri.com

We've been using it for a couple of years just running on the skids, but I have been wondering if it would work better raising the sides and using a rear wheel to set the height. Particularly when turning, rather than having to lift the deck then drop it back once the turn is complete. Also because the skids can dig in and make a bit of a mess.

What I'm not sure of is how the height is set at the front with this setup. Do you need to set the three point so the fully lowered height matches the height set by the wheel? With the skids I just drop it fully down in float position and the mower follows the ground.

Thanks, Tony S

The trick is you want some flex in your top link. Some Bush Hogs have a flex joint in them. Some use a chain top link from hitch frame to tractor. I have an actual Bush Hog brand cutter here that I'm repairing today for a customer. Some have chain on the braces that go from top link to rear of cutter, just a foot or so, let's it flex. This one has a flex joint. Rear wheel is broken off, stump jumper was replaced, and I will weld up several cracks and tears in the body. It has been used hard. Still painted and pretty, but torn up fairly bad. But, way cheaper than a dozer and track hoe.

 

[Roadworthy]

I don't like the way the skids dig in, either. I run my rotary mower such that the sides are a couple inches off the ground. I'm only using it to cut weeds so looks of the final cut aren't important. The six inches of stubble remaining are not important either. Mine does have a tail wheel which supports the back. I set my three point such that the front is a bit lower than the back.

 

[aesmith]

Thanks everyone. I think I'll look into getting the wheel kit, or making something myself. The topper itself has chain from the A frame holding the top link, to the back of the deck. That allows the rear to rise up, and I tractor's top link so the chain has a bit of slack when the topper's on the ground.