Tractor Sizing Tractor and mower combination

[frcarl]

The 385 ac (50/50 pastures/woods) old family farm here in Missouri is in real need of "restoration". Once it was a very good cow/pasture/hay operation. To begin with, I have contracted out dozer work - mainly pasture reclamation (cedars!) and have rebuilt 4 ponds. I am now looking at tractors - mainly Kubota m70 min. - to begin serious mowing work - brush and pastures. Like much of the Ozarks, it has a fair amount of contour to it.

Any recommendations as to tractor and mower would be appreciated.

 

[wmonroe]

Welcome to the forum. Are you thinking of getting a batwing mower, what size?

 

[case245]

i 7040 will run a 7 foot cutter no more unless dual spindal i would say step up to the 8540 or 100x

 

[OrangeToys]

You should talk to TripleR he's got a 8540 and loves it. Think he does similar stuff and does stuff in the hills.

 

[case245]

a guy on here does haying with his 7040 FORMAN ETEXAS drop him a pm he will help you out

 

[wmonroe]

i 7040 will run a 7 foot cutter no more unless dual spindal i would say step up to the 8540 or 100x

a guy on here does haying with his 7040 FORMAN ETEXAS drop him a pm he will help you out

190 acres is a lot to cut with a 7' cutter, i agree anything larger should be a dual spindle. FORMAN ETEXAS, if i remember right also pulls a 15' cutter behind his 7040. If you want to speed up you cutting he could give some insight on how that set up might perform on your terrain.

 

[OrangeToys]

a guy on here does haying with his 7040 FORMAN ETEXAS drop him a pm he will help you out

Yes him too, couldn't remember the name last night

 

[frcarl]

Thanks fellows, I appreciate the replies; and have found the experienced discussions on this site to be very helpful!

Your opinions are in line with what I've been wrestling with. The heavier duty mowers require a minimum of 50 - 60 hp at the PTO; as do the larger batwings.

The m70 series is - "on paper" - big enough, but just, given the terrain. More and more I'm moving toward the m80 series and a 10' medium duty mower.

 

[foreman Etexas]

My old lease place had some really good rolling hills and the 7040 will pull a 15ft batwing fine,I even done it with my 5040. I have a 8ft pull-type and the 7040 pulls it like nothing. I also have a 12ft flat-deck and do not recommend them,go with the 12ft batwing the thing is to wide and digs in sometimes and wide hauling or pulling down the roads. I don't have any problem with the 7040 and 15ft batwing combo but I push my tractors,the 8540/8560 may be better for you and your place. I also pull a 5x4 round baler and on the really good hills almost full the 7040 sure can feel it. I also like the larger tires on the 85's and I'm sure they ride better with the larger frame. Hope this help...

 

[TripleR]

Are you going to graze it once you are done or are you going to keep mowing it? Is it in grass now or will you have to establish it? What will you be mowing, weeds and grass or a combination of weeds, grass, brush and saplings, if so what size. About how many acres will need to be mowed?