Tractor big enough?

[Richard]

We just bought an International 886. I think the machine has about 80 hp at the pto? It's a non turbo, non cab version if that helps, 2wd with about 8 'suitcase' weights on front (are they about 100 lbs each??)

Will be looking for a batwing mower for it and as I look at the two Bush Hog offerings, the regular duty 2715 says minimum tractor requirement is 60 hp and on the heavy duty 3715, it says recommended minimum tractor HP 80 HP.

Sooooooo, if this tractor is at 80 (and I'm not 100% sure that it is), will it easily pull/control a 15' heavy duty batwing?

Is that pushing its limits?

I'm not absolute on doing the heavy duty, it's just my initial preference (having seen how badly we've beaten up the prior 5' "regular duty" cutters)

 

[Richard]

As a side question, I'm now looking on Rhino's page and see they have a 15' batwing however, THEIR minimum HP tractor rating is only 50.

Why might there be such a disparity between brands? Seems to me a 15' batwing from any manufacturer is going to have some commen traits just because of what it is. Maybe the deck thickness and perhaps gearboxes might add some weight from one to another. The Rhino is listed at 5,210 lbs (model FL15 Magnum) and I don't see a weight on the Bush Hogs but they can't be THAT much different??

This is becoming interesting.

 

[tydp]

As a side question, I'm now looking on Rhino's page and see they have a 15' batwing however, THEIR minimum HP tractor rating is only 50.

Why might there be such a disparity between brands? Seems to me a 15' batwing from any manufacturer is going to have some commen traits just because of what it is. Maybe the deck thickness and perhaps gearboxes might add some weight from one to another. The Rhino is listed at 5,210 lbs (model FL15 Magnum) and I don't see a weight on the Bush Hogs but they can't be THAT much different??

This is becoming interesting.

Your tractor should be plenty big enough. I have a friend who owns a business that mows pipeline right-of-ways. He uses Rhino brand cutters exclusively. He tried Bush Hog previously and they did not hold up to heavy use as well. He mentioned 2 Rhino batwings that are now 15 years old and has never had to replace the gear boxes on. U-joints and seals yes, but gear boxes no.

 

[schmism]

the commonly used number i see is 5hp per foot of mower.

15*5 = 75

50hp/15'=3.333 hp per foot.

now im no expert in bat wings, but 3 hp per foot seems low to me.

 

[IslandTractor]

Ask Soundguy. He pulls a 15ft batwing with a big blue tractor of approximately the same size you have. I'm sure he can set you straight.

 

[tydp]

the commonly used number i see is 5hp per foot of mower.

15*5 = 75

50hp/15'=3.333 hp per foot.

now im no expert in bat wings, but 3 hp per foot seems low to me.

He said the tractor was 80 horse power. That should be plenty....