What tractor for 6' brush hog use?

[dknarnd]

What tractor for 6\' brush hog use?

Just started looking at tractors and would like some ideas on what size to go with. Currently I am using a JD 1010 with a 5' brush hog to mow approximately 25 acres and it takes days! Luckily only do this once a year but I am starting to develop some food plot sites also, long with skidding some wood out to burn. And then there is snow and whatever!!!

This is in Northeast PA so the terrain is hilly and rocky. There is a Kubota dealer and New Holland nearby that I know of and I am checking for others.

 

[RoyJackson]

Re: What tractor for 6\' brush hog use?

If you went for a Deere, it'd be the 43xx series (32 HP and 28 at the PTO). That's a minimum...so for New Holland, you're looking at a TC 33 or bigger.
I'm not familiar enough with the larger Kubota's, so I won't comment there.

However, for 25 acres of field mowing, I'd sure think about a bigger tractor and a bat wing type cutter.

You'd probably need to go used then as the newer tractors (Utility, not a compact) are rather pricey.

Personally, I just don't see a 6' cutter being too much of an improvement over a 5' unit. Again, for 25 acres...if you're going to mow that much...I'd go at least 8 to 10 feet on the cutter.

 

[frank_f15]

Re: What tractor for 6\' brush hog use?

1st of all WELCOME TO THE FORUM!!!! /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif you say you want to hog 25 acres, how much more do you want to do? Roy is correct there is not much that much difference bet. a 5' and 6' when hogging 25 acres, and he suggest a 8' or 10' unit. But that will take a pretty good sized tractor.

 

[dknarnd]

Re: What tractor for 6\' brush hog use?

Yea I know it isn't that much difference but I could probably deal with it because I also want something small enough to manuver into the woods and for general utility use around the buildings. At least with 6' I won't be running over the uncut grass.

What I am looking for is probably something at about 40 hp to handle a 6' hog. There is a JD dealer near-by so I will be checking them out also.

 

[rcaretti]

Re: What tractor for 6\' brush hog use?

I'd keep the 5' for the general work, and get something bigger than 6'. I only mow about 10 acres a couple times a year, and I'm finding myself wishing I had a bigger brush hog.

 

[Soundguy]

Re: What tractor for 6\' brush hog use?

A tractor in the 30hp range should pull a 6' hog.

However.. I recomend getting a big tractor.. even an old ag tractor and a bigger mower. An old ford 5000 and 10' mower can be had for less than 10 grand. Even larger fords.. like 8000's and case 1xxx can be had cheaper.. like 4-5K$.. and the mower is 2500-3500 depending on style, if you get a cheap one.

I only mow about 10 ac, and I gave up on it with my 5' mower as I only have 1 day a week off. i got a large tractor and a 10' mower.. havn't regretted it since.

Soundguy

 

[thcri]

Re: What tractor for 6\' brush hog use?

Last year I did 2 acres with a 5' and it pretty much took me all day. It was pretty hilly and really rough so that is why it took me a long time. I had a lot of pot holes and trees to go around. But I just could not imagine doing 25 acres even with a 6'. I think I would agree with Soundguy and get your self something bigger even if it was used.

murph

 

[DmansPadge]

Re: What tractor for 6\' brush hog use?

I would look in the 30+ hp range for a 6' hog. Like the others have said... you could make quick work with a bigger tractor and a batwing or large brushhog... but, hey, it you only do it once or twice a year and don't mind spending a little time doing it.. I don't think that justifies spending thousands more. And by saying thousands I mean a lot of thousands more! /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

 

[BB_TX]

Re: What tractor for 6\' brush hog use?

I run a 6' on 27 PTO hp but I mow several times a year. As long as I don't let it get to high I don't have much problem. But if I let it grow up, I have to really slow down. Since you only mow it once a year and assuming it grows up pretty high during that time, I would not go less than 35 PTO hp and probably even more.

 

[Indydirtfarmer]

Re: What tractor for 6\' brush hog use?

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( Just started looking at tractors and would like some ideas on what size to go with. Currently I am using a JD 1010 with a 5' brush hog to mow approximately 25 acres and it takes days! Luckily only do this once a year but I am starting to develop some food plot sites also, long with skidding some wood out to burn. And then there is snow and whatever!!!

This is in Northeast PA so the terrain is hilly and rocky. There is a Kubota dealer and New Holland nearby that I know of and I am checking for others. )</font>
First off, Welcome to TBN! Great place with GREAT folks..

I'm in the business of bush hogging.... We run several tractors all summer doing just that... Around here, we have quite a bit of hilly and/or rocky ground. That doesn't lend itself well to larger mowers. (Anything much wider than the tractor itself) I tend to favor 7' or 8' mowers on 60 HP (+) tractors for that sort of work. We have a couple bat-wing mowers, but they sit until we get into big, flat, and open terrain.

Also, like you said, you need a mower that'll fit between trees and buildings. I'd stick with your plan of 6' or at the most, 7'....That's still very "do-able" in an 8 hour day....(25 acres)

MOST 6' mowers are still relatively light compared to bigger mowers. That keeps the size requirements (of the tractor) down to a minimum. (In my experience, size/weight of a tractor comes in to play as much, if not MORE than horsepower)

To me, it looks like you're planning on buying "new". That's something you won't get much help on from me.... I have a thing for "older" tractors. (Mid-'80's on back to Fred Flintstone....)

Others can answer you questions on particular brand/models better than I, but your "want" of a tractor/mower combo in the 35/50 HP-6' mower range seems like a wise choice to me....