Which mower

[mercracing84]

Hey guys first post here. I have a Kubota L3901, I think about 32HP. I want to thin out some of the brush/small trees/crap in the woods around where I hunt. I don’t plan on clearing everything out, just thin it out so I can see more. I was originally looking for a 48” brush mower until I realized the width of the tractor is 55”. So now I’m looking for a 60” mower. Will 32HP be enough to power a 5’ mower? I don’t plan on going super fast, so I’m fine with going slow.

A friend recently suggested I look at a flail mower instead based on my expected use. They look like they would do a great job for what I need, but they’re about 1k more in cost.

Anyone have thoughts on brands to look for? Size/HP concerns? Picking between brush and flail?
Thanks for the help!

 

[jjp8182]

Looking at a (potentially older) version of a Canadian Kubota L series manual I found online it's actually saying the recommended limit for an L3901 is a 72" rotary cutter up to 770lbs where with a flail mower Kubota's recommended size limit is 50" with the same weight limit. Which surprises me a bit since the dealer I bought my Grand L from was trying to talk me into a standard L even though the sales team was saying it would only handle a 5 ft mower.

Personally I haven't used either type of mower on a compact tractor though I've looked at both. However, the vegetation here in northern Alabama I've found that 2" of cutting width per rated engine hp generally means I don't have to slow down or go over grass multiple times. For vegetation less dense than grass I suspect a person could go even wider if the tractor can manage the size/weight of the implement (not exactly fun having an implement push the tractor around).

Biggest thing I'd consider is where the debris will be directed along with the direction it's ejected from the mower, how much room there is to maneuver the tractor/implement combination and what the debris would look like.

From my (very limited) understanding a flail mower/cutter may leave smaller pieces, and cleaner cuts (which may allow the same plants to recover/regrow), whereas brush/rotary cutters tend to look more like a tornado cut a swath through the area (which tends to discourage the cut vegetation from regrowing permitting new plants a better chance to grow).

Just my :2cents: ...which may not even be worth that much given the limited experiences I've had with those types of mowers.

 

[Carl_NH]

Welcome to TBN!

Typically a brush hog is a better choice for your prescribed use - 5' is fine and you could run a 6' but they are heavier and not as maneuverable in the woods. Flail mowers do better in grass, not as good in brush (unless you get specific knives), take more HP to run, and they are more $$ to maintain.

Assume you have a loader - leave that on to push over the saplings and I don't know the underside of the 3901 - does it have protection - skid plate? Brush and vines can do a number on lines and driveshafts under your tractor.

Also if you have rough ground/rocks a used brush hog might be the better choice until you get it knocked down/manageable.

 

[nybirdman]

Yours will handle a 5' with no problem;6' may be too much in heavy brush.I have a five foot Bush-Hog branded rotary cutter(1000+ hours on it) and a six foot LandPride with about 200 hours;both have been good.

 

[mercracing84]

Thanks guys, I’m fine with a 5’ instead of a 6’. I want to be as maneuverable as possible. I’m kinda glad to hear the brush mower might be better, I’ll be happy to save that 1k$. We do have a bucket on the front. As far as skid plates, I’m not sure off hand. I’ll have to climb under there and check.

 

[Code54]

A 5' brush hog will be about perfect - covers your wheels and not too heavy if you get on a hill or weird angle in the woods. Plus a LOT cheaper than a good flail. Watch auctions and Craigslist for Bush hog, you can get a 5' for a good price.

I have both a 6'flail and 6' bushhog for our 50hp. The flail makes a better cut and grinds everything up but on the occasional big stuff (2-3" ) the bush hog is way better. I also find the flail takes more HP to run. Some will say that is not the case but in mine it is noticeable. I have an Alamo HD road mower flail so it is super heavy duty and sucks power but is SOLID and darn tough. Love it for small saplings and light brush - drive in and ground up mulch is all that is left.