Bush Hog

I have been getting by with a POS 4-footer for years and have about 20 acres of pasture at the house I want to keep looking decent.My current mower does not cut evenly and the pasture looks bad even after cutting. So since I am in the middle of an unexpected timber thinning and have some fun money its time to upgrade.I only have a 50 hp tractor so am thinking a 6 maybe 7 footer.Also, since I want the pasture looking good am thinking of a finish mower. That would also be helpful in my plots since I want to go toward throw and mow and the finish mowers cover more evenly.Other than mowing plots and roads which are in pretty good condition I should not be beating the heck out of whatever I get.Plus I can keep the beater I have now and use that for rough stuff.I know we have some good knowledge and experience on here. Any suggestions?

A finish mower is very similar to a belly mower on a lawn tractor. Belt driven, 3/16 to 1/4 blades. The only real difference is that it mounts to the 3 point hitch. It is really just a lawnmower.

The biggest difference is that the rotary cutter (Bush Hog) has blades that are designed to swing back if they hit an obstruction. Rock, big limb or log, etc.

The finish mower does not do a real good job in tall grass and weeds, i.e. such as you might find in your food plots if you don't cut them but a couple times a year. Also the wheels can be a problem if you are rough on the equipment, i.e. hitting ruts in a food plot or getting tangled up in heavy grass.

The advantage of a finish mower is they will cut shorter you can get down to an inch or so and you can go a couple feet wider.

If you get a good rotary cutter (bush hog) with a blade tip speed over 15k it will cut well and look good. Especially if you keep the blades sharp.

Sell the POS 4-footer (you don't need that) and get a good rotary cutter. Needs to be as wide as the tractor.

Wish you were closer I'm contemplating selling my Mx8 semi mount Deere.

I've got a six ft Howse that I pull with my 50hp johndeere and it does great. I have cut my yard with it before and you couldn't hardly tell it. I would buy a bush Hogg just because you can do everything with it. A finish mower won't hold up in thick stuff and you have to keep blades on it when a bush Hogg you don't hardly ever have to change the blades

Forget the finish mower. Get a bigger BH

I've got a Howse 6' bush hog that I've pulled with a 50 hp tractor for 27 years and it's still going strong. You can cut a lot more stuff with a bush hog than you can with a finishing mower and it will take a lot more abuse also. Rule of thumb is that you want one about the same width as the outside of your rear tires

Thanks guys I am thinking a 6 foot Bush Hog is probably what I need. Luckily Brown Manufacturing is just down the road from me.

Get ready to break the bank but they do make a fine rotary cutter.

They do think highly of their product.This would be the first new implemement I have ever purchased and am really sick of dealing with the junk I have been using. This one should be problem free as long as I will be using it and what the heck, its tree money.If I don't spend it the darn kids will.

You'll be happy with 6 foot bushhog.

God Bless,
David B.

Your tractor may not handle a heavy built 7 foot cutter. The engine will pull it , but could be a strain on the lift. Not to mention if it's not 4X4 with a loader, for weight on the front, it's will tote the front wheels .

I have a JD 5205 (55HP) 4X4 with loader. I have a JD MX7 cutter ,it's all it wants. Front end gets mighty light going up hills . If it's steep , I get a bucket of dirt to keep it on the ground.

And that is why I favor the semi mount. Tractor doesn't get loaded up as bad. My 63hp kubota handles the mx8 wonderfully. Wider cut=getting over it faster.

257 - I've never really used a semi mount much do you like that setup over just a standard pull? You start seeing a lot of those when you get into 10 or bigger. I need at least a 10ft but was considering a Semi Mount thinking it would be more maneuverable than a pull type if I find a good deal on one.

I love mine. You can back it faster easier than pull type. Less weight on tractor than full 3 pt and got several ways to adjust height and discharge.

Yea, I was wondering how it backed, i.e. if the tail wheels ever bind up backing and turning or put a lot of lateral stress on the hitch arms since the weight is on the ground.

No the weight is carried on lower 2 arms. Pivots around just fine

Well I guess technically 1/2 the weight is on the arms and other on tailwheels but that's what I needed to know.

My 15 is wore out I may wind up getting a 12ft batwing to replace it. Which would work I just can't spend all my time dragging stuff everywhere I need it.

257 - While you are reading... if you come across a 4 row 7100 let me know I'm looking for one. I need 30" but not a deal breaker.

I just bought that exact planter this winter and basically rebuilt it. Planted my sunflowers and corn with it so far I'm happy with it. If I come across one I'll keep you in mind. Oh and yes I'm wanting a 12' batwing next. That's gotta be the shiznit for smaller HP tractors

Those damn 12' rhinos are bad ass. I'm about to buy one. Peek in Athens priced me one for $9250 plus tax which was a good bit cheaper than anywhere else.

Goatkiller- you looking for a 3 point mount or pull type planter?

Zkd22 - I was wanting 3 point but I could make a pull work as well got plenty of room to turn it around.

I saw where Lowery in Boaz is making a 12' as well and hear they were a lot less $$. Haven't seen one.

I've seen the Woods and Rhino. Man they look nice.