Bushhogging hilly areas - Newbie

[AngelaM]

Hi all - thanks for all your feedback since joining site. My father recently passed away leaving me to help my mom and keep the pasture/yard maintained. My son when not working can knock out without issue. However - I would like feedback with hilly terrain when bushhogging. I'm always on super safe side using large machinery - at least to me at 5'1, 120 lbs.
And feedback will be appreciated!! Pics of pasture attached.

 

[MF#1]

My condolences to you and your family for the loss of your father.
You will probably get a LOT of opinions on bush hogging, here are some of mine.
It would help if we knew what kind of tractor and mower you have. Many things are affected by the options you have.
I've bush hogged for over 50 years, much of it on slopes that would make a goat dizzy. I've learned that this job requires ALL of your attention, no phones, NO distractions. Focus, focus, focus on the job at hand. Have a plan for hitting something you didn't expect. SLOW is the best speed until you have an idea of what is a threat to you, gopher, groundhog holes can throw you for a loop, so can low hanging limbs and fallen limbs.
From your pics your land looks pretty mellow but there are probably "surprises" that can jump up and bite you. This is NOT mowing a yard. It may be helpful to walk the land to see if there are problems BEFORE you start mowing.
Let us know what you're using and we can give more detailed advice.

 

[AngelaM]

Thank you MF#1. I'm going to walk the land with my boots on today to do my best to ensure no surprises. Tractor type is New Holland T150 and busy bee 4 ft bushhog. I plan to stay in low gear and move slowly. One of my main concerns is going down a hill - should the bushhog be positioned differently when ascending?

 

[Fixingfarmer]

Just making sure it’s on the ground. Try not to turn on the slope turn at the top and bottom. If the new Holland has a ROPS wear the seat belt. If it doesn’t I’ve been told not to you hope to be thrown clear. SLOW SLOW SLOW. Those slopes don’t look bad you will get the hang of it

 

[AngelaM]

I have a seat belt and definitely plan on wearing. New Holland does have an ROPS. TY!

 

[Steve in VA]

I have a seat belt and definitely plan on wearing. New Holland does have an ROPS. TY!

I agree wholeheartedly with everything said so far. I will add 1 thing from years of offroad 4wheeling; if it gets squirrelly, turn downhill. That way the front end won't rise and you lose steering. I cut way worse than what your pictures show and always go up and down even if it takes longer. Rops a must and seat belt keeps you in the seat.

 

[MF#1]

Thank you MF#1. I'm going to walk the land with my boots on today to do my best to ensure no surprises. Tractor type is New Holland T150 and busy bee 4 ft bushhog. I plan to stay in low gear and move slowly. One of my main concerns is going down a hill - should the bushhog be positioned differently when ascending?

WELL, if I had remembered(old man issue) that you had previously posted about the Big Bee then I would have known what you were working with Is your tractor a hydrostatic type transmission or Gear type(with a clutch)? Never mowed with a Hydro so I can only tell you about the gear type. IF a hill is steep enough, and yours doesn't appear to be terribly steep, you can get pushed down a hill while mowing, been there-done that, due to the momentum of the mower spinning and higher than normal RPM EVEN with LIVE PTO, overcoming the rear tire traction. That being said IF you feel uncomfortable going down a hill, reduce the RPM's a bit or even IDLE to maintain control then gently apply brakes then clutch if you have it, or drop a gear with a Hydro. The mower stays in the same position either way. With your lift type mower I would keep it in the mowing position on any slope, don't need to raise it to turn most of the time. Doing so takes weight OFF of the front axle and may cause some steering issues. A LOT of mower manufacturers say to mow UP and DOWN the slope. If I did that I would end up in a sink hole or ditch most every time. I've ALWAYS mowed across the slope on my steep ground but I have the wheels adjusted to nearly the limit(wide) and have over 250 pounds of weight hanging on the front of the tractor AND I use a pull type mower versus a lift type, the weight on the drawbar is always there. Never had a ROPS and never really wanted one either but that is an OPINION. If I had your tractor I would be using the seatbelt though. I DON'T think you'll have any issues given your land and your approach to it. Good Luck, take your time and be cautious

 

[AngelaM]

Thank you for the reply and feedback! Will definitely take it all in to account!

 

[AngelaM]

WELL, if I had remembered(old man issue) that you had previously posted about the Big Bee then I would have known what you were working with Is your tractor a hydrostatic type transmission or Gear type(with a clutch)? Never mowed with a Hydro so I can only tell you about the gear type. IF a hill is steep enough, and yours doesn't appear to be terribly steep, you can get pushed down a hill while mowing, been there-done that, due to the momentum of the mower spinning and higher than normal RPM EVEN with LIVE PTO, overcoming the rear tire traction. That being said IF you feel uncomfortable going down a hill, reduce the RPM's a bit or even IDLE to maintain control then gently apply brakes then clutch if you have it, or drop a gear with a Hydro. The mower stays in the same position either way. With your lift type mower I would keep it in the mowing position on any slope, don't need to raise it to turn most of the time. Doing so takes weight OFF of the front axle and may cause some steering issues. A LOT of mower manufacturers say to mow UP and DOWN the slope. If I did that I would end up in a sink hole or ditch most every time. I've ALWAYS mowed across the slope on my steep ground but I have the wheels adjusted to nearly the limit(wide) and have over 250 pounds of weight hanging on the front of the tractor AND I use a pull type mower versus a lift type, the weight on the drawbar is always there. Never had a ROPS and never really wanted one either but that is an OPINION. If I had your tractor I would be using the seatbelt though. I DON'T think you'll have any issues given your land and your approach to it. Good Luck, take your time and be cautious

To add - it is gear type so I plan on slow movements.