Bush Hog Advice: Ford 1900

[NoBite]

The OM for my Ford 1900 says it has 26.5 "observed" horsepower at the PTO. It is time for me to get a new bush hog to replace the 4' one I have had for years. I would really like to get a six-foot model, but wonder if I have the power to use it. Can anyone give me some guidelines? BTW, I would be looking at the 3-point hitch models in preference over the pull-behinds. And, I will be looking at used models.

Thanks!

 

[Anonymous-0]

Extra width, depends on what you are doing, if cutting heavy thick grasses on hills, don't think a 6'-0" will work, also consider the additional weight, tail could wag the dog here. Might be pushing it to use a 5'-0" width. You might just need more tractor for the larger ones.

I prefer the 3 pt because of the conditions I work in, though a tow behind would be fine on the flats and where there are no hidden rocks, stumps or other obstacles, you can raise up and avoid some of the impact if not all when you see something pass under the tractor.

Used, really have to look em over, these things get hammered, no one changes the lube in the gear box etc. really have to check em out, look for failed welds on the deck, oil leaking from the gear box etc.

Another thing to consider is adjusting the mower to the tractor correctly, usually the front is lower on a 3 pt, but with 2" clearance from the wear skids, and level side to side, sharp and or blades that are not bent, will be less work for the tractor, cuts more efficiently.

 

[NoBite]

Thanks, Billy. I have about talked myself into a 5-footer. I will be bush-hogging horse pastures. Some little hills, not much. No (intentional) trees or stumps. Sometimes the grass gets heavy.

Actually, I have an old Woods 5-foot finish mower, in only fair condition. I'll try using that until it's a no-go. Then, I think a 5-foot bush hog will be big enough for this tractor.

I appreciate your tips for buying used!

 

[souNdguy]

A 5' will be fine, no questions asked.. and you could probably do a 6'er if you don't let it grow up a couple feet between cuttings. I had a 1920.. and I used a 5' on it,a nd it didn't notice it.. dealer said i could pull a 6' on it.

Think about it like this.. an 8n pulls a 5' and many people run 6'ers on the naa and 600 series.. etc.

soundguy

 

[Anonymous-0]

5' might be ok in moderate grass, being close to 30 hp, no hills and no 4'-5' high thick grasses, weeds or brush, you'll know when you use it, assuming that diesel will have more torque range and gear selection than older gas models I'm more familiar with, I'd try it, 6' might just be too much all around weight and lack of power for it. My 40 something hp 850 4 cyl. runs the 6' in most conditions, but it puts a heavy load on the engine going up hill in high grasses, same kind of grasses that you could cut and bale. We keep our pastures and fields cut before they get too high, just easier to cut them 2-3x per year than let em get overgrown. Some areas I have cleared, I'd have rather had a 5' or even a 4' with a stout gear box and deck, small saplings, heavy weeds like golden rod etc.

 

[NoBite]

Thanks to all for the comments. I have one more option and I think this one will work for awhile.

I have a five-foot Woods finish mower, pull-type. Haven't used it much in the past three years, but I lubed it up and it ran pretty well. Since I had already knocked down the grass in the pastures with the old four-foot bush hog, the finish mower cut through everything well. I liked the extra foot cutting width and it did a fine job. As long as I keep after it and don't let things get out of hand, I bet this will work for my needs. If this year is like last year, in a few weeks we will not get any more rain for the duration of the summer and then I KNOW the finish mower will be all I need! LOL!

 

[NWMO 901 SOS]

Hey Nobite,

Sounds like you have found your solution, but I wanted to add my thoughts. I looked for a used brush cutter when I went to purchase one . After looking, bought a new 6' King Kutter from Orchelns for $700 and it's done fine. All the used stuff I looked at was junk and they were wanting $400 or more for em. At least with a new one, I know it hadn't been abused yet. I did end up putting some weight on the front of my 901 as it wanted to ride up some from time to time.

Chris