Tractor for pulling bush hog

[Massey_165]

I have a woods D80 bush hog ( pull type, 80 inch) looking to get a tractor that will pull it easy. I have a MF-135 (with a loader) but it bogs it down and a IH 444 gas, I don’t have the drawbar for it but I don’t think it would handle it good anyway. Any recommendations on a good tractor that can handle it?

 

[DeltaRed]

If 80 inches is too much,pull over and take a half swath.A 135 should be plenty if you handle it right.

 

[Massey_165]

If 80 inches is too much,pull over and take a half swath.A 135 should be plenty if you handle it right.

I think with the loader and going up hill with high weeds it was too much for it. It’s a Diesel with only 600 hrs on it. I also have a 5ft pull type but wanting to use the 80 inch just to get it done quicker and it cuts better.

 

[E.B. Haymakin']

If 80 inches is too much,pull over and take a half swath.A 135 should be plenty if you handle it right.

Cut high then cut low. 2 passes. Then keep it down so one pass will do

 

[Massey_165]

Cut high then cut low. 2 passes. Then keep it down so one pass will do

Yeah I could do that

 

[Jim.ME]

Yeah I could do that

Does it do ok with the 5 footer? Another option would be to mow it with the 5 footer, if it will run that to get it down then maintain it with the 80". A high and a low pass with the 80", or one pass making a regular cutting with the 5 footer. Time and fuel likely won't be much different.

 

[flying belgian]

I have a woods D80 bush hog ( pull type, 80 inch) looking to get a tractor that will pull it easy. I have a MF-135 (with a loader) but it bogs it down and a IH 444 gas, I don’t have the drawbar for it but I don’t think it would handle it good anyway. Any recommendations on a good tractor that can handle it?

 

[flying belgian]

CX 100 CaseIH.

 

[Steve in IL]

I have a woods D80 bush hog ( pull type, 80 inch) looking to get a tractor that will pull it easy. I have a MF-135 (with a loader) but it bogs it down and a IH 444 gas, I don’t have the drawbar for it but I don’t think it would handle it good anyway. Any recommendations on a good tractor that can handle it?

I’m a fan of using a mower that is a bit too big for a given tractor. If the grass/brush is tall/tough, just slow down, raise the mower, or cut only a portion of a swath. Otherwise, for lighter mowing, you can maximize your width & speed. I run a 7 foot mower on a Deere 2240.

 

[Tim in New York]

The 444 should handle that just fine. I ran a 6' 3 pt brush hog with my 2424 for a few years and it mowed 6' tall goldenrod in the fall with no issues. Finding a drawbar for it could be a challenge. I have one for mine but it was customized and cobbled up by some prior user, so I took it off. No idea if you can find a replacement.

 

[Part Time Pete]

I would look for something in the 60 to 80 horsepower range Ford 5000, IH 756, Oliver 1755, White 2-85 etc.

 

[wh]

I have a woods D80 bush hog ( pull type, 80 inch) looking to get a tractor that will pull it easy. I have a MF-135 (with a loader) but it bogs it down and a IH 444 gas, I don’t have the drawbar for it but I don’t think it would handle it good anyway. Any recommendations on a good tractor that can handle it?

Get serious. 90 hp and 15 ft batwing!! Get in- get done!!!

 

[flying belgian]

Get serious. 90 hp and 15 ft batwing!! Get in- get done!!!View attachment 81207

I'm curious about the design of your rock box.

 

[wh]

I'm curious about the design of your rock box

Not a rock box. Use it to push tall weeds/grass over to keep the “blooms” out of radiator. Also helps to see front tires in deeper areas. Zoom in on picture to see it better.

 

[Destroked 450]

Get serious. 90 hp and 15 ft batwing!! Get in- get done!!!View attachment 81207

Mines 72 hp on the pto

I pull a 10 ft with my 4000 Ford

 

[MARK ROBKE]

I have a woods D80 bush hog ( pull type, 80 inch) looking to get a tractor that will pull it easy. I have a MF-135 (with a loader) but it bogs it down and a IH 444 gas, I don’t have the drawbar for it but I don’t think it would handle it good anyway. Any recommendations on a good tractor that can handle it?

When I was a kid Dad borrowed an 80" bushhog (Woods) and used on our IH 300u (40hp). It actually worked well. The main thing, I believe is to GO SLOW. Use FIRST gear. Going slow is better than doing it twice. The IH 444 should do fine. Be careful going downhill- the bushhog can push a light tractor-which is why I like a lift type bushhog. Mark.

 

[miangus]

Since its a pull type a Farmall M would be my choice. I run a 72-inch brush hog with a MF 65 so maybe a MF 165 diesel to match the MF 135. When using a brush hog, it is important that the cut occur in the front portion, so adjust the rear of the brush hog so it is higher than the front. A brush hog that is higher in the front cuts both in the front and the back and requires more power.

 

[Ozlander]

Mines 72 hp on the pto

View attachment 81234

I pull a 10 ft with my 4000 Ford

Why does your 4000 say 6610?

 

[ss55]

I have a woods D80 bush hog ( pull type, 80 inch) looking to get a tractor that will pull it easy. I have a MF-135 (with a loader) but it bogs it down and a IH 444 gas, I don’t have the drawbar for it but I don’t think it would handle it good anyway. Any recommendations on a good tractor that can handle it?

If you have no small trees or brush to cut, another option is to mow it down at 4 to 5 MPH with a sickle mower (7 foots are common), let it dry and then shatter the dry cuttings with the 80 inch bush hog mower ( or bale the cuttings and sell them ). Both of your tractors will have more than enough power for those operations. Shattering the dry cuttings might be dusty, but will require a lot less power than shredding tough wet plants.

Raising the sickle cutter bar to the top 3 or 4 inch height setting will lift the cuttings off the ground for better air flow and faster drying.

 

[Destroked 450]

Why does your 4000 say 6610?

That’s my 6610 with a 15’ bat wing
This is my 4000