New to me brush hog.

[SDT]

I picked up the brush hog with no issues...... didn't end up on a meat hook hanging down in a basement......always a plus.

I got it home alright too.
View attachment 104876


Those that mentioned the width you're correct it is only a 5fter......classic case of the seller not knowing what he had. As soon as it was placed on the trailer I could tell......I could've brought a smaller trailer then and saved some gas.

Those that mentioned the lx couldn't handle it for pto, or weight. I'm just curious for my own knowledge the facts or data of it. I want the right implement for the right tractor to prevent any injury or equipment damage so it'd be nice to see that data.

I lubed everything up, checked it and tried it out in the rain.
View attachment 104877
I have the front end loader on yet for dirt projects and wanted to use that as a feeler doing some test runs. I really couldn't tell of any extra weight on the back........nothing more than my tiller. The back wheel is back there for a reason too.

I was mowing grass and cat tails that were over the hood.
View attachment 104879
View attachment 104880
I was in medium accidently and was going along fine. I kicked it down into low in the thicker stuff and only once did I have to raise up and I think that was more so un even ground. I felt more comfortable in low anyways running a machine I had zero history of.
View attachment 104882
It did a nice job for being wet. I think like anything the right speed plays a factor, if you try to mow in road gear foot to the floor you'll have issues, or trying to knock down 8 inch diameter trees you'll wreck your equipment. So far no regrets. I looked at many different brands. King kutter, landy & son, howse, and nothing compared to be as heavy duty as this is. If I had the funds I would've gotten a new landpride though. At the dealer the attachment promo was only good for 3 attachments too.
View attachment 104883
In the shop to get cleaned up and somethings adjusted.

Facts and data are in your Operator's manual. Kubota specifies 48" and 500 Lbs. for single blade rotary cutters in the Implement Limitations section for youru LX. The weight limitation is far more important than is the width limitation.

Yes, your tractor will easily lift the mower. The weight limitation has nothing to do with lift capacity but rather design specifications of hitch components. Exceeding such limitations greatly increases the probability of component failures.

I have used a HD 6' cutter that exceeds the 1,000 Lb. weight limitation for rotary cutters with my L6060 by about 150 Lbs. and broken hitch components 3 times so far. Using the same cutter on my MF 533 (since sold), exceeding the weight limitation by about 100 Lbs., resulted in lower lift arm attachment pin failure twice. No, I do not hit things with any of my cutters.

 

[SDT]

I always make it a habit to engage and disengage the pto at low rmp, brush hog or even a basic riding mower. Brush hogging it seems like the biggest mistakes are, high rmp engaging the pto, too fast for conditions, starting up in tall brush, using the brush hog as a dozer taking more than saplings downs, and going up ditches putting stress on the pto.

Good practice.

Engaging a heavy PTO load at engine speeds above idle introduces unnecessary shock loads to drive line components. Disengaging inertial PTO loads at engine speeds above idle simply wears out your PTO brake.

 

[Elliott in GA]

My guess is that your new to you rotary cutter will serve you well.

In terms of width, I would expect that the overwhelming majority of LX owners run 5 foot cutters; it is what covers the tractor's tracks. My dealer never suggested any mower that was not 5 feet wide.

Regarding weight, it was the same situation; every mower exceeded the tractor's manual rating.

I have run an LP RCR1860 rotary cutter (weighs approximately 600 lbs) for nearly 2 1/2 years with no problems, and I have reclaimed acres of pasture from briars, weeds and saplings - some of the briar / multiflora rose areas were at least 5 feet tall.

Similarly, I have used my LP FDR1660 finish mower (weighs approximately 575 lbs) for the same amount of time with no issues. BTW - it is a Kubota/Land Pride "matched" mower for the LX.

Add to all of this, I have used the above mowers with an LP QH10 quick hitch; it weighs almost 70 lbs. The QH10 also moves the mower further away from the tractor (the mower has more leverage). It is odd that using a quick hitch is not discussed / factored into any of the manuals / spec sheets. Of course, the quick hitch might also provide some protection to the hitch components by evenly distributing any loads from weight or incidental contact (hitting things).

I could break something tomorrow, but I think that it is highly unlikely.

As always, YMMV.

 

[PoTreeBoy]

In your picture of the cutter attached to the tractor on flat ground, it appears to be perfectly level. You'll probably find it cuts better with the front a couple of inches lower than the back.

 

[SDT]

In your picture of the cutter attached to the tractor on flat ground, it appears to be perfectly level. You'll probably find it cuts better with the front a couple of inches lower than the back.

Yes, rear should be 1 1/2" or so higher than the front to improve clearing of debris.

 

[NCL4701]

Not to derail this thread but it seems to be winding down anyway.

I have a similar issue. Currently have a 580lb lightweight Howse 500 that is somewhat older than dirt. It was a dog when my father bought it used 40 years ago and hasn’t improved with time. On the back of my L4701 even without the loader I have to remove to fit in some areas it’s like it’s not even back there. I have yet to find anything where the torque required pushed the L hard.

My “plan” has been to maintain it but run it until it grenades and replace with a flail as I have some tight areas.

A few days ago my brother mentioned he has a JD MX6 heavier brush hog he hasn’t used but one season when he first got his current place. He now uses a batwing finish mower since taming things with the MX6. The MX6 is gathering dust in a corner under the trees somewhere. It’s 1041lb and it’s 6’ v the 5’ Howse. I cut 90% grass with some new little saplings mixed in, but much of the terrain is rough. The advantage of the MX6 is it is near new (less than 50 hours) and it’s free. Not concerned about the 6’. More concerned about the weight. I’m aware that’s well within the lift capacity of the L4701 but that’s a lot of weight hanging a long way past the pins and not sure it isn’t too much with the loader removed. Yes, I could replace the loader with front weights for way less than the cost of a flail if needed and I’ve brake steered for the past 48 years so as long as the front end isn’t headed for the moon I don’t much care if I’m steering more with the brakes than the steering wheel. Those of y’all with more experience with a variety of rotary cutters have any thoughts on 1041lb or so with a L4701?

 

[RBsingl]

A lot of your weight is on the tail wheel unless you are moving it and even then you could change the center link length and drag the wheel when moving if it was a real problem.

I have used a Deere 513 (60") hanging off the back of my 955 compact and I almost never have the FEL on when using the rotary cutter because it becomes awkwardly long for some areas. The MX6 is a nice cutter, use it carefully and it should be fine with your tractor.

Some people could somehow damage a cast iron anvil when armed only with a foam rubber mallet while smart owners making intelligent use of larger implements will put far less stress on a tractor than the typical careless use of smaller implements.

Rodger

 

[Elliott in GA]

Not to derail this thread but it seems to be winding down anyway.

I have a similar issue. Currently have a 580lb lightweight Howse 500 that is somewhat older than dirt. It was a dog when my father bought it used 40 years ago and hasn’t improved with time. On the back of my L4701 even without the loader I have to remove to fit in some areas it’s like it’s not even back there. I have yet to find anything where the torque required pushed the L hard.

My “plan” has been to maintain it but run it until it grenades and replace with a flail as I have some tight areas.

A few days ago my brother mentioned he has a JD MX6 heavier brush hog he hasn’t used but one season when he first got his current place. He now uses a batwing finish mower since taming things with the MX6. The MX6 is gathering dust in a corner under the trees somewhere. It’s 1041lb and it’s 6’ v the 5’ Howse. I cut 90% grass with some new little saplings mixed in, but much of the terrain is rough. The advantage of the MX6 is it is near new (less than 50 hours) and it’s free. Not concerned about the 6’. More concerned about the weight. I’m aware that’s well within the lift capacity of the L4701 but that’s a lot of weight hanging a long way past the pins and not sure it isn’t too much with the loader removed. Yes, I could replace the loader with front weights for way less than the cost of a flail if needed and I’ve brake steered for the past 48 years so as long as the front end isn’t headed for the moon I don’t much care if I’m steering more with the brakes than the steering wheel. Those of y’all with more experience with a variety of rotary cutters have any thoughts on 1041lb or so with a L4701?

With the Quick Hitch and the RCR 1860, I have ~675 lbs. on my LX, and it has never been a balance problem. However, I do mow with the loader with grapple on; it makes short work (without shutting down the mower) of fallen limbs around the field's perimeter.

FWIW, the only question my dealer had for me regarding the rotary cutter was: Are you going to leave the loader on while mowing? I said yes, and everything have been fine since. I do mow up/down and across some moderate slopes, but I only mow up/down on the steeper stuff.

I wanted the heavier rotary cutter for actual cutting capacity and for the slip clutch. For me, it was the right choice.

 

[SDT]

Not to derail this thread but it seems to be winding down anyway.

I have a similar issue. Currently have a 580lb lightweight Howse 500 that is somewhat older than dirt. It was a dog when my father bought it used 40 years ago and hasn’t improved with time. On the back of my L4701 even without the loader I have to remove to fit in some areas it’s like it’s not even back there. I have yet to find anything where the torque required pushed the L hard.

My “plan” has been to maintain it but run it until it grenades and replace with a flail as I have some tight areas.

A few days ago my brother mentioned he has a JD MX6 heavier brush hog he hasn’t used but one season when he first got his current place. He now uses a batwing finish mower since taming things with the MX6. The MX6 is gathering dust in a corner under the trees somewhere. It’s 1041lb and it’s 6’ v the 5’ Howse. I cut 90% grass with some new little saplings mixed in, but much of the terrain is rough. The advantage of the MX6 is it is near new (less than 50 hours) and it’s free. Not concerned about the 6’. More concerned about the weight. I’m aware that’s well within the lift capacity of the L4701 but that’s a lot of weight hanging a long way past the pins and not sure it isn’t too much with the loader removed. Yes, I could replace the loader with front weights for way less than the cost of a flail if needed and I’ve brake steered for the past 48 years so as long as the front end isn’t headed for the moon I don’t much care if I’m steering more with the brakes than the steering wheel. Those of y’all with more experience with a variety of rotary cutters have any thoughts on 1041lb or so with a L4701?

Haven't looked up the specs for the 4701 so do not know Kubota's rotary cutter limitations but confident that the 6' width will not be an issue unless you mow some of the things that I do.

Weight probably will be an issue without front weights, depending mostly upon terrain. My Woods BB720X, 6' cutter weighs about 1,200 Lbs. with F & R chains and I cannot effectively use it on my L6060 for what I do without front weights due to ineffective steering. I get buy with 4, 55 LB. weights mounted to the grill guard but the full set of 7 mounted to the front weight bracket would certainly be better on some of the steep parcels that I mow. I removed the front chains and replaced such with belting to reduce the weight a bit and to help keep debris from the rear of the tractor.

Might get by without front weights on relatively level ground but weights will be needed if you want to steer or lift the mower on any significant slope without excessive brake steering. FWIW, I was brake steering my Fathers AC WC equipped with hand brakes in the early 60s.

Still, free is free.

 

[NCL4701]

I should have mentioned, OM states max for rotary cutter is 72”, 880lb. Which is why the weight is more of a concern than width.

Being it’s free I suppose I could give it a try and if it doesn’t work well I’ll just give it back so he can sell it to someone else or park it back in the tree line. No harm done so long as nothing breaks.

Thanks for the replies.

 

[rc51stierhoff]

Not to derail this thread but it seems to be winding down anyway.

I have a similar issue. Currently have a 580lb lightweight Howse 500 that is somewhat older than dirt. It was a dog when my father bought it used 40 years ago and hasn’t improved with time. On the back of my L4701 even without the loader I have to remove to fit in some areas it’s like it’s not even back there. I have yet to find anything where the torque required pushed the L hard.

My “plan” has been to maintain it but run it until it grenades and replace with a flail as I have some tight areas.

A few days ago my brother mentioned he has a JD MX6 heavier brush hog he hasn’t used but one season when he first got his current place. He now uses a batwing finish mower since taming things with the MX6. The MX6 is gathering dust in a corner under the trees somewhere. It’s 1041lb and it’s 6’ v the 5’ Howse. I cut 90% grass with some new little saplings mixed in, but much of the terrain is rough. The advantage of the MX6 is it is near new (less than 50 hours) and it’s free. Not concerned about the 6’. More concerned about the weight. I’m aware that’s well within the lift capacity of the L4701 but that’s a lot of weight hanging a long way past the pins and not sure it isn’t too much with the loader removed. Yes, I could replace the loader with front weights for way less than the cost of a flail if needed and I’ve brake steered for the past 48 years so as long as the front end isn’t headed for the moon I don’t much care if I’m steering more with the brakes than the steering wheel. Those of y’all with more experience with a variety of rotary cutters have any thoughts on 1041lb or so with a L4701?

Good day

I think my MX is not terribly different in weight and stance to your L…I understand they are different, but overall weight is pretty similar. (If I had not bought the MX I would have bought the L4701.). Anyway I have an RCF2772. It weighs just over 1k. The weight is not an issue in any weigh for my open station MX to handle that size of a cutter. (I do have the loader on when mowing). I understand MX maybe has different rear end, but generally I would be shocked if your L could not handle that same type weight (implement) cutter similarly. What does your manual indicate as a limit? I am in no way saying what is possible just for my machine weight a cutter that size isn’t an issue and I think your machine has similar weight. Personally I would not hesitate to have a wider/larger cutter than the one I have except for my use considerations and I prefer just covering the tracks.

https://cdn-assets.greatplainsmfg.com/ari/attach/lp/public/specs/326-460s.pdf

 

[rc51stierhoff]

I should have mentioned, OM states max for rotary cutter is 72”, 880lb. Which is why the weight is more of a concern than width.

Being it’s free I suppose I could give it a try and if it doesn’t work well I’ll just give it back so he can sell it to someone else or park it back in the tree line. No harm done so long as nothing breaks.

Thanks for the replies.

Oops I missed your reply in width and weight when I was typing. Sorry for asking the question you already answered.

 

[Foxrunfarms]

In your picture of the cutter attached to the tractor on flat ground, it appears to be perfectly level. You'll probably find it cuts better with the front a couple of inches lower than the back.

Thanks. That was right when I unloaded it and didn't adjust it yet.

 

[bird dogger]

Thanks for the tips. These are mostly atv/hayride trails where the grass gets ran over and ripped up so not too concerned on if it grows back. That is a con of brush hogs vs sickle mowers or flail mowers. I did notice using the neighbors stalk chopper if I worked the height down I had less or smaller amounts of trash to plow under.

Nice Mower!! The JD205 was the first brush hog I bought used to go behind my older JD750MFWD with only 17 pto HP. It worked just fine in grass and light brush. But worked much better behind the Kubota B2650 with live PTO!!


Here's an interesting mod for you:
I had wondered what that hole in the top of the 205's deck was for. (towards the right rear) It had obviously been cut on purpose. Kinda round.....but certainly not with a hole saw! And why in that location. I thought of welding a cover over it but never did. It didn't bother anything anyway.


After deciding to put new blades on the ends of the main bar.....I found out how awkward it was to get a wrench on the nut above the bar and try to grip the worn down bolt's head underneath the blade! Then I remembered that hole. It allowed a correct socket and extension to pass through and onto the locking nut and was an easy reach through the discharge opening to hold the bottom of the bolt with another tool. An impact wrench from above had things loosened up nicely with no bloody knuckles......for once!!


"Hats Off!!" to the farmer that put that hole in the deck at that location!! Even if it wasn't perfectly round and was missing a cover. No one should be putting a finger through that hole when the mower is spinning anyway.

David

 

[Foxrunfarms]

Nice Mower!! The JD205 was the first brush hog I bought used to go behind my older JD750MFWD with only 17 pto HP. It worked just fine in grass and light brush. But worked much better behind the Kubota B2650 with live PTO!!
View attachment 105079

Here's an interesting mod for you:
I had wondered what that hole in the top of the 205's deck was for. (towards the right rear) It had obviously been cut on purpose. Kinda round.....but certainly not with a hole saw! And why in that location. I thought of welding a cover over it but never did. It didn't bother anything anyway.
View attachment 105078

After deciding to put new blades on the ends of the main bar.....I found out how awkward it was to get a wrench on the nut above the bar and try to grip the worn down bolt's head underneath the blade! Then I remembered that hole. It allowed a correct socket and extension to pass through and onto the locking nut and was an easy reach through the discharge opening to hold the bottom of the bolt with another tool. An impact wrench from above had things loosened up nicely with no bloody knuckles......for once!!
View attachment 105080

"Hats Off!!" to the farmer that put that hole in the deck at that location!! Even if it wasn't perfectly round and was missing a cover. No one should be putting a finger through that hole when the mower is spinning anyway.

David

Almost every brush hog I looked at had a hole right behind the gear box to get tools from above to change out the blades. I was watching a how to you tube video on changing blades........should've been a how not to video cause the guy didn't know about the hole, had the mower up right, dangling from a wrench trying to loosen the nut, ended up getting a torch and cutting the bolt off.......I was shocked to see this 205 didn't have a access hole. It does give me an idea to take a while saw bit to make a nice circle though.

Thanks for sharing.

 

[D2Cat]

Almost every brush hog I looked at had a hole right behind the gear box to get tools from above to change out the blades. I was watching a how to you tube video on changing blades........should've been a how not to video cause the guy didn't know about the hole, had the mower up right, dangling from a wrench trying to loosen the nut, ended up getting a torch and cutting the bolt off.......I was shocked to see this 205 didn't have a access hole. It does give me an idea to take a while saw bit to make a nice circle though.

Thanks for sharing.

It doesn't necessarily need to be round.

 

[SDT]

It doesn't necessarily need to be round.

Agreed.

The blade change bolts on all 4 of my Woods cutters are irregularly shaped.