Rotary Cutter Too Big for B6100?

[McStratman]

I recently bought a restored B6100, with the intention of mowing some brush. I found a barely-used 48" Bush Hog SQ480. When I tried to use the cutter, the tractor belches black smoke and felt really bogged down. I mowed about 20' and quit.

I have since used the cutter on a larger tractor without issues.

Is the 48" just too big for the B6100 (14 HP/12HP@PTO) or do I have an issue with the engine? BTW I read in several places where others have used a 48" cutter without problems.

 

[85Hokie]

I recently bought a restored B6100, with the intention of mowing some brush. I found a barely-used 48" Bush Hog SQ480. When I tried to use the cutter, the tractor belches black smoke and felt really bogged down. I mowed about 20' and quit.

I have since used the cutter on a larger tractor without issues.

Is the 48" just too big for the B6100 (14 HP/12HP@PTO) or do I have an issue with the engine? BTW I read in several places where others have used a 48" cutter without problems.

depending on the grass and the depth of cut - 48" might be a little too much. Might do better with a 42".

If you let out the clutch slowly and then increase the rpms, will it get up to speed?

The min PTO on that one is 15 hp - you are under that a good bit too.

check this site for more info:

http://www.k2dt.com/library_files/2097.pdf

 

[McStratman]

Thank you for the link. I found that information, too, before I bought the BH.

I can get the BH up to speed when stationary. It bogs a little when moving and it really bogs when mowing.

I think I need to try it again with a higher height on the mower or shorter grass. The 6100 is really an extra tractor now and I'd like to sell it but I don't want to do that if it's got some significant problem.

 

[ehenry]

McStratman, I have a SQ420 on a B7300 and it turns it fine. I clipped some horribly thick mix of briars, golden rod, button willow, sage and what ever grass was mixed in with it. All mostly as tall as the tractor. The B7300 is 18/16 and it handled it fairly well. I had more problem in thick knee high grass than I did with the brush but I guess cause the blade are pretty dull.

I wouldn't mind having a SQ480 like you have.

 

[procraftmike]

I run a 48" King Kutter rotary mower on my B7100 (16 hp) and it turns it just fine. I mow tall grass, willow brush and tag alders with it. You can try making smaller passes as well.

 

[MadMax31]

PTO rotation is normal on that machine, right?

Engage PTO slowly at 12-1500 rpms, then slowly bring her up to 22-2500 rpms and try again. It could also be a fueling issue, barking under load?