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Post by honker on May 30, 2018 22:16:17 GMT -6
Looking for the voice of experience here rather than me learning the hard way. Last year I picked up a BushHog Model 286, 6ft blade to go on the back of my 54hp International for keeping the old field and clear cuts maintained. Was wondering what size Aspen, basswood, or general brush diameter I should feel comfortable tackling with my setup without running the risk of damaging more than a sheer pin. If I can knock it over with the tractor is it good to go?
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Post by kl9 on May 31, 2018 7:09:03 GMT -6
It should be rated for a certain brush cutting diameter. Do you have the manual?
If it were me I'd stick to about 2" diameter and wouldn't go any higher than 3" at best. Depends on what type of brush/small trees you plan to be cutting as well.
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Post by Foggy on May 31, 2018 7:37:29 GMT -6
Most brands advertise these cutters as "light", "medium" or "Heavy Duty". The light cutters are generally rated to 1" stuff. The medium to about 2" or 2.5"......and the Heavy Duty to 3" or even more.....depending on the manufacturer. Most good brands are medium duty cutters. Of course hardwoods can be much more difficult to cut ....but most guys are not cutting oak. In the past I just had a light duty King Cutter and 30 HP. Id put the loader bucket about a foot off the ground with the edge pointed up. As long as the font tires stayed on the ground I was good to cut the material coming under the bucket.
Ive not had too much problem cutting up to 2" stuff with even a light duty cutter......its a matter of how many pieces your running in there at a time.....IMO.......and how stout your cutter frame and sheet steel are. Seems to me the blades, gear box, and stump jumper are typically heavy duty enough......but the sheet steel and frame will be the deciding factor in cutters.
After some experience.....I replaced the soft shear bolt in my old cutter with a grade 5 bolt. It would not shear as easily.....but if I hit a stump or too big of load it too would shear. No problems with those bolts. A slip clutch may be better....but it has to be adjusted right. I now have a slip clutch and like it allot.
A little experience and you'll know the limits pretty quick.
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Post by Foggy on May 31, 2018 10:26:48 GMT -6
^. By the way I have the same cutter model....but mine is a five'er.....as I only have 32 PTO HP. I just looked at their specs and owners manual on-line......and they are rated to 2.5" brush. These have a pretty good reputation.
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Post by honker on May 31, 2018 11:58:22 GMT -6
Thanks for the insight guys. The original manual says 2” and I have found different tables online saying 2”, 2.5”, and 3”. First hand knowledge is always better.
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