10 Pointers For Brush Hogging Success

10 Pointers For Brush Hogging Success

Getting Comfortable With the Brush Hog

Most customers who purchase tractors also receive a three-point cutter of some kind for brush hogging. And certainly, people do feel a little intimidated when they use it for the first time. It is frequently referred to as a "brush hog" (or "Bush Hog," but it is a brand name). It is known as a "topper" in the UK. If you're in Australia, the movie is a "slasher." Whatever name it goes by, it is a rough cut rotary cutter used to trim pastures. We'll talk about using a brush hog today. Then I will give ten suggestions for making the first sprint across the field enjoyable.

Let's check that the tractor and cutter are prepared for the field before we begin. Check the gearbox oil, lube it, level it, and inspect the blade region to make sure nothing is tangled up there on the brush hog. Verify the tractor's back tires' air pressure (so the cut is even). We'll put the tractor through a little labor while cutting, so make sure the radiator is clear and unobstructed.

All you need to do to brush a hog is turn on the PTO. If totally independent, it may be button or lever activated. On some tractors, though, you might need to depress the clutch and operate a lever before releasing the clutch gently. When turning on the PTO, you should be between 1200 and 1600 RPMs. Afterwards, all you do is drive!

With that said, there are ten techniques I'd suggest using to ensure your first journey across the field go smoothly. If you're an experienced operator, these may also apply to you.

Ten Tips For Easier and Safer Brush Hogging

1. Remove any quick-attach buckets you may have. Those objects protrude and may run into posts, trees, etc. You don't need to worry if you drop it in the weeds.

2. Travel slowly until you feel at ease. Low range on a gear-drive tractor, low gear for hydro. Till you develop a sense for what you're doing, go slowly.

3. Keep an eye out for obstructions. Watch where your roll bar travels as well as any items buried in the weeds. The ROPs construction may come into contact with low branches or utility lines, which could lead to a very dangerous situation.

4. If you can, begin in short grass. Never do I want to turn on the PTO where it first begins to cut. If you can engage the PTO while driving through weeds in an area you've recently mowed. It's simpler for you, the tractor, and the cutter.

5. Keep an eye on the tractor's thermometer. The seeds of grown weeds might break off when brush hogging, and your fan might suck them right into the radiator. Stop and clean the radiator if the gauge is heading in that direction.

Get sun protection, please. If you spend hours in the sun brush hogging, you can easily cook yourself. Because it is so durable, I suggest the Rhinohide canopy (found at https://asktractormike.com/products-for-sale/). And when you return to the forest to make a trail, you can take it off.

7. Don't let people or animals near the area where you're brush hogging. A cutter's blades can move at up to 18,000 feet per minute. They can toss anything they come across in the field an astonishing distance and in all directions. Keep everyone away from you when using a rotary cutter!

8. Begin cutting the field's center in a back-and-forth motion. Bush pigs typically protrude from the tractor on both sides. Try not to move closer to trees and fences until you get a feel for that.

9. Avoid valleys or draws. A PTO shaft may become damaged and your equipment may become stuck if you experience a dip in the field (if you're lucky). Additionally, it might harm the tractor PTO housing or the cutter gearbox. All of those are costly repairs that you don't require.

10. Pay attention to the back of your cutter or your butt. The brush hog's rear will quickly swing around when turning. That calls for extreme caution to prevent it from making contact with anything. When you're a new operator, it stands out more than you may expect.

When you're done bush hogging, it's really pleasant to glance back and see the freshly mowed field. Once you've done it a few times and are familiar with the tools and procedure, the chore won't seem as overwhelming.