brush hoging

[turfguy2125]

This may not be the right question to ask but here goes. I have a fair amount of mowing on a steep embankment and would like recommendations for a tractor with the lowest center of gravity that will pull a brush
hog? I really don't want to become a statistic while mowing a steep lot. This would be for a couple of acres on a regular basis. I would like to stay in the 30-35hp range and cost is definitely a factor. 1970'ish? . Lets hear what the experts have to say.

[ScottyD'sdad]

Ford "N" series, Ferguson, "TO" series, are quite low profile, would do the job. (Ford 2N 8N 9N, Ferguson, TO 20, 30, 35)
Ed

[Jim Becker]

A utility type tractor (like the ones ED listed), except enough newer to have a modern ROPS.

[turfguy2125]

The ford N series was top of my list but was still lacking a ROPS, I have two cub's a 54 and a 67 and they both give me quite a bit of concern on steep hillsides. Their rather small for this assignment as well. I would rather pursue a red tractor but I think it will need to be gray/blue....thanks for your input

[staninlowerAL]

IH utility tractors, Here's a link to some red ones that was posted a couple of days ago: viewtopic.php?f=9&t=93049#p735428

[Eugene]

Numbered Cub Low-Boys are built close to the ground. No roll bar provision.

I have a 154 that I think was utilized by the highway commission as a mower tractor.

If your are mowing the slope more than once a year, you will not need a bush hog. Might need a bush hog type mower for the initial mowing.

Edit: What is a steep embankment? Depending on local, a hill wouldn't amount to a slight incline in the interstate in other areas.

[turfguy2125]

My estimate is around 40 degrees maybe a bit more. I tried to climb it with my cub and could feel the front wheels get pretty light even with the woods mower underneath. tough to keep the blades up to speed and climb that steep embankment too.

[Eugene]

That's pretty steep.

I added an additional 40 lbs of weight to the front of my standard Cub by using the tool bar mountings on the bolster. Keeps the Cub's front end from bouncing up climbing the Ozark hills. Tractor has front and rear weights and a 42 Woods mower.

I have one slope steep enough that I only mow down slope. At the bottom I drive around to the top, then mow down, again.

Zero turn mowers?

[outdoors4evr]

I think a walk behind would be a safer bet than something you sit in.
Maybe you could find something like this on the used market. You can add a sulky to stand on to reduce the walking.
https://www.exmark.com/products/mowers/walk-behind/metro/metro
Or a DR brushcutter
http://www.drpower.com/power-equipment/field-brush-mowers/walk-behind/pro-26in-10-5hp-manual-start.axd?ctm_id=FBM10AM&src=AW90362XE3663309&gclid=CPf1-L3HrM0CFZY1aQodMtAPww

If riding is a must, maybe a golf cart or an atv with a tow behind self powered mower would keep the profile low.
http://www.mowersdirect.com/lawn/tow-behind-brush-cutters.html

Whatever you choose, please keep safety as the primary goal.

[Larry in WNY]

Look for a Massey Ferguson 135 or larger utility version. My first choice would be an Oliver Super 55 or 550 if you can find one.
Larry

[tldec50]

I don't think any tractor would be safe on 40 +degrees of banking.Daytona international speedway has 31 degrees of banking and you can hardly stand on the banking.Maybe a fense and some goats would be safer and profitable,Thanx,Tim

[DieselDennis]

If you're serious about doing this, at that angle, then get a tractor built for it. Look for a wide or low profile model. Commonly found in hilly areas, vegetable / tobacco farms, and chicken houses. They'll have lower rear tires, and be able to set the wheels really wide. Take it slow. ROPS & seat belt.



I'd personally just get some goats.

[offrink]

I run a 54 cub with a woods up and down the worst of a 35* hill. Maybe more at its worst. I have dual rear weights in the rear and a 5 gallon bucket with concrete and rebar on a front mounted hitch. Weight of about 100lbs about 2' in front of the bolster. Most of up and down is done in first gear but the edges where it is less I can do in second. It was way harder when I let it grow up and had to have the deck high and take two runs at it. Now I mow it every week when it rains and every other week when it doesn't.