thephantompatriot
New User
I'm new to tractors, I have been using my boss/landlord's John Deere 1026R hydrostatic diesel with a 60" belly mower for a year now. I just got a IH 354 and it will be up and running soon with a Land Pride RCR 1860 so he can sell his Deere. Having a real tractor with manual transmission is way different than a small yard tractor with essentially an auto transmission and power brakes.
Pic from when my mower arrived, had to tow it w/ the other tractor since mine is off site right now.
Anyhow I had a few questions regarding bush hogging. I will be using this mostly for mowing the lawn/pasture as well as clearing an overgrown area for a path to the neighbor's house, making a campsite, and clearing out the overgrowth around a springhouse.
[b:b13373c896]-How high should I set the blade?[/b:b13373c896]
It can go as low as 1.5" if I remember correctly. The International dealer I got it assembled it for me and preset it, I'm not sure what it's at now, I'll have to read the manual. The wheel is mounted 3rd hole from the top.
[b:b13373c896]
-What gear should I perform mowing/bush hogging in?[/b:b13373c896]
I've read through other forums and alot of people say 3rd gear minimum because second gear will brake since it is thinner. I don't know if that is if the tractors have direct PTO instead of live like mine.
[b:b13373c896]
-I have a steep hill in the back corner that leads into a fenceline, which I think I would have to go down in 1L, would this work or would 1st gear blow out?[/b:b13373c896] This hill is steep enough that I haven't driven my Jeep down it and if I did I would probably put it in 4L and 1st gear so I don't run into the fence. I've gone up it in 4H 1st gear before. On the John Deere it slips up the hill if 4wd isn't engaged.
My landlord needs to rebuild a retaining wall but it is overgrown with small trees and bushes. I've had my goats out there eating them down some, but I was wondering if I could use the mower to help too. I know this thing will go through up to 2" of material. The bushes and small trees are in the background of the pic I posted.[b:b13373c896]
-Can I raise the mower at an angle and back into bushes to trim them?[/b:b13373c896]
Any tips or advice on bush hogging and approaching the hills is welcome. Thanks.
Pic from when my mower arrived, had to tow it w/ the other tractor since mine is off site right now.
Anyhow I had a few questions regarding bush hogging. I will be using this mostly for mowing the lawn/pasture as well as clearing an overgrown area for a path to the neighbor's house, making a campsite, and clearing out the overgrowth around a springhouse.
[b:b13373c896]-How high should I set the blade?[/b:b13373c896]
It can go as low as 1.5" if I remember correctly. The International dealer I got it assembled it for me and preset it, I'm not sure what it's at now, I'll have to read the manual. The wheel is mounted 3rd hole from the top.
[b:b13373c896]
-What gear should I perform mowing/bush hogging in?[/b:b13373c896]
I've read through other forums and alot of people say 3rd gear minimum because second gear will brake since it is thinner. I don't know if that is if the tractors have direct PTO instead of live like mine.
[b:b13373c896]
-I have a steep hill in the back corner that leads into a fenceline, which I think I would have to go down in 1L, would this work or would 1st gear blow out?[/b:b13373c896] This hill is steep enough that I haven't driven my Jeep down it and if I did I would probably put it in 4L and 1st gear so I don't run into the fence. I've gone up it in 4H 1st gear before. On the John Deere it slips up the hill if 4wd isn't engaged.
My landlord needs to rebuild a retaining wall but it is overgrown with small trees and bushes. I've had my goats out there eating them down some, but I was wondering if I could use the mower to help too. I know this thing will go through up to 2" of material. The bushes and small trees are in the background of the pic I posted.[b:b13373c896]
-Can I raise the mower at an angle and back into bushes to trim them?[/b:b13373c896]
Any tips or advice on bush hogging and approaching the hills is welcome. Thanks.