Engaging the bush hog

Ford 2000; 3 cyl. gas; 4/1 trans....newbie question here...It has been a long time, maybe 55 years since I've bush hogged, so hope you will pardon what might seem to be a dumb question.Once I attach my bush hog to the tractor and am at the grassy field to be cut, do I get the rpm's up with the pto engaged or engage it once the engine is up to speed? What's the process at a turn where the bush hog is lifted off the ground and then sat back down one I'm on a new track? If I have to back up, do I disengage the pto first after it stops spinning? Thanks.

No, just a little throttle is all you need when you engage the power take off and start moving. You have a 4 speed, and single stage clutch ? If so that is basically it. Engage the pto before you get into the cut and increase throttle just before you start cutting and moving. The proofmeter needle on your instrument cluster gauge will show RPM's and there is a certain RPM that will = 540 RPM on the pto, which is what you want and the mower is designed to operate at. Obviously, you will have to put the transmission in gear and engage the pto before you let off the clutch pedal to engage the clutch and start moving/cutting.

Keep in mind sharp or good blades on the mower are important, just as much as having it adjusted on the tractor per the mfr's instructions. Most just level these side to side and allow for an 1" or 1 1/2" difference from front to back, with the front being lower.

Set your cutting height and leave it the same in the turn, if you have to do a loop at corner then think about taking center cuts after you have gone around the field enough to where if you cut down the center you can turn to either side to cut again. Basically, cutting from the middle out alternating sides until the gap is too wide. It depends on the shape of the field too. None of mine are square so I just make my passes on the outside and in one of the larger ones I then make cuts down the middle and as I get to the end of each, I can decide which way to turn and head for the next cut.

If you have to back up and cut, with that transmission, and a single stage clutch, you will have to turn off the PTO to shift, wait until it stops spinning before it will go into another gear. Might be a good idea to install an overunning clutch (installs on the tractors pto shaft) So you would have to start off by putting it in reverse, then engage the pto and start both at the same time, same way you do it going forward, put the transmission in gear (disengage clutch first) then engage the pto and release the clutch pedal to engage the clutch, then you will start moving and the mower will start spinning.

There is no dumb questions with a tractor and or a rotary mower, both are dangerous to an inexperienced operator, ask all the questions you need to and be assured its the best thing you can do. I've run tractors and rotary mowers since a young age, and I still learn a thing or to, its a never ending process LOL !
Overunning clutch

Great instructions! I do have an overrunning clutch for the pto shaft but only shear bolts at the bush hog gear box connection. I plan to have a handful of shear pins handy although the field has been cut many times before by my friend who owns the farm. So, no large brush to be cut, just grooming the field for parking for my daughter's wedding. Thanks for a very thorough response, very helpful.

You are welcome, these are dangerous, once you get some seat time and get used to it, you'll understand. Sounds like easy cutting too, which is good, I hate cutting saplings and heavier brush, its nasty work sometimes. Also a great cause given its for the wedding, take your time and get some seat time, its the best instructor !

Yes, I'm looking forward to some quality seat time out in the grassy field. I'm working on adding WW fluid to the tires this weekend to counteract the weight of my ROPS once it's installed. Have enjoyed working on the tractor and implements but recognize how dangerous they are. Thanks very much for your input.

I have the earlier version of that tractor in 4 cyl but pretty identical otherwise. I like to minimize the shock load on my systems so I always start a
rotating implement as the engine is coming down to idle and as soon as it starts turning, bring the throttle back up to PTO rpms. Were I to try to
start off in idle, engage and then throttle up, the load would kill the engine.