Bush hog vs finish mower?

Josh in Pa · Aug 1, 2012

I have a bush hog now, but would like something to use at another property with smaller fields. There is a 6' finish mower for sale locally, that I would pull with my oliver 550. Can a finish mower mow taller grass? It would be mowing a pasture and around some fields, every few weeks or so, so the grass may get up to 10"? It would never be cutting brush or real heavy grass. Or do I need to look for a small bush hog? Thanks,
Josh

Royse · Aug 1, 2012

Finish mower is built totally different from a rotary cutter.
They're more like a lawn mower with solid rotating blades.
I've mowed grass 2 feet high with mine and it didn't mind,
but they're not meant to handle obstacles like brush, rocks
or woody vines that the brush hog can.

paul · Aug 1, 2012

How does it discharge? If it wants to push 6 foot of cuttings out a side chute, you're going to have problems.

If it has an open rear to discharge full width, it can work for you, but as mentioned they are built differently, it won't handle obsticales and rough stuff, if the grass gets tall on you it's a real battle.

--->Paul

Josh in Pa · Aug 1, 2012

Both sides are open, not really chutes, but it is definately not a rear discharge.
Josh

Royse · Aug 1, 2012

A 550 in good shape will spin a 6 footer with no problem, but how much property are you talking about and what type of finish are you looking for?
Are you looking to make a lawn or just knock it down some?
Is it a small enough property so you can walk it and get all the obstacles out?
You could lift the mower and just knock down, then mow it again lower if needed.
On the other hand, if it's a larger property, a brush hog might hold up better over the long term if you don't want to make a lawn out of it.
Just random thoughts.

Bob Bancroft · Aug 1, 2012

And a finish mower will typically have multiple arbors with a connecting belt. That's fine for lawn mowing, but for taller, thicker, clumpier stuff, you don't want a belt to be messing with.

Dean · Aug 1, 2012

A finish mower is not meant for rough cutting and will not hold up to rough terrain or use.

Dean

OH - 961 · Aug 1, 2012

I have been using a King Kutter 5 foot bush hog to cut all the lawn I can get around on with the bigger tractor and the riding mower only around the tight spots.
I don't try to drop the bush hog down to scalp the lawn at 1/2 inch high or so but it will cut fairly short with no problem.
Properly adjusted and if not too dull, the bush hog does good enough job that I can't tell which area was mowed with which mower.

Myron

Mike M · Aug 2, 2012

I perfer a flail mower. You can take heavy stuff down to look real nice. Alot safer it you hit something too as it doesn't tend to get throw out.

Bush hog vs finish mower?

Josh in Pa

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Royse

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paul

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Josh in Pa

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Royse

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Bob Bancroft

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Dean

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OH - 961

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Mike M

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