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How long to bushog a 130 acre field?

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Sunny 4 acres

07-27-2007 00:32:29

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I had a fella today ask me to bushog a field for him it is a little under 130 acres. With no vehicle or means of being able to get a vehicle I estimate tractor drive time of over an hour to get to the field. I figure I would camp out if I have to until it is done! I have a 6 foot bushog with a 55hp tractor. Massey 255 diesel.

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Leland

07-27-2007 10:46:10

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Re: How long to bushog a 130 acre field? in reply to Sunny 4 acres, 07-27-2007 00:32:29

just how do you plan to get anywere if you have a breakdown ? I would run from this deal bacause most others have turned this job down for good reasons . besides you need to go walk this field and look at it hard before saying yes .

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Walt Davies

07-27-2007 09:32:26

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Re: How long to bushog a 130 acre field? in reply to Sunny 4 acres, 07-27-2007 00:32:29

Figure how much fuel that Massey burns per hour then add that to $50 per hr. and then tell the guy about how long it will take and I bet he will start looking for a bigger rig with better equipment to do the job. I do some brush-hogging in the summer for neighbors I charge $50 per hour and won't take on any jobs bigger 5 or 6 acres. It just to much for a small tractor and 6 ft. mower. If he has 130 acres it would be better if he just had someone turn it under and disc and harrow it. then replant with something good for hay or other stuff to recoup his cost. If he's a rich guy just take your time and get all you can from him. Walt

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135 Fan

07-27-2007 08:55:49

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Re: How long to bushog a 130 acre field? in reply to Sunny 4 acres, 07-27-2007 00:32:29

Most golf courses are around 160 acres and with one 7 gang (15 ft.) reel mower it is a real challenge just to cut the fairways in a day. It usually takes 2 days just for the fairways. Hopefully this puts it in perspective for you. The only way to do it is like a contractor. You charge an hourly rate from the time you leave your house. You want to charge an hourly rate because it covers any unforseen problems. You also make a contract that he pays for any damage to your equipment. That said, you need to first walk the field to see what you'll be cutting and remove all rocks and debris. If the grass is really tall and thick, you'll probably have to raise the mower for the first pass and go over it a second time or use lots of overlap going really slow. Even if you charge a modest rate like $25/hr, if the guy agrees you could make several hundred dollars. I wouldn't do it unless I was going to make enough money for my wage and wear and tear on my equipment. Dave

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georgeky

07-27-2007 10:09:00

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Re: How long to bushog a 130 acre field? in reply to 135 Fan, 07-27-2007 08:55:49

Could also cost several hundred for a new rear tire/s or gear box for the mower. It is risky business on unknown territory. My Cub ain't goung anywhere for 25 per hour.

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MN Bob

07-27-2007 07:36:10

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Re: How long to bushog a 130 acre field? in reply to Sunny 4 acres, 07-27-2007 00:32:29

Back in the mid 80s I did some custom bushogging, a developer with 50 acres and some for state trails etc. I charged $50 and hour with a contract that they paid tire repair on any unmarked manmade hazards. (old fencing with spikes etc. Had two flats on the develpers land. At todays prices for fuel and upkeep I wouldnt think of it for less than $75. and thats if it pretty straight forward. Actually I wouldnt take it on without bigger equipment than you have.

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Fern

07-27-2007 07:14:54

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Re: How long to bushog a 130 acre field? in reply to Sunny 4 acres, 07-27-2007 00:32:29

The things that come to my mind are, what are you going to be cutting and how many rocks are in the field.

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georgeky

07-27-2007 05:43:11

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Re: How long to bushog a 130 acre field? in reply to Sunny 4 acres, 07-27-2007 00:32:29

I think at best on unfamilur ground you would be looking at 10 to 12 acres per day. That being the case it will take you nearly 2 weeks. Take plenty of groceries.

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Allan In NE

07-27-2007 05:39:38

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Re: How long to bushog a 130 acre field? in reply to Sunny 4 acres, 07-27-2007 00:32:29

Take fuel, oil, grease gun, sleeping bag and a cooler filled with lots and lots of lunches.

Tell your wife that you should be home sometime around the 1st of August in dire need of a bath. :>)

Allan

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kelly campbell

07-27-2007 06:51:01

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Re: How long to bushog a 130 acre field? in reply to Allan In NE, 07-27-2007 05:39:38

Might want some sunscreen and a radio.

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Michael Soldan

07-27-2007 05:30:53

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Re: How long to bushog a 130 acre field? in reply to Sunny 4 acres, 07-27-2007 00:32:29

I respect the opinions of others on this issue and I'll throw mine in...under the best conditions you would be lucky to do an acre and a half to two acres per hour and as pointed out what conditions?...thorn trees and bushes will ruin your tires, rocks and fence posts broken off can ruin your bush hog..I wouldn't take the job it is just too big for your machinery...look for the 5, 10 or 20 acre jobs and charge by the hour, not by the acre..your fuel for 50 or 60 hours will be a big dent in your paycheck and is this guy solid to pay or could he stand you up? Sunny, forget this job

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Rich Va

07-27-2007 05:24:18

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Re: How long to bushog a 130 acre field? in reply to Sunny 4 acres, 07-27-2007 00:32:29

Well you must know by now how long it takes you to bush hog one acre,multiply that X 130.

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Mathias NY

07-27-2007 05:19:13

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Re: How long to bushog a 130 acre field? in reply to Sunny 4 acres, 07-27-2007 00:32:29

I just finished mowing my 10 acres with a 6' mower and a 38hp Case DC. I used about 1' overlap per pass. It took about 15-20 hours at just under 3mph. It was 5' tall grass and 3'-6' tall underbrush.

If you have nothing better to do it could be a fun project. If the field is mostly grass you could probably handle a 10' mower without issue.

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Dave2N

07-27-2007 05:09:17

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Re: How long to bushog a 130 acre field? in reply to Sunny 4 acres, 07-27-2007 00:32:29

Sunny-

I do a little (very little) custom hogging. Go take a look at his acerage and I mean look at it carefully. What are we talking about here? When was the last time it was mowed? Are there bushes or small trees? Is it wet? If it has wet spots, that swamp grass (that still gows during a drought) is like trying to mow rope. Check for stones, pipes, posts, old wells, cisterns, dead bodies, old car parts, and be sure that no one has used this field for growin "Mary Ju Ana." Just looking at it might help you arrive at a decsion. And also, figure that at least a couple of times, you are going to be faced with some "Aw skit!!" situations. And don't turn a wheel without a contract.

Something ain't adding up here with this situation..... ..

My advice is to refer this guy to someone with a big tractor and a batwing hog and you stay home and enjoy life.

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Dave from MN

07-27-2007 04:48:49

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Re: How long to bushog a 130 acre field? in reply to Sunny 4 acres, 07-27-2007 00:32:29

Recommend to hom to do a controlled burn. He may be able to get some cost share from the conservation office or DNR, will be better to burn up the weed seeds.

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mitch furness

07-27-2007 03:50:17

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Re: How long to bushog a 130 acre field? in reply to Sunny 4 acres, 07-27-2007 00:32:29

Just quote him an hourly rate, he will soon work out how long he wants you mow for him.

mitch

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MF Poor

07-27-2007 03:44:09

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Re: How long to bushog a 130 acre field? in reply to Sunny 4 acres, 07-27-2007 00:32:29

6' mower with NO over-lap, mowing @ 5 MPH, you'd spend 52 hours mowing 130 acres. Allow for overlap, some lost time turning at fields end, fuel stops, rest breaks, ect, and expect something more like 65(+) hours.

And that's under IDEAL conditions. 5mph is moving along in a field you don't know.

A formula I got from Successful Farming Mag a few years ago; implement width (in inches) X ground speed (mph) divided by 100 gives per hour estimate. Implement width SHOULD be figured at 75% to 85% of actual width to allow for overlap. That formula will put you CLOSE to acreage per hour.

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Traditional Farmer

07-27-2007 03:43:35

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Re: How long to bushog a 130 acre field? in reply to Sunny 4 acres, 07-27-2007 00:32:29

If you count the cost you'll have against the guys equipment 2 or 3 times as big and probably cost 5X as much you will make more money.At 4 acres/hr you can do it in 3 days.Heck I cut over
250 acres of hay every year with a 7' sickle bar mower that cost me $500 and of course I am always hearing form the guys with their $20,000 discbines how they could cut the hay so quick etc etc.Difference is when I sell my cattle and goats the money goes in the bank in saving not to make a machinery payment.Be sure to take enough fuel though and food!

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IaGary

07-27-2007 03:37:37

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Re: How long to bushog a 130 acre field? in reply to Sunny 4 acres, 07-27-2007 00:32:29

Back when I was about 13 an older neighbor came around to see if would run a 6'behind a MF65 for him. After 8 days of 8 hour days I had about 160 acres done. Was fun then but I would not do it now.

Gary

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Greg_Ky

07-27-2007 01:11:05

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Too Long in reply to Sunny 4 acres, 07-27-2007 00:32:29

My best guess would be around 34 hours @ 7mph. ground speed.

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Don-Wi

07-27-2007 01:07:26

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Re: How long to bushog a 130 acre field? in reply to Sunny 4 acres, 07-27-2007 00:32:29

Just to add some more comparison here:

We used to cut hay with a 9' haybine behind our 285 massey. about 30 acres, give or take 5.

It was a good 9-10 hours (on a really good day)cutting in 1st gear high, MP in high as well.

Now with a 14' Hydro-swing behind the same Massey, we have to go in 1st high MP low, or in thicker stuff drop it to 3rd, but it's still about 6-7 hours, maybe a little less.

With a bushhog, you'll be there for a LONG, LONG, LONG while

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MSM

07-27-2007 01:02:35

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Re: How long to bushog a 130 acre field? in reply to Sunny 4 acres, 07-27-2007 00:32:29

If it is heavy grass and weeds, figure 3-4 acres an hour tops, to make it look like anything when it's done. That would even make for a good days work with a 100HP tractor and a 15' batwing at 15-16 acres an hour.

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Don-Wi

07-27-2007 00:58:05

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Re: How long to bushog a 130 acre field? in reply to Sunny 4 acres, 07-27-2007 00:32:29

To be completely honest, I think he's smoking something a little stronger than the herbs in his basement. third party image

130

acres

with a bushhog that size would take forever.
I'd pass on that one, your family might report you missing....

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