Is this thing any good?

gossman · Jul 31, 2009

I would like to get some type of mowing attachment for my 51 8n. I have a 3 acre field that I mow about 3 times a year. I'm wondering if this is a good solution.

Any suggestions appreciated.

Thanks!
Rotary Cutter

dje5717 · Jul 31, 2009

the 5 ft cutter is a great option. but I know you can find better pricing than TSC. I bought a Howse 5 footer for $625 new

gossman · Jul 31, 2009

Thanks for the feedback. I'll have to shop around and see if I can find a better deal.

I was considering a finish mower but they cost quite a bit more and sometimes I may miss a mowing and the grass may get to tall for a finish unit.

These look like pretty simple units and heopfully the maintenance is pretty low.

Thanks

r geiger(oR) · Jul 31, 2009

When you get one, make sure you get an Overrun coupler to put on the pto shaft (ORC)

Eriklane · Jul 31, 2009

I bought a 6' JD unit for 325. Love it.

Jim SC · Jul 31, 2009

Howse web site lists their similar mower for $799. You got a bargin.

Jim SC · Jul 31, 2009

3 acres, 3 times a year may warrant you to search for a decent used one. I see them frequently for 3-500 bucks. I bought a used Hardee several years ago for 350 and haven't spent a dime on it. Neighbor bought a junker for 100 and thought he was going to get two years out of it....5 years ago.

ClarkR · Jul 31, 2009

I have a standard duty Kodiak. It"s been a good one and less expensive that the tsc.

http://www.kodiakmfg.com/products/cutters.html

BillM (OH) · Jul 31, 2009

I bought a used 5 foot Woods hog 3 years ago for $200 - use it a couple of times a year on 8 acres when the grass gets too high for the finish mower.
If you buy the new 5 footer and only use it 3 times a year, it will likely outlast you. 5 footer is a good choice for our 8N's - be sure to get an ORC as others say.

Jerry Kirkpatrick · Jul 31, 2009

I got my 5' Bushhog Razorback for $300 on CL. Never had a problem with it. When I bought my place, it was overgrown...I mean 5-6 foot high. The 12 acres that I now mow with a finish mower, I cut the first three times with that 'hog...some of the stuff was 1" to 1-1/4" thick! Made a terrible racket, but got it all down with my 8N and my 'hog. Now use a 6' Woods RD mower...

gossman · Jul 31, 2009

Thank you folks for all the helpful information!

Ian074 · Jul 31, 2009

(quoted from post at 19:16:10 07/31/09) I would like to get some type of mowing attachment for my 51 8n. I have a 3 acre field that I mow about 3 times a year. I'm wondering if this is a good solution.

Any suggestions appreciated.

Thanks!
Rotary Cutter

I'm with the poster who suggested a used mower. I found a used brush hog last year for about $350.00. It's perfect for my limited mowing chores whic are about 15 hrs per year. For an N tractor look for a 5 footer

DON TX · Jul 31, 2009

Where ya at? I have 2 used I'd sell for 250 ea. they aren't pretty but they cut good. HTH
DON TX

Kenster · Jul 31, 2009

A five foot rotary/bush hog is a great match for an 8N. A six might be okay if you don't have trees and fences to mow around. A five footer fits right in the foot print of an N's rear wheels. A six footer sticks out and makes it easier to snag a fence or tree.

kilroy · Jul 31, 2009

get 20 or 30 sheep, then you can eat mutton and mow at the same time

Zion Ute · Aug 1, 2009

Jerry:

See all that stuff to the right of the 9N? What's the best thing to use on that?

Some of it is living, mostly small saplings. Some of it is old dead trees. I'd like to clear it all out and it seems to me that the only option I have on that stuff is a chain saw.

Got any ideas?

Thanks

Jerry Kirkpatrick · Aug 1, 2009

Chainsaw, unless you have a neighbor with a small bulldozer...

Jerry Kirkpatrick · Aug 1, 2009

That's a 9N?

Zion Ute · Aug 1, 2009

What looks odd is the canvas cover I put over the engine and seat as part of the winter shutdown. I've attached a couple pictures from the dealership that gives you a better view.

My main reason for getting the N was to help maintain my drive from the road into the property. That bucket up front was great for moving some stones out of the way, and the box blade has kept the drive clear and level.

I bought her about a year ago, and this year I got a small disc harrow and put in a small deer plot. Clearing the ground for that did involve the chain saw and dragging some small trees to a spot where they will rest until I rent a chipper for a few days.

G6 at Snook, TX · Aug 1, 2009

For an N I would suggest that in addition to new or used, make sure you don't get one too heavy. That thing will drive you rather than you move it. That and it puts a heavy strain on the hydraulics. I would say a shredder (bush hog) in the 400 lb range is about right.

Also, if your hydraulics are not the greatest you should consider getting a set of leveler chains to set the height you at which you will mow.

Jerry Kirkpatrick · Aug 1, 2009

Looks in pretty good shape in those shots...

Zion Ute · Aug 1, 2009

It is. The paint is somewhat inconsistent, so I know it's been partly repainted, but at least it's not the rusted ones I've seen in some of the pictures here.

I've done some maintenance - new brakes, new plugs, oil and filter change - and the only time it didn't start was when it didn't have gas.

I bought it because I wanted a low cost machine to help maintain the mountain property, but I have to admit that I'm having a lot of fun with it.

Is this thing any good?

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