873 bobcat is big enough??

[Siteworx]

I want to get a bush hog for my 873. It's a G series but not high flow. My question is how hard are they on a machine and what size would be best for my machine? Also is there a better brand or anything else to know? Thanks

 

[farmshop]

We run a 6' bobcat brand. Doesn't need high flow. We run it on a s590 but a 873 would be similar

 

[Siteworx]

We run a 6' bobcat brand. Doesn't need high flow. We run it on a s590 but a 873 would be similar

Thanks for the reply. I just worry that I might burn the pump up or kill the machine with a 6 foot cutter but a 5 foot would not cover the tires. Do you run tracks on your machine?

 

[Tazza]

Thanks for the reply. I just worry that I might burn the pump up or kill the machine with a 6 foot cutter but a 5 foot would not cover the tires. Do you run tracks on your machine?

I'd like to think you could never burn up a pump from having a bigger load on it, the pum pi smade to pump fluid. The relief valve is there to prevent it over pressuirzing.
The only issue is that the oil may get a bit warm, but your computer should monitor this and warn you if it did get too hot.

 

[farmshop]

I'd like to think you could never burn up a pump from having a bigger load on it, the pum pi smade to pump fluid. The relief valve is there to prevent it over pressuirzing.
The only issue is that the oil may get a bit warm, but your computer should monitor this and warn you if it did get too hot.

We run it with and without grouser over tire tracks depending on conditions

 

[bobbie-g]

We run it with and without grouser over tire tracks depending on conditions

I have an 863G and run a low-flow (20gpm) mower most of the time. I probably have several hundred hours on that machine and a couple of others using a mower deck. I don't get the feeling it's hard on the machine. I have a 5 ft deck, so my wheel tracks are outside the mower footprint, but I really don't find that an issue. I'm usually going forward and backward most of the time when mowing oak brush and weeds. I run the Brute L5 tires, no tracks. I started out with an Ammbusher mower and switched to a Bradco. Bradco is built much sturdier, but they will only do business thru an authorized dealer, whereas you can deal directly with the Ammbusher folks. The Bradco blades are poorly made. I broke five of them before I finally switched to nice John Deere blades, no problems since. --- Bobbie-G

 

[Siteworx]

I have an 863G and run a low-flow (20gpm) mower most of the time. I probably have several hundred hours on that machine and a couple of others using a mower deck. I don't get the feeling it's hard on the machine. I have a 5 ft deck, so my wheel tracks are outside the mower footprint, but I really don't find that an issue. I'm usually going forward and backward most of the time when mowing oak brush and weeds. I run the Brute L5 tires, no tracks. I started out with an Ammbusher mower and switched to a Bradco. Bradco is built much sturdier, but they will only do business thru an authorized dealer, whereas you can deal directly with the Ammbusher folks. The Bradco blades are poorly made. I broke five of them before I finally switched to nice John Deere blades, no problems since. --- Bobbie-G

Thank you guys for your replies. I am going to pick up a cutter this week. It is a extreme duty CID 72 inch low flow. It has a push bar and should do what I need. Thank you again for the information. Mike

 

[Siteworx]

I have an 863G and run a low-flow (20gpm) mower most of the time. I probably have several hundred hours on that machine and a couple of others using a mower deck. I don't get the feeling it's hard on the machine. I have a 5 ft deck, so my wheel tracks are outside the mower footprint, but I really don't find that an issue. I'm usually going forward and backward most of the time when mowing oak brush and weeds. I run the Brute L5 tires, no tracks. I started out with an Ammbusher mower and switched to a Bradco. Bradco is built much sturdier, but they will only do business thru an authorized dealer, whereas you can deal directly with the Ammbusher folks. The Bradco blades are poorly made. I broke five of them before I finally switched to nice John Deere blades, no problems since. --- Bobbie-G

What is your rate when you a mowing or bush hogging? I got my cutter yesterday and was just going to use it around the farm but my neighbor wants me to mow is field and I don't know what to charge. If this could pay for itself that would be even better. Thanks

 

[farmshop]

What is your rate when you a mowing or bush hogging? I got my cutter yesterday and was just going to use it around the farm but my neighbor wants me to mow is field and I don't know what to charge. If this could pay for itself that would be even better. Thanks

I would look at any custom work closely. Rocks and other debris can make it costly. With tires the risk of flats or damage is a concern also

 

[bobbie-g]

I would look at any custom work closely. Rocks and other debris can make it costly. With tires the risk of flats or damage is a concern also

With the 863 and a 5 ft mower deck, I charge $85/hr plus a transportation fee (usually $50 for trips of 10 miles or less), no minimum. Skip the transport fee if 8 hrs or more. I go very slowly when working over rocks (tires and blade cautions), and usually get along OK. Another guy here in CO charges $75/hr for a 743 with a 48" deck. Another guy with a new Kubota tracked machine (90hp or so) and a newer first class mower deck (three blades mounted on a 1" thick circular blade carrier, probably high flow) charges $180/hr with a 3 hr minimum. ---Bobbie-G