Although I may not be an expert in this field, I have a quick question. After spending a grueling day on the back of an old D 17 tractor pulling an 8-foot mower, the owner mentioned a potential upgrade to a 10-foot mower (Bush Hog). Dealing with heavy grass in some areas required downshifting to 1st gear on the high side. Given that this is a gas engine tractor and already struggles with low gears, I wonder if a 10-foot mower might be too large for this machine. Can it handle such a wide cutting width effectively? Please excuse any terminology errors, as I tend to speak in truck driver lingo.
The ability to tow a heavy load with a tractor depends on the type of grass and desired speed. I have successfully pulled my 10 with my 55 hp utility tractor, but tackling a thick pasture grass with my 130 hp tractor requires a bit more power. A D17 gas tractor, which is approximately 65 hp, should be able to handle thick grass, although at a slower pace compared to a 100 hp tractor. It's important to remember that you can adjust the width of your deck for a cleaner cut, even if it means making multiple passes.
Our rule of thumb is to stick to 8-10 horsepower for every foot of brush hogs.
Operating a 6-foot hog attachment on my D17 tractor has allowed me to tackle ten-foot tall scotch broom and berry vines with ease, although thick grass can still occasionally challenge the tractor's power. While I believe a 10-foot hog would be excessive for anything other than light grass trimming, an 8-foot flail attachment is something I would definitely consider adding to my equipment lineup.
My 170 is essentially a updated version of the D17, featuring the same powerful engine and transmission but with a redesigned exterior, factory-installed 3 point hitch, and live hydraulics. It is equipped with a 7' Woods mower, making it a suitable choice for those in need of a machine with around 54 HP.
Answer: Answer: The suitability of a 10-foot Bush Hog for a D 17 gas engine tractor depends on various factors such as the tractor's power, gearing, and overall capacity to handle the increased width effectively.
Answer: Answer: When considering upgrading to a larger mower attachment like a 10-foot Bush Hog, factors such as the tractor's engine power, gearing capabilities, and the terrain being worked on should be taken into account to ensure optimal performance.
Answer: Answer: Increasing the cutting width with a larger Bush Hog attachment can put more strain on the tractor, especially when dealing with heavy grass or challenging terrain. This may require the tractor to work harder and potentially affect its overall performance.
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