Will a L3800HST handle Bush Hog 285? What is the risk with mower gearbox much higher HP than the tractor?
L3800 HST & 285 Bush Hog
- Thread starter BigPop
- Start date
If I'm reading that correctly, you want to use a bigger mower than your tractor is rated for?
Big problems/risk with that. Sure, if you're cutting stuff that is low and regularly cut, it might handle it, but the first time you get into any deep stuff your tractor is going to bog down and die. Do it often enough and you'll break something eventually.
PTO systems are rated at certain HP ratings due to their construction and engineering. They are made to fit a given tractor system. You won't find a 100hp rated PTO system on a 45hp tractor.
Thus if you plug a 100hp minimum mower onto a 45hp tractor, you might tear up the PTO system rather rapidly, perhaps even instantly.
I'd stay within the proper ratings tolerances.
Big problems/risk with that. Sure, if you're cutting stuff that is low and regularly cut, it might handle it, but the first time you get into any deep stuff your tractor is going to bog down and die. Do it often enough and you'll break something eventually.
PTO systems are rated at certain HP ratings due to their construction and engineering. They are made to fit a given tractor system. You won't find a 100hp rated PTO system on a 45hp tractor.
Thus if you plug a 100hp minimum mower onto a 45hp tractor, you might tear up the PTO system rather rapidly, perhaps even instantly.
I'd stay within the proper ratings tolerances.
Mower spec sheet lists minimum tractor pto hp
@ 30 but gearbox is listed at 115 if I remember. Does this just mean up to 115 hp on gearbox?
@ 30 but gearbox is listed at 115 if I remember. Does this just mean up to 115 hp on gearbox?
Last edited:
North Idaho Wolfman
Moderator
Staff member
Lifetime Member
Equipment
L3450DT-GST, Woods FEL, B7100 HSD, FEL, 60" SB, 743 Bobcat with V2203, and more
Yes it will handle it, just, your right at max on your available HP, if the job is to heavy it's going to work the tractor hard.
30HP PTO power needed and yes the 110HP # is gear box max rating.
30HP PTO power needed and yes the 110HP # is gear box max rating.
Attachments
Consider the weight too. Will you be cutting 2" stuff? Are you getting a GOOD deal on a 285? The lighter duty Squealer series 5' cutter weighed 270 lbs less. the 285 is a heavy duty beast. My 650 lb 6' squealer seems nicely matched to my L3830. With the bucket removed the front end is light. I use the brakes to make really tight turns-zero turn bushhogging? Of course if I found a good deal on a 285/286 I'd jump on it, add more front end weights, back off the slip clutch a little and go hog wild.
And then, depending on what your cutting, there's always a flail mower.
And then, depending on what your cutting, there's always a flail mower.