How to Set Brush Hog Tail Wheels

[@jimnowak3960]

All you critics need to make your own videos and I will be glad to critique them. Mike you do a great job. You can call it a bush hog, brush hog or a shredder as some do. You could hang some folks with a new rope and they would complain. Thanks for all your great info.

[@wdk535]

If you have the front set low, it tends to scalp. If you have the front set high, it throws debris forward under the tractor which can cause damage. I learned this lesson the hard way. It threw a piece of branch under my forward drive pedal and broke it off.

[@cathydugger6643]

-t y Mike...while this may seem too basic for some...it is a life saver for me....my son moved away a couple months ago, so now i am the tractor driver...got a quick connect cause my hands are weaker than i would prefer..got it on, and did not notice it changed the angle the bush hog was set for til i was dropping dragged hay piles in the field....sheesh...came in and saw this post...so good to see....thank you.....sooooo timely for me :)

[@mr.gtmsworld2494]

Thanks Mike! I didn’t know the mower should rest on the tail wheel. I had mine up so high it wasn’t even touching the ground.

[@larrylynn2218]

Great instructions. I bush hogged today and noticed the front was higher than the back.. Your explanations was great.

[@wraypaul566]

Great video, Mike. I find it easier to set the tail wheel first to get the blade height where I want it at the back (1” - 2” above my cut height) and then use the 3 pt arms to get the amount of rake (pitch) I want at the front. I’m doing vineyard row middles and I want a fairly smooth cut and a mulching action for soil improvement, so I run it close to flat. Doesn’t seem to make a noticeable difference in fuel consumption in my case

[@jfortune06]

I set mine with the front skid plates almost touching the ground and the back tilted up a little. If the weeds are really high, I tilt the back up even more so it throws the material out faster. When I bush-hog, I'm not going for pretty, I'm just trying to cut down the weeds.

[@JNash-ro5on]

I have the safety chains on the front of my bush hog. Not a rotary cutter. I run it up two to three inches in the front and it bust up and mulches two-to-three-inch debris far better and doesn't leave big sticks and limbs so they will decay and decompose faster. With my rotary cutter, I run it as you say, and it cuts almost as well as my zero-turn mower.

[@saltydog3714]

Thank you Mike! I had mine adjusted wrong. Had it level on both ends. Appreciate your help! Doug Baird.

[@alaskamike3577]

Mike, I am a loyal subscriber but I agree with some of the guys about the patreon sales pitch at the end of the video. I have seen several KZbinrs lose subscribers by inputing advertisements and pushing the patreon thing. As always, thanks for the great video on setting the tail wheel on the bush hog.

[@brandonrennicker4526]

Enjoy your videos Mike. I recently Purchased the LubeShuttle grease gun! It’s amazing. I can’t believe I spent all these years fighting with the old style!

[@azaleaoutdoors8109]

Just got my first rotary cutter. Your videos have been very helpful. I’ll make a mowing video myself soon. Thanks Tim!

[@BarryHutchins]

What about a video recommending the best length pallet forks for the different specific jobs, including weight restrictions.

[@travisricks3436]

Massey Ferguson and Bush Hog CAN’T BE BEAT!

[@bryantjones8039]

Thanks Mike. Do you have a video on how to set a 5'ft Land Pride Bush hog? If so please advise and send the link.

[@curtwhite876]

Two socket drivers because one isn't fast enough! ;) Great instructional video.

[@houndsmanone4563]

Thanks for the recap, Mike.

[@semco72057]

I think that my cutter is adjusted for my area as best as possible and I do recommend that people look at their owners manuals to make sure their brush hog is adjusted correctly. Fortunately I use mine on level soil and don't have any problems, but those who live in areas with hills they have to readjust their cutters differently.

[@bill45colt]

bushhog

[@oldbloke100]

@@bill45colt bushhog is a brand name. there called SLASHERS here in Australia

[@topflight2358]

wife believes we have ford 800 tractor,(DADDYS) pump was rebuilt and still comes up on its own every couple of hours mowing..!! What else do we look for or ask a repair center for? And i see you can use the same fluid in three diff places...? Do we use J20A plus tractor fluid or 134D Hydraulic fluid ??

[@gsp2west]

I have a 7ft Rhino BH with a single tail wheel. I've welded it on twice so far. My question is, have you ever seen a tail wheel with a spring or shock absorber in it?

[@TractorMike]

Not on the smaller cutters, but that would probably work like a charm! It would be a nice selling feature for the first company that came out with it.

[@deanhutson3497]

Good tip regarding the use of the boards. Thanks!

[@bryantmixon4157]

Dealing with this issue today. Thanks for a helpful video.

[@guywright122]

Mike, love the vids. I have a 1720 and the fuel gauge does not work. Can you tell me the fix?

[@edwarddelaney2912]

Does the toplink need to be adjusted to this tail wheel adjustment?

[@tommahaffey6617]

Great job as always.

[@olesam8970]

Great video Mike...appreciated.

[@comlbbeau]

Basically, with the cutter adjusted with the front higher than the rear you attain a mulching effect rather than just cutting, at the expense of more HP required, higher fuel consumption, and increased blade wear. It's certainly not wrong to adjust it in this manner, just an option probably most of us won't need very often.

[@marshyfromaus2092]

This comment was more helpful to me then the video. Thanks.

[@davidrathelchannel]

Thank you. I was never going to the other video he was promoting. I would have felt stupid for not figuring it out something simple and then paying.

[@christophersawtelle2558]

Question for you! On my John Deere RC1048 cutter the manual says exactly what you say for setting cut height and rear height, 1-2 inches higher in the rear. On my Big Bee Agri5 the manual says to have the cutter level, front and rear equal height. Any thoughts or suggestions on this? Thanks!!

[@TractorMike]

I like your answer Katie! Always override what some goofball on KZbin says with what's in the owner's manual :).

[@christophersawtelle2558]

@@TractorMike Haha, yes! I wasn't really asking if I should follow the manual or not but more why there is two approaches and what might be the reasons for it. Maybe some guy at Big Bee just likes to mow with the brush hog more level and do more mulching and JD likes it better the other way. I'll stick with your advice Mike as a good starting point.

[@toddweinreb6142]

Mike, Either this video was shot in 2018 or you have way too much money to burn. 2x4’s and 2x6’s!!!!!??? To save money may I suggest using gold bullion’s? Great video, thank you

[@TractorMike]

Yeah, I wouldn't do that now. Instead I'd take the chain saw out to the forest and cut a tree limb the size I needed. Those 2 X 4's need to be in the safe.

[@mortsolomon4603]

Mike, how much up and down play should there be on the shaft from my tractors pto to the gear box on top of my brush hog?

[@TractorMike]

Mort, that's hard to say because you'd need to know where the up and down play is. If it's coming from worn U-joints, better replace them.

[@mechanicmike2858]

Great advice Mike

[@Tomc8030]

I don’t like the height my mover cuts! My cut leaves about 5 to 5 and 1/2” of grass, brush weed or what ever and it drives me nuts! I’m at the point of adding spacers between the blade and the stump jumper, has any one done this? FYI I’ve also thought of lowering my gear box! If anyone has an ideal please comment!

[@ernstpeterlegrand]

Hi Mike, I was brush hogging yesterday again. I don't do that too often, mainly during the rainy season. I do this at an orchard so it is not that easy to go around the different types of trees. Strangely, I am still getting better at it and more efficient (quicker and be able to mow more accurate around the trees.). Do you have any suggestions how to do this best. The land by the way is on a little slope but not too much. Also I added spacers a while ago and basically the slope isn't a problem anymore.

[@TractorMike]

Peter, there are orchard bush hogs that have a pivoting blade assembly that goes around the tree that you might want to look at. I grew up on an orchard, getting up close to the trees without hitting them is a challenge. It takes a lot of practice.

[@ernstpeterlegrand]

@@TractorMike just had a look. Would be nice. But haven't seen those here. In Thailand we are rather limited on what we have. Most farmers don't even have a tractor. Like I got the smallest tractor that was available with a front loader. Which ended up to be a Kubota L4018. I am though very happy with it. And happy afterwards that they didn't have a smaller one with a front loader

[@rayacosta5070]

What model is that cutter ? Thank you for your videos

[@TractorMike]

Ray, you're welcome! That's a Bush Hog 3008.

[@jimbuford4147]

What do you do if the tail wheels don't adjust? Thanks

[@TractorMike]

They're welded on? I don't know.

[@jimbuford4147]

Not welded but just doesn't have any adjustment feature. I took it (just one) off as interfering since I couldn't adjust.

[@bill45colt]

if you cant adjust wheels, then adjustment has to be at hitch end with hitch or /and with upper link connected to tractor

[@jimnowak3960]

Your sol.

[@shhd70]

Hi mate just I want one question please.. I have tractor zator7211... my question is ( there is pressure down of just up? I mean it's normal?

[@libtard7095]

I reached out and asked where you were located for I would love to talk in more depth with you. You response was Ozark but that could be Arkansas or Missouri. Both are very close to me for we live right outside of Ponca at the head ways of the buffalo river.(Where all the elk are) We moved from south Florida and truly have come to love the Ozarks as our new home. Coming from city life and flat land we have had no experience with a tractor. To get a straight answer is tough. I would love to talk to you if possible for size(HP), brand and overall maintenance is key to my purchase. I am in my mid 40s but I am OLD SCHOOL and love simple foundations to life. One of the reasons we left the city but FAITH is what truly lead us here. Would love to talk to you in more detail if possible. Thanks Mark

[@TractorMike]

Mark, my problem right now is time. I have a summer filled with speaking engagements and trade shows, and, to keep KZbin happy you have to do consistent weekly videos. Drop me an email at [e-mail] with your questions and I'll see what I can do.

[@libtard7095]

Tractor Mike I understand however if you ever have some time I would love to pick your brain. A tractor should be simple, however man has made this modern world useless as tits on a bull!!! All these environmental regulations are frankly pathetic and have ruined a great design!!! Very frustrating and I refuse to put good money on bad design, form does not follow function in this instance!!! Sorry for the rant! We have mad men at the controls of life!!!

[@timbrandt8423]

Thanks that helped me a lot I have one just like that was going to mow waterways tommow so now in morning will set mine right thanks

[@dominicgrasso8970]

I can't find the owners manual to my brush hog, how can I find out what model it is ? Its a older model, single rear wheel.

[@alittletexasingeorgia]

I have a Land Pride brush hog and it has a solid back end and open in the front with chain. So will this advice still work?

[@TractorMike]

I would think so...check the owner's manual to check me, but I'd bet they want a forward rake even with the enclosed back.

[@Sgt_Kilborn]

The closed off rears on Land Pride brush hogs are a bunch of nonsense. The cover on ours tore off literally the 5th use. Just have chains.

[@krazypolak1820]

How about on skid steer. I have problems it keeps shutting down like needs too cool down. Any help please

[@TractorMike]

If it shuts itself down there's a problem somewhere. If it's when running a brush hog it probably means the hydraulic oil is heating up. Might want to check filters, air coolers, etc.

[@johndavis452]

It also takes less PTO hp to mow when like that and saves on gas and wear and tear on shear pin!

[@Larry342516]

Thanks for the video Mike.

[@justinhampton2394]

Would you tilt a pull behind down like that?

[@TractorMike]

Yes, check the owner's manual to see how much, but you want the downward rake on pull type or three point.

[@rickellis922]

Hey Mike-Was reviewing your videos hoping to find an answer to my question-hope you see this and can answer for me. I have a 13 year old BushHog model 286 rotary cutter that I use to mow brush in our woods and also to keep our 15 acres of pasture cleaned up throughout the year. Lately, I’ve noticed that when I turn, the tail wheel assembly will stay sideways as I straighten out to mow the next straight run-and it digs a trench as I’m mowing! The tail wheel spindle that fits through the holder for it seems to have a lot of “slop” or movement in it which could be causing it to bind up when I turn. It doesn’t do it on real gradual turns, just those that sharper. Any thoughts or suggestions? Going to check with BushHog but thought I’d ask you first. Thanks a bunch! (Enjoy your videos and they’re very educational!)

[@terrycrissman7392]

Same issue with tail wheel. Did you find an answer?

[@LisaMedeiros-tr2lz]

That wheel should be attached with a vertical shaft that is held by a pipe. When you say "slop" do you mean the wheel moves up and down a bit, perhaps a half inch to an inch? That is normal. Or did you mean that you can move the wheel vertical shaft tilted in the tube? That could be wear. There should be a grease zerk so you can apply grease between the vertical shaft and the pipe. There should be some clearance between the two, but not a whole lot. It sounds like yours is lacking grease and binding up. Remove the wheel vertical shaft from the pipe. Put the grease gun and verify you can shoot grease in. Zerks can get clogged. If you don't see a zerk, it might be broken off. Look for a hole in the side of the pipe. If it is broken off you can replace the zerk. If you can't do that, just disassemble it and slather grease in there and put it back together. The wheel should rotate on the shaft freely when you lift the mower up when the wheel is off the ground.

[@Gator-12]

When are you going to use that tractor and cutter in some videos? Would like to see it working.

[@TractorMike]

Soon...very soon.

[@grumpyg9350]

Good job👍👍👍👍👍😷

[@stevebrattain23]

Awesome!! Thanks, great video...

[@johnc7512]

Can you do a video on grey market tractors

[@TractorMike]

I'll put that on the list. Great idea!

[@blakewithadhd7358]

This is a good video

[@AutumnOaksFarm]

DO you have a preference over single or double wheels?

[@TractorMike]

Not really. I've always owned single wheel which is very maneuverable until you try to back up and cut under a tree, then you have to guide the tailwheel on one side or another. Theoretically, you'd get a little more consistent cut with dual tailwheels, but I'm too cheap to pay extra for them. A lot of cutters can be ordered either way, I've seen dealers that tend to equip almost all of their offering with dual tailwheels, so there must be some people who don't feel as I do.

[@dan2397102]

Well explained

[@grimacres]

I love your videos but I don't own any thing from this century. Both my tractors are antiques and the equipment is too. Videos on old school set ups and use would be useful as well. The dynamics of the top link have never been explained. You also set up on concrete. My property doesn't have any concrete or graded land. All my hook ups are a guess as to proper angles. Already destroyed the support arms on my brush hog because I didn't understand the top link. They buckled when I raised the implement all the way up.

[@bill45colt]

bushhog

[@foster3316]

And if your mower turns counter clockwise mow around the feild counter clockwise o throw your cut away from you tall grass.

[@flat6targa]

Hi I like your videos, I might be wrong in saying this but it seems like a lot of the problems you are helping people fix are problems that didn’t really need to exist in the first place. For instance quick connect 3 point hitch, it takes 1 minutes to pull the 3 pins move and hook up the next implement. Or this video my bush hog doesn’t even have a wheel. I am not criticizing you at all my point from watching your videos it sure looks like all this fancy quick new stuff just makes it more complicated than it needs to be. Thank you for your videos.

[@TheDadPenfield]

Flat6 Hemi What kind of brush hog do you have that does not have a wheel in the back?

[@flat6targa]

A 1964 bush hog I believe, the writing has been worn off my entire life and I am over 30. It was purchased with my JD tractor new.

[@timbrandt8423]

Not to be smart but 3 point hitch not fancy it's been around since 1920

[@Football5198]

Bush Hog. Not brush hog. Sort of like folks saying “riff raff” when referring to the rocks used to stabilize a dirt slope when it is properly called “Rip Rap”. Your mower has it right there on the side...Bush Hog. I’m putting some conkrete on my driveway.

[@leifwallin6024]

Bush Hog is a brand name brush hog is a generic term for a mower that isn't a finish mower. Bush Hog makes a brush hog as do many other companies.

[@larryrivers2752]

Quick fix, lower your 3 point hitch and set it.

[@l3ender15]

Liked the video and the tips. Didn't like the junky Patreon sale at the end. My opinion.

[@bobframe1949]

I have no problem with a guy wanting to be compensated for providing a valuable service. Do you work for free?

[@bill45colt]

tractor mike,,,,can you not read,,,,,you say brushhog,,,,,but on the side it says BUSH hog,,,,,

[@bobframe1949]

He's talked about this in prior videos. Bush hog is both a brand and a has become a generic term to describe rotary cutters....kinda like "kleenex" is generic for tissue. My family refers to our Bush Hog brand rotary cutter as the "bush hog", even though we have four other implements made by Bush Hog. Mike knows the difference and intentionally refers to these rotary cutters as "brush hogs".

[@Football5198]

Bush hog. It’s a household name. Cuts brush and grass. Bush hog rotary cutter. Haven’t seen brush anywhere. Bush hog. Be careful not to hit the riff raff (rip rap) on the pond dam using the breash hog.

[@hershellacey9405]

BUSH HOG is the company name. Brush hog is the type of cutter.

[@johnnelson2160]

While I will defend your right to do it, making extra videos for your patreon supporters is something I find disturbing. If I wanted to follow twenty you tube channels and had to pay to do so, I would have to pay more than I pay for my internet connection. The people who have patreon accounts always seem like beggars sitting on the sidewalk in the city. I am sure you tube is already providing you with other income. I will no longer be following your videos. I'm sure others will disagree with this, but it is how I feel.

[@cathydugger6643]

if you tube did not continually find new ways to screw their video posters out of their monies, posters would not have to resort to other means to afford to stay on line...thank you Mike for hanging in there...i very much appreciate what you do to help folks like me. i am clearly aware that time, effort and equipment cost dollars....you deserve to make a living.....others not so much

[@subwarpspeed]

KZbin have the last year or so changed how much the channels get and they are at higher risk for demonetization (sorry, you said something in the video and now we aren't gonna pay you for the views...). So it is the other way around - youtube MAY give you some money, you are not guaranteed to get any and how had already put your time and money into creating the content. It is like begging - you don't know if someone shows up and gives some money. Patreon is more like you pay in advance for someone to create content and since people might not be so volatile with which patreons to support (you tend to not make active choice of ending subscriptions, just let them roll) and is this way a more secure income. With that said I don't use patreon, neither giving or receiving money with it to/from anyone. I might in the future if they let me decide how much I spend per month and then have a slider to distribute this among the ones I would support. Even maybe somehow automatically choose this depending on how much I watch content from each person.

[@TheDadPenfield]

I like your videos and I learn a lot, but your tennis shoes I do not like. You unbolted the tail wheel and the 1200 pound brush hog was wobbling on an unstable board all the while with your foot under it protected only by a tennis shoe. You would look so much more professional for your videos with steel toed boots.

[@Larry342516]

Thank you for that safety tip, and I didn't have to pay for it. :)

[@drjaygarlicandwx]

send the man a pair of boots!

[@bill45colt]

keep your feet out of dangerous places,,,,,,and wear boots

[@Football5198]

Bush Hog. It’s on the side.

[@bigjim5723]

now i know why i unsubbed u?