From experience ..... You will want a bigger tractor with "large" tires.
Your kidneys will thank you.

 

He has the SE, means the good seat. As far as the tires go, if the terrain is not so uneven that he'd risk bottoming the frame, the 26X12-12's are just fine. I would recommend going to a 6-ply ag tire. Briars and heavy brush WILL puncture those HDAP's.

Here is a thread that may interest you:

http://www.mytractorforum.com/12-john-deere-forum/158640-x748-4-rotary-mower-video.html

That was my video, and in my opinion, I wouldn't want any more than a 4' rotary mower on an x748. The mower put less load on the engine than the belly mower, but the weight being that far behind the tractor would be an issue.

I'd also not put a bush hog wider than 48", also due to the weight, as well as the stress on the drivetrain. Even with a 4 footer, I'd install shear pins if the shaft doesn't already have them.

I have a field next to my house, about two acres, that has that same heavy grass and broom sage, as well as blackberry brambles and some kind of small bush with stems the size of your little finger. I mow it all with my 54C deck and Gator blades.

 

Here is a thread that may interest you:

http://www.mytractorforum.com/12-john-deere-forum/158640-x748-4-rotary-mower-video.html

 

Saw his video, good stuff, would like to go a little wider than 4 foot? To much for it?

Trying to be economical

 

That was my video, and in my opinion, I wouldn't want any more than a 4' rotary mower on an x748. The mower put less load on the engine than the belly mower, but the weight being that far behind the tractor would be an issue.

 

Reading about the 403/413 vs the LX4 would either work? Seems the LX4 people have said because it is open at the back for discharge it may not bog as much?

Lx4 is 515lbs

413 - 455lbs

Only reason I ask is that it seems the 403 and 413 are a little harder to find

 

4' is definitely the limit for a 3pt bush hog style mower; even some 4' units are too much for an X.

How often are you planning on knocking that down? Mainly just to control noxious weeds?

 

Well after looking at aerial maps and calculating acreage I am looking at about 13 acres of clear land.

Here is the break out of the 13

4 acres around the house need to be mowed - x748SE with 62 inch deck will be fine

5-6 acres need to be bush hogged 2-4 times a year and this area has some hills, the previous residents had cows in this area so I may "trim" back what I bush hog..

3 acres ~ are the food plots int he middle of the 42 acres parcel that I will only need to bush 2 times a year. There is a hill to go up to get to this area, so not sure if I need 4x4

Trying to save money because I still need to by an ATV for this property

But my thoughts are along the lines if finding an older tractor with a large rotary cutter for it, if I could keep that under 5K it would be perfect...

Thoughts ?

 

But my thoughts are along the lines if finding an older tractor with a large rotary cutter for it, if I could keep that under 5K it would be perfect...

Thoughts ?

:thThumbsU This would be close to what I take. Speaking of just Deere machines maybe an older 850/950 type tractor... those you should be able to pick up close to your budget with a mower.... might have to shop a little while. Maybe go after something a little newer like an 855 or 955..... add a loader and you have all sorts of possibilities!

If it were me I would save my pennies and step up to something like a 4400/4500 or a 4410/4510 with a loader. But that would be double or more of your budget.

My parents have a 4510 that matches up very nicely to a MX6 mower. Tractor has 2000+ hours on it and has been a work horse. With a set up like that each time you mow I am guessing it would take 3-5 hours depending on factors involved like terrain, speed, density of brush etc.

 

Buy a old sabre. Actually just kidding, but like the video. Guy cutting trees off with it. Didn't care for the music though, but was amusing to watch.

 

Buy a old sabre. Actually just kidding, but like the video. Guy cutting trees off with it. Didn't care for the music though, but was amusing to watch.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hSN6ZzIgJn4

That guy's watched too much Top Gear. :sidelaugh

 

If it were me, I'd get a Farmall (I know, I know, don't shoot me) H or M or similar sized (300-450) Maybe even something as big a 656. I'd look for one with a loader because its quite handy. Oliver would be a good choice as well, even Allis Chalmers. The only reason I haven't mentioned Deere's is the price of these old "collectors" units are higher than the others I mentioned. The parts are higher as well. Its all due to the Deere collector market.

 

My dad used to clear land with a sickle mower. Might be another idea. It cut small trees down, but I figure dad was sharpening the teeth after every use.

 

What about a flail mower, not sure on the cost or the weight or hp required, just a thought but since no one has metioned it yet I may be out in left field with that.

 

So I am looking to try a 4ft or 5ft rotary from any manufacture I can find used.

what is the advice when looking at various models out there?

I see specs on new ones that state minimum HP required, but they also list another HP number that I don't understand ???

 

The second HP rating you mention is what the gearbox on the cutter is "rated" for.

I was in the same position as you a couple years ago with a T1030 28hp New Holland and a 48" rotary cutter. Yes it worked ... but did tax the engine and pound the snot out of me. Also dented the heck out of the HST filter when the small tractor bottomed out in the rough field.

After one season I had the chance to get a 45hp T1530 and now have a 72" cutter.

The small tractor is now retired from field work and I don't regret getting the bigger machine at all. The biggest issue is the tire size and rough fields.

 

Also how can I tell if I have a cat 0 or Cat 1 ?

 

never mind

CATEGORY 0
Tractors up to 20 horsepower
Top link pins: 5/8" diameter
Lift arm pins: 5/8" diameter

CATEGORY ONE
Tractors from 20-45 horsepower
Top link pins: 3/4" diameter
Lift arm pins: 7/8" diameter

CATEGORY TWO
Tractors from 55-65 to 90-95 horsepower
Top link pins: 1" diameter
Lift arm pins: 1-1/8" diameter

CATEGORY THREE
Tractors from 95-100 horsepower on up
Top link pins: 1-1/4" diameter
Lift arm pins: 1-7/16" diameter

 

Thanks for the clarification .. If I had the funds I would buy a bigger tractor with a FEL and a rotary cutter, cause I know I will need a FEL in the future but after closing n my new house and property I need to be a little frugal for a bit...

 

my neighbor has 59 ford (gas) with a 6' bush hog he said he would sell for 3K.. maybe that is the way this way I have a purpose built item for all my "hogging" needs

To many choices and never enough money

 

What model Ford? Some of those old Ford tractors are garbage