Opinions on a batwing mower/brushhog

mhnatt

Joined: Dec 29, 2009

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Always used a 12 or 15ft mower (batwing). Now that I have a larger tractor (168hp) I'm thinking of a 18' or 20' (I like what Schulte has).

Anyone experience the difference stepping up to the larger size have any regrets or tips? Does doing so inhibit the maneuverability much?

(Mostly cleanup in the coastal/bermuda hayfield, patches of Johnson grass that I plan on killing off)

AnScAggie

Joined: Oct 23, 2015

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10:15p, 11/2/24

AG

I have a 5150 Rhino and love it. You should seriously look at that it's a 15'.

mhnatt

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In reply to AnScAggie • 10:59p, 11/2/24

I've had a 12' Rhino before and it was great. Also a 15' JD. I'm more interested in moving up to a 18 or 20 and how different it will operate (other than covering more ground). Like, is there a reason most people stick with the 15' as a "sweet spot" - or is it more of a hp limitation.

chris1515

Joined: Jun 20, 2005

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5:36a, 11/3/24

AG

Look on Facebook marketplace for a used one.

jtp01

Joined: Jan 23, 2009

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6:15a, 11/3/24

AG

As to operation. It won't be much different. Consider that every 4 passes you've completed a 5th. However. You will burn more fuel, considerably more fuel.

If you have obstacles it will be a little more challenging. Gates will be tighter to get through. Transport will be a little more of a challenge. You may have to slow ground speed some depending on what you are cutting.

If I'm you and I own a 15' batwing, I'm probably keeping it and not spending cash for an extra 3-5' unless there is a problem with your 15' and you are buying anyway!

5

mhnatt

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In reply to jtp01 • 8:33a, 11/3/24

Good comments there. About the fuel though I wonder how close the higher fuel consumption matches the overall since you are cutting 30% more with each pass?

No, I no longer have a 15' (dad passed and we sold everything and I came in and am restarting things up) so have to buy anyway.

Mas89

Joined: Dec 14, 2013

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1:45p, 11/3/24

AG

We have a 15' and a 20 ' and pull both with 150 pto hp tractors. The 15' is a 540 pto machine and the 20' is a 1,000 pto. 20' is better for mowing ditches as you can drop a wing farther into the ditch while driving on the edge of the road. And many farm roads can be completely mowed with 2 passes of the mower.
Just like a yard mower, bigger is better if you have the hp to pull it. And 168 is plenty.