Ford 600 and proper PTO Brush Hog

Woostermatt · Oct 5, 2015

Hi. I'm new to this forum. And new to Ford Tractors. I purchased a Ford 600 last year which I love. I use it for light work around our small farm. Finish mowing. I have a snow blade on it too. I have the opportunity to purchase a Wood MD 172 brush hog. It has a 540 PTO. Will my Ford 600 be able to run that brush hog adequately? Is the 540 PTO a problem? Thanks in advance.

Den N Ms · Oct 5, 2015

Woostermatt,A 5 footer is a perfect match and will work quite well behind your 600.

Den N Ms · Oct 5, 2015

WoostermattHint for better cutting (run the front end about a 1/2" to 1" lower than the rear of the Brush Hog and just cut the weeds/grass one time. If the back side is lower than the front the tractor has to cut the grass twice thus it takes more power and fuel and wear on your tractor.

Russ from MN · Oct 5, 2015

540 is the standard for all smaller tractors.

old · Oct 5, 2015

600 is the series of the tractor but not the model and that info will help us help you a whole lot. There are some 4 or so sub models in the 600 series. So does your tractor have a 4 speed or 5 speed transmissions?? If it has a 4 speed one thing you NEED is an ORC or you can get hurt and or maybe die. If it has a 5 speed you have a 50/50 chance of needing and ORC.
That all said a 5 foot brush hog is about right but again please fill in the blanks so we can help you help your self

paul · Oct 5, 2015

What Old says.

540 is the standard pto for tractors under 75hp. Some very old tractors have a smaller diameter 540 pto shaft, tho.

Paul

souNdguy · Oct 6, 2015

6' mower should be ok for a good 600, and 540 is standard.

if your pto shaft is an older 1 1/8 you can get a bushing or orc, or replace the pto shaft. 5$, 50$, 100$

IlliniJohn · Oct 6, 2015

Congrats on the Ford 600!
Agree with OLD on using an Over Running Clutch - -can sure help prevent being pushed by the PTO.
About 50 years ago, I ran a 641 Ford with a 5foot aftermarket "bushhog" on my dad's old hill farm, mowing pasture and clearing up brush, per his instructions. I mowed down anything that Ford would ride down, its was pretty amazing.
But, 3 unintended consequences:
1) I clutched the tractor and, without an over-running clutch, was pushed over a steep embankment and stuck - scared the crap out of me, but was safe.
2) Big chunks will sometimes be flung forwards and whack you in the back - running "nose down" as suggested below would help, a shield would be better, and watch what you mow over as best you can.
3) Knocked out some bearings in the PTO/transmission - bad enough they failed, but stray ball bearings can be picked up in cold oil and go through gears - -then breaks cases.
To be fair to Ford, I also knocked bearings out of a Farmall "M" with a for-real 5 foot BushHog that same summer.
I was too aggressive with them, they were NOT D9 caterpillars.
B Safe!
John

Ford 600 and proper PTO Brush Hog

Woostermatt

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Den N Ms

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Den N Ms

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Russ from MN

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old

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paul

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souNdguy

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IlliniJohn

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