Best Small Tractor for Bush Hogging

If you are in the market for a small tractor for bush hogging, then you would love our recommendations in this article.

After spending over 9 hours reading through expert and users’ reviews across different platforms, we look at the best small tractor for bush hogging, paying attention to metrics such as design, cutting performance and speed.

Small Tractors for Bush Hogging: 5 Best Picks

1. John Deere 1025R Sub-Compact Tractor

The John Deere sub-compact tractor offers excellent maneuverability and easy operation thanks to its power steering and four-wheel drive (4WD).

Design

The diesel-powered tractor comes with an operator’s station for comfortable and convenient operations. 

Its twin touch foot controls and hydrostatic transmission (HST) enable you to quickly change speed and directions.

It runs on a 23HP Yanmar engine for a powerful bush-hogging operation. The standard LED headlights ensure ultimate vision in low light and dark conditions.

Cutting Power and Performance

The John Deere sub-compact tractor can handle large areas. It has an AutoConnect mid-mower deck that can be removed or installed in less than five minutes.

A user operated the tractor with a 48-inch bush hog and it mowed tall grass efficiently. It can also cut weeds well.

Speed

The small tractor has a maximum forward speed of 9.1 mph and a reverse speed of 9.1 mph.

Pros

• The John Deere 1025R model can handle tall grass.
• It comes with LED headlights for ultimate vision in low light and dark conditions.
• The twin touch foot controls and hydrostatic transmission (HST) ensure a quick change of speed and direction.

Cons

• A user commented that the pistons are substandard
• A user complained about the tractor’s hydraulics.

2. Kubota BX1880 Sub-Compact Tractor

The Kubota BX1880 is one of the best small tractors available on the market. It has enough horsepower to meet your requirements.

Design

The diesel-powered tractor is powered by a 16.6HP Kubota D722 engine to suit your needs. It comes with controls that make the tractor easy to operate.

Its operating station, deluxe seat and ergonomic levers prevent fatigue. It also ensures comfortable bush-hogging operations. 

It has a PTO link compact system that allows you to attach a front loader, an fwd 12 and other attachments.

The treadle pedal design enables homeowners to effortlessly change speed and direction.

Cutting Power and Performance

The Kubota BX1880 model is made of heavy-duty construction and can withstand tough operations.

It is a great fit for cutting tall grass and thick weeds. The small tractor is also ideal for stumps and tree removal. It can work well on hilly terrain.

Speed

The agricultural equipment has a maximum forward speed of 7.5 mph and a maximum reverse speed of 9.0 mph

Pros

• The Kubota BX1880 tractor has a deluxe seat, operator station and levers to reduce operator fatigue.
• It can tackle thick weeds and tall grass.
• The small tractor is ideal for stump and tree removal.

Cons

• A user complained that you may need to get heavier/wider implements for the tractor.

3. Massey Ferguson GC1725M Tractor

The Massey Ferguson is a sturdy and durable tractor that can handle your bush-hogging tasks on hills effectively.

Design

The sub-compact tractor runs on a 24HP engine for a powerful operation. It is equipped with a hardtop cab that keeps the operator safe from frostbite.

Its dual-bucket cylinders and bucket rollback angles ensure superb performance on your land. 

The tractor is easy to use thanks to the inclusion of the operator station. Its spindle assemblies are built with cast iron to ensure durability.

Cutting Power and Performance

The Massey and Ferguson tractor has a 10-gauge stamped steel and floating deck for efficient cuts on any type of terrain.

It is capable of handling a range of commercial and residential jobs. The small tractor performs efficiently on hills.

Apart from bush hogging, the tractor can tackle hauling, landscaping and construction projects.

Speed

The diesel-powered tractor has a maximum forward speed of 9.1 mph and a maximum reverse speed of 7.2 mph.

Pros

• The small tractor features a floating deck to ensure nice cuts on any terrain.
• It can also handle residential and commercial jobs.
• The hardtop cab keeps the operator safe from frostbite.

Cons

• The linkage top arm may wear down.
• A user complained that the tractor can get stuck in gear.

4. John Deere 1023E Sub-Compact Tractor

The sub-compact tractor is known for its excellent maneuverability. It is well-liked for its ease of use and quality.

Design

The tractor runs on a 22 hp three-cylinder Yanmar TNM series diesel engine for a top-notch bush-hogging performance.

This engine also ensures reduced vibration and a smooth riding experience. Its front quick tach hitch makes a front-implement change over an easy task.

Other features include power steering, a four-wheel drive feature and twin-touch foot controls for superb performance.

Cutting Power and Performance

The John Deere 1023E tractor comes with an autoconnect mid-mower deck that can be installed or removed in less than five minutes.

The tractor can mount more than one implement to eliminate intensive implement changeover. It is capable of bush-hogging large areas.

Speed

It has a maximum forward speed of 9.1 mph and a maximum reverse speed of 9.1 mph.

Pros

• The tractor comes with an auto-connect mid-mower deck that can be easily or removed.
• It runs on a 22-hp three-cylinder Yanmar TNM series diesel engine for a top-notch bush-hogging performance.
• The power steering ensures excellent maneuverability.

Cons

• A user complained that the switches went out twice.

5. Kubota BX2380 Sub-Compact Tractor

The Kubota sub-compact tractor is well-liked for its value, reliability, performance and build quality.

Design

The small tractor runs on a 21.6 HP diesel engine for a powerful bush-hogging operation. Its operating station, tilt steering and deluxe seat prevent operator fatigue.

The controls are easy to understand and operate, even for first-time users. Furthermore, the 3-range hydrostat transmission allows you to get the job efficiently and quickly.

Its cruise control allows you to maintain a constant speed without keeping your foot on the HST pedal.

Cutting Power and Performance

The Kubota BX2380 is capable of bush-hogging large areas. It has a 4-point front hitch that allows front implements like blades and rooms to be easily attached and removed.

The small tractor offers a mid-mount mower deck option to meet your needs. The engine provides power to achieve your bush-hogging tasks.

It can also perform several varieties of tasks such as landscaping and general property maintenance.

Speed

The BX2380 model has a travel forward speed of 8.4 mph and a  travel backward speed of 6.5 mph.

Pros

• The small tractor has a powerful engine that enables you to achieve your bush-hogging tasks.
• It has a 4-point front hitch that allows front implements like blades and rooms to be easily attached and removed.
• The Kubota tractor comes with a cruise control that enables you to maintain a constant speed.

Cons

• A user complained about the treadle pedal.

Final Verdict

The John Deere 1025R is our top pick small tractor for bush hogging because it ranks number one when it comes to power, ease of use and value.

The diesel-powered tractor comes with an operator’s station for comfortable and convenient operations.

Its twin touch foot controls and hydrostatic transmission (HST) enable you to quickly change speed and directions.

The John Deere sub-compact can handle large areas. It can also cut tall grass and weeds well.

How to Brush/Bush Hog with a Tractor

Here are some tips on how to brush/bush hog with a tractor:

• The first step to take is to get your tractor and cutter ready.
• Put your seatbelt on before you start to brush/bush hog. This will ensure the safety
• To brush hog, you need to engage the Power take-off feature. 
• When turning the PTO on, ensure that the rpm should be within the range of 1200-1600.
• After that, all you need to do is to drive.  

Frequently Asked Questions