That expanded metal guard that Flusher has posted the picture of is probably not nearly enough protection for a boom mower. It should do fine for a rear mounted rotary mower or finish mower, or a flail mower, but I don't think I would operate my boom mower with nothing more than that for protection. My 7710 has that same guard, and I can't remember ever throwing anything into it with the cutting head. The 1/2" plexiglas mounted on the right side fender (controls are on left fender) where all the cutting takes place is what takes all the abuses. I can't count the number of times I have jerked my head back in reaction to a piece of wood hitting the plexiglas window. It is really bad if you are able to turn the cutter head forward to
cut. I have learned to keep the cutterhead between me and the stuff I am cutting so the debris is thrown away from me.
David from jax