Rotary Cutter Adding rubber guard to rotary cutter?

[charlz]

I recently picked up a used Tebben 48" rotary cutter and, after reading all the threads on here, am looking to add guards to the front and rear to keep flying objects to a minimum.

I can get reinforced (3/8") rubber mat for $7 for a 1 foot x 4 foot piece. My question is, should the skirt be longer than the sides of the mower? I was wondering if I can get the mat, split it down the middle and have a 6" x 4ft piece for the back and one for the front or if it should really be longer. It looks like a 6" wide piece would make the bottom of the guard even with the bottom of the mower sides.

I plan on mowing with the mower almost as low as it can go.

Thanks,
Charles

 

[Z-Michigan]

First, excellent choice on adding guards to the cutter. Flying objects are bad!

The skirts do not need to stick out any farther than the sides. However, many cutters have rounded fronts and/or rears and that might require more than 4' of material on each end due to the curve. If the front and rear are perfectly straight, 4' on each should be fine.

 

[sandman2234]

I am wondering why you don't do the standard chain bar?
The hanging chains stop most of the outbound flying objects and slow the rest of them down. Rubber on the other hand will do it both ways and tend to get torn or tear mounts loose (like a mudflap on a truck). It will also tend to lay the grass down just prior to the blade coming in contact with it, so I would think quality of cut would also suffer.
David from jax

 

[Farmwithjunk]

The success or failure of a rubber guard can vary from mower to mower, as well as in what conditions you use it.

Rubber strip works for some people. Chains work better for others. Rubber will tend to seal off movement, in some cases trapping clippings under the mower. That varies with height of rubber from the ground, and again, what you're mowing. It's a good economical way to do the job IF IT WORKS. Rubber would most likely be lighter than a chain guard. On a smaller tractor where lift capacity/implement weight is an issue, rubber may be the best bet.

Chains deflect and deaden the momentum of flying objects, while letting those objects exit from under the mower without confining them to the area where your blade is spinning. Rubber MAY hold that rock under the mower, allowing it to be hit repeadedly with the blade before exiting. Chains allow a relatively unobstructed path for clippings and debris to exit from under the mower, where rubber may collect clippings in a case where the rubber is close to the ground.

I own a mowing business. My insurance carrier REQUIRES chain guards and won't allow rubber. They obviously consider chains as a better option. So do manufacturers of high end commercial mowers.

My chains need to be at least 2" lower than the blades to meet insurance guidelines.

IN any event, SOMETHING is better than nothing. Rubber is much better than a rock flying out from under a mower.

 

[flusher]

I recently picked up a used Tebben 48" rotary cutter and, after reading all the threads on here, am looking to add guards to the front and rear to keep flying objects to a minimum.

I can get reinforced (3/8") rubber mat for $7 for a 1 foot x 4 foot piece. My question is, should the skirt be longer than the sides of the mower? I was wondering if I can get the mat, split it down the middle and have a 6" x 4ft piece for the back and one for the front or if it should really be longer. It looks like a 6" wide piece would make the bottom of the guard even with the bottom of the mower sides.

I plan on mowing with the mower almost as low as it can go.

Thanks,
Charles

Here're a shot of the rubber debris shields on my KK brush hog (48" wide). Use the mower on my Kubota B7510HST.

Just used lengths of slotted angle from the local hardware store and attached the front shield to the hog via the 3pt hitch bolts. There's a front and a rear shield. The rear shield is attached via the bolts that hold the rear wheel frame to the mower. Got the rubber from the local Petro truck stop trucker's store.

The shields seem to work OK without trapping an excessive amount of clippings under the mower. I generally mow with the rear of the mower about 2" higher than the front.

Basic idea is from Soundguy.

 

[charlz]

The mower is flat across the front and the rear. I already measured, 48" will work for the front and it was something like 38" for the back.

I figure I can do the rubber quick and cheap, (under $15) the mower already has bolt holes for guards so I will be using those. If the rubber does not work out I can spend the time and $$ to make chain guards without having really set myself back. I looked at one mower at a farm supply place that had a chain guard on the back. Looks like the chain really isn't that heavy. I was thinking it might be good use for some of that harbor freight 'trucker tie down chain' they are always putting on sale. That chain may be too heavy though.

Thanks for the input!
Charles