Rotary Cutter Bush Hog Safety Guards

   / Bush Hog Safety Guards #1  

wolfweb

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Dec 1, 2009
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Hello All, short time lurker, first time poster.

I'm getting a new CUT tractor :) - and it comes with a free Bush hog (we call them slashers or Rotoslashers here in Australia)

I like that my tractor includes a "free" slasher. Trouble is the safety guards are optional and the dealer thinks they aren't too important. But after some research I think it might be more important than he thinks. I'm brand new to the world of Tractors, so I thought a second opinion from the knowledable people here on this forum might be a good idea.

Here's a flyer with a picture of the slasher and info:

http://www.howard-australia.com/products/pdf/nug0709.pdf

Notice how it has a wide opening on both ends and has holes for the conveyor belt safety guard to be bolted on. Also notice that at the bottom of page that it's required by law to have these guards if used in western Australia. (I'm not in WA but wow if it's law there it's got to be important surely?)

So I say to the dealer who thinks they're optional and not that important, it looks like those guards might be useful and what do they cost? The reply is that they're about $300 and he'd ask them to throw them in free or a discount but since I'm getting the slasher "free" he couldn't.

I wasn't too impressed by his answer or the price. I'm happy with everything else about this deal, but this safety guard thing is making be feel a bit like that an important safety requirement has been left off, at the expense of my safety, to keep the sticker price down.

So, after viewing the photo of the slasher, do the members here think that these guards are "optional" or are they really required for safe operation of that particular Bush hog / slasher as I suspect?

Does $300 sound right? How hard would it be to make these things myself?
 
   / Bush Hog Safety Guards #2  
First, welcome.

Next, safety. I have run these machines seemingly forever. I had one experience some 40 years agoe where the cutter threw a rock of about 6 - 8 inches diameter. I hit the driver's side A pillar of a car, broke the windshield and made quite a dent in the A pillar, not to say anything about the effect it had on the driver who had just opened the drivers door and stepped out and was standing just behind the open door. I've never had anything anywhere remotely like that happen since.

As an expedient, you could consider just making shields out of appropriately sized belting if you have access to some. A lot of older farms still have some laying about. Any similar flexible material would work as well. The idea is only to deflect thown material earthward as well as slow it down.

Good luck with your aquisition and enjoy.
 
   / Bush Hog Safety Guards #3  
Agree with the dealer.

Don't know the figures, but if tractor/shredder deal seams a good deal to you then just go the extra on your own to get the guards.

I bought my shredder for $500..........then bought the chain guards/mounts from a dealer later for $165 and I was perfectly happy to find them at that price.


If you've got a gift horse staring you in the face, don't ask it to do tricks as part of the deal.....
 
   / Bush Hog Safety Guards #4  
I live in West Australia and have a slasher with guards. I would not be without them. At rated PTO speed the blades are moving at great speed and have a lot of energy in them. Any rock etc struck by the blades will be sent out at very high speed. If you are the only person within a couple of hundred metres, you may be able to do without the rear guards. The front guards are for YOUR protection as it is just as likely to throw forward and bounce off parts of your tractor and possibly hit you.

Get the guards!!!

Cityfarma
 
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   / Bush Hog Safety Guards #5  
Interesting slasher design- no tail wheel. I don't know what to think about that, dragging the skids on the ground, remembering to pick the slasher up on every turn.

John
 
   / Bush Hog Safety Guards #6  
look under safety site on this form you will fine where the tractor opp has been killed by flying rocks and sticks. " I have to make some for mind " Jeep
 
   / Bush Hog Safety Guards #7  
Interesting slasher design- no tail wheel. I don't know what to think about that, dragging the skids on the ground, remembering to pick the slasher up on every turn.

John

I see that the wheel is another option.
I'd replace the solid steel straps that attach to the rear of the deck with chains too, as well as add the rear gauge wheel.
 
   / Bush Hog Safety Guards #8  
the pto shield guard is the non negotiable one.. front an rear chain or belting guards would be a nice option, if available... though you can make them out of belting or mud flaps for next to nothing, etc...

soundguy
 
   / Bush Hog Safety Guards #9  
To me the guards are a necessity. I've seen the dents in my deck from small rocks being flung against it by the blades. My Bush Hog uses belting type in front, and replaceable sheet metal in back. That's odd that a tail wheel is optional.

Guards are cheap, injuries are not.
 
   / Bush Hog Safety Guards #10  
"Interesting slasher design- no tail wheel. I don't know what to think about that, dragging the skids on the ground, remembering to pick the slasher up on every turn..."

It is to us here in N.A.................all shredders have tail/guide wheels. But I've noticed the "slashers" in ANZAC-lands and some other parts of the world don't necessarily include tail wheels with the mower itself. Seems odd, I know, and would look to simply put greater stress on machine, linkage, and tractor...........but.

Why? If any of the Middle Earthers can shed light on that I'd love to know myself.
 
 
 
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