Spring Rotary Cutter Maintenance

[flINTLOCK]

My RC has sat out in the weather all winter. I know that there is high likelihood that the slip clutch will be frozen. How far should I back off the pressure plate bolts to break it loose and what sort of test do you do to assure that it's freed up??

 

[geneP]

Well, here's what I do: I mark the nuts so I can count the rounds I back them off. Back them off the same amount on each one until the tension is off the springs. Start the PTO and let it turn in the clutch for a minute or so. If the clutch was set correctly from last use, then tighten the nuts the amount that they were loosened. If you are unsure
of the previous setting it is trial and error by tightening the nuts some (always the same on each bolt) until the clutch doesn't slip in normal use. Check for clutch slippage by marking across the disc and linings with chalk or just scratch a line.

 

[leonz]

My RC has sat out in the weather all winter. I know that there is high likelihood that the slip clutch will be frozen. How far should I back off the pressure plate bolts to break it loose and what sort of test do you do to assure that it's freed up??

If it has rust and dirt in the limited slip friction disc clutch
it needs to be disassembled and cleaned.

More than likely it simply has an amount of rust build up.

When the time comes I would simply use a bit of rubbing alcohol
poured through the slip clutch to break the clutch loose and the
alcohol will wash the dirt and rust out.

 

[Chilly807]

I stripped mine down completely this year, just to have a good look at it. Land Pride recommends loosening each bolt two turns, then run the mower enough that the discs turn in relation to each other (mark them to be sure) and freshen the surfaces , then re-tighten the bolts.

Sean

 

[Soundguy]

don't forget to check the lube in the box and clean any vent plugs if it has one in the fill cap.

grease driveline zerks and on tail wheel spindle and hub..

soundguy

soundguy

 

[QRTRHRS]

If you can get a manual, there should be a reference demension to tighten the bolts to. I have had machinist friends make me guages out of a piece of stock say about one inch thick or whatever is called for. Much easier than using a rule.

FWIW, I had sold a batwing to my neighbor during the off season. I told him to go over the slip clutches before he used it but he did not. First time he used it, he chose to take out a thicket. Tore up one of the wing driveshafts pretty good. He learned a costly lesson.

 

[Soundguy]

those shafts are spendy. I have a jd 1517 and priced new side wing shafts as mine are worn.. but operable... decided to keep running the worn ones!!!

 

[bumperm]

Old thread, but should work for this question :c)

Does anyone grease the blade pivots on their 3 pt rotary mower, or just run them dry?

bumper

 

[wmonroe]

I run mine dry as there is no designed grease point and I think the grease would catch dirt and accelerate the wear.

 

[orangeandgreen]

I use a light coat of anti seize on the pins.