Brush cutter blade profile?

   / Brush cutter blade profile? #1  

NVBigBlue

Bronze Member
Joined
Nov 7, 2012
Messages
85
Location
Nevada
Tractor
Massey GC2300
Hey guys!

So I will be picking up a new-to-me John Deere 403 48" inch 3-pt brush cutter tomorrow. I looked at it today and other than some paint wear on the edges and minimal metal wear on the lower edges, it looks to be in decent shape.

The gear box feel tight, etc....

My question is this... I looked at the blades and they appear to be only "sharpened" about the last 8 inches or so. (which makes sense....) However, they aren't really that sharp...

If the blades are say 3/8" thick, the 'sharp' part is like 2/8's tapered and then 1/8" vertical.

Something like:


--------
\
|
---------

So.... when you sharpen the blades, should they be sharpened to an edge like a normal mower blade?

--------
\
\
----------

It doesn't look like it was worn this way.... it looks like they were made that way (flat on front) and then wore flat...

Anyways... I'll post some pics up tomorrow after I bring it home.

Thanks!

NV
 
   / Brush cutter blade profile? #2  
All blades I have seen new have 1/16 to 1/8 blunt edge. You don't want to leave sharp ended stubs of brush.

Here is one from Bush Hog:
http://www.bushhog.com/uploads/documents/BHRazorbackBH4-5-6OM-14.pdf

Bush-Hog-Blade-Sharpening.jpg

I've read that the only time you should sharpen the blades to a sharp edge is if you are cutting only grass.

Bruce
 
   / Brush cutter blade profile? #3  
Yep. You only want a "lawnmower" like edge if you are cutting nothing but pasture grass. Anything else you want a blunt edge. IF you cut a tree sappling with a blunt edge it will splinter. If you cut it with a sharp edge, it will cut cleanly and create a spear that is more likely to puncture a tire
 
   / Brush cutter blade profile?
  • Thread Starter
#4  
Hey guys,

Thanks for the info!

I went and picked it up. I'll need to add a new piece of material over the skids, they've worn through the welds on the front. And I'll have to get a new shield for the PTO.... it was stuck in the collapsed position but good. I had to cut the shield off (which is ok, because it was broke anyways). It took penetrating oil, heat, some light beating and quite a bit of tension to get it separated, but all good now. I do have to trim it a little.... only about 1/4" left to collapse when lifted...

Not in a huge hurry to get it all fixed up. I don't really have any weeds to cut. hehe. I really just picked it up because it was a good price.

Anyways, here a couple of pics.

NV

20150327_190710_resized.jpg

20150327_190701_resized.jpg
 
 
 
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