Rotary Cutter 6' KK rotary cutter problem!!

[Grizzman]

6\' KK rotary cutter problem!!

Bought a new KK 6' Cutter for my tractor. I hook it up to the PTO. When I engage the PTO at idle I hear a a metal bang and it shears the pin. I returned it thinking it has a bad gear box and got another new mower. Hook up the new mower and have the exact same problem. Upon inspection I see the blades are hitting each other when the PTO engages. Well I call KK thinking there is a design problem and I get the run around. Tech guy tells me this is common on "NEW" tractors with push button PTO. He sugested that I buy their $100 Slip Clutch option. What? then he stated that before I engage the mower I should drop the mower in HIGH GRASS! What? I can't believe this! Am I the only person having this problem. I have seen other mower were the blades miss each other without making contact. That is the only issue with this mower. But KK just blew me off. Any ideas on a fix!

 

[JerryG]

Re: 6\' KK rotary cutter problem!!

If you have the tractor engine at an idle when you are shearing the pins, I would try the next harder pin. You don't want one that is to hard or it might not break when needed and tear up you PTO shaft, tractor PTO or the gear box. A slip clutch would help, but would be added money and maintenance.
<font color="blue"> Am I the only person having this problem. </font>
No you are not the only one. It does happen all to often. They are right that it can be a problem if the push button engagement doesn't have a feather start system.
When the cutter starts the blades will straighten out and not hit each other.

 

[sweettractors]

Re: 6\' KK rotary cutter problem!!

I would suggest that your blades are just crossed (X)and stuck. Check that before you go any futher and dont engage PTO in grass.--Ken Sweet

 

[Charolais]

Re: 6\' KK rotary cutter problem!!

I've often wondered about tractors with pushbutton PTO engagement. Unless there's a way to slowly release the PTO clutch I can see that maybe being a problem. I have a 7' KK and it came with the slip clutch. The blades don't hit each other but on startup it does take a few turns to get the blades to even out. I have a hand lever to engage the clutch and very slowly release it. I had the same thing with a 5' hardee cutter too. Lots of weight to get turning and it needs to be done slowly.

I didn't have a solution for your problem but you answered a long time question I've had. It's just another reason I stick with straight utility tractors. Most are pretty simple to operate without all the gadgets,bells and whistles. Those things are nice but can present problems that are beyond the operator to solve. JD and MF both make models with servo hyd.,lift sensors and you name it. I've seen many of the farmers in my area go back to the utility tractor because of problems they couldn't fix themselves. The extra down time and service expense was eating them alive.

Just off the top of my head I'd say you'll need the clutch on the cutter to solve your problem. Or maybe there's a cutter that starts up easier out there. But a good old hand clutch on the tractor would be ideal for more control.

And I hope someone on this board may have a fix for you with what you have. I hope they do and I'll check back in to see the problem solved.

I do know a way to vary the voltage going to the clutch solenoid but that may or may not work. Depends on the solenoid. And I don't expect you'd want to modify the tractor either.

I'm not knocking the newer technology but for my needs some of it goes to far. And in many models you aren't given a choice of these options. It's standard on many today.

Good luck and hope you find a cure.

 

[BobG_in_VA]

Re: 6\' KK rotary cutter problem!!

Not sure if this would work but, try and engage the PTO button before you start the engine. Start the engine at idle/just over. See if it comes up......BobG in VA

 

[Grizzman]

Re: 6\' KK rotary cutter problem!!

Thanks for the help. When I engage the PTO at idle is the only time I have this issue. Once the blades are spinning every thing is fine. I have looked at other mowers and the blades do not touch. When I bought the mower and read the instructions, there was no mention of this problem.

 

[jimg]

Re: 6\' KK rotary cutter problem!!

Why would the type of pto engagement make any difference? Just curious b/c I really dont understand that.

When I was looking at a Bush Hog manual last week in the back (under setup I think) there were timing diagrams for the blades. There wasnt much said about it and I assumed it was to keep the blades from colloiding. Would this be the prtoblem in this case?

 

[JerryG]

Re: 6\' KK rotary cutter problem!!

<font color="blue"> timing diagrams for the blades </font>
Diagrams are needed for some brands of finish mowers. I believe that this is a rotary mower in question here unless I am mistaken. /forums/images/graemlins/crazy.gif

 

[jimg]

Re: 6\' KK rotary cutter problem!!

OK, Im pretty sure the manual was for a multi-spindle brush mower. Let me see if I can find it again.

 

[jimg]

Re: 6\' KK rotary cutter problem!!

OK, I found it...over on the Bush Hog site see the manual for the 3414. Page 14 shows timing diagrams.