Rotary Cutter I have chains on rotary cutter

[beenthere]

Attached shows the use of chains in place of the steel strap bars to support the rear of the cutter. There are limitations to the steel strap bars that will cause them to bend, and the chains offer the flexibility but also the lifting ability for raising the deck for non-mowing travel. The raised position of the deck is also used when backing over brush to knock it down, followed by dropping down on the brush to chop it up.

This attachment shows the 'raised' position, with the use of the iMatch quick tach as well. Also, this Deere 513 deck was built-up along the lower rear skirt for better movement into brush without bending the skirt.

 

[beenthere]

This attachment shows the rotary cutter in the 'mowing' position, with the front slightly lower than the rear, and the front being adjusted for height by the 3pt arm control lever.

Note the chains are slightly loose and not carrying any load from the rear of the deck.

 

[beenthere]

This attachment shows the rotary cutter backed up a embankment, demonstrating the real benefit of the chains. The original steel strap bars would be bending in this application. This position also simulates going through a ditch.

Note also that there is no physical way that the mower deck could possibly flip over onto the operator, even if the ROPS was not present. The 3pt frame would restrict this from happening.

 

[chim]

My setup uses the same theme, using a chain in place if the toplink. It still has the steel bars from the top down to the rear of the deck. Works like a champ.....................chim

 

[ronjhall]

I have the same Rotary Cutter. I like your setup better than the floppy straps that <font color="green"> JD</font> provided for the top link. Thanks for the pic's. /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif

 

[greg_g]

The problem is not with the "floppy straps", it's the poor design of the I-match from the perspective of acommodating a fully floating toplink bracket. The I-match restricts toplink movement, which in turn puts more stress on the straps over uneven terrain. By replacing the metal lift straps with chain, all you're doing is compensating for the I-match design shortfall.

//greg//

//greg//

 

[beenthere]

May be so, but I don't think so, and will agree to 'disagree' with you. I see no 'shortfall' at all.
I use both the link straps, just not as they were intended /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif. One I flip over and pin it to the top-link bolt that holds the toplink to the top hole of the iMatch. The other link strap is attached to the chain shown.
I've used either the chain as a replacement of the top link (pre-iMatch days) or as replacement of the two steel straps on the rotary cutter.
Maybe there is room for an improvement in the iMatch "poor" design, but I find it very accomodating to my needs. The iMatch design is just a simple set of three hooks, with the ability to capture what is in the lower hooks. The design is the same as the other quick attach designs, save for the top hook is fixed. I see no improvement to the movable top hooks to overcome any perceived problem using the movable top links. Still a 'hook' but it can be repositioned to accept 'non-ASAE' speced attachments.
Sorry to appear argumentative. No offense, I hope. /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif

 

[greg_g]

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( Sorry to appear argumentative. No offense, I hope.)</font>

None taken.

The I-Match is a decent piece of equipment, no argument. But its design is just not compatibile with full floating toplink brackets. Lots of implements don't NEED a floating toplink. A rotary cutter just happens to be one that usually does.

The fact that you (and others) saw a need to perform some "compensatory-engineering" is clear testament to that particular design shortfall.

//greg//

 

[BB_TX]

beenthere - nice setup. Did you check to make sure you PTO shaft doesn't bottom out when the cutter is at that steep of an angle?

 

[greg_g]

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( This attachment shows the rotary cutter backed up a embankment, demonstrating the real benefit of the chains. The original steel strap bars would be bending in this application. This position also simulates going through a ditch. )</font>

Tell the rest of the story though. Modifying the deck in that manner - to compensate for I-Match inflexibility - is a one way proposition. If you were ENTERING a ditch, when you crest a hill, when you enter a dip/hole/depression - I'll bet your setup lifts that tail wheel clean off the ground. As soon as the tractor front wheels get lower than the rears, the I-Match is going to start pulling on those chains. Pretty soon, pull becomes lift.

Next time I put my rotary cutter on, I'll snap a few photos to exhibit how a full floating toplink bracket works with metal straps - uphill AND down. Works on a disc harrow too, where welded angle iron is used instead of bolt-on metal straps.

I'm not knocking your modification. Making implement(s) more productive - and making them conform to the task at hand - is a positive thing. I'm just trying to point out the difference between a full floating toplink bracket - and the limited range of motion provided by the I-Match.

//greg//