Rotary Cutter Chains? On a Rotary Cutter

   / Chains? On a Rotary Cutter #1  

Iplayfarmer

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Jul 11, 2005
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Idaho
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Massey Ferguson 1215, Case 801B
Has anyone heard of using chains on a rotary cutter in place of blades?

Pros? Cons?
 
   / Chains? On a Rotary Cutter #2  
I have chains on my Bushhog 286. Across the front and back hanging down about six inches, one inch or so apart. They do a great job of slowing down those thrown objects! /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif
 
   / Chains? On a Rotary Cutter #3  
I've heard of people doing such, but better judgement prevents me from attemting it. Something about using the O.E.M. blades just makes better sense to me.
 
   / Chains? On a Rotary Cutter #4  
I have heard it mentioned a couple of times, but don't know anyone that has used chains. I would be afraid to use them because when a link wore to the point that the chain broke it would be a missile coming out.
 
   / Chains? On a Rotary Cutter #5  
I don't think chains would work too well. The swinging blades on my 48" Befco cutter are thick and heavy. I have to believe the inertia from that rotating weight is a good part of the cutting power. Chains would not have that advantage. Note that no one I am aware of sells such a chain cutter implement. I've gotta believe there is a reason.
 
   / Chains? On a Rotary Cutter #6  
I have heard of it but never have actually seen it done or heard how it work's. Will ask the boss man at the farm I'm sure he will know if he hasn't done it himself /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif
 
   / Chains? On a Rotary Cutter #7  
Pro's -- probably cheap if you have some old ratty chain sitting around

Con's -- When it breaks off and sends link or two out and injures someone, you are so boned-- beyond belief boned. No way can that action pass the "prudent man" test. It goes beyond negligent into the realm of criminal. Oh , the other con is that it probably won't cut nearly as good as the correct blade.

jb
 
   / Chains? On a Rotary Cutter #8  
How about a couple nice chunks of half inch cable, maybe stainless steel for extra hardness? I have heard the reasoning for the chains is that in rocky conditions they deflect better around the obstacle. Going for a weed wacker effect rather than a mower effect.

Truth is the thick OEM blades are cheap and won't likely shoot out the unshielded front or rear of the hog.
 
   / Chains? On a Rotary Cutter #9  
" ... rocky conditions they deflect better around the obstacle"

That's my recallection too. And, something in the back of my alledged mind reminds me that they are/have been more popular in Austraila (?)
 
   / Chains? On a Rotary Cutter #10  
There don't seem to be alot around, but I did see this on a link that 1948Berg had posted on another post....It is a mechanically or hydraulically driven two chain rough cut brush hog. It says they have made several hundred since 1985.....course the lawyer ratio is alittle different in Scandinavia than here /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif
but they are fairly safety conscious so I could believe they haven't had major problems..
chain bush hog
It says it will cut trees up to 10cm and has optional knives for pasture work.
good luck
 
 
 
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