Slip Clutch adjustment Bush Hog 286

[Doc_Bob]

I have a used Bush Hog 286 rotary cutter. I have read the directions on how to adjust the sip clutch. I can't do it!

The directions (Off of the Bush Hog web site, page 13) tell me to compress the springs to 1-3/32". Only one BIG problem, I can't get the spring to compress to 1-3/32". I can get close, but I am just shy of 1-3/32" inch. If I try to tighten any further, I will strip the thread of the bolt.

So, I have eight (8) springs to adjust to 1-3/32" but can't. So I set them all at 1-8/32".

Any help would be greatly appreciated!!!!!!!!!!!
Bob

 

[Farmwithjunk]

I have a used Bush Hog 286 rotary cutter. I have read the directions on how to adjust the sip clutch. I can't do it!

The directions (Off of the Bush Hog web site, page 13) tell me to compress the springs to 1-3/32". Only one BIG problem, I can't get the spring to compress to 1-3/32". I can get close, but I am just shy of 1-3/32" inch. If I try to tighten any further, I will strip the thread of the bolt.

So, I have eight (8) springs to adjust to 1-3/32" but can't. So I set them all at 1-8/32".

Any help would be greatly appreciated!!!!!!!!!!!
Bob

Gonna need to wait until I get home tonight in order to look it up, but when I bought my 286 just a few months back, it came with instructions on how to adjust which ever of the TWO available slip clutches that were installed during assembly. (2 different brands) It offered instructions on how to identify which version you have. There are marked differences between the 2.

No clue (from memory) what the measurement of the springs might be. (PM me if you like, to "remind" me to get the info for you)

 

[Doc_Bob]

Gonna need to wait until I get home tonight in order to look it up, but when I bought my 286 just a few months back, it came with instructions on how to adjust which ever of the TWO available slip clutches that were installed during assembly. (2 different brands) It offered instructions on how to identify which version you have. There are marked differences between the 2.

No clue (from memory) what the measurement of the springs might be. (PM me if you like, to "remind" me to get the info for you)

Two different types of clutches Well, I am glad to hear that, I thought I was going crazy
Bob

 

[Farmwithjunk]

Two different types of clutches Well, I am glad to hear that, I thought I was going crazy
Bob

Uhhhh..... You think the slip clutch is the ONLY symptom of CRAZY? (Giggle)

(I should be home around 7:30PM. I'll dig out the manual(s) then.)

 

[Doc_Bob]

Uhhhh..... You think the slip clutch is the ONLY symptom of CRAZY? (Giggle)

(I should be home around 7:30PM. I'll dig out the manual(s) then.)

Never thought it was the only symptom. I have learned that buying a big tractor is the key symptom and then having fun with it. My wife and friends think I am CRAZY now.

Thanks for the help, Bob

 

[JRobyn]

I had similar issues with my 286, but I think the length "spec" was 1-3/32". I was also worried about using the recommended spring length since the hog/gearbox is reated at 90hp but my L4330 pto is only 40hp; didn't want a sudden rock-induced hog stoppage to rip out my pto. I e-mailed Bushhog and asked what spring setting to use for 40 hp. They replied "use the recommended setting" (big help). So ignoring them, every season, I loosen them all up good (just to where they are beginning to compress), drop the hog on a stump and spin it good to polish off the rust, then after it cools, I tighten each spring bolt/nut about 1 full turn. This leaves the springs longer than the recommended length by a little bit (maybe 1/16-3/32"). I check the clutch once in a while to be sure it's not slipping too much. You can tell because it will get very hot/smoke if it slips much!

 

[Farmwithjunk]

I had similar issues with my 286, but I think the length "spec" was 1-3/32". I was also worried about using the recommended spring length since the hog/gearbox is reated at 90hp but my L4330 pto is only 40hp; didn't want a sudden rock-induced hog stoppage to rip out my pto. I e-mailed Bushhog and asked what spring setting to use for 40 hp. They replied "use the recommended setting" (big help). So ignoring them, every season, I loosen them all up good (just to where they are beginning to compress), drop the hog on a stump and spin it good to polish off the rust, then after it cools, I tighten each spring bolt/nut about 1 full turn. This leaves the springs longer than the recommended length by a little bit (maybe 1/16-3/32"). I check the clutch once in a while to be sure it's not slipping too much. You can tell because it will get very hot/smoke if it slips much!

2 styles of slip clutches used by Bush Hog on 286 mowers. (Bondioli & Paves/Binacchi OR EG/Comer) (First is a soloid casting, second has a hole all the way through the casting directly behind the u-joint)

They ARE NOT supposed to adjust to 1-3/32nds".

The B & P/ Binacchi adjusts to 1.10".(28mm) EG/Comer adjusts to 1.26"(32mm) (per Bush Hog shop manual on 286)

 

[Doc_Bob]

2 styles of slip clutches used by Bush Hog on 286 mowers. (Bondioli & Paves/Binacchi OR EG/Comer) (First is a soloid casting, second has a hole all the way through the casting directly behind the u-joint)

They ARE NOT supposed to adjust to 1-3/32nds".

The B & P/ Binacchi adjusts to 1.10".(28mm) EG/Comer adjusts to 1.26"(32mm) (per Bush Hog shop manual on 286)

Thanks! The instructions on the web page are "mistaken". In the a.m. I will go out and see what type I have. I am guessing 1.26" (<- I hope!) as the 1.10" won't work.
Bob

 

[Doc_Bob]

So ignoring them, every season, I loosen them all up good (just to where they are beginning to compress), drop the hog on a stump and spin it good to polish off the rust, then after it cools, I tighten each spring bolt/nut about 1 full turn. This leaves the springs longer than the recommended length by a little bit (maybe 1/16-3/32"). I check the clutch once in a while to be sure it's not slipping too much. You can tell because it will get very hot/smoke if it slips much!

Very interesting technique, I will use it and see how it works. I have been "touching" the slip clutch and it is not warm. Your advice along with the specs should result in something good.
Bob

 

[Doc_Bob]

Another question, how do I change the gearbox oil? Is there a drain plug on the bottom? If there is, then I assume I have to remove the blades and spindle housing? I took a quick look and did not see anything, but then I left the blades on and the spindle that the blades attach to.
Bob