What did I do wrong?

[NDAWIND]

Im new to this and want to learn what I did wrong to break both the sway links while I was bush hogging.

Tractor is a 4520 cab with imatch and MX6. I was backing into a ditch when it happend. I had both of the draft links in the float position. I thought I could back into a ditch safely and the cutter would move up and down as needed.

JD parts says 80 bucks or so for the replacements so this needs to be a one time learning expierence. Thanks in advance.

Darrin

 

[wushaw]

Obviously your top link does not swing or your not using chains so the mower can contour with the landscape therefore causing the mower to bind with the 3pt arm and bending yours as a consequence.

 

[greg_g]

You might find this thread interesting: http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/jd-owning-operating/39145-mx6-imatch.html

//greg//

 

[NDAWIND]

Thanks for the replies and I read the other thread. I thought everything was adjusted right. With the Imatch, it doesnt seem like adjusting the top link changes much, but like I said im new and sure have a lot to learn. Thanks again.

Darrin

 

[Jim_Fisher]

Im new to this and want to learn what I did wrong to break both the sway links while I was bush hogging.

Tractor is a 4520 cab with imatch and MX6. I was backing into a ditch when it happend. I had both of the draft links in the float position. I thought I could back into a ditch safely and the cutter would move up and down as needed.

JD parts says 80 bucks or so for the replacements so this needs to be a one time learning expierence. Thanks in advance.

Darrin

Darrin,

I have a 4300 with an MX5 - no iMatch. When I need to back into a ditch, I raise the mower and then lower it after I am back as far as I need to be.

That said, the only thing that comes to mind that is likely to break the sway links is trying to turn (left or right) when the implement is against something that won't allow it to move.

 

[thingy]

I don't do much backing into ditches but,,I have both my sway chains[side to side movement],adjust so there is a little play,,not much,but not tight,,have noticed on mine,,the side to side tightens up a little when lowered,,,I lower it almost to where wheel touches and make sure it can move back and forth maybe an inch or less,,,,also I don't use a regular top link when hogging,,use a length of chain,,it will still let you raise hog,[although not as much],,and let hog float over contour of the ground,,now I cut mostly tall grass,,and in grass you notice things like how well did it cut,,,brush you would be so apt to notice,or care,,,thingy

 

[Opti-Mist]

If you are using solid stabilizer bars (anti-sway bars), you will place them into compression when backing up. An "overload" will cause them to "bend" and/or break.

 

[NDAWIND]

If you are using solid stabilizer bars (anti-sway bars), you will place them into compression when backing up. An "overload" will cause them to "bend" and/or break.

Makes sense, thanks. I will leave the cutter raised from now on when backing and lower it when I get into the ditch. thanks much everyone.

Darrin

 

[ruglad03835]

I don't do much backing into ditches but,,I have both my sway chains[side to side movement],adjust so there is a little play,,not much,but not tight,,have noticed on mine,,the side to side tightens up a little when lowered,,,I lower it almost to where wheel touches and make sure it can move back and forth maybe an inch or less,,,,also I don't use a regular top link when hogging,,use a length of chain,,it will still let you raise hog,[although not as much],,and let hog float over contour of the ground,,now I cut mostly tall grass,,and in grass you notice things like how well did it cut,,,brush you would be so apt to notice,or care,,,thingy

My last rotary mower ( I believe it was a Howe I bought new in 1985) had an elongated top link attachment point that alowed the top link pin to move front to back about 3". I adjusted my top link so when I picked the mower up the rear of the mower was about 2" lower than the front and when I lowered the mower the top link floated so the mower would follow the contour of the field I was mowing.

 

[N80]

The JD LX series mowers has a flexible mast that allows for the rear of the mower to have some movement up and down even with a solid top-link.

But, I don't see how any height adjustment issues could break his horizontal sway links. I can see how backing against something imovable could push them both 'apart' but I honestly would have thought something on the mower would bend or break before the sway links. It also seems like the amount of straight back force needed to break the links would be obvious to the operator. If backing into something the tractor should bog, at least a little.