Rotary Cutter Modification

[ruralruss]

Here is what I want to do, I want to take height adjustable spindle wheels like the ones on most rear mount finish mowers and place them just ahead of the side skid plates. My brother in law/next door neighbor is a machinist and welder that can handle the attaching part. My problem is finding the parts and getting them at a reasonable price. Does anybody have any ideas? What I have found is the big 8 inch or more ones from zero turn mowers and boy are proud of those!

Thanks

Russ

 

[MMagis]

Maybe check local dealers for an old beat up finish mower.

 

[Bird]

Maybe check local dealers for an old beat up finish mower.

That sounds like a good idea. Does Tractor Supply Co. have such, and is there one nearby?

 

[BlacknTan]

Been thinking about that myself for awhile..
My problems are when the tractor is headed uphill and the RC is still down.. The front digs and scalps.. or finds a rock..
I was thinking one wide roller in the middle.

 

[ruralruss]

That sounds like a good idea. Does Tractor Supply Co. have such, and is there one nearby?

The finish mowers they sell have the perfect size. I went to King Cutter and found the parts but they come out to $200 per wheel. I think that is a bit over the top. I am hoping to find out who manufactures these and try to go direct. It looks to me like most mowers uses the same parts.

Russ

 

[ruralruss]

Been thinking about that myself for awhile..
My problems are when the tractor is headed uphill and the RC is still down.. The front digs and scalps.. or finds a rock..
I was thinking one wide roller in the middle.

The reason I want a wheel on each side is that my B3200 has enough power to handle a 5 ft cutter but the tractor is not as wide as the cutter. Because of this when a back wheel drops in a hole, that side of the cutter goes even further down because it extends beyond tractor wheel. You see I cleared a lot of planted pine trees out some years ago so I have a lot of holes in rows.

Russ

 

[BlacknTan]

The reason I want a wheel on each side is that my B3200 has enough power to handle a 5 ft cutter but the tractor is not as wide as the cutter. Because of this when a back wheel drops in a hole, that side of the cutter goes even further down because it extends beyond tractor wheel. You see I cleared a lot of planted pine trees out some years ago so I have a lot of holes in rows.

Russ

Sure, I understand... Different solutions for slightly different problems... I have to get up against my property line. My neighbor has old pieces of steel, pieces of leaf spring, and other items sticking up to mark the line. I like to get as close as possible.. One of the areas I thought of was the sides in the front for wheels, but that would cause me to stay further away..

Still tryin' to work my plans out..
I'm interested in hearing about your solution.. BTW, the BEFCO finish mowers have some nice wheels.. Don't know how much parts are though..

Good luck in your search!

 

[have_blue]

Here is what I want to do, I want to take height adjustable spindle wheels like the ones on most rear mount finish mowers and place them just ahead of the side skid plates. My brother in law/next door neighbor is a machinist and welder that can handle the attaching part. My problem is finding the parts and getting them at a reasonable price. Does anybody have any ideas? What I have found is the big 8 inch or more ones from zero turn mowers and boy are proud of those!

Thanks

Russ

Just some random thoughts on your conversion. RC's are a lot heavier than finish mowers, so the spindle wheel assemblies would have to be very beefy.

I bought a cheap "Howse Import" finish mower, and the wheels are just awful. So I've been looking all over for some 8" diameter wheels 4" wide, and there's just nothing. I can find plenty of 10 inch'ers, but they won't fit. I would have to modify the mower's "spider legs" to use better wheels. I'm also considering making my own spindle/fork/axle assemblies, and cheap 10" HF pneumatic tires.

I'm betting Bush Hog spindle wheel assemblies wouldn't be as expensive as you may think, but still pricey.


Please keep us updated on the project and your search for affordable wheels.

 

[ruralruss]

Just some random thoughts on your conversion. RC's are a lot heavier than finish mowers, so the spindle wheel assemblies would have to be very beefy.

I bought a cheap "Howse Import" finish mower, and the wheels are just awful. So I've been looking all over for some 8" diameter wheels 4" wide, and there's just nothing. I can find plenty of 10 inch'ers, but they won't fit. I would have to modify the mower's "spider legs" to use better wheels. I'm also considering making my own spindle/fork/axle assemblies, and cheap 10" HF pneumatic tires.

I'm betting Bush Hog spindle wheel assemblies wouldn't be as expensive as you may think, but still pricey.


Please keep us updated on the project and your search for affordable wheels.

Yes I have thought about the weight. My cutter runs right at 600 lbs, it is the high end of Land Pride's regular duty models. The links below are for 2 wheels that may work for you. I am going to get 2 of one or the other. They have roller bearings and the smaller one a 5/8 " bore while the bigger one has a 3/4 " bore. I believe they will be able to handle the load.

I am also considering replacing my link bars with some high strength chain. That way all 3 wheels would be carrying the weight all the time.



https://www.surpluscenter.com/item.asp?UID=2009081307434014&item=1-3026&catname=wheels

https://www.surpluscenter.com/item.asp?UID=2009081307434014&item=1-3275&catname=wheels


Russ

 

[cdhd2001]

Yes I have thought about the weight. My cutter runs right at 600 lbs, it is the high end of Land Pride's regular duty models. The links below are for 2 wheels that may work for you. I am going to get 2 of one or the other. They have roller bearings and the smaller one a 5/8 " bore while the bigger one has a 3/4 " bore. I believe they will be able to handle the load.

I am also considering replacing my link bars with some high strength chain. That way all 3 wheels would be carrying the weight all the time.



https://www.surpluscenter.com/item.asp?UID=2009081307434014&item=1-3026&catname=wheels

https://www.surpluscenter.com/item.asp?UID=2009081307434014&item=1-3275&catname=wheels


Russ

My KK XB 4 ft. rotary cutter uses two of the wheels/hubs in the first link. I have been thinking about doing the same mod to my RC also.