Using a finish mower on a 3015

[UpNorthWi]

I'm hoping someone can help with this problem.

I have a 3015 and a 6' Sitrex finish mower, about a year old now and everything works good.

I bought a Speeco Quick Hitch for it and now have 2 problems. The first is it seems to scalp a lot now and the other is a poor cut. The mower has 3 blades and seems to leave a small row of grass between the blades... so as you look back you can see where each blade has cut with a row of grass between each.

I thought maybe the blades might be in pretty rough shape after I cut the fields, and replaced with a new set but same problem. I'm pretty sure it started when I put the Quick Hitch on.

Looking through the manual for the Sitrex, it says to "adjust the tie rods so that lateral oscillation of the mower is limited:, it is advisable to maintain a lateral oscillation of about 2 inches"

With the Quick Hitch installed, there is no side to side movement and the tie rods are tight. I'm not sure if that's the right way to do it since I'm new at this and there is no instructions. Also, with my 3015, with the Quick Hitch on, I only have about 1/2 inch clearance between the tie rod and the tire on each side.

My question is, do I need that side to side play for a clean cut or is something else wrong?

I'm tempted to take the QH off to see if it will cut clean again.

Thanks for any help,
Tony

[vanisland]

I have an 1815 with a 4 ft Sitrex mower and it works fine.
No lines or rows where the grass isn't cut.
I have mine setup to allow about 2 inches of side to side movement, but I don't think this should make any difference. Seems this problem would be if the blades where a too small but you said it worked fine before you put the quick hitch on.
You should try taking the Quick Hitch off and cutting the grass see if it makes any difference?

[UpNorthWi]

You're probably right, I should try it again without the hitch. It's just a real pain having to adjust the stabilizers every time. I was looking at it last night and thought of a way to modify the hitch to get the 2" for side to side play.

It's interest that the blade cut does not overlap. There is about 1/2-3/4 space between the blades. I bought 2 sets of blades from 2 different companys and they are the correct length.

I've sent emails to American Equipment where I bought it and to Sitrex in Italy, I'll see if they have any comment before I take the hitch off.

Thanks for your reply,
Tony