Chains vs Rubber Straps for Rotary Cutter

[gwdixon]

What grade chain is usually used on these?

Chain grade doesn't matter much. It will not be carrying a load at any point. Any cheap 5/16" chain will work.

You may want to consider galvanized if rust puts you off. Even then, the coating will be nicked and point of rust started there as well as where the chain is welded on. Paint will work for a while.

 

[Snaker]

I need some on my cutter, too. Both front and back are missing.
I will have to make some sort of deck extension on the front to hang the chains from for clearance from the blades.

What grade chain is usually used on these?

Are we talking a brush cutter? I can't picture chains working in the front. You would have to extend alot to keep a length of chain from being drawn into the blades. That would take away the slashing effect that you get by having the blades stick out beyond the front of the deck. Right?

 

[gwdixon]

Are we talking a brush cutter? I can't picture chains working in the front. You would have to extend alot to keep a length of chain from being drawn into the blades. That would take away the slashing effect that you get by having the blades stick out beyond the front of the deck. Right?

I've never see the blades stick out the front of a rotary cutter.

The front chains can be made on a 3x3" angle iron to keep it far enough out front. Or you can cut off as many links as it takes in the very center of the guard to make sure it is not drawn back into the blades by tall grass or brush.

 

[Chilly807]

I just finished making a set of chain shields for my Land Pride cutter, I used 2 inch wide x 1/4 thick steel flat bar for the mounting bracket, and 5/16 chain. Even with the chain dragging on the ground it can't get far enough back to get into the blades. I haven't tried it yet, but it has to be better than what was there before, which was nothing..

Sean

 

[MESSMAKER]

I made mine from channel instead of flat to get the chain out front a bit. I used A bucket of chain from harbor Freight. I think It cost about $35. Cut the chain with bolt cutters and drilled holes every 2.5 or 3 inches. Bolted the link on and hit it with some thread lock. 3 years and about 100 acres ago and almost all are still there.

 

[TripleR]

I have owned/used both and much prefer the chains to rubber. The rubber on our Woods DS1260 is already torn off while the chains on my Land Pride RCR2672 are still in good shape.

 

[Snaker]

I've never see the blades stick out the front of a rotary cutter.

The front chains can be made on a 3x3" angle iron to keep it far enough out front. Or you can cut off as many links as it takes in the very center of the guard to make sure it is not drawn back into the blades by tall grass or brush.

I'm confused. Your comments made me do a double take. I have a 5' King Kutter "Brush Hog" style mower in the shed. I set a framing square on the flat deck top and dropped it down in front. The blade tips extend about a 1/4" beyond the front edge of the deck. I bought the mower new and have the original blades.

I've noticed other mowers like this and was told that it allowed the blades to slash the thicker stuff before it got crammed under the deck.

 

[eastexan]

I'm confused. Your comments made me do a double take. I have a 5' King Kutter "Brush Hog" style mower in the shed. I set a framing square on the flat deck top and dropped it down in front. The blade tips extend about a 1/4" beyond the front edge of the deck. I bought the mower new and have the original blades.

I've noticed other mowers like this and was told that it allowed the blades to slash the thicker stuff before it got crammed under the deck.

Your cutter is similar to mine. The blades on mine are less than an inch inside the deck.

If you order the OEM chain guard, it extends the deck surface out a few inches before the chain is attached. I plan on making my own up.

 

[moored4]

I'm confused. Your comments made me do a double take. I have a 5' King Kutter "Brush Hog" style mower in the shed. I set a framing square on the flat deck top and dropped it down in front. The blade tips extend about a 1/4" beyond the front edge of the deck. I bought the mower new and have the original blades.

I've noticed other mowers like this and was told that it allowed the blades to slash the thicker stuff before it got crammed under the deck.

I have never seen or heard of the blades on a brush style mower sticking out. If they did as you mention then it would cut a very small path in the center before going under the deck.:confused2:

 

[whistlepig]

In my experience chains are much better than rubber. The cutter tends to "load up" worse with rubber than with chains.