Mowing Borrow loader hydraulics for flail mower offset?

FreedomFamilyFarms · Mar 25, 2017

I finally hooked up my Woodmaxx flail mower today and cut a little swath of grass just to try it. Too wet still to do any meaningful cutting.

I'd like to "borrow" hydraulics from the loader for the offset on the flail. Can I just unhook the hoses that operate the curl on the bucket or should I plan on taking the loader off completely. Kubota B2710.

Also, I need to purchase some female couplers for the hoses. Any favorite sources?

Lnk · Mar 25, 2017

If you have tight hydraulic cylinders, and in-line ball valves you might be alright. Without the ball valves you may not be able to unhook the lines. If you have them, curl your bucket, close ball valves, turn off tractor, move curl lever to discharge pressure. Then hook up side shift on flail. You will still have lift ability for your loader in case cylinder leaks down, you can still lift up.

Taking loader off to mow, even if easy, would be a non-starter for me. YMMV.

LNK

Texasmark · Mar 27, 2017

lnk said:
If you have tight hydraulic cylinders, and in-line ball valves you might be alright. Without the ball valves you may not be able to unhook the lines. If you have them, curl your bucket, close ball valves, turn off tractor, move curl lever to discharge pressure. Then hook up side shift on flail. You will still have lift ability for your loader in case cylinder leaks down, you can still lift up.

Taking loader off to mow, even if easy, would be a non-starter for me. YMMV.

LNK

+1.... No biggie. Connectors are at Tractor Supply.

FreedomFamilyFarms · Apr 2, 2017

Thanks folks. Ordered hoses with connections from Discount Hydraulic Hose. Arrived faster that I hoped. Just got them on and took the Woodmaxx for a test drive. Side shift is very handy. Mowed the whole driveway! Cylinders on the bucket curl are tight enough that she didn't drop. Only hiccup was failing to check the tightness of the hydraulic connection on the mower. Looks like I murdered a robot in the shop ;-) Probably rig the hoses up farther inside the operator station to keep them away from the brush on that side.

Fallon · Apr 12, 2017

Ya, rob front hydraulics. Be careful on curl (research regen & the issues it can present). I'd go for curl to leave lift working to move the loader up & down as needed for stability & clearance.

Keep us posted on how you like that Woodmaxx flail. Been eyeing one with hydraulic offset myself.