Bush Hog blades not swinging freely

[mjonesnh]

Have a bush hog brand SQ600 purchased new in 2007. When new the blades would fold up if needed and then unfurl to correct position. Last few years this has been gradually worst where they will not straighten out if they hit a limb or other object. Seems like it is getting grass and debris between the top of blades and the stump jumper and causing to bind up. Yesterday was the worst time I have had. Accidentally ran over about a 4" limb and caused the blades to fold up but would not come back straight. Has to raise mower up all the way and put jack stand under back of mower. Used 2.5 pound hand sledge to get them back straight. One of them required very little force but the other was very difficult to straighten out. plugged with grass and binding badly. When I change blades I always put grease between blades and stump jumper and they swing freely then, then squirt oil on them a few times till the next time I swap blades. So, I guess my question is What are you guys doing to keep your blades free swinging. Almost 100% sure that it is grass getting wedged on top of blades but do not know how to keep it out from that area.

 

[Dwellonroof]

I would look and see if they have the wrong bolts? just a guess

 

[Tinhack]

I don't put grease or oil on the swing area (bolt). That's a sure way of creating grinding compound. I use a chain lube. Goes on wet then the carrier dries and leaves a dry Teflon coating. Too much sand in my soil here.

I never changed the blades on my Ford 954 cutter. Although I may to sell it. I was out of commission for a while after my new heart valve and my sister came over to cut numerous times. I think she had it set too low and didn't watch the dirt crowns along the driveway. The blades are bowed and dull, I think, from hammering the ground. The drive shaft ends are wallowed out I'm sure for the same reason. I just parked it and bought a 6-footer from the Tractor Supply.

 

[seville009]

My brush hog (MF brand) is over 15 years old, and I've never changed the blades or done anything underneath it. Have never oiled the blades.

If you can get under it again, look closely to compare the two blades connections to see if you can detect any differences between the blade that swings less freely to the other.

Maybe there's some twine or barbed wire wrapped around one that is hard to see.

 

[Doughknob]

I saw the post title and thought of younger years and tighty whities. LOL

 

[mjonesnh]

I don't put grease or oil on the swing area (bolt). That's a sure way of creating grinding compound. I use a chain lube. Goes on wet then the carrier dries and leaves a dry Teflon coating. Too much sand in my soil here.

I never changed the blades on my Ford 954 cutter. Although I may to sell it. I was out of commission for a while after my new heart valve and my sister came over to cut numerous times. I think she had it set too low and didn't watch the dirt crowns along the driveway. The blades are bowed and dull, I think, from hammering the ground. The drive shaft ends are wallowed out I'm sure for the same reason. I just parked it and bought a 6-footer from the Tractor Supply.

Considered what you suggested and ordered this: https://www.amazon.com/DuPont-Chain-Saver-Self-Cleaning-Lubricant-11-Ounce/dp/B001B0VDC2/ref=sr_1_6?crid=2UI9CJHXN3E5Q&keywords=chain+lube+teflon&qid=1658520681&sprefix=chain+lube+teflon,aps,81&sr=8-6 will try it next time I swap out blades.

 

[big bubba]

have back up blades? put them on, yours could be bent from the limb. check cond of stump jumper as well. stay safe doing the job, good luck

 

[Tinhack]

Considered what you suggested and ordered this: https://www.amazon.com/DuPont-Chain-Saver-Self-Cleaning-Lubricant-11-Ounce/dp/B001B0VDC2/ref=sr_1_6?crid=2UI9CJHXN3E5Q&keywords=chain+lube+teflon&qid=1658520681&sprefix=chain+lube+teflon,aps,81&sr=8-6 will try it next time I swap out blades.

That's it. The variation I got was the 14oz can.

 

[deserteagle71]

I mow 50 acres of desert once or twice a year...lots of dirt, dust, badger mounds, etc. so I have this problem also. To keep the blades swinging freely I drop the front end of the tractor down into a hole which raises the mower up into the air so I can get underneath it. I then move the blades back and forth until all the debris is cleared out - and I do this daily. Only way I know to keep the blades swinging freely - and it only takes a few minutes.

 

[Sawyer Rob]

I've seen this happen when the pins the blades pivot on get groves worn in them and/or the holes in the blades get elongated. That puts more slop in the blades to the blade carrier.

That allows more junk to get caught in the slop. Sharpening the blades will help too, so take them off and check for those problems.

SR

 

[workinonit]

I'm just curious why you change blades so much on a bush hog? I suppose you sharpen them too?

 

[mjonesnh]

I'm just curious why you change blades so much on a bush hog? I suppose you sharpen them too?

Change every year in spring. Pull dull blades off, put the sharp blades on. Sharpen dull blades and replace again next season. Some of the area I bush hog is quite rocky and dings blades up considerably.

 

[workinonit]

We don't have rocks so I can't speak to that but bush hog blades are not supoposed to be sharp. I bought my JD 609 in 2002 and I've neveer changed or sharpened the blades on it. But I don't cut grass with it either, so there's that.

 

[LD1]

Are they the correct blades and bolts.?

No worries sharpening blades if your just cutting pastures and grass/weeds. Only need to be concerned if you clearing tree saplings.

I always get a little grass and debris that may make the blades hard to move by hand.....but never an issue for the centrifugal force of the hog spinning at speed.

 

[mjonesnh]

Are they the correct blades and bolts.?

No worries sharpening blades if your just cutting pastures and grass/weeds. Only need to be concerned if you clearing tree saplings.

I always get a little grass and debris that may make the blades hard to move by hand.....but never an issue for the centrifugal force of the hog spinning at speed.

correct blades and bolts. grass cutting mostly, occasional 1" sapling. part of the property is bordered by woods so some deadfall limbs maybe 2 inches. any bigger and I move limb before running over it. After sharpening I flatten cutting edge to a 1/16 or thicker. Same as I have done for years

 

[3gunr]

I have had this same issue over the yrs with 2 of my cutters, If i am in the field i will reach under and spray some lube up their wiggle the blade a bit and it will loosen up, Go back to work.

 

[Cavjock22]

I have the same problem with a bushhog 3210. I even replaced the blades and bolts on one side and they too are hard to swing. My thoughts are my stump jumpers over the years have become pitted from rust. Like previous posts, I spray some pb blaster under there and it seems to help..

 

[hosspuller]

When I replaced the blades on my Rino 72, one of the blades was binding. Seems like the area on the stump jumper under the blade was worn. It was like a slight depression, that when I tightened the blade bolt, it forced the blade against the holder. I fixed it by putting a spacer between the blade bolt shoulder and the stump jumper. The clearance was restored, and the blade was free swinging again.

 

[Slowpoke Slim]

I guess put me in the camp that doesn't sharpen my blades or spray anything on my bolts. 5 years, few hundred acres.

Most of the time when I hit something, the blades will swing back and forth normally. Every once in a while one will fold up hard enough that it won't swing free. Then I just shut everything off and manually go under and swing the blade back to it's proper position.

 

[deserteagle71]

I guess put me in the camp that doesn't sharpen my blades or spray anything on my bolts. 5 years, few hundred acres.

Do your blades look anything like my old ones? They weren't cutting grass anymore, just ripping it. Quite a difference from the new blades!