Any do's and don'ts for a rear finish mower?

[bullet3z]

So I just picked up a Woods RD60 rear finish mower. I wanted to go with the MMM but got a great deal on the RFM. So this being the 1st time I ever used a RFM are there any do's or do not's when using this type of mower?

Also newbie question but is it OK to go in reverse when the rear PTO is engaged and cutting grass?

 

[bp fick]

Getting used to the geometry is interesting. The things swings out behind you like a tail. Learning to anticipate takes a bit. I think the RFM works best when the obstacles are least. That said, you will enjoy it. Wear ear protection. I use my iPod and Sony ear canals.

I could back up with mine. Got to have the chains (keeps) cinched up tight or it waddles.

 

[windy acers]

I HAVE USED ONE FOR OVER 5 YEARS. USE THE FLAT STABLEIZER BARS FROM TSC. TO STOP THE SIDE TO SIDE WAGING CUT GRASS ONLY! BRUSH AND STICKS WILL FIND THERE WAY TO JAM THE BLADE OR BELT AND BREAK IT. NOT FUN REPLACEING THE BELT. IT CUTS BEST AT HIGH PTO SPEEDS.USE A WOODS BELT. IF IT IS NOISEY A PULLEY BEARING IS BAD SOUNDS LIKE A GRINDING NOISE. MY KUBOTA DEALER CARRYS WOODS PARTS. THE BLADE BOLTS ARE REVERSE THREADS!!!!! YOU CAN GET BLADES WITH DIFFERENT AMOUNTS OF LIFT.KEEP IT INSIDE AND GREASED. EACH SPINDLE HAS A GREASE FITTING.

 

[bp fick]

Hey Windy Acres

Keyboard stuck on Caps Lock? :laughing:

I've noticed that half your posts, you type in all caps? Dude, take that keyboard out to the shop and BLOW IT OUT WITH AIR!!!

See? All caps looks like you are yelling.

 

[TomWhite]

I HAVE USED ONE FOR OVER 5 YEARS. USE THE FLAT STABLEIZER BARS FROM TSC. TO STOP THE SIDE TO SIDE WAGING CUT GRASS ONLY! BRUSH AND STICKS WILL FIND THERE WAY TO JAM THE BLADE OR BELT AND BREAK IT. NOT FUN REPLACEING THE BELT. IT CUTS BEST AT HIGH PTO SPEEDS.USE A WOODS BELT. IF IT IS NOISEY A PULLEY BEARING IS BAD SOUNDS LIKE A GRINDING NOISE. MY KUBOTA DEALER CARRYS WOODS PARTS. THE BLADE BOLTS ARE REVERSE THREADS!!!!! YOU CAN GET BLADES WITH DIFFERENT AMOUNTS OF LIFT.KEEP IT INSIDE AND GREASED. EACH SPINDLE HAS A GREASE FITTING.

This is good advice, and I'll just add a couple of things.

In addition to greasing the pulley spindles, check the gearbox oil and grease the wheel spindles. If you did not get an owner's manual, go online and see if Woods has one you can download. You should be prepared ahead of time with info about the belt routing, belt number or size, and blade number or size. Nothing like having the belt come off and then trying to figure out the routing.

 

[ding2520]

I have a Woods RD72 that I started mowing with last summer. I found that while mowing a rectangle shaped piece, once the mower has moved onto previously cut grass I turn the tractor slightly. This causes the wheels on the mower to start to turn, then I reverse the direction of the tractor and the wheels on the mower pivot, it causes less damage to the lawn. The first time using the new mower, pick a spot without any obstructions and pay attention to the path the mower takes. You will have to allow ample clearance around trees and buildings or learn how to replant and repair.

 

[devildog1]

You will definitely like the Woods, It's one of the top three for long life and dependability.
I have had three different ones, JD, Bush Hog, and now the 72" Woods Heritage rear discharge. Yes you can mow in reverse, but as others have said make sure you use some type of stabilizer bars to keep it tracking behind you.
DevilDog

 

[bullet3z]

You will definitely like the Woods, It's one of the top three for long life and dependability.
I have had three different ones, JD, Bush Hog, and now the 72" Woods Heritage rear discharge. Yes you can mow in reverse, but as others have said make sure you use some type of stabilizer bars to keep it tracking behind you.
DevilDog

Can you explain this a little better? I have the 3 point hitch setup of course. But where does this stabilizer attach and could you post the TSC link?

I already found the factory owners manual at the Woods site.

I also noticed from a few practice runs that I will need the anti-scalper attachment that others have talked about. Where is a good place to get this?

Also, this unit sat outside on a equipment dealers lot for some time. It was a trade in and I think it came on one of the dealers trade in Kubota's since it is painted orange. I have to leave it outside for the time being due to no space for it inside. I am going to grease it the best I can.

 

[JHTFarmer]

It may be a heavy implement but do not consider it anything other than a lawn mower. In other words: it isn't a rotary cutter. Do not forget this. If used properly it will serve you well for many years.

 

[RoyJackson]

Can you explain this a little better? I have the 3 point hitch setup of course. But where does this stabilizer attach and could you post the TSC link?

I already found the factory owners manual at the Woods site.

I also noticed from a few practice runs that I will need the anti-scalper attachment that others have talked about. Where is a good place to get this?

Also, this unit sat outside on a equipment dealers lot for some time. It was a trade in and I think it came on one of the dealers trade in Kubota's since it is painted orange. I have to leave it outside for the time being due to no space for it inside. I am going to grease it the best I can.

If you rig your 3PH correctly, you probably won't need a "stabilizer bar". While the mower is on the ground, look at both lower links. You should see some sort of turnbuckle attached to both lower links and tractor's frame. Snug them up fairly tightly (BTW, before this, read about leveling your 3PH (side to side) in your tractor's operator's manual...this is done by adjusting the adjustable lifting link). That will limit lateral movement during operation.
As far as the anti-scalping, the Woods website should list this as an option for your mower. Woods may be the only source for that anti-scalp roller.

You may also read in that Woods manual to not back up or make sharp turns with the mower on the ground. I'd guess that's to reduce stress on the wheel spindles (since that Woods is a pretty heavy mower). My Befco manual has no such warnings (but my Befco 60" RFM is 200-300 lbs light then a 72" Woods). I do turn and reverse with the Befco every time I mow.

However, remember the Woods is a finishing mower (also called a grooming mower). Don't try mowing brush with it. You'll damage a very expensive piece of equipment doing that.

Good luck with your Woods mower...nice piece of equipment!