Beefing up Befco cutter

[lwparch]

Because I back my cutter into brush and saplings when cutting along streams and drop offs, the skirt was bent in so far that it was getting close to the blades. Although it is a "medium duty" cutter, I was surprised how easily it caved in. After pounding it out a couple of times with a sledge hammer I decided to reinforce it with some steel angles.
I used two 1 1/2" x 1 1/2" x 4'-0" angles for the sides and a piece of bar stock for the back at the wheel. There were already holes in the cutter for adding chains so I just used them to bolt the angles on. I cut one flange of the anges and bent them in my vice to fit the shape of the cutter. Total cost about $20 and took about 2 hours to install. Since then I have cut several acres of 2"+ saplings and brush with no damage yet.

 

[JohnMiller3]

<font color="blue">...it is a "medium duty" cutter... After pounding it out a couple of times with a sledge hammer... </font>

Hi Larry,

I can't see the model of your Befco... but it appears to be a "Standard duty" not MD going by the deck frame/web... (and a few other notable features...)

Also most MD and HD skirts... even the famous "Big Bad John" would have a tough time pounding it back into shape with a sledge hammer...

All of the standard duty cutters have thinner steel for the skirts (much cheaper, less weight)... you have a great idea with the angle iron, however it will only be as strong as the "weakest" component... which is the skirt in this case...

 

[lwparch]

John, you have a good eye. "Standard Duty" is what Befco calls thier lightest model rather than light duty. So maybe I was expecting too much out of it when it comes to clearing brush. But the angles have prevented bending of the skirt again so far. Thanks for the clarification.