Brush Hog noise when engaging pto

[dennis52]

I am getting a clanking metallic noise from my rotacutter (brush hog) when engaging my pto.
There is no noise after the initial jerk and the rotacutter is operating fine. I thought it might be the clutch starting to slip but there is no sign of overheating after use.

I looked at the blades which are in good condition, and they do seem to swing quite freely in the beam journals. Are the blades supposed to have a tight swing in the beam( like a lawnmower blade)?

Gearbox oil is fine and I grease the universals and shaft regularly.

The rotacutter is 11 months old and has done 215 hrs. mostly on horse pasture, nothing rough.

 

[devildog1]

I believe what you are referring to when you say metallic noise is the cutter blades aligning them selfs toward balance. This usually happens after the brush hog has been in operation for a period of time . It's caused by the de- bree clinging to the operational parts of the blade Assembly's.As you said after start up everything is normal, no worries it is normal.
DevilDog

 

[bigbull338]

as said its just the blades getting into alinement as they are spinning.

 

[dennis52]

I believe what you are referring to when you say metallic noise is the cutter blades aligning them selfs toward balance. This usually happens after the brush hog has been in operation for a period of time . It's caused by the de- bree clinging to the operational parts of the blade Assembly's.As you said after start up everything is normal, no worries it is normal.
DevilDog

Thanks devildog and big bull

I took your lead and inspected the blades a little closer this morning. They moved a little too freely in the journals and made a squeaking sound when rotated by hand.

I sprayed a little WD 40 on the pivot points, turned the pto on and the noise had gone

I tightened up the blade bolts, which were a little loose, to the recommended 150 ft lbs and that firmed up the blade rotation.

Also checked all the other bolts on the slasher for tightness and now I am back in business.
It's mid summer over here and you can almost see the grass growing behind you as you slash it!

Thanks you for the welcome advice.

 

[the6shooter]

wish the grass and weeds would grow like that here, hope the drought is over this spring and we can get down to buisness.
david

 

[babypp2]

as said its just the blades getting into alinement as they are spinning.