Brush Hogs and swaybars

[Chris_in_Oz]

Hey guys,
I bought a 5' hog for my Iseki and was told by the dealer that I didn't need to attach swaybars - just hang it on the 3-pt. This lets it swing L-R about 2' and it doesn't feel right.
What are your opinions on his advice? Apart from "feeling crappy" is there any risk (to me or the tractor) if I don't have them?
Cheers!

 

[sellercreek]

Personally, I would use the sway (stabilizer) bars. They make a big difference in keeping the cutter tracking correctly and just give me a better feeling about operating the machinery.

 

[Hooked_on_HP]

The less anything move around the less wear and tear you get. I also think it would make the tractor a lot more stable if you are on the side of a hill.
Bill

 

[Chris_in_Oz]

Yep - Makes sense on the wear-n-tear front. Might stop it digging in when I turn, too!?!?

 

[sellercreek]

Absolutely!! Restricting movement slows wear and tear and promotes stability.

 

[Chris_in_Oz]

Right-on. As soon as I get outta work, I'm going to go and buy stuff to fix this! (Did you notice how heavily I relied upon that technical term "Stuff"!).

Happy NewYear to all you guys!

Remember - Keep the shiny side up and the rubber side down in 2009...

 

[RalphVa]

I need the sway bars tightened on my 4010, because the brush hog would otherwise swing the lift arms to where they'd rub one of the rear tires. I also wouldn't want that 450# of so wandering around back there. On a hillside, if it suddenly swayed to one side, that could be just enough to send the tractor toppling. Sitting on a tractor with a brush hog going dangerous side up is not my idea of fun. With you in your seat belt, you'd hopefully stay on the correct side, but what it the seat belt let go or wasn't tight enough?

Ralph

 

[Lunk]

I've used a cutter w/o them (old 8N), and with (new Branson).

Get some and use them.

I'll add that you want to be careful how tight you make them tho...I don't think a little "give" is that detrimental, especially if you swing into something while turning.

Good luck and good cutting!

Lunk

 

[Chris_in_Oz]

Hmmm... Food for thought. I'll get them, put them on, tighten them up (but not TOO tight) and see how I go!

Thanks folks!

 

[TomWhite]

Hey guys,
I bought a 5' hog for my Iseki and was told by the dealer that I didn't need to attach swaybars - just hang it on the 3-pt. This lets it swing L-R about 2' and it doesn't feel right.
What are your opinions on his advice? Apart from "feeling crappy" is there any risk (to me or the tractor) if I don't have them?
Cheers!

I think your dealer needs to find another line of work. Reducing sway is essential in operating implements on the 3pt hitch.