Bush Hog 296 question

[Rmd8136]

Picked up my new BH 296 to go with new JD5065e today. The dealer loaded it on my trailer by gentle wrapping a chain around the power head so as not to impart any load into the PTO receiver part of the head. He then lifted it up with a Ford tractor FEL and gently placed it on my trailer . My question is can the head structure and the 6 bolts that penetrate the deck take that 1100 load without damaging it? It looks fine and the under-deck of that 296 is very stout. I would have thought it wiser to lift at the designed lift points where 3 pt attaches and/or tail wheel. Any advice?

 

[dusty3030]

No worries. Deck is plenty stiff it ain't hurt and those bolts and gearbox are plenty strong.

 

[Hollow]

If you use a 296 for what its worth those bolts and gearbox will go through a lot more stress than that. I have an older 286 and the guy who had it before me beat the 1/2"x4" blades off it trying to clear an overgrown field full of rocks. I gave him $300 for it, put two new blades on and its been going strong for three years now. You've got nothing to worry about there but if you ever want to lift it again I usually run a chain from the adjustment on the tailwheel up to the toplink. The balancing point is just in front of the gearbox. Good luck and happy hogging!

 

[deere5105]

Picked up my new BH 296 to go with new JD5065e today. The dealer loaded it on my trailer by gentle wrapping a chain around the power head so as not to impart any load into the PTO receiver part of the head. He then lifted it up with a Ford tractor FEL and gently placed it on my trailer . My question is can the head structure and the 6 bolts that penetrate the deck take that 1100 load without damaging it? It looks fine and the under-deck of that 296 is very stout. I would have thought it wiser to lift at the designed lift points where 3 pt attaches and/or tail wheel. Any advice?

I typically put my bucket lip up to the lower lift arm pins and chain around where top link mounts since this area was designed for lifting at this location.

 

[Zebrafive]

They used a forklift to load mine. Slid the forks under the deck, above the blades. I did the same to unload, but my forks were too short so I had to also run a chain from the from back frame to the top link mount.

I would say no worries, but rather they used a sling than a chain.

 

[ssls6]

I have a 286 (actually just serviced it yesterday) and the gearbox/bolt ring would hold many tons versus the 1000lbs of mower. These models are built like tanks. Other than paint marks, I would not worry one bit.

 

[fieldman12]

I have a 286 (actually just serviced it yesterday) and the gearbox/bolt ring would hold many tons versus the 1000lbs of mower. These models are built like tanks. Other than paint marks, I would not worry one bit.

Just curious but what does a new 296 6 foot hog cost new?

 

[Piston]

You bought a really nice cutter and a good match for your horsepower. Are you planning on mowing down small forests? I have a similar cutter that is built extremely close in specs and it is absolutely built like a tank. There really isn't much you can do to hurt a heavy duty rotary cutter like yours. (even though BH calls them medium duty, they're more heavy duty that even some so called "extreme duty" cutters from other manufacturers.

We'll wait for pics.

 

[Rmd8136]

My gear box does not have a dipstick. It has a fill plug on top with what looks like a breather cap (?) and also an Allen plug on side for level check (fill until runs out hole). My shaft has shields on each end with chain stays to keep plastic tube and shields from rotating. There is a grease fitting on each shield with no dust seal. Do you put grease in shield fitting? Another fella told me to not use chain stays and let shields rotate? The dealer only pointed out the u-joint grease fittings (2) along with 2 tail wheel fittings. Is it dumb to let shields rotate or should they be stayed and ride on grease layer. I would think without a bearing the plastic would glaze over even if greased. Like I said the grease fitting on shield has no dust ball like std grease fittings. Seems intent is to just get grease in there for plastic to ride on shaft

 

[Rmd8136]

I paid 2795 including chains front and rear. It looks very stout.

 

[Rmd8136]

I will use cutter for fire breaks and food plots. I will also be reclaiming some naturally regenerating area that get eat up with sweet gum saplings . These things reproduce like rabbits. I am new to tractors and implements and want to get something that will last. I expect to be cutting 1.5 inch stuff with margin for error in my judgment. I figured if it was rated for 3 inch I should be OK. I called Bush Hog and they claim occasional use for 3 inch. I just felt like for the money (2795 with chains) I was getting good value. I strongly considered the Woods 720x but could not find it that cheap. I also asked Bush Hog about their min PTO rating of 45 HP for the 296. I ended up with JD5065e (53 HP PTO) so I am OK regarding minimum

 

[Piston]

I will use cutter for fire breaks and food plots. I will also be reclaiming some naturally regenerating area that get eat up with sweet gum saplings . These things reproduce like rabbits. I am new to tractors and implements and want to get something that will last. I expect to be cutting 1.5 inch stuff with margin for error in my judgment. I figured if it was rated for 3 inch I should be OK. I called Bush Hog and they claim occasional use for 3 inch. I just felt like for the money (2795 with chains) I was getting good value. I strongly considered the Woods 720x but could not find it that cheap. I also asked Bush Hog about their min PTO rating of 45 HP for the 296. I ended up with JD5065e (53 HP PTO) so I am OK regarding minimum

You made an EXCELLENT decision and will be happy for years to come. Also, at that price, you got a really good deal for a brand new 296 WITH chains. I'm looking at adding chains to mine and its going to run me between 400-500 dollars for front and rear! I'm considering making my own.

 

[JHTFarmer]

No problem lifting that cutter with a chain or sling around the gearbox. That box and its mounting bolts are designed to take the full force of a 130hp PTO chopping down 3 inch trees.

 

[Rmd8136]

Should the plastic shields be anchored (need grease) or be allowed to spin freely?

 

[ssls6]

Should the plastic shields be anchored (need grease) or be allowed to spin freely?

My 286 came with shield chains to anchors the drive shaft shield. I normally don't grease the shield, been doing it this way for the 13 years I've owned it (bought it new for $1800).

 

[Rmd8136]

So the plastic just rides against rotating shaft w/o failure? Mine has plastic grease fittings with no spring loaded dust ball cover. I guess it polishes the surface and there is hardly any friction. Glad to know yours has lasted w/o grease. The dealer was very specific to point out u-joint and tail wheel grease fittings. But no mention of shields. The manual calls them out however. Does not sound critical

 

[deere5105]

So the plastic just rides against rotating shaft w/o failure? Mine has plastic grease fittings with no spring loaded dust ball cover. I guess it polishes the surface and there is hardly any friction. Glad to know yours has lasted w/o grease. The dealer was very specific to point out u-joint and tail wheel grease fittings. But no mention of shields. The manual calls them out however. Does not sound critical

I run a 10 year old JD MX6. Guards secured with chains and may have greased the covers once. Haven't thought much about it. Interesting question.

 

[ssls6]

So the plastic just rides against rotating shaft w/o failure? Mine has plastic grease fittings with no spring loaded dust ball cover. I guess it polishes the surface and there is hardly any friction. Glad to know yours has lasted w/o grease. The dealer was very specific to point out u-joint and tail wheel grease fittings. But no mention of shields. The manual calls them out however. Does not sound critical

When I saw those shield nipples I looked at them and decided a) the shield carries no load, b) nothing is behind to contain the grease, and c) grease caked with dust would do more harm than good. They are there to keep things from winding up around the shaft. If they do need grease then it is really not obvious to me. Keeping them clean seems to make more sense.

 

[Zebrafive]

There is one (Bush Hog 296) with front and rear chains on ebay. Says 2012 with 20hours use for $1950 in Hoxie, Arkansas

 

[fieldman12]

Thanks for the price info. I have a Bush Hog SQ720 which is the cheaper built model that is about 12 years old. It has been a good rotary cutter and my 5055E Deere plays with this 6 footer so you should be just fine.