Bush Hog Question

[Bill_Ryan]

I have a brand new Bush Hog SQ600 rotary cutter.

I used it today for the first time and went over some "small" rocks (hit about 6) sticking up about 2-5 inches in our rocky pasture. I'd immediately raise the cutter upon contact with any rocks.

After the last rock (sticking up ~4-5 inches), when I'd set the PTO RPM at 540 (recommended setting), I'd get a metal on metal sound so I immediately shut the PTO down.

Turns out, one of the blades is hitting the end of the bolt for the rear wheel assembly. The bolt was put on with head on the outside of the rear side of the bush hog and the nut on the inside. The bolt is pretty long (IMO).

Questions:
Did I bend something after that last rock (seeing as one blade is hitting end of bolt and other isn't).
I noticed that the blades have a little vertical slop where they are bolted on. Do the blade bolt nuts need tightening?
Did they put the rear wheel bolt on backwards?
Did I trash my new brush hog?

Note that the blade didn't hit the bolt previous to hitting rock.
I was mowing at ~3-5 inches (varying height depending on terrain and rockiness).

I'm think of sawing of the end of the now mangled bolt, tightening the blade bolts and then mowing again, but I want to make sure the thing is safe.

Thanks,

Bill

Bill Ryan
EnDeering Acres Farm
Deering, NH

 

[Bill_Ryan]

Just looked at the literature and the pictures show the rear wheel brace bolt mounted with the end on the outside and the head on the inside.

Seems it was put on in reverse....

I'll be contacting the dealership tomorrow about this (and the fact that my headlights don't work...dash lights work, but headlights don't....could simply be a blown headlight fuse...fuse box mounted behind instrument panel on TC35D - ugh!

Still would like input/opinions on my previous questions - thanks.

Bill Ryan
EnDeering Acres Farm
Deering, NH

 

[glennmac]

If neither of the blades was hitting the bolt before you hit the rock, and only one of the blades is hitting now, it sure sounds as if as if you did something to one of the blades. Can you lift the cutter up to inspect it? Are you sure you did not dent the cutter housing or whatever the bolt is attached to?

The first time I ever used my 72" belly mower, I hit a root that dented the edge of the deck housing, causing one of my blades to hit it. Was I upset! Dealer took pity on me and took the tractor back to the shop. He fixed it with what he calls his percussion tool--ie, a sledge hammer. Repainted it and sharpened the blade.

 

[Bill_Ryan]

Me again.

Just noticed it's missing the entire rear shield (black in color and mounted externally on rear of Squealer). Mounting holes are there, but no extra shield.

Do the dealers set these up or the manufacturer?

I better go over all the attachments and the tractor....sheesh.

Bill

Bill Ryan
EnDeering Acres Farm
Deering, NH

 

[glennmac]

The shield is definitely a dealer add-on, not a factory install. In fact, on the Bush Hog's, I believe it is an extra-price feature that you have to order.

Your dealer may have assumed you didnt want one, but it is unusual that he wouldnt have asked. Around here in CT a lot of people run Bush Hog Squealers without the shield. They feel that the cutter discharges much better without it and that you can back into brush much easier without the shield. That, of course, raises the usual safety issues, so you woulnt want to run without the shield if you are anywhere near people, pets or houses.

 

[Bill_Ryan]

Thanks glennmac.

According to the Bush Hog Web page and their product literature, the front and rear deflectors are standard on all models.

Bill

Bill Ryan
EnDeering Acres Farm
Deering, NH

 

[glennmac]

I stand corrected. I now recall that they are standard, but they can be subtracted off by the dealer for a price reduction. There may be a chain skirt that is a higher price add-on. In any event, the dealer didnt attach it.

 

[Bird]

In '95, the deflectors or shields were extra cost optional items, but have since become standard equipment. And the way they are shipped to the dealer, some assembly is required and someone put the bolt in backwards. Apparently something is wrong if one blade hits that bolt and the other doesn't, but it's tough to say what without seeing it. The bolts that hold the blades to the stump jumper are designed to allow the blades to swing on the bolt. You do want the nuts to be tight, but then the blades should still swing and have just a little vertical play.

Bird

 

[IndianaPaul]

Bill:

Regarding the headlights not working. You might check the male/female link under the hood & make sure it is well connected. When I got my TC45D, headlights quit working after about 5 hours. I checked the fuses (& yes, could be easier to get to) and they were fine. I ended up tracing wiring back from headlights to first connection, pushed them together tightly & presto...lights worked again.

Indiana Paul

 

[Bill_Ryan]

Thanks Paul...

Headlight problem was loose connection on headlight switch...fixed.

Bush hog bolt replaced properly and dealr is ordering me the deflectors free of charge.

Dealership handled problems well...I'm a happy camper again..

Bill