Bushhog SQ600 noise

[RexT]

Just bought a new Bushhog SQ600 and when I used it the first time it seems to have an usual noise coming from it. I checked the oil level in the gear box and it was ok. I was cutting some very tall grass in a pasture and wondered if that had anything to do with the sound. This is the third rotary cutter I've owned and the first time I've experienced this. Could be normal for a Bushhog brand I just don't know. Any ideas? /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif

 

[Bird]

Rex, I've never used one that wasn't pretty noisy, so it's hard to describe with words what's a usual noise and what's an unusual noise. I've only owned Bush Hog and Howse brands, but I don't recall there being any great difference in the sounds.

 

[normde2001]

I'll bet you never owned a Bushhog "Squealer 600" before.

 

[colestin]

RexT, I have been using my new SQ720 and have been surprised by how quiet the thing is. Not much noise at all! Hope your 60 is okay.

 

[Jagmandave]

My Howse is pretty noisy too, sounds enough like gear noise that I was tempted to take it apart this winter and see if a bearing was bad or something. But, that said, there's no play in it, it's full and it doesn't leak oil and , so maybe I'll just leave it alone!

 

[Travis_R]

Rex,
I also have a Bush Hog Squealer SQ600 cutter. I bought it new 4 months ago and man I love it. I haven't had any problems with mine, besides the rear sides bending in alittle.......nothing that my hammer couldn't fix! I don't have the noise that you are talking about. I've cut "cottonwood" trees up to 6 inches in diameter and haven't even sheared the pin that came in the cutter. Think something is wrong?

YOU ARE RUNNING THE PTO IN THE 540rpm RANGE, CORRECT???

 

[Jagmandave]

Guilty! I was running it in the next speed up on my Yanmar, only mowing grass and weeds, but not at anywhere close to full throttle, seemed to get a much better cut that way. I don't use it to mow anymore tho, bought a ZTR to do that.............

 

[captflx]

Many of the cutters use forged gears instead of cut. Forged are usually more noisy. I recommend returning to the dealer to listen to another SQ600 on his lot. Your noise could be a bearing or an incorrect gear backlash.

 

[MicroPilot]

Do you have the slip clutch PTO shaft? Is it adjusted properly?