Rotary Cutter Bushhog Top Link Question

[eventer79]

I have a bushhog that I bought new about 2 years ago, but I am wondering if I need to loosen one of the top bolts to allow it to float better? It has a joint in the upper diagonal bracing, which is behind where 3-pt top link attaches, which looks like it should allow some motion, however the shop I bought it from who assembled it up, has that bolt clamped tight. I have since learned that the person who did that assembly is, well, let's just say - I wouldn't trust them any farther than I could throw them & I'm really bad at throwing.

Attached pic is it attached to my tractor. I have not been able to find any specific directions about this in the manual or from the manufacturer. But previous bushhogs I've used all had freedom in the upper connection (usually with the sliding u-connectors, but I don't have one of those) & it seems like this one is designed for that since it has those bracing wings on that diagonal?

So should I loosen that bolt so it can pivot on its own? Or other suggestions? Can a slide-y u-connector be added aftermarket? Thanks in advance!

 

[Peter 315]

Yes loosen the bolt....

 

[eventer79]

Nice, that is what I thought it might want to do, just hadn't seen one jointed like that before. Thanks!

 

[Peter 315]

I can push it by hand ......... you want it loose but not falling apart....

 

[tmcj]

What brand cutter is that? It looks an awful lot like mine, Titan Implements.

 

[1010]

Take that third arm off, and use a chain. Much easier on tractor and bushhog.

 

[Roadworthy]

If you loosen the bolt you should probably replace the nut with the self locking variety so it doesn't shake off.

 

[WranglerX]

If you loosen the bolt you should probably replace the nut with the self locking variety so it doesn't shake off.

Or drill bolt for "R" clip or cotter pin.... Many be double lock nut if bolt long enough...

Dale

 

[Ford850]

The nut looks like it is a lock nut, with a slight rim.

 

[TerryR]

The design was obviously for the joint to flex, so the factory parts should allow for it to be left loose enough to do that. I'd expect a self-locking nut or other arrangement that does that.