Chain guard for a bush hog (rotary cutter)

theboman · Mar 18, 2012

What size chain, and what spacing would be best for a bush hog (rotary cutter)?

I plan on fabbing one someday and wanted to gather materials as I find them at the flea markets/swap days etc., to save a few dollars.

I was figuring welding the chain onto flat bar and bolting or welding to the rotary cutter....what ya'll think, your all smarter than me (but only when combined!! ha) and wanted to hear your input and advice so I do it correctly.

mjncad · Mar 18, 2012

I'd just take the easy way out and copy what the manufacturers are doing size wise and mounting methods.

sriddle1ny · Mar 18, 2012

Theboman,

I use to have a John Deere MX7 Series Rotary Mower AKA Brush Hog. I've included their parts list for the rounded rear Rear Safety shield + a pic of a rear shot. There are two shields, a long flat one on the front and the rounded rear, both fabricated the same.

JD cuts oblong slots in their mounting plate, installs a single link in that slot up from the bottom then runs a retaining rod through all the penetrating links. (an option rather than simply welding all the links). The plate is then mounted to the brush hog frame using heavy duty spacers (as seen in the PIC).

Looks like they use a 5 link Assembly, John Deer Part Number "W10443". The trick, to identify what type grade/size the chain is + the slot spacing. I'm sure an MX Owner can chime-in..........Hope this helps. :thumbsup:

theboman · Mar 23, 2012

Thanks... I guess I should look to see what a few have, up close and personal! I just don't wanna whap one of our critters, or ME, with a stick, rock, etc. that gets away from the deck...