tulenutn2o
Platinum Member
Has anyone on here converted a tow behind rotary cutter to 3 pt? Got sticker shock today looking at new ones. I have a BMB 6' that I am thinking about converting. Any thoughts?
Converting a Rotary cutter
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RoyJackson
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It's really going depend on how handy you are. You can buy the draft link pins. You'll need several feet (probably 2-3 lengths) of 3/8th's strap iron and a way to cut and bend it (cutoff saw can cut it, oxy-atcetylene torch can heat it enough to bend it). You'll need to weld and drill some holes.
Measure twice, and cut once...don't forget that!
Measure twice, and cut once...don't forget that!
Diamondpilot
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It can be done but I bet it will be heavy. You will also need a tail wheel assembly along with the 3 point hitch assembly. You can make all that then shorten the pto shaft. I guess it all depends on what your time is worth and what you can sell you old pull behind one for.
I would guess a pull behind in good shape is worth some good money. Guys around here are into old tractors, many without 3 point lifts, and are always looking for pull behind implements.
Chris
I would guess a pull behind in good shape is worth some good money. Guys around here are into old tractors, many without 3 point lifts, and are always looking for pull behind implements.
Chris
OP
tulenutn2o
Platinum Member
I like to think I can do anything. I am always out for suggestions and new ideas. I was hoping that someone had figured out a way to snap fingers and have it magically appear finished.:laughing: I was out mowing yesterday with it and it really is a PITA to mow with. So I figured it needed a new paintjob anyway............ I am off to sell some scrap tomorrow and fill my cart with the needed metal.
Maybe I'll sharpen blades while I'm at it.
OP
tulenutn2o
Platinum Member
That is a good point. As I came to own the thing for the same reason. But, I know the parts in this are quality, not so sure about newer stuff. Left hand is fightin with the right on this one. How wide a tail wheel do ya think? I'll weigh the pros, cons, and suggestions and have a few cold ones while doing so.
beenthere
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I converted one to 3 ph, and don't recall anything special---was a few years ago. Still have the tongue that I removed. Made an arch and plumbed in the three attachment points. Now would be easier, as I have the iMatch qh. Will likely depend on what the framework is on the cutter now, as to how simple it would be to do yourself. Either good drill bits or a welder should do it.
6011Artist
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As far as the tail wheel, I have a light weight bush hog and a heavy bush hog brand older machine. I left the wheel on the heavy one but removed the wheel from the lighter one. The wheel sometimes doesn't trail properly and cuts a rut. My tractor is heavy enough to carry the mower without any problem but on a light tractor the wheel might be needed.
As far as building the 3ph structure on the front of the mower, I have built 1 set for a box blade. But never again will I do this. The ready made ones are heat treated and not that expensive. I find that sometimes the cheapest way isn't always the cheapest way. And in order to get the bends acurate, you have to bend them in a press, which I have, but it was very time consuming.
As far as building the 3ph structure on the front of the mower, I have built 1 set for a box blade. But never again will I do this. The ready made ones are heat treated and not that expensive. I find that sometimes the cheapest way isn't always the cheapest way. And in order to get the bends acurate, you have to bend them in a press, which I have, but it was very time consuming.
RoyJackson
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Pull behind cutters already have tailwheels...ones I've seen had two, actually.
After reading some of these posts, I wonder if it would be easier and cheaper to buy an old beat up 3PH implement off Craigslist and salvage as much as you could (for converting the to behind cutter)?
OP
tulenutn2o
Platinum Member
Have been looking hard at craigslist. Also found pic of BMB xl-6 like mine but 3pt. Looks like their approach was indeed heavy, with lots of abuse in mind. What I do not want to do is sell this and not find a DEAL on a 3pt unit.
That would not be good. I was going to build a 3 pt frame for a couple of other imps anyway, maybe this can wait.If I convert, I would make it a bolt on so could be switched back. A convertible. With all the rain here lately, I'm mowing and bush-hogging and nothin else. Maybe I'll sell the cutter and get some goats or sheep.. Of course with that comes fencing,etc. to keep them where they belong.................hmmm.
jimgerken
Veteran Member
I don't know how big of a mower you'd like to own or what your budget is, but I bought a Woods Brushbull 60 inch for about $1200 new a year ago. If your pull type is worth 500 on trade or outright sale, you trade up for 700 or so.
