Drum mower problems

[PROFarms]

I’ve got a Fahr KM22 Drum mower. Was mowing yesterday and all seemed to be going ok but then noticed that it didn’t seem to be cutting well. Think that the belts were slipping? They were tensioned to what it suggests in the book and had been ok cutting the 15ac I’d mowed the day before. The tractor really seemed to be struggling to drive it where it would normally be ok as well!
First thing I wondered was is a bearing going/gone? If anyone has any idea what problem could be I’d greatly appreciate any help!
Already broken my ‘spare’ mower this season letting my father use it and him not greasing bearings it’s seized! Would very much like not to have 2 mowers break in one season!!

 

[Tx Jim]

Does back of belts extend out equal or past sheave edge? Is bottom of sheave shiny?

 

[PROFarms]

Belts are equal to the edge. Nearly brand new belts. Slightly shiny but not hugely on bottom of sheave

 

[powerscol]

Dull blades will make it struggle big time and speed when mowing. Check the blades. On my PZ 170 it is sensitive to blade sharpness and how fast I run. If I find out I am slowing down I know its time to replace with a freshly sharpened set. I keep three sets on hand. Its also important to have the blades be of equal weight on each drum to keep vibration down. Had it throw one once and scared the S out of me.

When off the ground and tractor off, spin the saucer - should spin freely, if not its and issue, You can also spin the knife drum and listen for noise.

Hope this helps.

 

[5030]

Not familiar with drum mowers but I tend to carry a handheld IR thermometer and use that to check bearings. It's saved my bacon more than once when round baling.

 

[HayDR]

The parts are interchangeable with your mower and a SaMESZ.

 

[Trillium Farm]

The parts are interchangeable with your mower and a SaMESZ.

SaMASZ makes good products!