Field Mow'n in Maine - TC18 in action

Gatorboy · Aug 4, 2003

Re: Field Mow\'n in Maine - TC18 in action

You would be surprised how dull blades can be and still do a good job.

JohnMiller3 · Aug 4, 2003

Re: Field Mow\'n in Maine - TC18 in action

<font color="blue">( Some rocks did do a number on the blades though (didn't get a pic of them). I'll have to bring my big socket & pipe up next time to get them off for sharpening. ) </font>

I see you're mostly mowing "field grass", not hefty brush... and a rock or two... /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif

In about 10 years or so... maybe you can replace the blades (cheap enough)... but on rotary cutter blades, I wouldn't be worried about those nicks and bruises and sharpening for now... /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

F350Lawman · Aug 4, 2003

Re: Field Mow\'n in Maine - TC18 in action

Wouldnt sharpening on the machine put the blade out of balance?? All of the blade sharpening Im aquainted w/ was off the machine and they were balanced before being put back on. Seems that an even bigger blade would want the same drill. jimg

No more so than the "hacks" that are probably missing from the edges now /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif Just ahunch but I don't think these things are as sensitive about balance as the finish deck on a lawn tractor.

As far as speed with the cordless I bet it would be slower but a good Dewalt drill has quite a bit of torque and speed. I was thinking of using it more for touch ups to keep some sort of edge on then maybe do them nice at seasons end. I can lift the cutter, turn off the tractor and place a couple of 4 x 4s down and safely do it right on the tractor.

barticus73 · Aug 4, 2003

Re: Field Mow\'n in Maine - TC18 in action

I also leave my loader on when brushhogging. I like the idea of it protecting stuff from going into the radiator(like small sapplings). Seem to provide good protection for the front end of the tractor in high weed conditions.

Jerry

RobS · Aug 4, 2003

Re: Field Mow\'n in Maine - TC18 in action

Steve, I hogged this weekend with my FEL off for the first time. One field of ours is pretty rough and the FEL bounces around too much for my comfort. Took it off for a test figuring the front end would be too light but it was OK. Didn't steer quite as crisply but a light tap on the turning brakes corrected that. If I lifted the cutter all the way up for transport it would bounce the front end off the ground occasionally. I do intend to get some front weights as there are times when the loader is a hindrance but it was actually a pleasure cutting with a "naked" tractor /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

hazmat · Aug 4, 2003

Re: Field Mow\'n in Maine - TC18 in action

Jim,

The cutter mows a 48" path.

I don't know the exact sizes of the field, but estimate we did 8-9 acres in about 6 hours. I was going full tilt in low range (~3.5? mph).

I had to clean the radiator screen about once every hour. I could watch the temp slowly creep up from 3/8 to 5/8 of the green range. Never let it get to the red. It was full of grass seed each time.

jimg · Aug 4, 2003

Re: Field Mow\'n in Maine - TC18 in action

Thanx Steve,
One more question...is the mower fitted w/ a slip clutch or shear pin?
jimg

hazmat · Aug 4, 2003

Re: Field Mow\'n in Maine - TC18 in action

shear pin. It will get used infrequently - 3X per year. Didn't want to have to remember to service the slip clutch. Plus it's primary use is field use, not brush so I'm not too worried about breaking shear pins left & right. So far haven't had one go out. A slip clutch model would have been $70 more.

MarkV · Aug 4, 2003

Re: Field Mow\'n in Maine - TC18 in action

Haz,

Are the folks enjoying the new homestead? Looks like they found a nice place.

MarkV

hazmat · Aug 4, 2003

Re: Field Mow\'n in Maine - TC18 in action

Mark,

They are enjoying it. They are in the process of settling in. Just bought some mattresses last weekend. They need a bunch more furniture... I would have been nice to collapse into a comfy sofa or recliner after a few hours bouncing around the fields on the tractor. /forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif

Unfortunately it was cloudy this weekend, didn't get to enjoy the view of the NH Presidential Mountains.