finishing mower setup

Cord · May 2, 2006

Ok, I have a Woods RM-59 finishing mower that I'll be using for the first time in a couple of days. I've never used a finishing mower before and could use some help as to the best way to set it up. This mower has casters in the back and some skids on the sides - no front casters. The lower links are pinned to the mower, no dog bone links. The top link has a swivel attachment. I see there are also some key holes in the mower frame for a chain.

How do I set this thing so it returns to the same height? What keeps it from cutting short or tall when I go over a crest? The mower came with a block off plate for the left side discharge. If I leave the plate off, will the mower discharge to both sides? If I block off both sides will it discharge to the rear?

Tanberry · May 2, 2006

Most of the rm59's Ive see have casters on front too . I would think it woud be hard to get it ajusted with weels on back and plated on the front . Is it a new one ? /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif

Fredex · May 2, 2006

Go to www.woodsequipment.com - click on search for manuals.

Looks like there should be a chain from the toplink area on tractor to those chain slots in the frame. That is what returns mower to the same cutting height each time it is lowered. IMHO more likely to scalp than front castor wheels so be careful over uneven ground.

djradz · May 4, 2006

You will want to use the "check chain" setup for supporting the front. Many, including me, think this offers advantages over even front casters. See the attached photo. You will need some means of attaching at the tractor, such as the plates available through Woods, or other manufacturers or aftermarket check-chain suppliers.