Fixing used Rotary cutter blades

[BBerni]

Hi,
I own an old rotary cutters where the 4 blades are used. I want to load up the cutting hedge before sharpening but I not sure what rod type I should uses
Blades thickness == ½ in
Any suggestion?

Thanks a lot.

 

[Shield Arc]

Buy new blades! It's not worth the risk. The heat could damage the blades, and then they come apart. Just not worth it to me.

 

[Mark @ Everlast]

Buy new blades! It's not worth the risk. The heat could damage the blades, and then they come apart. Just not worth it to me.

What he said. If you've ever had one break or come loose, you'll not even consider welding on them.

 

[CNC Dan]

Yep. Like the others said replace them. Too easy to start a crack and have a piece get flung off at high speed. Could go through a car door, or the side of a house. Won't do your tires any good either.

 

[ishiboo]

Definitely don't weld them.

Larger gouges/etc. can simply have the gouged edge sharpened, they will still cut just as well.

Past a certain point they need to be replaced. They are not that expensive and last a long time.

 

[BBerni]

Got it!

Thanks

 

[Soundguy]

Have to agree, don't weld them.

I run a couple batwings and large fixed deck mowers. as much NOT-FUN as it is to buy6 blades at a time.. it's better than welding one and have it fly out the side or back of the mower and thru a concrete wall and thru the occupant and thru another wall.. yada yada

I seen a blade shoot out go thru a 500$ tire and hit a tree in a field.. and that one wasn't welded. just freak acident!

 

[7879fordman]

Hmm we have had a local welding shop build up the tips of our bushhog blades since 1969 and never had a problem . They add about 4"s where we have a longer wear period . The look like a one sided axle . It's cheaper for us to just have two sets of blades and have them retipped than buy new all the time . And we get long life out of the retipped blades on staying sharp . Not sure on the steel that's used but it stays sharper than new blades .

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[Soundguy]

i'm surprised they want the liability!

 

[Reyer Farms]

Hmm we have had a local welding shop build up the tips of our bushhog blades since 1969 and never had a problem . They add about 4"s where we have a longer wear period . The look like a one sided axle . It's cheaper for us to just have two sets of blades and have them retipped than buy new all the time . And we get long life out of the retipped blades on staying sharp . Not sure on the steel that's used but it stays sharper than new blades . Sent from my iPhone 5 using TractorByNet

They weld a new piece on the ends? Does it wobble or shake?

 

[Arc weld]

It sounds like they are hardfaced or they're using a special steel. The welding shop is likely following a special heat treating procedure to repair the blades. If they aren't is scary!:shockedefinitely not something you want to try on your own. A broken blade can not only go through a tire, it can go through you.

 

[7879fordman]

They weld a new piece on the ends? Does it wobble or shake?

No it doesn't wobble or shake .

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[7879fordman]

It sounds like they are hardfaced or they're using a special steel. The welding shop is likely following a special heat treating procedure to repair the blades. If they aren't is scary!:shockedefinitely not something you want to try on your own. A broken blade can not only go through a tire, it can go through you.

Ya I don't know what they use or do .

But they have been doing it for as long as I can remember . I know my dad had been having them do it since the early 70's .

All do is take a set and tell them I need the blades built up and sharp and they do it .

Have never had a tip break and the hog cuts 3"-4" trees like butter .

And ya I wouldn't try it myself . But they know what there doing .

It's a third generation place . They have been in business a long time as a welding shop .

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[mikehaugen]

And ya I wouldn't try it myself . But they know what there doing .

It's a third generation place . They have been in business a long time as a welding shop .

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That is probably the key. No offense to the OP, but if you are coming on a tractor forum to ask what kind of rod to use, chances are you don't know enough to attempt a diy repair on something as potentially dangerous as rc blades.

 

[BeezFun]

The place where I buy my PTO shafts also repairs driveshafts by welding them and rebalancing. They do this on everything from dragsters to earthmovers. So welding a lawnmower blade seems reasonable for someone with experience.

 

[Shield Arc]

Different types of steel. A-36 to HY-80. There is more to welding than running beads.

 

[Ken45101]

Hmm we have had a local welding shop build up the tips of our bushhog blades since 1969 and never had a problem . They add about 4"s where we have a longer wear period . The look like a one sided axle . It's cheaper for us to just have two sets of blades and have them retipped than buy new all the time . And we get long life out of the retipped blades on staying sharp . Not sure on the steel that's used but it stays sharper than new blades .

Sent from my iPhone 5 using TractorByNet

Wouldn't the "stays sharp longer" suggest a harder steel which is not as malleable and more likely to shatter? I'm under the impression that a more moderate steel is better all around in applications like this. I expect Bush Hog, Woods, Landpride, etc. have knowledgeable engineers who have optimized the steel selection in their blades.

 

[muddstopper]

Used to be a old machinst local that would weld blades together. He's been dead for 30 yrsd or more. I know he had a heat treat method he used but dont know what it was. He heated, welded, stuck in lime or sand to cool, and repeated. I dont know how hot he heated, what kind of rods he used, or anything like that. Never heard of any of his welded blades breaking. This is certainly not something I would attemp to do.