"float chains" for clipper?

[crewguy]

I just purchased my first clipper, a cheaper model LMC 6', for my Ford 3000 Diesel. I vaguely remember seeing a float chain setup on another 3000. Does anyone know what I'm talking about? This setup would take away the clipper's dependency on the 3 point hitch to hold the correct height. Does this help?

 

[tommu56]

crewguy
The ones I've seen have a 2 steel pieces you on the tractor side of the top link.
One hole is round the other is keyholed big on the top and just fits the chain on the bottom.
They were bent at an angle so they wern't straight and went down to the bottom of the A frame on the mower by the lower link pins
you lenghtened the chain to limit how far you wanted the arms to go down.


tom

 

[greg_g]

This setup would take away the clipper's dependency on the 3 point hitch to hold the correct height.

I believe you may be thinking of using a piece of chain in place of the toplink, to give the deck an opportunity to float. If yes, I strongly discourage this practice as unsafe. Yes, the deck will float. But have you ever tried to push a chain? If you accidently back into a ditch for example, a rigid toplink can go a long way to prevent the deck from flipping up and hitting you in the back of the head.

The proper method to float a three point mower deck is with a flexible toplink bracket. All but a few bargain basement mowers come with them as standard equipment. For those - or to replace those that the previous owners may have "lost" - simply buy a replacement from a reputable implement dealer or manufacturer.

If you're unsure what I'm talking about, I've got two rotary cutters and a finish mower. All three have flexible toplink brackets. I can upload photos for you to see them in action. Forget the chain.

//greg//

PS: if you're talking about stabilizer chains that prevent the lower lift arms from dropping past a certain point, I apologize. They're used for a completely different reason. But coincidentally, I have photos of them too.

 

[tommu56]

crewguy
As gregg said you will need a top link with some sort of sliding arraignment in it to let the rear of the deck go up and down (I call it a toggle)
The chains I described only limit how far the lower lift arms will drop and set the front cut heigth.
Then adkust the rear wheel to factory spects for angle of the deck on flat ground.

tom