Flow control or not, for sickle bar: Samuri/Sabre

[SPYDERLK]

Hey guys, I'm back, and the sickle bar should arrive this coming Tuesday.
I'll keep you posted as to any concerns as I set-up the unit for my rig.
I'm not sure we're any closer to an answer to my original question than at the beginning of this thread, especially since the two opinions currently seem to be at opposite ends of the spectrum as to whether or not to restrict flow?!:confused2:

I have seen no disagreement that flow should be limited to an amount such that the sickle is not a blur. High sickle speed is detrimental to the cut because material cannot get into the shear area well. ... And in the unlikely event something tuf did enter, the cutter stopping abruptly from high speed would see extreme forces. This would be from motor and blade inertia and have nothing to do with the relief pressure setting.

 

[Coyote machine]

I think you will have to restrict flow as the blades will be moving to fast for efficient cutting.

You can vary the flow and speed of the tractor as you test the unit for the best operation.

The speed of operation will change as you cut various shrubbery and limbs.

I think the flow should be adjusted to let the material touch the base of the cutting bar for the best cutting technique.

The pressure will vary as you cut different material.

Torque should be constant throughout the cutting speed.

You don't want the woody material to ride on the tips of the cutting teeth.

Thats my story and I am sticking to it.

Alright, so are you saying to hook the sickle up and try it on different types of materials and see how it performs? If I were to install a gauge to monitor what's going on where do you suggest it should go? On inlet line to motor?

I like your 'story', and by all means stick with it. :thumbsup:

 

[Coyote machine]

I have seen no disagreement that flow should be limited to an amount such that the sickle is not a blur. High sickle speed is detrimental to the cut because material cannot get into the shear area well. ... And in the unlikely event something tuf did enter, the cutter stopping abruptly from high speed would see extreme forces. This would be from motor and blade inertia and have nothing to do with the relief pressure setting.

I said nothing about the sickle's teeth being a blur in my statement above.
You insist you're right about everything you state and that what the manufacturer states is in your vernacular total B.S. You're about the only Samuri user replying to my thread, and because of that you imply that your opinions are better than anything the manufacturer, or seemingly anyone else can offer.
As the thread OP I'd like something from you that isn't in the form of you know it all and anyone else's opinion, including the manufacturer is nutz. This is NOT helpful to me in determining what I should do to get the best use out of the new equipment I've purchased.
Have you spoken to the manufacturer, ever? I have on two occasions since I considered this sickle. Over the years they've made some improvements to the bucket bracket and other items I don't recall at this moment, but are likely in my notes about the sickle.
They say that in some applications for particular uses on certain tractors there may be a need for a flow restrictor or similar, but they are vague about what constitutes the necessary parameters.
It's obvious that the best cutting would occur with that item deepest into the space between the teeth. The teeth are serrated and not able to be sharpened.
Now, if you have something that will tell me succinctly, and without convolution, whether or not I should try running the sickle with or without any flow restrictor or similar device, then please enlighten me.

 

[J_J]

I would install the gage in a tee in the IN port of the valve that is controlling the sickle bar mower.

My difference with the other guy is that the motor could develop enough force to damage the mechanicals of the sickle bar mower

The motor is going to develop its own pressure based on the material that it is cutting.

The other guy is almost saying that you can not break the machine.

 

[Coyote machine]

I would install the gage in a tee in the IN port of the valve that is controlling the sickle bar mower.

My difference with the other guy is that the motor could develop enough force to damage the mechanicals of the sickle bar mower

The motor is going to develop its own pressure based on the material that it is cutting.

The other guy is almost saying that you can not break the machine.

Yeah!
Can't break a machine.....:laughing: I've broken a few over the years....:confused3:
That's exactly what I'm trying to avoid. :thumbsup:
OK, a 'T' at the inlet to the motor of the sickle.

 

[J_J]

Actually, if you have a loader, I would put the gage in a tee in the IN port of the FEL and mount it so you can see it at all times.

That way, you can use the gage to monitor every hyd action and troubleshoot the hyd system.

 

[LouieJunior]

I have one of these cutters. Have used it with and without a flow restricter. What I've experienced is this...

I'm not using the saw simultaneously with another attachment such as my flail mower @ 540. I am usually traveling very slow ground speed with low engine speed too. My hydraulic control is momentary so when I take my thumb off -- the blades stop. If it gets caught on a brach that is too big, it is easy to reverse flow and it let's go.

The visual speed-check (seeing the blades) is pretty easy to judge and maintain using the throttle.

Check out my video on YouTube:

Samurai in Action - YouTube

 

[Coyote machine]

I have one of these cutters. Have used it with and without a flow restricter. What I've experienced is this...

I'm not using the saw simultaneously with another attachment such as my flail mower @ 540. I am usually traveling very slow ground speed with low engine speed too. My hydraulic control is momentary so when I take my thumb off -- the blades stop. If it gets caught on a brach that is too big, it is easy to reverse flow and it let's go.

The visual speed-check (seeing the blades) is pretty easy to judge and maintain using the throttle.

Check out my video on YouTube:

Samurai in Action - YouTube

Thanks for chiming in! So you say you've used the cutter with and without a flow restrictor. Can you say when and why you used or didn't use it? What the reasoning/logic is for use or lack of use?
I did see your video prior to your posting the link here. I must say I had a hard time viewing it - it seems really distorted for some reason? Not being critical- just saying it is hard to view; any idea why that is?

 

[LouieJunior]

Thanks for chiming in! So you say you've used the cutter with and without a flow restrictor. Can you say when and why you used or didn't use it? What the reasoning/logic is for use or lack of use?
I did see your video prior to your posting the link here. I must say I had a hard time viewing it - it seems really distorted for some reason? Not being critical- just saying it is hard to view; any idea why that is?

I installed it initially with a prince flow controller and soon had it adjusted "wide open" because of the slow operation speed. Maybe with a much bigger tractor, you'd want to have one in use.

I must admit it was difficult filming while operating the tractor and the sickle bar! Not a great clip -- but good enough to see the unit in use in my judgement! Next time I'll hire martin scorsese.

 

[Coyote machine]

Or have someone else do the video while you use the tractor/sickle.
I've got a Go-Pro camera, so maybe I'll shoot some footage when I'm up and running?!

So how long have you had your cutter and how do you like it; what do you use it to cut primarily?