HELP ! rotary mower drags when loading

[Beavis]

I have an 18ft. trailer with a 2ft. dove tail. When loading my tractor and rotary mower, the mower drags on the ground. I have the 3pt. raised as high as it will go, but I'm looking for suggestions. THANKS

 

[SnowRidge]

Tighten the top link as much as you can while the cutter is sitting on the ground, before you try and load it. That should allow you to raise the mower higher. I have to do mine twice, once on the ground, and once with it sitting on the dovetail. But then, I back onto my trailer and need to get the mower high enough to sit up on a raised 4x4 up at the front.

 

[MrJimi]

I think you need to shorten your top link or get a shorter one and make sure your not on a hill, be flat, is your trailer level? If it is try and raise the front a little with hitch or what ever you have, my coupler on my trailer is adjustable

 

[Beavis]

Thanks, I will try to adjust the top link as short as it will go tomorrow morning before loading.

 

[john_bud]

There may also be different holes in the lower 3pt arms. Using the ones closer to the tractor will raise the attachment up higher.

jb

 

[Beavis]

Thanks guys, I've got it loaded and it went on extremely smooth. Also by lifting up the rear of the mower, it makes the trailer lights (low on the dovetail) more visible.

I'm off to mow; first duty with the new tractor.

 

[Highbeam]

Thanks guys, I've got it loaded and it went on extremely smooth. Also by lifting up the rear of the mower, it makes the trailer lights (low on the dovetail) more visible.

I'm off to mow; first duty with the new tractor.

That's odd. The mower should set flat on the trailer deck and not be doing any funny business supported by the top link. It sounds almost like you previously set the mower on the dovetail section of the trailer deck which could cause issues. Maybe now your trailer/mower combo is farther forward?

 

[Slacker]

I had this same problem. I removed the toplink and replaced it with a short chain and D-rings.

 

[john_bud]

I've had the mower sit up on the trailer deck then slide down slowly during transport. Finally dawned on me that the trailer deck was wood and friction was keeping the mower from sliding, so it would hang up. When it happens now, I either jump up and down on the mower like a monkey until it drops, or put a 6' long 1/4" steel rod across the trailer deck. The mower skids roll out flat, slicker than deer guts on a door knob that way!

 

[Highbeam]

One good way to keep your mower in place on the road. Also note flipping of tailwheel to reduce overhang. And yes, I can easily access the blades in this position to sharpen them. Plenty of room for a 4.5" grinder under there.