Help with adjusting a bushhog on a L3830.

willy1947 · May 23, 2005

I have a 6 King Kutter bushhog on my L3830. It seems no matter how I adjust my 3 point configuration, it just doesn't cut right. I borrowed a 5' from a friend and it worked perfectly.

I was wondering what position my top link should be in? It has three spots to put it in. It looks like if I use a lower spot, I might be able to pick it up higher. It also looks like if I use a lower spot, then the "pivot point" on the rotary cutter will work better.

Right now I use the uppermost link setting. I set my top link loose so it will pivot and not bind up my tractor.

Is there anything I am doing wrong here? Maybe I should have titled this post "What are the three top link positions for" /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif

I have also tried adjusting the height of the rear wheel, but it made it worse. An especially bad problem is backing up. The cutter easily digs into the ground when turning.

Thanks,
Dave

texbaylea · May 23, 2005

willy1947

Check the manual. It has a table showing where to connect the top link. I have mine at one down from the top and it cuts OK.

Vernon

tcb · May 23, 2005

i agree, consult your manual, it gives details on all implements. i have mine set on the second pin which the manual approves of but i belive the top pin is preferred.

tim

Freds · May 23, 2005

Aside from my PHD, where I set the toplink at the lowest hole in order to lift it higher, all my attachments do fine on the top hole on the tractor.
You ARE adjusting the toplink length using the nut and turnbuckle type ends aren't you? Getting a good cut with a brush hog and being able to back up and turn without it digging in requires adjusting the toplink length, the rear wheel and how far down you lower it when cutting. It's a combnination of things.
Hook up your buddy's 5 footer again and pay attention to the position of the pivot point where the toplink attaches, how far you lower the three point and the angle of the brush hog... how far the bottom rails are off the ground.
It takes a little playing with if you don't want gouges, something that some people don't mind.

willy1947 · May 25, 2005

Thanks for the help. I tried tweeking it a little last night. I'm not sure I helped it much though. I'm probably expecting too much. It's really not that bad.

I may try my friends again, but his top link attachement point is a little different design. Mine has a pivoting "U" piece, with a welded stop on it. His is just a long oval slot.

Thanks,
Dave

Freds · May 25, 2005

long oval slot... interesting. I guess it would serve the same purpose.

MMM · May 25, 2005

The oval slot alows cutter to follow terrain a little better. Do you have chains from A-frame to rear of deck or solid brace? The solid brace will cause cutter to dig and scalp. You can use a length of chain with toplink shortened completely or replace solid brace with chain. I had a KK72-60 with same problem, among a lot of others.

rdbrumfield · May 26, 2005

shortening the top will cause the front of the mower to dig in.
I like to set mine up by setting the tail wheel first for height, then pick up the front of the mower to level, and lengthen the top link just enough to have some slack so the mower front is carried by the lift links. I find by doing it this way I can lift the front of the mower somewhat without lifting the back of the mower while still mowing, and still lower it in front if needed as I go over unlevel ground. Be careful not to lengthen the top link too much as when you pick the mower for transport the front of the deck will not come in contact with the driveshaft. As for the proper hole for the top link, it changes the geometry and the lower it is the more it will raise the back of the mower when lifted in theory, That can change too by the height of the top hole on the mower itself.

djradz · May 26, 2005

Is a revisiting of the "check chains" concept in order here? /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

Freds · May 26, 2005

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( The oval slot alows cutter to follow terrain a little better )</font>
Better than what? Better than the pivoting "U" bracket?
Without ever having seen the slotted style, I thought they would work equally. Could you explain how the slots work better and maybe include a pic?
Thanks.