Howse 4' RC - can this be right?

[TBrown]

I just purchased a Howse 48" Rotary Cutter and took delivery last night. I had my stepfather pick it up from the dealer since it was on his way home from work, and was less than thrilled to find I had to do the final assmbly on it. Anyway, every rotary cutter I've ever seen has a pair of metal straps or chains running from the top of the A-frame back to either side of the gearbox. The Howse came with bolts and bolt holes for those straps, but the straps weren't there. I called the dealer and he told me that he'd consulted his Howse rep and the 48" and smaller Howse cutters don't come with those straps... the A-frame itself is all the support the deck needs.

I find this hard to believe. I think they should be there. It's not a big deal for me to add chains to it, but I the cost advantage of a Howse over any other brand is diminished if the purchaser has to buy the chain & clevises to make it strong after the fact.

Am I getting the straight scoop?

 

[jinman]

Howse used to have a wide (thick) A-frame with an elongated slot for the toplink to float in. If it is that style, I would not worry. If it has been changed to the similar style to King Kutter, it at least needs some gusset supports near the bottom of the A-frame. Otherwise over time, the A-frame may bend or twist.

You might look at the website for Howse to see if the cutter is pictured with or without supports. Also, you might check your user manual. If it is shown with them, then you have some "ammunition" to make your claim.