JD 513 Rotary Cutter Problems (help)

[jchipps]

Hi,

Today I purchased a "used" 513 rotary cutter from a JD dealer. It looks to be in excellent condition. Paid 675.00 for it. Got it home and hooked it up to my 2040.
As soon as I engaged the PTO and let out the clutch, it sheared the shear bolt. (not sure if it had the correct bolt in it or not)

I stuck another bolt in it, tried it again. As soon as I let the clutch out, it sheared again !

I gave up and hooked to my old dull & rusty WOODS, and did some mowing.

Later, trying to figure out what was wrong, I read through the 513 manual and it does state that when starting the cutter to do so very slowly and at very low RPM to prevent shearing the shear bolt prematurely.

Are the 513's really that touchy ! Or am I doing something wrong ?

Also, what advantage does the "slip clutch" drive shaft have ove the shear bolt type ? (I read about them in the manual, but it doesn't really explain anything)

Can I purchase the slip clutch type drive shaft for mine ? If so how much do they cost ?

I'm having second thoughts about buying it now, but doubt that they will take it back since it was a "used" piece.

I've had the Woods for quite a few years and put it through some "terribly rough" use and never had any problems or any shearing of anything. Just hook it up and MOW.
I just don't want to be screwing with shear bolts all the time if that's how these 513's are designed.

Any info and advice much apreciated !

Thanks,

J. Chipps

 

[ronjhall]

jchipps

<font color="blue"> I read through the 513 manual and it does state that when starting the cutter to do so very slowly and at very low RPM to prevent shearing the shear bolt prematurely. </font>

I don't have any problems doing this with my 513. I have a slip clutch.

Here is a thread on 513 shear bolts.
Click Here

I can turn my blades fairly easliy with the PTO shaft hooked to the tractor and the PTO not engaged.

There was another thread on E-hydro equipped tractors shearing the bolt. But could not find it.

<font color="blue"> As soon as I engaged the PTO and let out the clutch, it sheared the shear bolt. (not sure if it had the correct bolt in it or not)
</font>
The correct size shear bolt is a M10 X 75, 8.8 grade cap screw and lock nut.

<font color="blue"> I'm having second thoughts about buying it now, but doubt that they will take it back since it was a "used" piece. </font>
If you bought it from a dealer it should work. Take it back and have them fix it or give you your money back.

<font color="blue"> Can I purchase the slip clutch type drive shaft for mine ? If so how much do they cost ? </font>

A PTO Clutch can be added. Here is a thread where a TBN'er added a PTO Clutch.
Click Here

 

[yellowsocks93]

I dont know the specs on that particular JD but those might be too big in terms of PTO horsepower for the 513 cutter. The 513 cutter is not a heavy duty cutter but a light duty one. That could be why your shearing the bolt. /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif

 

[jd110]

Engaging the pto gently is a good habit to get into for any implement. A lot of wear and tear is caused by engaging too quickly. A mower with a slip clutch is definately more forgiving than a shear bolt. If shear bolt failure is still a problem, the yoke and hub may be worn where the bolt goes through. Improper bolts can also cause problems either with shearing too easily or not shearing easy enough and causing gearbox, driveshaft or tractor drivetrain damage. Slip clutches can also cause these problems if they become "frozen" or are adjusted too tight.

 

[jchipps]

Hey, thanks everyone, for all the information.

I called the dealer this morning and told them about the problem. At first they were trying to come up with solutions as to why it would be shearing pins etc.

I just told them that I didn't want the headaches of the shear pin problem and that I'd like to return it for credit toward some other items that I was going to purchase anyway such as new tire chains, oil, filters etc...

They readily agreed, so I took it back. Reading these post and all the great information you all gave, helped me tremendously in my desision. (sounds like the only good way to run a 513 is with the slip clutch set-up.

For the time being, I think I'll just stick with my old Woods M5 cutter (still works fine, but could use some paint and new blades)

Anyway, thanks again.

J. chipps