Kubota Trac Vac

[hagman]

I don't know if this is the right forum or not so if it's not I apoligize. I bought a used Trac Vac recently and after converting the hitch to a standard receiver proceeded to alter the home made mower deck attachment that came with it. I only did this as I compared the factory one and this one is real close in its construction. After connecting it when mowing I now have a problem. I can turn to the right all day and its fine. Attempt to make a left turn even remotely sharp and the vacuum hose hits and rides up over the tire. Even if I buy a longer hose I don't think that will be the cure and at $12-15$ per ft thats a rather expensive experiment. My idea is to make a bracket that attahes to the ROPs that would hold the hose over the top of the tire assuming that I have enough hose with the adapter that I would fabricate. TBN has more knowledge than any other website so I'm hoping for some ideas from fellow TBNr's. Thanks in advance for any replies that I get. I'm attaching photos of the tractor with the trac vac hooked up.

Hagman

B7610 Kubota w/FEL, MMM, Box Scaper & Trac Vac

 

[JackIL]

I have a Trac Vac that I use with my Ventrac tractor which is articulated. I use 2 support points for the hose as shown in the photo. One is mounted to the ROPS. My hose is 12 feet long.

In reviewing your photos, it seems to me your problem stems from the fact that you lengthened the trailer tongue so much that you don't have enough hose length anymore. You can either cut the tongue back to its original length or add a section of hose. You don't have to replace the entire hose. Purchase just enough for the added length. To splice the 2 pieces together, purchase a section of 8" stovepipe about 1 foot long from a fireplace store. Insert the stovepipe into each end and secure with radiator hose clamps. I have done this in the past with 8" Trac Vac hoses when a hole wore through.

JackIL

 

[babyfat]

your tongue looks to long the original is straight and shorter and also a pin hitch,

 

[zzvyb6]

I solved this same problem with my Woods Vac by using 2 slightly different size hoses. The one off the decks is 10" as I recall and the one on the suction side of the motor is 12". The 10 slides into the 12 very nicely and allows the expansion and contraction as necessary without having to lenghten or shorten a one piece hose. These is about 2' of overlap. There is almost no loss of vacuum.

 

[milkman]

My idea is to make a bracket that attahes to the ROPs that would hold the hose over the top of the tire assuming that I have enough hose with the adapter that I would fabricate.
Hagman

B7610 Kubota w/FEL, MMM, Box Scaper & Trac Vac

I think that is your best bet, then the hose could swing around behind when you turn left, just watch that it doesn't get cought in your lift arms. You could try and turn the adapter on the fan so it would point upward more toward the hanger you make for the hose also and eliminate the hanger that is on the tongue now. As you say that hose is expensive, you could possibly shorten the tongue after you get the hose relocated and get by with what you have.

 

[hagman]

Just in case anyone is wondering why the extended hitch length: If I shorten the trailer hitch too much my 3 point control arms get in the way when turning. It's a catch 22. If I shorten the hitch to get more hose length the arms will hit. If I keep the hitch length I'll need to add to the hose. But the advice you all have given me is great. I think I know what will be the cure and I'll post some pictures when I get r done.

Hagman

 

[638]

Why don't you tie the 3PH arms up, or just take them off??

ron

 

[53gravely]

Hose rubbing issues aside, How's it work? w/ leaves? thick grass?

I'm looking to build one like ToolGuy has.

 

[hagman]

53 Gravely,

I was amazed at how good the thing works. I have not had it long enough to use it on leaves yet but I mowed my property last week and it filled up about 3/5 full. I'm on 3.5 acres with around 2- 2 1/2 cleared so between the gator blades on the deck and the trac vac the grass clippings really were reduced substantially. It even picked up old clippings from my last mowing when the grass was really high. I was going to build my own also when this one popped up on ebay and the price was too good to pass up.

Hagman

 

[sandman2234]

Lay a broomstick across the rear of your fenders at the bottom of the ROPS,extending to one side, and secure it with a couple of bungee cords. Then hang a rope or another bungee cord off the end to support the hose. Give it a whirl and see if that fixes the problem (which it should). Then stop the mower, and remove the broomstick and drag out the scrap metal and build yourself a nice pretty one to clamp around the ROPS, using wing nuts so it is easy to remove.
Another way would be to weld an extension onto the discharge chute to get the the point of attachment at the centerline of the rear axle, and if your angle it upwards slightly, it will also give additional clearance, but I don't think I would go past centerline of the axle with steel pipe due to weight and it increasing the turning radius required. Plus you shouldn't have to buy more flexible pipe if you add that short piece of steel to the deck adapter. You will have to consider the weight of the steel pipe and it's effects on the deck. Too much weight on one side at the rear and the deck my tend to want to mow a little strangely.
David from jax