Lifting wings on batting mower while it running.

[jcummins]

I had a really beat up batwing when in Texas, and mowed fair bit with it. But I never really had the need to left the wings while pto was running, just went around things. The wing cylinders also leaked like crazy, so I didn't move them much.

Bought a batwing to mow around ponds and some heavier brush cutting. Replaced a sickle mower i was using. Situation is different and I'd like to lift the wings to go around obstacles around the pond. And these clyiders...don't leak!

Before I break something, what's the norm for doing this?

 

[rustyshakelford]

That's very very hard on the driveline. I think my Deere is good for 22 degrees or something like that. If you have to do it, I would be at idle only

Brett

 

[Fallon]

U joint lifespan goes down exponentially as driveline angle goes up. If I recall one chart showed 2,000 hours at 5 degrees or less & under 500 for over 20 degrees. Google a bit & you can probably find it.

 

[zzvyb6]

I had a really beat up batwing when in Texas, and mowed fair bit with it. But I never really had the need to left the wings while pto was running, just went around things. The wing cylinders also leaked like crazy, so I didn't move them much.

Bought a batwing to mow around ponds and some heavier brush cutting. Replaced a sickle mower i was using. Situation is different and I'd like to lift the wings to go around obstacles around the pond. And these clyiders...don't leak!

Before I break something, what's the norm for doing this?

A handy type could fit the drive shafts from a FWD car or truck into the wing powertrain and have no problems. Angles are good, power levels are good, rpms are good. You might only need to do one side if you can control them separately. Boots are fragile in that type of environment, they would need a shield of some sort.

 

[Rustyiron]

I never worried about it under about 45* lift. What's the difference between that and a hard turn with your tractor and the main PTO shaft? Nothing.

 

[rustyshakelford]

I never worried about it under about 45* lift. What's the difference between that and a hard turn with your tractor and the main PTO shaft? Nothing.

My main pto shaft has a CV joint. The wings aren't. As expensive as these things are I don't take any chances. And it's only gone over 100 acres...still has the new smell to me

Brett

 

[Rustyiron]

I'm with ya on still having the new smell :thumbsup:
My Woods b-w did have CV joints on the main shaft, but I have a well beaten older 8' twin spindle pull behind that received no mercy and was a simple u joint on driveshaft. I don't recall ever replacing or having any unusual wear over 20 years of ownership. This was my point of reference for that comment and I took the op's comment on a short quick lift to jump rocks & such.