? Modify 5' Howse brush cutter?

gotrocks · May 11, 2005

? Modify 5\' Howse brush cutter?

TBNers, please give me your thoughts on this idea /forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif

While I was enjoying the day on B-2910 cutting some weeds, I started thinking. /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif

If I could add two swivel wheels to the front and set them at the height I want to cut, then leave the top link off would I have a three wheel mower that would follow the ground curvature without digging in at times?

Thoughts and opinions appreciated. If anyone has done this pictures would also be appreciated. If this was attempted what type swivel casters would be the best to use and where is a good source for them?

Thanks to all for your ideas and advise.

JoshJ · May 11, 2005

Re: ? Modify 5\' Howse brush cutter?

If you use a chain or a top link that flexes, would that help your problem? Otherwise, with no toplink, you have no way to pick the mower off the ground completely.

gotrocks · May 11, 2005

Re: ? Modify 5\' Howse brush cutter?

Josh, Thank you for your reply.
I would connect the top link when I wanted to pick up.
Or just lift the front and let it roll on the tail wheel when not cutting.
I want the cutter to roll on three wheels and just follow the contour of the ground with the height set with the wheels.

txhawg · May 11, 2005

Re: ? Modify 5\' Howse brush cutter?

It depends on how fast your 3pt drops/ It would have to drop immediately to follow the ground contour

txhawg · May 11, 2005

Re: ? Modify 5\' Howse brush cutter?

Hey, gotrocks, is that tree on your place?

JoshJ · May 11, 2005

Re: ? Modify 5\' Howse brush cutter?

Maybe you can get away with a chain or a flexing top link (same effect as a chaing, just a smoother/safer method) and set it loose. Or.... if your mower has bars connecting the top of the hitch to the rear, some people replace those with chains and set em loose. Same effect. Any method would save you getting on and off, and should still work with what you want. I dont think your mower would roll too well on one wheel, esp. with directional changes. Cant hurt to try tho.
To get ur mower to drop, make sure your 3ph speed valve is for the fastest setting, and maybe you could add weight to the mower if it still isnt fast enough for what you want. Good luck

gotrocks · May 12, 2005

Re: ? Modify 5\' Howse brush cutter?

txhawg,
Nope, that tree is a tulip poplar and it is approx. 1 mile of the AT where it crosses OLD Hwy 64 out side of Franklin NC.
Last time we stopped to pay our respects, it was not looking very healthy.
Too many visitors have left their disgusting "trademark" in it's bark and roots.
If you like BIG trees it's well worth the walk down and back to see it . There is a parking area.

Soundguy · May 12, 2005

Re: ? Modify 5\' Howse brush cutter?

Lets see.. if you simple add the two front wheels, and remove the toplink, then you are still connected by the lower lift arms.. that's going to mak ethe mower NOT follow terain , but stay rigid side-to-side with your tractor.. though it could deviate up and down from the horizontal plane your tractor is on. A pintel style hitch and dual tail wheels would be closer to a drag style mower setup. That would let the mower follow the terain some. Keep in mind that if it is a wide mower.. that a dip may make one or both sides rub.. that's whey when you get to large mowers they aren't 'fixed' past 10' but are flexible or batwing. I'd much prever to have a 12'[ batwing than my 10' fixed deck mower.. just didn't have the cash for it.

Now.. in that drag configuration.. you have no lift control, and would need to add lift cys or turn buckles to the rockshaft the rear wheels wer mounted on, so that you could get lift ont he mower. Perhaps even have a center arching lift for the drawbar, or use a fixed tounge, and your 3pt drawbar with a pintel connector to adjust drawbar height.

Now.. since with a welder , anything is possible.. i guess you could come up with a 3pt connection that had pins that ran in a 3 or 4" slot on each side, and use that in connection with a floating style toplink ( slotted connection ) or a chain.. etc.. just depends on how much you want to spend to convert your 3pt mower into a finishmower with casters, or a drag mower.. etc.

Some mowers can be setup as drag mower. KK for instance gives directions on how to assemble the mower as 3pt or drag, using all included parts.. etc... that accomodates those old tractors with no 3pt lift.. like some old Farmalls and old JD's.. etc

Soundguy

Jagmandave · May 12, 2005

Re: ? Modify 5\' Howse brush cutter?

I had similar thoughts for my Howse 4' rotary mower, and tried adding some casters, but they just dug in too. I gave up and bought a ZTR to mow with.............