Mowing Mower falling apart

WeedPatch · Jun 14, 2005

I've had a 1430 for about a year. It has 110 hours on it, about 70 of that mowing 15 acres of improved pasture with a 60" brush cutter. After only 15 hours, the bracket connecting the yoke of the mower to the attachment plate broke. My welder replaced it with a stronger version. I constantly have problems with the blades of the mower flipping and jamming against one another; I have to separate them with a hammer. Yesterday, one of the blades fell off, the bolt attaching it to the mower having sheared off. I noticed that the bolt hole on the blade was elongated; is this normal? After reattaching the blade, I advanced the tractor about 10 feet with the mower going before the pin connecting the mower to the attachment plate broke off. I think the disintegration of the mower is being caused by the vibration that occurs when the blades jam. Anyone have a suggestion on preventing that? Terry says I should have bought a bigger tractor, although when I bought the 1430, the salesperson assured me that it could cut grass.

RegL · Jun 14, 2005

I've got over 200 hrs of mowing grass, brush,rocks and dirt. The only break downs I have had on the mower are a broken blade bolt, a broken back wheel and a couple off flat tires. You should only be getting blades locked up on start up.If you turn on the pto at very low rpm's and if it doesn't smooth out as you increase the throttle, just shut the pto off. My mower has really taken a beating in the woods and field. What is your area like? Do you hit a lot of big stuff that don't move like bolders and stumps? I think thats the only thing that would break the parts you mentioned. As far as blades go, I think PT's are softer than some other brush hog blades. I know when I get them new they are straight but after mowing a while they take on a new shape, kind of like gull wings.So I guess the holes could get out of shape. Also check that the spacer that fits around the bolt in the blade hole is mounted correctly so the blade swivels properly.

WeedPatch · Jun 14, 2005

The pasture is completely level and there are no stumps or stones. Five acres is in coastal bermuda and 10 in Tift 9 bahia grass. Luxuriant growth, as we have in Florida. The mower does choke on the grass frequently unless I raise it (the mower) slightly.

blackwell · Jun 14, 2005

Install two 5/8-11x2 bolts with six flat washers on each in the two extra holes on the stump jumper plate, this will allow the blade to rotate forward and backward, hitting the washers instead of locking together. Be sure to install new bolts, spacers, and washers when the old ones show wear to prevent excessive wear. Always use the draft control instead of float when mowing, this will cut most vibration.
EB

BobRip · Jun 15, 2005

I had the blades lock up on my 422 bush hog as you described. I added the bolts and rarely have the problem now.

Bob Rip

cqaigy · Jun 16, 2005

<font color="red">Install two 5/8-11x2 bolts with six flat washers </font>

Ok say it slower for me. I think i got the 5/8 part, is the 11 the thread count and 2 how long like in inches?

WeedPatch · Jul 17, 2005

Thanks everyone for your suggestions. Terry sent me the part to repair the plate, plus new blades that appear to be harder steel than the originals. The holes for the attachment bolts are lined with a replaceable sleeve- clever! I followed your suggestions about creating blade blocks and the problem seems to be solved. I don't think I could keep this thing running without the help of you folks on this forum. Thanks again!