New to me Batwing

[clee4020]

Recently bought a used woods batwing. I knew from the beginning that one gearbox leaked a little, so the previous owner filled with grease and one wing cylinder leaks a little. They don't worry me, but I know that I need to keep my eyes one them. I also know that I need to check the clutches. My first question is, I am curious to know how everyone would check the clutches. And my second question is what everyone else would check. If folds up fine, goes up and down fine, and cuts good.

 

[TripleR]

If he doesn't show up, check with Farmswithjunk, he mows commercially with batwings and I think Builder is buying one, so he can give you some good advice, there are others too.

 

[SLHawkins]

Clee4020,
I have a Woods Batwing too. Don't make the mistake I made and let one of the gearboxes run dry. I will post some pictures later. It wasn't pretty, or cheap to fix. Also, check the hinges where the wings fold. There is a long rod that runs the length of the mower. If the pins aren't in and the washers are missing the rod will vibrate out. Fortunately, it is real long and you should catch it before it completely comes out. ALso, check the locking pin on the PTO shaft collar. The springs can fail making it a bear to secure the PTO shaft. This is the case for both of my Woods Bushhogs - E320 Batwing and 7' Cadet Model. Even after checking and double checking, the shafts have worked their way off while mowing because the pin wasn't fully locked or worked their way back off. In general, keep keep bolts tightened, blades sharpened, and moving pieces lubricated and you'll be good to go. Woods are solidly built pieces of equipment that do an excellent job at doing what they were built to do!
Hawk

 

[Soundguy]

if you have a leaky gearbox.. untill you fix it.. put in 00EP grease to preserve it.

soundguy

 

[Ken45101]

If you store it with the wings raised, be sure to pin them up, do not rely on the hydraulics to keep them up. Also, I am cautious about walking around it when the wings are up. A failure in a hydraulic line and it could come crashing down on you.

As for adjusting the slip clutches, check to see if Woods has an online manual. BTW, clutch plates are standard stock items and inexpensive.

Ken