Offset Flail Mower - PTO Angle Question

[farmermaker]

Hi folks,
I am in the market for a flail mower and this one came up the other day. It is both a centered and offset mower. It's the first time I see that type.

Would anyone know of the make? This unit is 60" wide. The seller doesn't know.

Do you think the angle of the PTO is reasonable? I'd rather not wear out the u-joints prematurely since this is going to see heavy use.

Thanks!

 

[wirlybird]

What tractor will you be using? Are the draft arms full length, I think 24 inches? If so I think you'd be ok.
You can also get specs on the PTO shafts to see the max angles recommended for operation.

 

[DaveMueller]

Spicer Driveline Operating Angle Calculator

Measure the angles of each component in your drivetrain, then use the Spicer Driveline Operating Angle Calculator to find the operating angle of each u-joint in your drivetrain.

spicerparts.com

Get out your grade school protractor and some paper...

 

[TmbrWlkr]

I have a UniForest 3pt skidding winch with similar offset. So far (8 years of light-medium use) hasn’t been a problem. Keep the U joints greased!

 

[farmermaker]

What tractor will you be using? Are the draft arms full length, I think 24 inches? If so I think you'd be ok.
You can also get specs on the PTO shafts to see the max angles recommended for operation.

Good idea. I'll do some research to figure out what is acceptable. Thanks.

 

[farmermaker]

I have a UniForest 3pt skidding winch with similar offset. So far (8 years of light-medium use) hasn’t been a problem. Keep the U joints greased!

Good to know! Thanks.

 

[farmermaker]

Spicer Driveline Operating Angle Calculator

Measure the angles of each component in your drivetrain, then use the Spicer Driveline Operating Angle Calculator to find the operating angle of each u-joint in your drivetrain.

spicerparts.com

Get out your grade school protractor and some paper...

Neat tool. Thanks. Do you know what an acceptable angle might be or does it vary wildly based on the driveshaft?

 

[TmbrWlkr]

Post hole augers operate at a fairly radical angle ............... less than that would be "OK"

 

[workinonit]

My Maschio Tigre 300 has hydraulic slide. The manual recommends no more than 10 degrees. That's not even reasonable if you consider offset and lift. But I try to keep it close by limiting my lift.

 

[DaveMueller]

Neat tool. Thanks. Do you know what an acceptable angle might be or does it vary wildly based on the driveshaft?

Sorry, no. I saw a quote from Spicer that below 1500 RPM, 11 degrees is OK. Given the low RPM of a PTO, and the fact that it was designed that way, I wouldn't worry about it.

 

[ruffdog]

It looks like the 3pt frame and pins can be moved towards the belt (~1 ft) cover so the pto wouldn't be offset, the mower would be.

 

[ptsg]

I wouldn't worry about it. These offset flail mowers are meant to be run that way.

 

[workinonit]

It looks like the 3pt frame and pins can be moved towards the belt (~1 ft) cover so the pto wouldn't be offset, the mower would be.

That's the design of it so that you can offset the mower. Regardless if the mower is square or offset the PTO shaft will always be offset one way or the other. It's no issue. The way it is designed. Mine offsets both ways.

 

[bigtiller]

Unbolt the 3pt mast on the tiller and move it over to the offset position and the pto will line up straight with the tractor.

 

[wirlybird]

Unbolt the 3pt mast on the tiller and move it over to the offset position and the pto will line up straight with the tractor.

Nice catch. I didn't notice the second set of brackets, until your post, to mount the 3 point rig in the off-set position. Problem solved!

 

[workinonit]

It won't line up straight but it will be less of an angle. But then you will always have an offset cutter. That would drive me bonkers.