Opinion on Big Bee rotary cutter

[coloradotrout]

Thoughts on a 48" Big Bee rotary cutter? No longer available,but parts are. What's a fair price assuming gear box is good?

 

[jeff9366]

Big Bee in T-B-N ARCHIVE: BIG BEE CUTTER SITE:tractorbynet.com site:www.tractorbynet.com

 

[MESSMAKER]

I had a 60". It was pretty light duty. That is really what you need if a 48". It will be used on a smaller tractor. I would think you are looking at 300-400. They use generic parts.

 

[coloradotrout]

Thanks, what about a Howse? Someone painted over the Howse (orange). To me looks like Howse has more frame wear/damage.
48"
Big Bee $600
Howse $500

 

[coloradotrout]

FWIW, I've been using my finish mower for the type of brush I cut. I ease my way into stuff over 1/2". Mostly at this time it's just to keep fencelines clear. I'm just trying not to destroy my finish mower.

 

[coloradotrout]

Got the Bee. Gearbox seemed tight. Will drain/fill oil, spin 'er up and see.

 

[coloradotrout]

So far so good. Mowed about 2h.

Before, I changed oil, removed dish and tightened one blade bolt that was loose, replaced PTO zerks and greased, afixed pto shield, bought 4" pto extension (I have pat's easy hitches), pounded some metal back into shape.

Only annoyance left is the wheel wobbles.Going to see about straightening it.

One thing - when I turn the pto by hand I hear a slight click click click sound.

 

[coloradotrout]

So I spent some time on the clicking sound today. It seems to be coming from the gearbox. Turning the pto shaft by hand there is a click when applying rotation to the pto. It's the same in either direction. It does not click when no rotation pressure is applied and the pto is just freely turning. But as soon as I apply any pressure the clicking begins. It's a medium pitch sound, not a squeel or low thumping. A tapping sound. It's consistently rhythmic and proportional to the rate of rotation. Rotate slowly; slow click. Speed up; faster click. There is a tiny bit of play in the gearbox; maybe 1/16 of an inch.

Is some play/backlash ok? Any ideas on the clicking?

 

[K5lwq]

Can you disconnect the PTO shaft from the gear box? Then you could raise the mower up, support it and rotate it with the blades. If you do not hear the clicking sound then it is likely the U joints on the PTO shaft making the noise.

Having some backlash in the gears is a good thing.

 

[coloradotrout]

Can you disconnect the PTO shaft from the gear box? Then you could raise the mower up, support it and rotate it with the blades. If you do not hear the clicking sound then it is likely the U joints on the PTO shaft making the noise.

Yeah, it's a shear pin/bolt