PTO 'string cutter' ?

[Soundguy]

I've seen a 'chain' cutter setup.. kinda a cross between a flail and a brush hog.. pretty much beats rought weeds into submission so another mower can finish it off..

soundguy

While what I really want is a bush hawg, I am toying with the idea of making a glorified 'PTO string cutter' as I think I have the necessary components.

I have a gravely 90 deg gear box that came from a bush hog type tool attachement as well as an assortement of PTO shafts to drive the gear head.

My idea is to weld up a suitable 3 point framework to support this 'box' and fashion a head to attach a cable holder (might be a couple of big washers that would 'clamp' a cable (maybe HD nylon cord or even wire rope).

What I need to 'cut' is ditch growth alongside of my driveways that consist mainly of reeds, berry bushes and generally less than 1 inch new growth.

The gear box is close to a one to one ratio but my tractor has 3 PTO speeds, 550, 750 and I seem to recall the other is a little over 1000 rpm.

What speeds do bush hogs generally spin?

What chances do I have of success?

Anyone ever do a similar project?

What suggests to me that this should be feasable is the fact that there exists self powered walk-behind (8-12hp range) units of this type often demonstrated on TV.

 

[schmism]

I need to get 4 to 6 feet out from the rear tire.
This thing and others i've seen similar to it won't do that.

ok but its a great base to start from. just extend it out another 4-6'. its relitivly light weight (belt drive) means it should be easy to do.


/me goes hunting for that ditch cutter thread thats been floating around for like 2 years now... i wonder if that guy ever finished his.

edit, oh found it http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/...ank-mower-build-2.html?highlight=ditch+cutter

 

[LBrown59]

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wonder why they don't make them that way in the first place?


//www.tractorbynet.com/forums/build-yourself/89067-ditch-

bank-mower-build-2.html?highlight=ditch+cutter[/url]

``````

 

[Tom_H]

If you look closely at those photos, the cutter is close to the rear wheel in one, but several feet past the wheel in the other. The distance the head extends laterally from the 3ph appears to be adjustable.

If you check the "attachments" forum, there was a thread a couple of weeks ago in which I posted links to this same pto model as well as some gas engine tow behinds that are very similar.

 

[MReeb]

For all the engineering that would be involved in making the PTO trimmer, why not just mount an old used push mower (or two) off of an adjustable arm. My neighbour has cut his ditchbank for years with a pushmower tied to a rope. The mower doesn't seem to have an issue with oil, etc... running on that angle.

 

[LBrown59]

why not just mount an old used push mower (or two) off of an adjustable arm.

Right on :<>K I S S

 

[RobJ]

I think it's a cool idea and can't wait for the pics. On my weed wacker if I stay in the grass, the line lasts a long time, it doesn't last long when I'm on the edge hitting concrete.

Good Luck!
Rob