Hello All

I can't help but grin (with no negativity at all) each time I see these described as bush hogs - probably because when I first joined this site, it took me so long to work out exactly
what implement it was!

We refer to it here in Australia as a slasher :laughing: Not to worry - I'm still learning American, but progressing well
Regarding damaged decks and "can-opener effect" either the deck sheeting on yours is a lot thinner than ours, or your rocks have teeth! :laughing: The only damage to our deck is from rust from living outside - looks bad atm - I'll get to it at some stage. It's 3mm (1/8") plate - maybe that's why it's so heavy! :thumbsup: It has been re-sheeted twice so far and needs it again

It is a 5'6" cut, a Campbell brand, manufactured here I believe. Although it's over 45 years old, it is in good mechanical condition, I must add it's got a huge gearbox, as well as a huge - 3ft or so dia; 3/8" thick - flywheel underneath and a slip clutch.
I wonder at the blades hitting the deck - they'd need to be severely bent. Ours are about 5" under the deck. I did bend them after running onto a short tree-stump concealed in thick grass.

Nothing else, only 3/8 x 3 x 12" blades bent - I had to remove them and press them straight again! :laughing: Took the opportunity to put a slight twist in them to give a little lifting effect, put a well-defined edge back on them and grease their 7/8" dia bolts.
BTW, I remember we had trouble keeping oil in the gearbox - the lower shaft seal would always seem to leak. We solved that by mixing enough gear oil with some grease to give it about the same viscosity as molasses

That has to have been at least 30 years ago ..... but it worked! We have never had to renew any bearings, and the gears still look quite Ok. :thumbsup: The same idea is great for manual steering boxes too - swo many times we find
all the oil has leaked out, then the box has worn out! Nowadays the real product is available - marketed as "Liquid Grease" - well worth keeping in mind.
