RFM adjustment help

ikline · Sep 13, 2004

I have a BushHog 72" RFM. I have used it all season with no issues. I took it off last week (which I have done many times) and just put it on this weekend to mow. As I was mowing I noticed the one of the rear wheels would spin occasionally (not the way it is suppose to). Actually both were doing it but mostly the one. It was digging in the turf at some spots. I checked and it appears hooked up correctly. Top link is loose enough to allow free movement. When it is one flat ground it is not really in the air but it seems like it is easier to spin then the front ones. Then I started to second guess myself and think did it always do this. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif

MicroPilot · Sep 13, 2004

I have an RDTH 72 also. Are the spacers on the spindle wheels all even? Is your adjustable lift arm on the tractor adjusted to level the mower from side to side? Are the lower 3PT pins on the mower moving up and down properly?

ikline · Sep 13, 2004

Yes, Yes, and Yes. But I will double check again tonight.

MicroPilot · Sep 13, 2004

Maybe get a straight edge and try to see if the deck is warped somehow.

ikline · Sep 13, 2004

That's just what I was thinking. I hope it is just an adjustment that I overlooked. A warped deck would sure ruin the evening.

KiotiJohn · Sep 13, 2004

Sounds like you may just have something restricting the tire rotation such as rust, debris build up or other problem. Often the tire will rotate as long as there's no pressure on it, such as having it in the air to check, but then put pressure on, it becomes intermittently a problem.
Try putting some graphite on all the moving areas of the tire and see if that helps after assuring there is not debris getting in somewhere and blocking movement. John

MicroPilot · Sep 14, 2004

If his mower is the same as mine all the wheels have grease zerks. The wheels on my RFM seem to use a lot of grease. It takes 6 or 7 squirts from the grease gun each time I use it to fill back up.

ikline · Sep 14, 2004

Yep, they are greased up plenty. Unfortunately, I did not get a chance to look at it last night. Not sure if I will be able to look at it tonight (open house at the kids school). I will check back when I figure it out. Thanks again

khd · Sep 14, 2004

Not sure if I understand about the wheel...do you mean wheel spin or castering?.

When I got my RFM the manual said it should be adjusted so that it is level when lifted by the 3ph. When down the hitch is all the way down and the deck rides free on it's wheels. I've not paid attention before and not let the 3ph down untill stopped and had an intermitten wheel spin and gouging before I realized what was wrong.

My deck goes on and off each mow and by getting it level when lifted I get the same reults every time.

Regards,
Kevin

MicroPilot · Sep 15, 2004

( Not sure if I understand about the wheel...do you mean wheel spin or castering?. )

I thought he meant castering, which would also mean the wheel could spin free.

( When I got my RFM the manual said it should be adjusted so that it is level when lifted by the 3ph. )

Level Front-to-back or side-to-side or both? I think it would only matter side-to-side, and then adjust the top link for proper slack when the RFM is lowered.