Rotary Cutter Modification

[J_J]

Here is what I want to do, I want to take height adjustable spindle wheels like the ones on most rear mount finish mowers and place them just ahead of the side skid plates. My brother in law/next door neighbor is a machinist and welder that can handle the attaching part. My problem is finding the parts and getting them at a reasonable price. Does anybody have any ideas? What I have found is the big 8 inch or more ones from zero turn mowers and boy are proud of those!

Thanks

Russ

Are you thinking about something like for the spindle and wheel set-up? You reckon they would hit your tires? I believe this was designed to cut banks/steep slopes.

 

[ruralruss]

Are you thinking about something like for the spindle and wheel set-up? You reckon they would hit your tires? I believe this was designed to cut banks/steep slopes.

Well not exactly. I plan to use 8.5 or 8.75 in diameter solid rubber tires. in their going straight position they will be almost touching the cutter deck. I plan on measuring it up this week end to check for turning clearance.

By the way, what is that, a leaf blower?

Russ

 

[J_J]

A two stroke engine mower for cutting banks and slopes.

 

[have_blue]

Yes I have thought about the weight. My cutter runs right at 600 lbs, it is the high end of Land Pride's regular duty models. The links below are for 2 wheels that may work for you. I am going to get 2 of one or the other. They have roller bearings and the smaller one a 5/8 " bore while the bigger one has a 3/4 " bore. I believe they will be able to handle the load.

I am also considering replacing my link bars with some high strength chain. That way all 3 wheels would be carrying the weight all the time.



https://www.surpluscenter.com/item.asp?UID=2009081307434014&item=1-3026&catname=wheels

https://www.surpluscenter.com/item.asp?UID=2009081307434014&item=1-3275&catname=wheels


Russ

Chain works just great. I don't know why the manufacturers would even fool with bars. Maybe they're cheaper than chain. (???)

Nice wheels! Thanks for the link!

 

[rhett]

hi ruralruss,
Your plans will work but like you state, kinda pricey and the fab modification needed will be complex. The center anti-scalp roller is a good idea to include.

I chose a different route to get a clean close cut with my howse rotary clipper and not having the side skids trenching. What I did and use is discussed in this thread Bush Hog digging . Keeping a rigid top link is important to me as it prevents the deck from rolling up towards the operator.

Be safe and think ahead, field brush clearing is the most hazardous and unforgiving task the average Joe will perform in my opinion.

 

[ruralruss]

hi ruralruss,
Your plans will work but like you state, kinda pricey and the fab modification needed will be complex. The center anti-scalp roller is a good idea to include.

I chose a different route to get a clean close cut with my howse rotary clipper and not having the side skids trenching. What I did and use is discussed in this thread Bush Hog digging . Keeping a rigid top link is important to me as it prevents the deck from rolling up towards the operator.

Be safe and think ahead, field brush clearing is the most hazardous and unforgiving task the average Joe will perform in my opinion.

I found the wheels at a great price from one of the sponsors here. Best price I saw else where was 2 to 3 time as much. My brother in law/neighbor is a very good machinist and welder. Most of the metal will be from scrap at his work.

I'll check out your other thread.

Thanks

Russ

 

[Kays Supply]

AgriSupply has Caroni castor wheels.

 

[Johnagain]

LandscaperPro.com - Tools, Lawn Mowers & Parts, Gator Blades, Belts, & Filters
Express Mower Parts- Lowest price on Lawn mower Blades and Parts for Landscapers

have what you need and at the best prices.

 

[SPYDERLK]

Increasing the size of the skids, and contouring them so they dont dig in is the most trouble free way to go while still keeping the ruggedness necessary for general purpose use.
larry

 

[BlacknTan]

Increasing the size of the skids, and contouring them so they dont dig in is the most trouble free way to go while still keeping the ruggedness necessary for general purpose use.
larry

I might try that Caroni wheel, but more and more I'm starting to think that spyderlk's approach is the correct one.