Rotary Cutter ROTARY CUTTER

[flINTLOCK]

When I run my rotary cutter on my fairly irregular fields, I have been using lift arms and hydraulic toplink. Unit goes as the tractor, up and down hills and depressions. That causes high and low spots in cutting path. If operated using lower lift arms only, it would more closely follow contour of the ground. Is that a safety hazard or no-no for other reasons??

 

[Robert_in_NY]

You need to lengthen the top link so the rear rides on the tail wheel more. You will still get some high spots if you are going over humps and other things but it won't be as bad.

 

[RoyJackson]

I've done the same as flINTLOCK (disconnecting the top link).

Theoretically, that cutter could flip up (pivot about the lower links) and do serious damage. The same would apply to those folks who replace their rigid toplink with chain.

If the field isn't too overgrown and you're familar with it, I think it would be reasonably safe to disconnect or remove the top link.

I've read about a lot of cutter accidents, but I've never read of a cutter flipping up and hitting the tractor or operator.

 

[Robert_in_NY]

I have flipped the MD 172 before as it has a linkage system that allows the top link to float but is still rigid to prevent it from flipping. I have caught a stump and the base of some thick brush and it has lifted the rear right up till it bottomed the linkage out. I would not suggest you run without the toplink but everyone can do as they want with their own tractors and equipment.

The first time you see the tail wheel 6' in the air will make you understand the importance of the rigid toplink.

 

[skipmarcy]

Don't know if it's feasible on your cutter to do but the harp on my cutter is slotted where the toplink pin goes thru - about a 6" long slot. This helps tremendously but will still leave a slightly high spot in a really big dip. The hydraulic toplink helps you readjust the pin to the middle of the slot for varying terrain. When I eventually have to replace my cutter, I'll definitely look for one with this same style toplink attachment, it has always given me a good cut.

 

[IslandTractor]

I've done the same as flINTLOCK (disconnecting the top link).

Theoretically, that cutter could flip up (pivot about the lower links) and do serious damage. The same would apply to those folks who replace their rigid toplink with chain.

.....

I've read about a lot of cutter accidents, but I've never read of a cutter flipping up and hitting the tractor or operator.

Wouldn't the PTO shaft prevent the cutter from flipping up more than a few feet? As the cutter pivots upward while attached to the side linkage, the distance between the gear box and tractor PTO housing gets shorter. Seems that it would shorten the PTO shaft as the rear flipped up and then (depending on length of the overlapping parts of the PTO shaft) jam into the tractor PTO stopping the cutter from continuing to rise. Don't ask how I know.

 

[vallyfarm]

That PTO shaft will bend/split or the U joints will blow out under anything other than rotational stress. I would NEVER take the top link off. Get two piecse of 1/4 in flat stock and drill holes in either end. Pin one end to the toplink point on the brushhog, the other end to the top link. This will allow plwnty of "slop" to adjust to ground contours, while still preventing the hog from flipping around onto you. ALWAYS safety first! Mike

 

[JoeinTX]

"Wouldn't the PTO shaft prevent the cutter from flipping up more than a few feet? As the cutter pivots upward while attached to the side linkage, the distance between the gear box and tractor PTO housing gets shorter..."


That was my thought too. The only way I can see that happening is if the mount pins on each side of the 3pt mount are actually higher than the PTO shaft as it runs from tractor to gear box. This would have the opposite effect (of forcing the two pieces of the PTO shaft toward each other) and might actually serve to pull them apart to some degree. Even at that, though, it doesn't seem like it would be enough.

 

[Robert_in_NY]

The pto shaft is a very weak item to rely on as a safety device.

 

[Farmwithjunk]

The pto shaft is a very weak item to rely on as a safety device.

AMEN!

Although I can't fathom a bush hog ever reaching the operators station, I'd just as soon not have a spinning pto shaft as the last line of defense.