Rough start-up for RFM

RickS · Apr 19, 2006

I attached my new 5' KK RFM last evening to my JD 4010. When I got everything on and hooked up I engaged the PTO at about 1500 rpm. The whole thing shook and killed the tractor. I tried again at 2000 rpm and again the entire vehicle shook but the tractor kept running, although it did bog down a little until the mower started turning. Is this fairly normal for a FM? It had been sitting on the lot at TSC for at least six months, and from the looks of it maybe close to a year. Could it just need running to help the belt flex easier? Once cranked up to 2900 rpm/540 PTO rpm it was smooth and mostly vibration free. I didn't cut with it, just let it spin in the air.

bjr · Apr 19, 2006

Acronyms and abbreviation here are confusing. I gotta know what's a RFM? bjr

RonR · Apr 19, 2006

Rick,

I'd loosen the belt to see if the spindles turn freely. A mower shouldn't hang up if there's not an obstruction. I'd also check the gear oil (if it has that) and/or grease it well.

A stiff belt shouldn't cause that I don't think. With the belt loose or off, the spindles should spin easily. If not, I'd take it back. Or insist on new spindles and more discount.

If it doesn't rotate freely on its own, I'd be concerned that it might have rusted bearings..................

Rear Finish Mower.

ron

MrJimi · Apr 19, 2006

( Acronyms and abbreviation here are confusing. I gotta know what's a RFM? bjr )

Just being a newbie here? I would suggest
RFM=rotary field mower?
Jim /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

sweettractors · Apr 19, 2006

I would suggest starting at a lower rpm and after it starts turning, increase speed from there--Ken Sweet

Sweet Farm Equipment LLC *New 4-5-6-7 Ft First Choice Finish Mowers in stock today*

Jagmandave · Apr 19, 2006

RFM = rear finish mower, I think...........

When I used to start up my bush hog, it took the rpm down a bit till it came up to speed, but this doesn't sound right for a tractor powered unit unless it's a really big one!

Soundguy · Apr 19, 2006

( I engaged the PTO at about 1500 rpm. The whole thing shook and killed the tractor. I tried again at 2000 rpm and again the entire vehicle shook )

Wow.. I engage my mowers at about 1000 rpm.. that includes my big 10' mower. I'd be a tad shy at engaging at a higher rpm.

I think you may have had a sticky spindle, if it loaded the tractor down at 1500 rpm and stalled it.. That would be a cause for concern.. having to tach up to 2000 rpm to get my mower spinning. If this mower was way oversized for the tractor, I could see that situation.. Like runing a 5' brush mower on an 16 pto hp machine.. etc.

Soundguy

RickS · Apr 19, 2006

Thanks for the replies. RFM is Rear Finish Mower. It is 5' with three blades. My PTO is 14 hp. I'll check the spindles. I was able to turn the blades by hand when I was attatching the PTO shaft, so I don't think they are too rusted.

sweettractors · Apr 19, 2006

Rick, Be sure to engage the RFM, when the mower is not in the grass?? (not loaded)--Ken Sweet

RickS · Apr 19, 2006

( Rick, Be sure to engage the RFM, when the mower is not in the grass?? (not loaded)--Ken Sweet )

Roger that, Ken. I engage it while raised on the 3pt hitch.